YOGI123  I've been using Absolute backgammon for about a year now and absolutely love it. The gameplay is intuitive, graphics are excellent and the developer has been very responsive to any inquiries I've had and has shown he is committed to improving the game.

The new "tutor" mode with its many different evaluation criteria is great and will assist both beginners and more experienced players.

If you are looking for quality Backgammon for the Mac - you've found it.  
(Version 6.5.1)

GAMMONSOFT  Too bad there are jerks around like Mario below The problems were on his side. The interface is not buggy. The game has been around for 6 years now. People love it.  
(Version 6.5)

MARCO.ZUNINO  Absolute Backgammon is the most painful experience I had with any application that I purchased. This is my first review on MacUpdate and albeit I usually do not like to write negative reviews, this time I am ANGRY!

First of all, when you register it you do not get immediately the code. Instead you will need to send the author a mail with your name, address, and a 3 letter code that the program gives you. I did it, and I received an answer is a reasonable time. But when I tried to insert the code... SURPRISE! The 3 letters change and my password was not valid. I wrote to the author again, of course, and instead of sending me immediately a correct password, he started to ask me questions like if I installed the application of a different computer, which I did not. I found the whole experience frustrating and offensive. At the moment I still do not know if he will send me a correct code or not. So, essentially, even if you pay for it, you are not sure that you can play it. I guess this is the reason why you have also the option to purchase a pre-registered version, sent by email, at a more expensive price.

The main reason for the one star is of course the one described above. Otherwise the program would be nice, albeit not perfect. The interface is a bit buggy. For instance, if you want to move two different pieces, sometimes you are forced to do it in a specific order. That is you will need to cancel the first move, do the second, and then do the first again. Also please notice that this is a PowerPC only application. It will work on Intel Macs, but why not to provide a universal version?

I will have a try at BGBlitz instead.  
(Version 6.5)

KEVINWPARKER  I haven't played Backgammon on my Mac since the very old days when there was a black-and-white program that filled the 9-inch screen of my Fat Mac. So I was pleased to see MacUpdate offering a discount on this one.

I've only played it for two days but am fairly pleased so far. It took some getting used to as some of the details on how to pick up and put down pieces differed from the old MacGammon (or whatever it was called). Once I got settled in to that, I was satisfied.

Appearance is good, game play is good. I'm running with the default settings right now for the opponent, who seems remarkably aggressive to me, leaving pips exposed that I would never leave exposed, even to send one back. It seems to be at a competitive level for me, neither too stupid nor totally beyond me.

I have some sympathy for the "cheating" accusations as it seems to be very good at getting doubles right after the stakes are raised. But I thought that about the old game, too, so I'm assuming it's just some quirk of human psychology.

I don't know what sort of alternatives there are out there, but I'm pretty happy with this one.  
(Version 6.1.4)

PAULTHEPIPER  I have played this game hundreds of times (am I sad?) and I am now convinced the dice rolls are contrived. I do not have a clue how it is done especially as I have checked the rolls against the random list that ends up on my desktop at the beginning of the game. You get this list by going to Preferences then misc. Check the box entitled Save dice rolls to "Random Dice Rolls" file.

Most of the doubles are in favour of the computer towards the end of the game which removes the computer pieces very quickly and you loose. Also the rolls favour the computer in setting up "blots" in it's home board near the beginning of the game which makes it difficult for you to get back in.

Now, there is a sure fire way to overcome these problems albeit that it slows the game right down. Use a manual dice (real or electronic) and select Enter Manual Dice Rolls from the actions menu. This way the game is played very differently none of the above mentioned problems occur and it is also guaranteed to be fair.

On the plus side Absolute Backgammon scores very high for graphics and movements of the pieces. Just don't let it cheat on you!  
(Version 6.1.4)

STUDIOPELLETIER  I have to agree with WANGCHUNG. This game makes me mad with rage. I laugh (not because it's funny), i cry, i want to throw my computer up against the wall. I'm a fairly good player on the board but the way the computer consistently gets the best possible roll WHEN it needs it (and how i get the worse possible rolls) is out of this world. I have tried different settings but no luck. I do win from time to time, but after about 300 games the overall experience is just not fun. I so wanted to like this game. I refuse to play it anymore. Wish i could get my money back. An online version could be fun though, as in NOT playing against the computer.  
(Version 6.0.9)

PERFECTLYCOOL  I have played many different types of online backgammon. AB 6.0.6 is by FAR the best I have ever played! The board/s and graphics are superb. Shame about the talking voices (yes, I have turned them off). For $25. you can't go wrong. Buy and enjoy!  
(Version 6.0.6)

17SOFT  David Byrum's Backgammon game was everything I was hoping for and more. As commented on before, there is no lack of Backgammon games out there, but this one provides sophisticated options that allow for various rules, skill levels, and even the 'manner' in which your computer opponant approaches the game.

