18 classic board games like Backgammon, Checkers, Chess, Chinese Checkers, Dominoes and more!

Backgammon, Oct 14, 2011

by Donna (California)

DO NOT BUY HOYLE. I have played backgammon for decades.  I thought playing it on the computer would be fun. I swear this game is the worst purchase I have ever made. The number of doubles for the opponent ranges from three to eight a game. This defies the laws of average.  And, heaven forbid you should leave a pip open.  It hits it nearly everytime.  I don’t mind losing. I still win.  But, when the dice roll doubles four or five time in a row it is no longer fair or fun.  I finally took it off my computer.  I look for a fair and strategic not one that is either stupid, poorly designed or down right cheating.

ITS RIGGED!, Sep 29, 2010

by Beth (eugene, or)

I love this version except for one thing, the backgammon is completely rigged!  I play all the time, and always end up swearing at the computer. I love backgammon, but I just played a game where the computer got seven sets of doubles, four of which were fives and sixes. I got one a double of ones! very exciting. I highly recommend this to anyone except for the backgammon.

Don't waste time playing Hoyle backgammon, May 13, 2010

by Jim Couper (Australia)

I made the mistake of buying the full Hoyle game primarily for backgammon. Backgammon is a game of chance and skill but Hoyle Backgammon ruins the playing experience by giving obvious advantage to the computer. I have lost count of the times that I have gotten all stones into my inner table only to get an unusually long run of low dice rolls while the computer throws multiple high doubles.

CLASSIC BOARD GAME, Sep 18, 2009

by Rajeev Kalra (yes)

I haven’t seen this type of game so far. I play daily. Mind blowing

Good game except for the blatent cheating in backgammon, Sep 07, 2009

by Scott Janko (Houston, TX USA)

Overall this is a great game and I got it specifically for the backgammon but as Dan (Canada) stated back in April 07, 2008, the backgammon game is definitely rigged.

Almost every game, the computer amazingly (I’d estimate 85% of the time) gets the exact right dice combination to either get out of trouble or get the one exposed piece you may have.  I’ve played backgammon quite often in the past few decades and I have never seen any luck like the luck this program has.

It is not mathematically probable to get four doubles in a row, get the exact roll combo needed to remove a piece, and not get the number needed for your roll to get off the bar over 80% of the time.  I’ve done games where there have been 3 open spots on the bar and it has taken me 5 roles to get one spot.

My favorite is when you have around 1/3 or more pieces off the board (computer has none) then all of the sudden the computer gets 3+ doubles in a row then “normal game play” and amazingly wins or (and this is more common), the computer rolls 4+ on each dice 5+ times in a row and you literally gets 1-3 (no doubles) on each dice on the same set of rolls.

C’mon Hoyle, that is weak.

The other games are pretty good but I’d love to see the code for the backgammon part.

In short, if you don’t plan on playing backgammon, go ahead and get the game if it is in the bargain bin.  Otherwise, move on to something else.

Exciting and enhanced, Sep 26, 2008

by amanda (malaysia)

I played the previous version, definitely like this version.

really interseting, May 21, 2008

by Anonymous (NS Canada)

This is one of the best selection of games I have played in a long time. If you enjoy these games you may want to try Hoyle 2005 and 2007, they are both excellent as well.

Cheating!, Apr 07, 2008

by Dan (Canada)

Had this game for quite a while and I am amazed at how it cheats specifically in backgammon. It is mathematically improbably to roll doubles 4 times in a row yet the computer can do it. Also has the best luck in the world when on the bar. 1 space open and 3 up and it rolls what it needs in doubles. If you want a challenge go elsewhere.

hoyle card games/backgammon and cribbage, Mar 15, 2008

by barbara james (australia)

my husband and I play these games daily and just love the animated figures that we play against.  my husband is always talking to them and getting annoyed when they beat him.  it really is a great way to learn new games and keeps the mind alert.  we think they are simply fantastic and would be lost without having these great games.

Double Cross, Feb 26, 2008

by Maria M. Reyes (Puerto Rico)

I love to play Double Cross and challenge your computerized player.  Also I love to play Wordox.  When I begin playing your games I cannot stop.

Excellent word games.

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