This article does not describe the new interface for inviting a player to an online game that was introduced in version 4.9. The idea for starting an online game is the same, but the interface is totally different. The sections on “Receive an invitation to a game” and “Play an online game” are not affected.

In a previous article, we examined how to play an online backgammon game on a computer. In this article we will focus on the mobile version (both iOS and Android). Since the two versions are identical, the screenshots will be from an iPhone/iPad device.

On a tablet device, the list of online players is at the right end of the screen, in the main screen. On the other hand, on a smartphone, you need to tap on the “Play Online Game” button.

iTavli: List of online players on iPhone

iTavli: List of online players on iPad

Invite a player to a game

Each row in the list of online players has the following information:

Player’s name

Player’s color: The color of the checker in the right end, and it designates the color that the checkers will have in a game

Points: These are the points that the player has earned since the beginning of time

Running device, and running version

Game outcome: Total points that we will earn or lose if we win or lose that game

Games that a player wishes to play: Designated in brown color

As with the web version, the number next to a player’s name denotes how many times that player has being reported because (s)he abandoned a game. Thus, IVAN has abandoned a game at least 6 times.

We invite a player to a game by tapping on it, and then by selecting the game that we wish to play.

iTavli: Select the game

As we see on the screen, the selected player wants to play all the available games.

We tap on any game, and then we wait for his/her response. If (s)he accepts our invitation, the game continues like a local game does. If not, we can try to select another game or another player.

Receive an invitation to a game

Since we have the ability to invite a player to a game, we can also be invited to one. This invitation will appear only if we are not playing an online game.

iTavli: Invitation to an online game

The invitation dialog is automatically dismissed after 8 seconds. Within that time period, we can accept or decline the invitation. If we accept the invitation, the game is started like a local game does.

Play an online game

As with the local game, during an online game we slide our finger horizontally (or tap on the back button on Android) to bring the menu up.

iTavli: Game menu

As we can see the menu has some interesting buttons:

Resign Game / Quit Game

Undo button: Undo our move(s)

Chat button: Chat with the other player

Bet button: Place a bet

Like the web version, the “Chat” button brings up a chat dialog to chat with the other player. Note, that you chat not only with your opponents but, with all users who are watching this game (more about this in a new article).

iTavli: Chat

But, among these buttons that one that is worth talking about is the “Bet” button. Tapping on it will bring the bet dialog, which is used to set a bet, by dragging our finger in the yellow area.

iTavli: Set a bet

Once we tap on the “Set bet” button, a message is send to the opponent. Our opponent may accept or reject that bet. Also, (s)he may raise it. The winner of the game earns the bet.

The coins that we use to set a bet are not real money, and can be used only in this game. Like the coins that you could earn from a tournament.

Finally, did you notice the 3 numbers on top of the Bet button?

iTavli: Bet

The 1st number denotes the bet that we set (you and your opponent). The 2nd number denotes the bet the users who are watching this game have placed on you. And, the 3rd number denotes the bet the users who are watching this game have placed against you. So, yes, when we watch a game we can place a bet, and earn coins from it, but, more about that in a new article.

Enjoy the game!