The graphics are beautiful and many alternative styles are available for free downloads. Fun, challenging, and nice to look at. I'd call that a win.  
(Version 6.0.5)

LEFTNOTRACKS  Bugs in current version:

A legal gammon was recorded as a single game win with all pieces in inner table, but none borne off. Perhaps the game's rules for what constitutes a gammon are incorrect.

Still can't double beyond 64. There's no excuse for that short-sighted omission.

Despite these, it still plays the most challenging game for any computer opponent. Thumbs still way up there.  
(Version 6.0.5)

GREYOWL54  Backgammon games aren't hard to find .. but none looks as good as this one. Quite simply the look and feel alone are enough to make you want to keep playing. Me? I'm ready to go again, right now ..  
(Version 6.0.2)

RICHSKIN  Fantastic software - just what I was looking for. David Byrum was extremely prompt and helpful. Highly recommended!  
(Version 6.0.2)

WANGCHUNG  A very good game for beginners and intermediate players ONLY. Set the appropriate prefs and have fun. BUT.... I've played board Backgammon for thirty years, and Absolute Backgammon in its many iterations for as long as its been out. I refuse to play it anymore. I don't know if it's poorly written algorithms, the "random" dice rolls, the against-all-rational-odds moves, the "aggressive club champ" setting or just bad computer karma, but something is definitely rotten in Denmark. It should be IMPOSSIBLE for the computer opponent to consistently - and fairly - get the kind of rolls it gets at the exact moment it needs them. Period. Debate it all you like, but perhaps the human element just can't be replicated in coded Backgammon.  
(Version 5.3.7)

CORPSECORPS  What the hell are you talking about?

A "proving scheme"?

Nothing more is needed. If all rolls are randomized before the game begins, stored to a file which can be examined, the player can choose either of the prerolled sets, and the predetermined rolls can be matched while playing to make sure they're the ones the game actually uses, what method can you propose which would still allow the computer to have an advantage based on rolls?

Even if rolls were precalculated instead of randomized, the player can switch sets and the rolls cannot possibly favor both players unless they differ significantly in the way they play.

The only other possibility would be that the pseudo-random number generator isn't truly random because it's incorrectly written. That would give one player or the other an advantage in some games, but a disadvantage in others.

I've played many games and kept track of the numbers of all possible rolls that came up, and statistically they neither favor either player, nor are skewed in any particular way!

End of story.

Any particular anecdote about the computer making some unbelievable come-back or whatever can only be due to it's making the statistically most advantageous moves with each roll in a particular circumstance where the random numbers happen to come together in a way that allows that anecdotal tale to take place.  
(Version 5.3.4)

FICHEYE  Here's a tip...ALL backgammon games with a computer opponent are deeply flawed pieces of... software. But the debate , which is ongoing, is VERY interesting. It's amazing how doggedly people can stick to an opinion, either for or against, without really offering up any clear logic about any playing inequities. Typically a subject change takes place.

I have an idea! Let's start over. Let's start here... Everybody play 50 games using VARIOUS backgammon games. Absolute, Davids, Freeplay (yechh). 50 games with EACH application. Let's start with just ONE data set - How many times does the computer win the opening roll? No subject change, no obfuscation. then we will all decide on another randomness test. I suggest for the next one we look at randomness 'problems' with in the last field where any player who is taken off has to come back on. ( I often see the computer get back on to hit me with only one space open as well, whereas I can have three spaces open and not get on for several rolls). I will concede to any data formulated opinion that shows true randomness after a well documented and thorough proving method. That's the one thing lacking here.

Just think... whoever formulates a 'proving' scheme will end this debate once and for all, and everyone will happily buy these games when they feel that the test data has been exhaustive, rigorous, and unbiased. Show me the numbers! Being the kind of person that I am (Negative, curmudgeonly, and cranky), I assume at the outset that this logical path will NOT be undertaken. But, that being said, good luck everybody, and may the best data set win!  
(Version 5.3.4)

ESPIRIDION  NOTAFOOL, if I recall correctly after six months of purchasing an older version of David's Backgammon I was asked to pay for an upgrade fee if I wanted to use the newest version.

I contacted David and he helped me re-register my version which for some reason became unregistered, but needles to say I never upgraded to the new Absolute Backgammon.

