What is GNU Backgammon?
GNU Backgammon is an open source, free software backgammon game and engine developed as part of the GNU Project. It features both 2D and 3D graphic user interfaces, allowing players to customize the look and feel of the virtual backgammon board and pieces.
In addition to standard backgammon rules and gameplay, GNU Backgammon includes several match variations such as Nackgammon, Hypergammon, and GNUbg scoring. The software also supports tournament and ladder play for competing against computer AI players of varying skill levels or online against other human players.
For analyzing games and positions, GNU Backgammon provides dice probability graphs,pip counts and other statistical information to help players make better moves and decisions. There is also a tutor mode available for learning proper opening moves, middle game strategies, and endgame techniques.
The open source nature of GNU Backgammon allows players to study and modify the AI engine as well. Developers can add their own board designs, game variants, AI players and graphical frontends. GNU Backgammon runs on Linux as well as Windows and Mac OS X platforms.
NetGammon, SimplyBG, Backgammon Live, BGBlitz, 247Backgammon, BGLightCE, Absolute Backgammon, Backgammon+, Backgammon Pasha, Next Backgammon, JavaFIBS, Backgammon Blitz, KBackgammon are some alternatives to GNU Backgammon.