Backgammon

Backgammon is a 1987 Macintosh implementation of the classic dice-and-checkers race game, credited to David Young, Stephen D. Young, and Debra Willrett. It is a savvy if unflashy single-player program that pits you against the computer on a clean black-and-white board.

How it plays

Standard backgammon rules apply: roll the dice, move your checkers around the board, and bear off before your opponent. The interface is straightforward, with point-and-click moves and clear pip displays.

A small but welcome touch

The program awards bonus points for picking up two checkers when you roll doubles, a small flourish that rewards aggressive play and gives the engine a bit of personality.

Era and feel

Released in 1987, the game is firmly of the early Macintosh shareware era: monochrome graphics, snappy responsiveness, and a focus on rules-correct play over presentation.

Versions

Macintosh Garden hosts versions 1.0, 2.0, and 2.0.1, all aimed at classic 68k Mac systems.