I don't know whether the current licenses are also good for about 6 months of free updates or so.  
(Version 5.3.4)

GAMMONSOFT  Since I don't know who you are, I can't answer your question for your situation. Please email me at:

absolutegammon@aol.com

I think you have answered your own question though, since you have not had to pay in the past for updates. My upgrade policy has not changed for this version.

I think it would be much more productive if you would email me directly to find out what your situation is.  
(Version 5.3.3)

GAMMONSOFT  Response to NOTAFOOL's post: This is a demo version of the game. The game has always ended a random half of the games prematurely. There is nothing new here. This allows you to evaluate the game to see if it is worth purchasing.

David  
(Version 5.3.3)

NOTAFOOL  This version 5.3.3, released on 19 Dec is a lemon. It keeps quitting unexpectedly in the middle of a game. Previous versions never did that. Note - all reviews currently appearing on MacUpdate are of EARLIER versions of this software - NOT of version 5.3.3  
(Version 5.3.3)

JUSTIES  Nice designed game.

What about using the game field as window,it looks better without frames.  
(Version 5.3)

TARRAS  Great service from the developer

Best recomendations  
(Version 5.2.1)

KERRALA  How dare you.

Firstly sort out your software.

Secondly, I have reviewed based on value for money and compared it to a game where there they have got their software right regardless of the overlaying complexity.

I am not attached to any competitor at all.

Make such a claim again and I will initially report you to the site management.  
(Version 5.2)

GAMMONSOFT  Get Real! KERRALA is obviously helping out a competitor. There is not really any competition there. They have some funny animation but no real backgammon opponent.  
(Version 5.2)

KERRALA  I can only agree with veggiedude that you get a far better experience (for $24.95) and value (4 games) with the freeverse backgammon.

Sort out your algorythm dude  
(Version 5.2)

GAMMONSOFT  Ancient_Eagle_Spirit obviously has not read the description of the game above or read the manual or checked-out the features of the game that make it certain that his accusations are not true.

Better luck Ancient_Eagle_Spirit  
(Version 5.1.6)

ANCIENT_EAGLE_SPIRIT  Anyone who knows anything about probability, and has played this game enough times, knows that the author obviously did not have the skills required to generate an algorithm that could actually present a challenge to an experienced player if the rolls were truly random. Instead, he biased the odds in favor of the computer in order to give it chance of actually winning once in awhile. It is likely that when faced with an upcoming critical roll, the program determines the optimal roll, and the random roll, and then applies a probability roll (biased to the computer . . . say 60% chance), and therefore the computer will get the roll that it needs in a critical situation 60% of the time (percentage is estimated for illustration purposes). The other 40% of the time it will get the random roll. This presents the appearance that it is always random, but the computer's "luck" is better than yours! Watch the rolls for example whenever the computer has a man open, and needs to bring a man on when you have an open man in your home area. How often does the computer get exactly the roll (the ONLY roll) that it needs to not only knock your man off, but at the same time cover it's own open man? You will find that this happens FAR more often than random chance would allow.

This game is a lie. Save your money.  
(Version 5.1.4)

GAMMONSOFT  VEGGIEDUDE, in this case, you get what you pay for.  
(Version 5.1.1)

VEGGIEDUDE  The best Backgammon game I have found is by Freeverse, and it is one of numerous games in a single package for about the price of this one game. It won the Apple Design Award, so check it out: http://www.freeverse.com/bbbg/  
(Version 5.0.2)

CHEFFYCHEF  Would anyone recommend this for someone that's a beginner? My father has recently gotten the backgammon bug, and I wanted to surprise him. I've heard of this program, but don't know much about it outside of the great reviews.  
(Version 5.0.2)

CORPSECORPS  _

I cannot believe that after 3 years, people are *still* debating the random die roll issue.

Too funny.

I think ill repeat what i said ages ago:

--------------

A great game.

It looks good, plays well, and has a slick interface.

Don't buy any of the nonsense about play somehow favoring the computer with timely die rolls.

Done some checking myself, and never found any such claims to stand up.

If you're like me and it seems you only roll doubles when you're unable to use them because you have a blot which cannot escape the bar, or your !@$&^@# opponent always gets the right roll to send you there, i'm affraid it's time to face the fact that you just aren't that great a player!

