How to Win at Internet Backgammon - Learning for Free

The first backgammon web site came online in 1994, but now that there are fast Internet connections, online backgammon has become extremely popular.

Before you challenge a human opponent to a game of online backgammon, you need to build up your playing skills - here's how to do it for free:

1. The basics of the game are easy to learn, and there's plenty of information for free on the Internet.

2. Download some Shareware and freeware backgammon programs from the Internet - these programs are often weak - but that's a good thing - you can learn to play against these programs without getting discouraged - everyone likes to win now and then.

3. When you can regularly beat the Shareware and freeware backgammon programs it's time to download a freeware version of a top-notch backgammon program - jellyfish.

JellyFish uses artificial neural networks, and the program was developed, by having the program play against itself!

A search for "Jellyfish Light" will lead you to the download page.

The freeware version of Jellyfish has had some useful features disabled but the playing strength has not been tampered with.

On the highest playing level, it is quite capable of beating top backgammon players.

You can decide later, whether to purchase one of the other three versions, in order to gain access to the disabled features.

Playing Online

When you are competent at playing against the Jellyfish program at the higher levels, it's time to challenge a human opponent to a game of Internet backgammon.

After you have located an Internet backgammon site, you will be able to choose from playing against a computer opponent or a human opponent that could be located anywhere in the world. The options surrounding Internet backgammon include the choice to join a league; play in a tournament; play for cash prizes, as well as move ahead in the ranking between a host of Internet backgammon players.

Internet backgammon is offered by a variety of websites that you may be familiar with, including MSN and Yahoo Games.

With MSN, a player could choose to play Internet backgammon, as well as other enjoyable games. Internet backgammon matches can be played either under Rated, Standard or Short play options. Friends can play amongst one another or could choose to challenge the computer to an Internet backgammon match. Many have praised the graphics that are used on this website, including an array of realistic, bright colors and graphics.

Yahoo Games offers numerous Internet backgammon rooms to wander about, displaying fun and interesting names such as the Veteran Vortex. Players can choose to initiate an Internet backgammon game in a variety of different levels of play, including beginner and advanced.

There is also an option to play a social game of Internet backgammon where players can chat with one another. For an extra charge, leagues can be established where members are allowed to join and challenge one another.

This website offers unlimited game play against the computer and human challengers.

Monopoly Computer Games

While some websites will allow you to play Monopoly online with their own special applications there are some specific Monopoly computer games that can be used instead. These games allow you to connect to networks where people meet or connect you to people you know from far away places.

Hasbro Interactive's Monopoly game is considered to be the official game of most online Monopoly players. It is used as one of the more popular online games on the market. It offers network and Internet support and it features fully customizable rules so that you can play a standard game, a custom game, a tournament game or short game. It also works on Windows 98, ME and XP. It should be noted that Games.com, a website that offered support for this game, no longer exists.

An older edition of the game is also popular too. Westwood Studios' version of Monopoly was made in the middle part of the 1990's. You can connect online through various servers, including Case's Ladder, for playing with other people.

You can play with some newer editions of the game as well. For instance, Yahoo has the new Here and Now edition of Monopoly available for play. You can download a free trial of it and then purchase the full version and download the entire thing onto your computer. You'll be able to not only play with other people in your home and with computer opponents but you can also play with others in the Yahoo network. While this is a direct to drive download you will be able to have the Yahoo system remember that you bought the program so that you can download it again if you ever have to for reasons like buying a new computer.

It should be noted that the Monopoly editions that will be played in most software programs are those of the original format. This includes the standard properties from Mediterranean Avenue to Boardwalk. Some programs do have localized editions or are of the new Here and Now edition with new properties and updated currency amounts and Chance and Community Chest cards.

All sorts of different Monopoly computer games can be used as online games for playing with others. The versions from Hasbro Interactive and Westwood Studios are among the most notable versions that are available. Playing with newer editions like on Yahoo can work as well. Be sure to visit your local software store for information on these and other options for Monopoly online games.