Online Backgammon

Flip through your television channels these days and it's hard not to find a station broadcasting a poker tournament. The Internet has turned Texas Hold 'Em into a worldwide gaming craze. What many people don't know is that the Net has done the same thing for backgammon. Backgammon tournaments may not be shown on TV, but backgammon gambling and free online backgammon are a huge hit with Internet surfers.

Why Is Online Backgammon So Popular?
There are many reasons for online backgammon's success, but much of it is attributable to timing. Technology has reached a point where artificial neural networks can play as well as or better than the best human backgammon players (Snowie, Jellyfish, and GNU are common backgammon Bot players). Backgammon is also tremendously popular outside the U.S., and as more people gain Internet access, the pool of available online backgammon players has grown exponentially.

Online backgammon's success as a money game is also partially attributable to the prevalence of online poker. The doubling cube in online backgammon enables players to use the same aggressive tactics they would at a poker table. The difference in online backgammon of course is that you always know the exact strength of your opponent's position.

Differences Between Online Backgammon and Table Backgammon
The greatest advantage online backgammon offers over table backgammon is convenience and accessibility. Online backgammon requires no equipment, with the exception of an Internet connection and your standard computing equipment.

It's greatest advantage is, you can play it anytime. Most online backgammon sites only require a quick download of their free software to get you started.

Having millions of opponents from which to choose is a major benefit of online backgammon. You can practice against other beginners and then take a shot at the best online backgammon players and see what you've learned.

Here are a few online backgammon sites to help get you started: www.gammon-mania.com and www.play65.com.