This thing HAS, however, improved my play significantly.  
(Version 5.0.1)

GIMMEE  I have been looking for a decent backgammon game after playing one on my Palm Tungsten. I have been using David's backgammon in demo mode for a while and then finally decided to upgrade to the full program. The after sales service is also very good

Great Game.  
(Version 4.9.4)

SLOR  I have played a lot of backgammon over the years. I am seen many cutesy variations that make me sick. I just wanted an attractive well-behaved game. Absolute Backgammon is that game! I used Absolute Backgammon 3.x for several years. I loved it. I downloaded VersionTracker Pro and it told me I was out of date on many pieces of software. Amongst other things it told me I was behind on Absolute Backgammon. I downloaded version 4.8.5 and it is great. It plays faster than the previous version I used. It works with all the extra game boards I have downloaded. It was well worth the $15 upgrade field.  
(Version 4.8.5)

JOSEPH STINSON  excellent backgammon play - aggressive mode is tough to beat and challenging

program is recommended, customer support is excellent  
(Version 4.8.3)

MKTRASHY  There is NO way that this game is not cheating somehow. All rolls may very well be random, but that does preclude not the possibility of cheating, e.g. if the computer generates the random number file then the computer knows all rolls in advance. The only sure way to eliminate this possibility is to include an option where values from actual, physical dice rolls could be entered during the entire game and then compare the outcomes of these "manual" games to those where all rolls are computer generated. Often the computer will land on my piece 4-5 times in a row. It takes me 5 rolls to get off the bar with only one space open, while the computer will roll the number it needs after 1-2 rolls, repeatedly.

It crashes with something like "555" and "array out of bounds" errors.

Also, if the doubling cube can, according to backgammon rules, be doubled by either player "AT ANY TIME" then why not include this as a feature?  
(Version 4.8.3)

GAMMONSOFT  LeftNoTracks you can finish a random half of the games in the demo version. Since you have been playing it for a long time now (years by your own admission in a previous post), I think you have had plenty of time to evaluate the game. Don't you think it is time to register it?

Thousands of people are enjoying the game without it crashing. It must be something with your machine. If you would email me, perhaps I can help determine what the problem is.

The cube works fine the way it is. I have tried to make the game as realistic as possible. I have no plans to change it to go beyond the 64 on real cubes.  
(Version 4.8.3)

LEFTNOTRACKS  This program crashes. A lot. Seems that picking up a second piece is causing a freeze. That, plus the 3/4 of the games that can't finish, plus the tendency to cancel a game just as the tide is turning in my favour, make this one of the most fustrating Mc programs I've ever used.

Please fix the crashing and provide a briefe grace period in which all games can be finished. Oh, and get the cube working properly, too.  
(Version 4.8.3)

PETERSEAGULL  Well done program. Clean graphics and works great with the Mac. Well worth having.  
(Version 4.8.3)

TARATORME  great game! Love to play it!  
(Version 4.8.3)

VANDRAKE74  Very nice, user friendly, reponsive and quick game. The computer overtly cheats which takes away from this game being ideal. Still it is a beautiful game that functions seamlessly with OSX. Thanks.  
(Version 4.8.3)

LEFTNOTRACKS  I think this is an excellent backgammon game. It knows the ruls better than most (exceptions follow) nad plays a pretty mean game. It's also very clever about the cube, able to exaluate the players' positions. It doubles when it's advantage is enough, but not too much, and accepts or declines appropriately as well.

But there are still (years after complaints) two prblems with the cube. There is no limit to the cube's value. In backgammon, one can legally double far beond 64. This limit in a computer game, which is not bound by the six sides of a physical cube, is a baffling violation of the rules of the game.

Also missing from the cube is a way to double when locked into the bar. It's not always a stupid move, and either way it's an arbitrary violation once again. Players locked onto the bar may legally double their opponents.

I do hope there is an upgrade on the way which addresses these two oversights. Then it will be just about perfect.  
(Version 4.8)

GAMMONSOFT  The previous reviewer's comments are absolutely untrue. The dice rolls are random and do not favor either player in any situation except by luck.

All of the dice rolls, to the used in the game, can be saved to a file at the start of a new game. These can be viewed to see that the game is actually using them.

You can also select to use the computer's dice rolls if you feel it is luckier than you.

Also, the stats, kept by the game, will show that the rolling of doubles is statistically correct for both players.  
(Version 4.7.3)

HOTSPUR61  Anyone who actually thinks that Absolute Backgammon is fair is being rational over experience. I really don't care what the programmer says about it's randomness, the only thing random about this game is it's sense of fair play. Hiding behind complicated algorithms doesn't compete with the actual experience of playing the game. I've played literally hundreds and hundreds of games against human opposition and never have I experienced the sheer convenience of dice rolls this program produces for itself on a regular basis. Not only does it give itself far more doubles than the law of averages can happily account for, it's version of luck in ordinary play verges on occasions on the Satanic. Nor does it give such convenient dice to you, the user. It’s a game that produces as much ill feeling as good, not because it’s annoying to be unlucky on occasions but because I’m actually sick and tired of playing two players: the program’s pieces and the dice. Would only recommend this game to confirmed masochists.  
(Version 4.7.3)

