My mom is a beginner-level computer user who loves backgammon. I’ve tried finding websites where she can play, even Facebook apps, but they’re almost all too scammy for my tastes. Basically, I’m afraid of her clicking something that will download spyware or encourage her to pay for something she oughtn’t. I did find FIBS, but I think that might be too complicated for her. I think the safest and easiest thing for her would be a stand-alone app. But then, searching online for “backgammon download” takes me to nothing but skeevy gambling sites. Can anyone recommend a backgammon game I can buy or (legally) download free for Mom? She’s running Windows Vista on a pretty good laptop. Thanks!
Hoyle Board Games is what I play backgammon on. It has quite a few other games, as well.
I Googled it and there is a 2005 version available (the one I have) for $6.00.
That work?
That looks great, thank you!
Free and Open Source.
Excellent! I just downloaded it to try, it’s great. I’ll install it for my mom next time I visit. Thanks!
Update: I sent mom a link to GNU Backgammon by e-mail. She called me right back and insisted I walk her through installing it right away. Twenty minutes later, she’d rolled double sixes and was well into her first game. Thank you very much!
It’s beating me regularly. Damned game will let me get six points in a match then wipe me out in a single game.
It’s great, thanks!
Yeah, it doesn’t really get much better or more challenging than this, except maybe for Snowie, which is freaking expensive (almost $400 for the professional edition.) GNU Backgammon should provide a challenge for all but the best of the best of backgammon players. Absolutely incredible program. Also, there’s Backgammon NJ for the iPhone, which plays a game to a very similar level as GNU Backgammon (and I suspect may even be based on it.)
Still playing it compulsively and still getting beaten far more often than not, but it’s ranked me as an expert so I’ve got ridiculous amounts of warm fuzzies for the prog.
My mom plays backgammon too! On games.yahoo.com. Literally EVERY day she gets a few games in on there. A lot of her regular opponents on there are retirees, so if she finds a regular room, there’s a good turn-out and social element. And they’re not very good. At least I don’t think so, but I’ve been playing that game forever.