Update 2026: Nextgammon is currently running version 3.4.3 (released in 2025), with noticeable improvements to animations, touch controls, and overall performance.
Nextgammon has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative platforms in the online backgammon world. Launched in 2021, its ambition was clear from the start: to address long-standing frustrations players have had with online backgammon — especially around fairness, transparency, and learning tools.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a highly experienced player, Nextgammon offers a playing environment tailored to different skill levels. What truly sets it apart is its bold attempt to tackle one of the most debated topics in online backgammon: dice fairness.
Interface and Design
The Nextgammon interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. The black-and-orange color scheme makes the platform instantly recognizable, while keeping all essential information clearly visible.
From the main menu, players can access:
- Play
- Tournaments
- Analysis
- Rankings
- Academy
- Additional tools and settings
Starting a game is straightforward, and advanced players will appreciate the ability to create custom matches by selecting match length, clock speed, and game variants.
One particularly strong point is the support for multiple backgammon variants, including Nackgammon, Hypergammon, and Tavla — options rarely available on most online platforms.
Overall, the interface feels polished and purpose-built for serious backgammon play.
Gameplay and Key Features
Nextgammon offers an unusually rich feature set, making it suitable for both learning and competition.
Game Variants
Players can choose between standard backgammon and several popular variants, allowing for more diverse and strategic gameplay.
Tournaments
Daily tournaments are available, with both free and buy-in options. Formats vary in length, time controls, and number of participants.
Game Analysis
One of Nextgammon’s strongest features is its free, in-depth game analysis. After each match, players can review moves, cube decisions, and alternative plays to better understand their mistakes.
Rankings and Challenges
The ranking system tracks wins, matches played, performance metrics, and more. Weekly challenges remain active in 2025, including leaderboards for “Most Wins,” “Best Performance,” and even luck-based statistics.
Academy
Nextgammon’s Academy is a standout resource. It includes:
- Educational articles
- Position analysis
- Glossaries
- Book recommendations
Many contributions come from high-level players and grandmasters, making this one of the best free learning resources available online.
Free Play and Coins
Players can play for free or use coins to add stakes to their games. Coins can be purchased via several payment methods, including crypto (often with a small bonus), PayPal, and cards.
Mobile Play
Nextgammon works smoothly on mobile devices. While there isn’t a traditional app listed in app stores, visiting the site on mobile prompts installation, offering a near-identical experience to desktop play.
Dice Fairness and Blockchain Transparency
Dice fairness has always been a sensitive topic in online backgammon, with many players questioning whether rolls are truly random.
Nextgammon addresses this concern by using blockchain technology to record and verify every dice roll. All roll data is publicly accessible through the platform’s “Dice Blockchain” section, allowing full transparency and independent verification.
While this may not end the debate entirely, it is one of the most serious and innovative attempts to bring trust and openness to online backgammon dice.
Our Opinion on Nextgammon
Nextgammon is, without question, one of the most advanced and thoughtfully designed online backgammon platforms available today.
Its strengths lie in:
- Transparency
- Learning tools
- Game analysis
- Competitive structure
- Long-term player development
For players focused on improving their skills, playing fairly, and competing seriously, Nextgammon sets a very high standard.
Important update (2026):
While Nextgammon remains excellent for learning and casual competitive play, some players have reported issues related to withdrawals and customer support when real money is involved. If your primary goal is betting, it’s wise to proceed carefully and start small.
For free play, analysis, and competitive improvement, however, Nextgammon remains one of the best platforms in the backgammon world.
Nextgammon
Free
Pros
- - Free to play
- - Leaderboard available
- - Possibility to play for money & crypto
- - Dice rolls transparency
- - Regular updates (latest in 2026)
Cons
- - ios app not yet available