SHMERLS  I have been looking for a good backgammon game after getting hooked on the one for my Treo Palm phone. I was using David's regular backgammon game in demo mode for awhile and then finally decided to upgrade to the full program and got the top of the line version, AbsoluteGammon. The graphix are worth the extra few bucks alone! I was pretty good at the game and then stopped for a few years, so I'm slowly getting the rust out and see David's game as a way to do that. You have time to analyze the computer's moves and there are excellent suggestions for your moves too. As said, graphix are cool. When you mouse over a point, the board shows you where you can move, which I'd like to be able to turn off as it makes you lazy and goes against learning to read the board intuitively. Perhaps there is a pref for this, but honestly, I haven't sought it out yet. The add-on boards for additional graphix is really cool. I'm using the Turkish board right now. Anyway, if you need a bg game, try out David's. I bet you'll be a buyer soon. Certainly well worth the investment. Steven  
(Version 4.6)

TANK   If you like backgammon, you HAVE to have this one!!! Also, you've got to download extra boards! This game was produced with loving care. I also have felt at times like the game was receiving extra lucky rolls, but usually only when I lost. And really, even when playing a human opponent face to face with real dice and losing, don't we always wonder if they cheated somehow when they got unbelievably lucky rolls? So it's really like playing a real live game with a person! Also, even though I have only been using this software for a few days, I have played about 30 games with the computer skill level set at "Club Champ", normal personality. I have a running point total higher than the computer. I don't think I could have achieved that if the computer was "cheating". I LOVE IT!!! Thanks Dave!   
(Version 4.5)

GRYPHONENT  I’ve read about the lucky rolls of Absolute Backgammon before registering the game. Thing is, I didn’t believe that the program tweaks the outcome of a game in its favor... and overall Absolute Backgammon is by far the best looking and most advanced Backgammon application on the Mac.

So, why do I have mixed feelings about the application? Because it is unnerving to play against the computer. Thing is that the computer constantly rolls the dices needed to strategically move forward (i.e. hardly ever has a piece standing alone) or kick off one of my own pieces. Also, the amount of doubles rolled by the computer is 3:1... an average taken out of ten games. This is not random at all and undermining the enjoyment of playing the game. So, dear developer, while logging rolls is a nice feature to have... it does not help when trying to prove that the computer seems to roll exactly the numbers needed in a particular moment, i.e. when one of my pieces is alone on a square or when the computer needs to make progress (rolling four times a six or five). This is difficult to prove, and I seriously don’t have the time to make my point through scientific research... but when you play the game you will see for yourself and share the feeling I’m referring to: being somehow cheated.  
(Version 4.5)

CIV  This is by far the most professional backgammon game I found. I'm playing it since version 3.2 and it is getting better with every upgrade. It complies with most known rules. The playing strength and speed can be adjusted at will. Very good graphics, You can even use the computer's dice roll.

There is however one additional feature I’d love to see in a future upgrade, i.e. match play, with the options to play 3, 7, 13 or user selectable point matches, where the match winner is the player who wins first 3, 7, 13 or user selected points respectively. In this option the stats should count the number of matches won.  
(Version 4.5)

VOODOOBOY  Excellent game in every way. If you enjoy a game of Backgammon, you will have fun with this on your Mac.  
(Version 4.3.1)

ANONYMOUS  I like most of the features, the graphics, and the quickness. However, the computer rolls are a little too lucky for my taste. Why does it crash sometimes in the beginning? OK game, but I think I'll look at others.  
(Version 4.2.9)

SCOTT FALKNER  This looks like David's Backgammon. It plays a very good game, and shows great attention to detail.

The interface is simple and effective, permitting the player to pick up multiple pieces and place them afterwards. Nice touch.

I'm also happy to see the graphics improve dramatically.

But it's not perfect, expecially with regards to the doubling cube.

I made these comments years ago on David's Backgammon, and am disappointed to see them unadressed.

First, the cube has no limit. 64 is merely the highest double available on a single cube (assuming you use 64 for 1 to start). There is no limit to doubling in backgammon, so imposing this artificial limit is arbitrary and violates the rules of hte game.

Second, there is no way to when locked on the bar behind six points. Legally, it is my turn, and I am permitted to double. I have had oppportunity to double from such a position (for example if I have borne off several peices already and an early escape would be a near certain victory). In fact I have won from that position. Doubling in legal in the game, but again is not permitted in AB.

I would like to see these issues addressed.  
(Version 4.2.9)

DAVID BYRUM  The game already has features and options to show that the game doesn't select the dice rolls to fit the circumstance.

