If you want to play free online backgammon, you have plenty of options today. Whether your goal is to learn the rules, practice casually, or challenge real opponents, there are many platforms that let you play without spending any money.
Let’s explore the best ways to play backgammon online for free in 2026.
Playing Backgammon Against a Computer
One of the easiest ways to start is by playing backgammon against a computer (AI).
There are many free programs and apps available on both desktop and mobile devices. Simply search the App Store or Play Store for “backgammon” and you’ll find dozens of free options.
For players who want a strong opponent, XG Extreme Gammon 2 remains one of the best tools available. It offers world-class AI and detailed analysis, but it is a paid program and best suited for players who want to study seriously.
Free browser-based backgammon games are still useful for beginners. They help you understand basic movement, hitting, and bearing off — although the AI level is often quite low once you gain experience.
Like chess, backgammon has been extensively studied by researchers. Programs such as TD-Gammon, Jellyfish, Snowie, and today XG Gammon, are used to analyze professional-level play. However, these advanced tools are not available as free downloads.
Playing Free Backgammon Against Real Players
If you prefer to play against real opponents, there are also many free options.
Social & Casual Apps
Social platforms offer popular free-to-play backgammon games, including:
- Backgammon Live
- Lord of the Board
- Backgammon Ace (developed with Grand Master Mochy)
These apps allow you to play anytime against players from around the world. Matches earn you virtual coins and improve your ranking. While the games are free, optional in-app purchases are often available.
Free Practice on Modern Platforms
For a more realistic backgammon experience, some modern platforms allow free play against real players, without forcing purchases.
Backgammon Cash is one of the best free options for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
You can play unlimited free games against real players worldwide, making it an excellent way to practice real match situations without risking money.
(Real-money games are available only in eligible US states.)
Nextgammon also allows free play and is especially popular among intermediate and advanced players. It offers transparent dice, deep game analysis, and competitive matchmaking. While the level is higher, training against strong opponents is one of the fastest ways to improve.
Improve Faster by Playing the Right Way
Playing free online backgammon is not just about entertainment — it’s one of the best ways to improve your understanding of the game.
- Playing against AI helps you learn mechanics
- Playing against real players teaches strategy and adaptation
- Reviewing your games helps you spot mistakes and progress faster
Joining communities like Backgammon Rules and practicing regularly online will quickly raise your level — and help you meet players who share the same passion.
Backgammon players are a tight-knit community, always happy to welcome newcomers.
Explore the rest of the site to learn more about:
May the dice be with you!
Hello David,
I played a passing game in the 70’s for low stakes ($1 PT) in Ivy League men’s clubs. A bit with my lawyer in the 80’s, when I retired young. Pre- internet, we read books by Prince Obalensky, “Backgammon for Blood” – not too seriously. A social time consuming pleasant time. Chouettes at the Racquet Club in Philadelphia proved profitable, and you could stick wire (a Churchill trick) through the center of your cigar (so the ash would get extraordinarily long without falling as you waved it over your opponent’s board side – great distraction). And you had little 12” wide round side tables for drinks and sandwiches. My opponents were aged 70 – 84, and it was thrilling to wager, win and lose as a young man in his 20’s who still had to get back to the office (retired at 38 in ‘85).
So now – not a game in 35 yrs – living in Palo Alto (near Stanford for state-of-the-art cancer treatment)
have a 24 yr old son who wants to play online with me.
I’m no techie at all. We read papers, books, periodicals, and have a 2011 MacBook Pro and an I-Phone 8S.
I want to be able to (1) play with my son online, (2) get on a site where I can up my game (with AI the level of practice is no doubt way past my day and the level of play has risen – I will, too, and lastly, (3) I need something that I can do that I enjoy while my doctors fight cancer.
Hello sir, I recommend you to play on Gammon Space or Backgammon Galaxy it you want to play with your son. On Gammon Space you can even play for fews bucks (or cents) if you feel like it. If you want to improve against an AI, I suggest you buy XGmobile on your Iphone. It is about $11, but it is a very nice tool to improve your checkers and cube play. You can read about everything I just mentioned on the website. I hope you find what you are looking for so you can enjoy backgammon with your son while fighting cancer. I wish you all the best, stay strong and may the dice be with you.