About
eXtreme Gammon (XG) is the leading backgammon software in the world, renowned for its unmatched AI engine speed and accuracy. Developed by GameSite 2000 Ltd., it is the go-to reference tool for professional and amateur backgammon players alike, officially endorsed by federations in the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and Denmark. The software offers three core pillars: Play, Analyze, and Learn. In Play mode, users can compete against the AI across a wide range of difficulty levels — from beginner-friendly to world-class — within a fully customizable 3D animated interface. In Analyze mode, users can import matches from major online backgammon platforms; the AI analyzes games in the background, instantly highlighting errors and storing results in a personal profile for ongoing performance tracking. The Learn mode features a built-in Tutor that evaluates decisions in real time during a match, advising players when an error is made and explaining the computer's superior choice. Players can even run rollouts to challenge XG's recommendations — and uniquely, eXtreme Gammon will credit the player with an 'outplay' if their move ultimately proves better. A free trial is available for download, with paid licenses for new purchases and upgrades. XG Mobile extends the experience to iOS and Android devices. Whether you're a casual player or a tournament competitor, eXtreme Gammon is the definitive tool for mastering backgammon.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Match Analysis: Import games from major online backgammon platforms and receive background analysis that instantly surfaces errors and stores results in your personal performance profile.
- Real-Time Tutor Mode: A built-in tutor evaluates your decisions move-by-move during live matches, flags errors, and explains why the AI's recommended play is superior.
- Multi-Level AI Opponent: Challenge the AI at difficulty levels ranging from beginner to world-class, making it suitable for players at any stage of their backgammon journey.
- Rollout Engine: Dispute any AI recommendation by running a rollout — and if your move turns out better, eXtreme Gammon credits you with an outplay.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Available as a downloadable desktop application and as a mobile app on iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play, Amazon App Store).
Use Cases
- A club-level backgammon player imports their online match history to identify recurring strategic errors and track improvement over time.
- A beginner uses the tutor mode during practice games to receive real-time feedback and learn correct play from the AI.
- A tournament competitor runs rollouts on disputed positions to deeply analyze cube decisions and checker play before major events.
- A backgammon coach uses eXtreme Gammon's analysis tools to review students' matches and provide data-driven instruction.
- A casual player challenges the AI at a comfortable difficulty level using the 3D interface for an engaging at-home gaming experience.
Pros
- Industry-Standard Accuracy: Recognized and endorsed by major backgammon federations worldwide as the strongest and fastest reference tool available.
- Comprehensive Learning Tools: The combination of tutor mode, rollout engine, and match analysis provides a complete self-improvement ecosystem for players at all levels.
- Background Analysis: Game analysis runs in the background without interrupting play, allowing immediate feedback without waiting.
- Free Trial Available: Players can download and try eXtreme Gammon before committing to a purchase, lowering the barrier to entry.
Cons
- Paid License Required: Full functionality requires purchasing a license; the free trial has limitations and is not indefinite.
- Niche Use Case: The software is exclusively focused on backgammon, offering no broader gaming or productivity utility.
- Desktop-First Experience: The full-featured version is a desktop download; the mobile app may not offer the complete feature set of the desktop client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eXtreme Gammon free to use?
eXtreme Gammon offers a free trial that you can download from their website. Full access requires purchasing a license. Upgrade pricing is available for existing XG1 users.
What platforms is eXtreme Gammon available on?
eXtreme Gammon is available as a desktop download for PC, and as XG Mobile on iOS (Apple App Store), Android (Google Play), and the Amazon App Store.
Can I analyze matches I played on online backgammon sites?
Yes. eXtreme Gammon allows you to import matches from major online backgammon platforms and performs background analysis, showing your errors and storing results in your personal profile.
How does the Tutor mode work?
During a match, the Tutor analyzes your decisions in real time. If you make a suboptimal move, it alerts you and explains why the computer's choice is better. You can also run rollouts to verify recommendations.
Who uses eXtreme Gammon?
eXtreme Gammon is used by players of all levels — from beginners learning the game to professional tournament players. It is officially endorsed by national and international backgammon federations across multiple countries.