Also, if you feel the computer gets better dice rolls, then you can even select to use the computer's dice rolls.

The software's AI play algorithm is much too complex to expain in plain-english. It would take days to manually figure out just one move using the algorithm. The algorithm , as it is now, was developed and enhanced over a period of many years (started in 1988).  
(Version 4.2.5)

ANONYMOUS  Perhaps the author should publish a plain-english version of the software's AI play algorithm to make the cheats/doesn't cheat argument go away.

Just a thought.  
(Version 4.2.5)

BEMUSED  LOL.

I cannot believe these die roll does-it-or -doesn't-it-cheat issues are still being rehashed after so long.  
(Version 4.1.4)

DETE  Absolute Backgammon is a very nice implementation of Backgammon on the Mac. I registered that game last year, and played it quite often. The developer requires an upgrade cost for me to play the latest version and I quite occasionally miss it.

In regards to people's concerns about the "randomness" of the rolls: I absolutely believe that the rolls are random, however I am convinced that computer often uses knowledge of upcoming rolls (its own and the human opponent's) to determine its strategy.

If you are familiar with standard techniques for game-playing AI, you can easily see how this would be a great shortcut to writing an effective player AI.

The upshot is that the rolls aren't random in the sense that most people think of as random. The computer is definitely working without knowledge that a human player would have.

Which is why I haven't re-registered. It is very frustrating to play against an opponent who cheats...  
(Version 4.1.4)

SAGAR  David has taken the time to create a fun, beautiful-looking game that is truly a pleasure to play. I purchased the full version two days ago and have played at least 30 matches so far.

The computer is a tough opponent, to be sure, but I am confident that my game is improving as a result of my matches, and I can't wait to jump on CocoaFIBS of YahooGames and see how I stack-up against my old opponents!  
(Version 4.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  The best version I've found for learning how to play. Lets you take back a move...lets you slow down movements so you can see what the computer is doing.

However, I agree with two others that the computer's rolls are not random. Yes you can save the rolls to a file, but the computer's rolls seem to be at the right place at the right time far too often. Leave two pieces "alone" and the computer will all too often find the one combination that will take both out. It just "gets lucky" a lot...much more often than other games.  
(Version 4.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  "You'll be able to finish half the games"???? That's a load of crap. I've tried to play 8 games and it didn't let me finish a single one!! Apparently the developer gets his jollies from tricking users of his software. And the rolls seem a little favored to the computer. Yeah, I know, Mr. Developer, they're all random... blah, blah, blah.  
(Version 4.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  The previous reviewer's comments are absolutely untrue. The dice rolls are random and do not favor either player in any situation except by luck.

All of the dice rolls, to the used in the game, can be saved to a file at the start of a new game. These can be viewed to see that the game is actually using them.

You can also select to use the computer's dice rolls if you feel it is luckier than you.  
(Version 4.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  When play the "club champ" all computer moves are predictable (i.e. when in a bind, the next series of rolls will be weighed toward the computer). However, it's fun kicking the pips out of the champ!  
(Version 4.0.3)

HOLYPOLY  I totally agree with the last reviewer. Great fun. A plethora of options. Real eye candy. For beckgammon lovers, this one is a must-have!  
(Version 4.0)

CIV  Wow! It's getting better and better! It is absolutely the best backgammon game in town. Native OS X. Incredible number of options and features, fast graphics and nice sound efects. Great set of skill levels from beginers to pros. Addictive fun!  
(Version 3.2.8)

ANONYMOUS  This thing won't let me finish a game!!!!! Graphics are nice, though. Sometimes doesn't start.  
(Version 3.2.6)

LARRY  This is a wonderful little game. The graphics and game play are both smooth as silk, the opponents are worthy at every level, the programmer (David) is attentive and thorough, and open to conversation, comment, etc.

I've been every kind of PITA user, paying for the wrong product at PayPal, debating the dice rolls that seemed always to favor the computer (they don't, and you can choose to use the computer's rolls rather than the player's if you don't believe), upgrading my Mac and misunderstanding how the registration codes work.

Throughout, David has been patient and polite, and has responded promptly every time.

