Online play is not much different from table play. Both sides have the same pieces, dice, and game board. To play online a game site must be located. However, that is easy to find. Most sites are free to play on but registration is required. Depending on the site, you can play against a computer or other opponents. To play online, there will be a place to click for the dice roll during your turn. Once the dice are rolled, you can move the pieces you would like, just as you would for a regular backgammon game. And the game is won the same way; get all your pieces off the board before your opponent.
The nice thing about playing online is you don't have to play. You can just watch and learn if you want. This might be the best thing to do if you are just starting out. But when you do want to play you will be able to join in easily. And most sites have a tracking system so you know how well you are doing compared to other players.
Some sites are played for money. While it can be fun, it can also be dangerous if you are not careful. If you want to go this route, start out slow and only play for modest fees and winnings. Also remember that tournaments are played for money. These can be played against people across the country or globe depending on the hosting site. And with both money playing and tournaments the house takes a cut.
Most sites have you download part of the software before you can play. And many of the software programs only run on Windows based PCs. So unfortunately, MAC users are left out. However, other sites use a Java-script, which MAC users can use. This makes load times and lag lessen for players.
Many of the sites that offer online play are free but registration is required. Some are for members only, with a fee, but a guest can play for free with the member playing also. There are even sites to just play against a computer. This can be good to learn and get better before moving on to live people. And for those with time constraints, there are turn-based sites. Here you can play a few rounds at a time and then come back later to finish the game.
Online backgammon might have more options due to being able to play people everywhere. It is easy to learn and with many sites these days, easier to master. You don't have to wait for someone to play with you. The Internet has made it easy to play a game that has been enjoyed for over 5000 years.
All of Shawn's backgammon strategy articles can be found at HomeBackgammon.com along with bonus codes, freeroll listings and tournament schedules.
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