My new HP computer came with a link to internet Backgammon on Zone.com. I hadn’t played backgammon for 20 years, and even then, probably only a dozen games in my lifetime. Still, I thought I remembered enjoying it, so I figured I’d try it out.

First off, it was easy to get started, no need to log in, or download any software. Second, there is a pretty good help section that gives the bare basics of backgammon. The object of the game, a glossary of terms and the simplest game play instructions. Before long I was playing with a real person, who-knows-where. At first I was afraid that my lack of backgammon skill would annoy other players, but for one thing, they can’t tell you if they’re annoyed, their only recourse is to quit. Secondly, the players I was encountering seemed as inept as I.

I played about twenty games over the course of a few days. One of those days, my husband spotted me playing and directed me to a series of articles from Gammon Empire. Sure enough, there is more strategy to the game than it appears from the reading of the basic game play instructions. I read through a few of the introduction to Backgammon strategy articles and knew just enough to understand now that I don’t know anything about Backgammon.

So, back I went to the Zone.com game and played a few more games. Before too long, I got tired of waiting for others to play, waiting for the dice to roll, waiting for a new player, waiting in general. I figured there must be a better way to play, so I decided to check out Gammon Empire for game play.

It was easy to download. It looks like there is a no-download version, but I went with the download one. It took about 45 seconds. I chose a user name and password and also supplied my email address, though the sign in screen says this is optional. I chose to play for fun money rather than deposit real money. For heaven’s sake, this is just an experiment!

Holy cow, there are thousands of people playing backgammon on this site, and it’s Sunday morning! There are all kinds of games going on and tournaments forming. The interface is the Game Lobby. It’s a window with several tabs that list Live Regular Tables, Sit and Go, Tournaments and Special Events. There are players waiting for others to join them in a game and games going on that I can watch.

First I chose a game to watch that the players had set to fast speed. With my rudimentary backgammon skills, I couldn’t follow the game. Then I chose a normal speed game and watched for a little while. Fascinating. I think I’ll watch some more and then maybe even give a game a try myself.

This page was last updated on December 18th, 2006.