Get it, play it, buy it - and wish every vendor would follow David's model!  
(Version 3.2.4)

ANONYMOUS  Wow! I can say enouhh good thinks about this game. The proggrammer really way has way too much time free on there hands. The graphics is good to last, and its msot stable, except for a few strong crashes then. It beats me all the time, but i must be beggeting better bacause im good now and it onlty beats me most. It might be less louder if it could be. Thats the only think i didn't like it. Otherwise, doit. DOIT!  
(Version 3.2.4)

JOHN WHITESELL  Absolutely the best backgammon game on the market...it has provided me with hours of fun on the ground and in the air!  
(Version 3.2.4)

TONY  I've never played a more satisfying computer backgammon game -- the graphics are fantastic, and the play is excellent (even if it does beat me more often than I beat it). In fact, it's replaced the chess-games on my Mac as my favorite time-killer. Check this puppy out!  
(Version 3.2.4)

ANONYMOUS  The "randomness" of the rolls in this game is a joke. The computer lands on my pieces all the time, and gets off the center bar on the first or second roll every time, even with only one spot open. Also, count how many times the comupter gets doubles within its first 3 rolls vs. your first 3 rolls.  
(Version 3.2.4)

FLARCH  A great game.

It looks good, plays well, and has a slick interface.

Don't buy any of the nonsense about play somehow favoring the computer with timely die rolls.

Done some checking myself, and never found any such claims to stand up.

If you're like me and it seems you only roll doubles when you're unable to use them because you have a blot which cannot escape the bar, or your !@$&^@# opponent always gets the right roll to send you there, i'm affraid it's time to face the fact that you just aren't that great a player!

This thing HAS, however, improved my play significantly.  
(Version 3.2.4)

ANONYMOUS  Absoutly awesome. It is fun, easy, and helps you get better at backgammon!  
(Version 3.2.4)

CHRIS  Superb game - very addictive. I love the smooth graphics and game options provided.  
(Version 3.2)

ANONYMOUS  The developer misinterpreted my statement. Given equal opportunities to land on an opponents piece that is six or fewer spaces away the computer did land on my piece 2.3x more often than I landed on its pieces. This has nothing to do with the raw number of opportunities for this event, and therefore nothing to do with playing style, risk taking, etc.  
(Version 3.2)

DAVID BYRUM  The previous reviewer's conclusion that the dice rolls are not random if his pieces can be hit more than he can hit the opponent's is not correct. This can happen if the computer opponent is better or if the player has a risky play style.

The dice rolls are random for both players in all situations. Many features have been added to the game to convince anyone that the dice rolls do not favor either player: cummlutive statistics on dice rolls, the ability to save the dice rolls, to be used in each game, to a disk file before the game starts plus the ability to use the computer's dice rolls instead of your own.  
(Version 3.2)

JEFF  Great graphics, but the "random" dice rolls are a joke. Out of the over 52 games that I monitored, the computer was over twice as likely (2.3x actually) to land on one of my players as I was to land on one of its players. Statistically this is unlikely to be due to chance. I only counted instances when a single player was within 6 spaces of an opposing player. I think the developer needs a new random number generator.  
(Version 3.2)

ANONYMOUS  ...after choosing your dice set.  
(Version 3.2)

ANONYMOUS  It is true. I've encountered this bug also. In maybe 1 out of 20-30 game starts no dice are shown.  
(Version 3.2)

DAVID BYRUM  The previous anonymous comments are not true.  
(Version 3.2)

ANONYMOUS  has bug on starting. not always shows dice and has to click new game to work.  
(Version 3.2)

ANONYMOUS  Best backgammon game by far. It's smooth, fast, smart, and convenient. The "Easy Move" feature lets me move pieces quickly, and in the same manner that I strategize my moves. The "tutorial" mode is unobtrusive, but gives instant feedback about your choices. Its worth my $25, hands-down.  
(Version 3.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  simple et rapide. merci david  
(Version 3.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Previous reviewr's idea not bad. Does the developer object to this?  
(Version 3.1.1)

DAVID BYRUM  The dice rolls are random and do not favor either player in any circumstance.

The game will save the dice rolls, to be used in the game, to a disk file before the game starts. So, there is no way the game can favor the computer opponent in certain situations, as previous reviews suggest.

The game also keeps statistics on all dice rolls for each player. No-one has shown me yet any statistics that can back up what they say or show that the dice rolls are not random for both players.

I challenge these "Anonymous" reviewers to say who they are and to send me the data they are referring to. I have included my email address.   
(Version 3.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  How about if the developer includes the option to allow the player to choose which group of dice rolls to use (1st group or 2nd group) after (not before) they are randomly rolled and collected in the stored file? Yes, I realize that people could go through the entire set and pick the more advantageous group of dice rolls, but, hey, if they want to cheat then that's their problem.  
(Version 3.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  I'm not buying it. I had ALL but one piece in my LAST 3 home spaces The computer's pieces were scattered all over the board. Guess which player won. Yup, not me. The computer landed on my last piece EVERY single time I moved it, managed to block its home, then started spitting out doubles like crazy. I got only one piece off the board when the game was over. One! I guess the computer's just too good for me. Hah!  
(Version 3.1.1)

IMPISH  The developer is right: the dice rolls are randomly assigned before the game begins, and therefore AB can't predict when it will need a given roll.

