Before you can play the game, around six of their own ads pop up. It happens multiple times when you are in the app, and it's very annoying. Now when you watch an ad for coins, the ads usually don't play and I have to get out of the app and back in. I also don't get the coins. I love backgammon, but enough is enough. ETA No, they are not a great way to keep caught up when you are losing players. You don't need them before EVERY SINGLE GAME!