The reviewers below are experiencing "selective memory," where they remember the rolls that work out well for the A.I. and forget about all the rolls in-between.

I just wish AB had all the features of David's Backgammon, the developer's other product. Otherwise, it is nice to look at and plays a decent game of Backgammon.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  The dice rolls are random and do not favor either player in any circumstance.

The game will save the dice rolls, to be used in the game, to a disk file before the game starts. So, there is no way the game can favor the computer opponent in certain situations, as the previous 2 reviews suggest.

The game also keeps statistics on all dice rolls for each player. No-one has shown me yet any statistics that can back up what they say or show that the dice rolls are not random for both players.

I challenge these "Anonymous" reviewers to say who they are and to send me the data they are referring to.  
(Version 3.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  What a crock! Under equal circumstances the computer lands on my players twice as often as I land on its players. No way is this random!  
(Version 3.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  I agree with the previous reviewer. It is far too easy to beat the computer, even set at its most difficult level. Not much use.  
(Version 3.0.2)

ANONYMOUS  Response to Michael Czeiszperger.

The Skill level of the opponent at the highest level is very skilled. Only the best players would be able to beat it 50% of the time.

He must have something set incorrectly in the game.  
(Version 3.0.1)

MICHAEL CZEISZPERGER  After playing several backgammon games for OSX I selected Absolute Backgammon because of the beautiful user interface. Its really the most professionally designed UI out there in this field. It even works with the OSX voice control!

Unfortunately after a few days of owning the program I'm not able to use it any more. While the front end of the program is the best, the back end is trivial. I'm a beginner at backgammon, and after a few days practice am now able to beat the game 2/3 of the time at its most difficult level.

If you're interested in improving at backgammon past just the basic moves I unfortunately can not this program. It would be great for kids though.  
(Version 3.0.1)

JUDITH BRIGHT  Absolute Backgammon is great for the whole family. I can set it to a higher level of play while my 7 year old can set it to a novice level and also receive suggestions by putting the game into learning mode.

I highly recommend this game!  
(Version 3.0.1)

DAVID  The dice rolls are random in all circumstances. You can even select to have the rolls saved to a file before the game starts. With rolls determined before the game starts, there is no way that the game could be selecting the rolls to fit the circumstances, as the reviewer below suggests.  
(Version 2.5)

PETE  $25 is too much to spend when the computer consistently gets better rolls than the player. My blots are consistently landed on--not a coincidence I think.  
(Version 2.5)

KATHLEEN  Tried many other Backgammon games on my Mac. This is the closest to a human opponent, and the best learning tool. It is getting better with every update. Its, fast, gorgeous, and highly entertaining. Stable as a rock, and molds itself to every whim, taste, desire od a serious player. Higly recommended  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  Contrary to the 2 previous reviews, the dice rolls are random and do not favor either player in any circumstance.

Just the other day, I created a version of the game that puts the dice rolls to be used in the game to a disk file that can be viewed by the player. There is no way the game can cheat if the dice rolls are determined before the game starts. I sent it to 2 players that complained, just as these 2 are. Most likely the same 2 guys. Haven't heard back from them.

The new feature will be in the next release.   
(Version 2.2)

GILG  Computer always seems to be able to land on your single chips when you leave yourself open... The chance of the computer hitting your open chip 85% of the time seems outrageous high...

Makes gameplay poor regardless of good looks...  
(Version 2.2)

UNSATISFIED FAN  The dice rolls are not random. The rolls are geared toward the computer.  
(Version 2.2)

DAWASH  Really happy with switching from David's to Absolute. Good game play, small footprint, and great support. Very happy.  
(Version 2.0)

PLUG  Beats the heck out of Dave's. It looks very nice, but why is the top and sides of the frame Titanium and the bottom bar Classic?

Also, $25 is more than twice what it is worth, it's just another Backgammon Game.

It would be nice to have a few more shortcuts for those who like to play a fast game.  
(Version 1.4)

HAPPY CAMPER  Very good looking backgammon board and it plays a good game of backgammon too. The best I have seen for the Macintosh. I can see the author has taken a lot of time to make the game easy and enjoyable to play  
(Version 1.3)

ANONYMOUS  This would be an allright product as freeware. The fact that it ends games halfway through unless you pay for registration makes the program useless. yahoo offers this for free.  
(Version 1.3)