Online Leagues Can Enhance Your Backgammon Lifestyle

If you are looking to supplement your local game play, backgammon devotees, but can't travel far, don't lose your hope - you are just a phone line or internet cable connection away from getting just what you crave.

That's right, step online. Online backgammon can be an excellent way to grab more experience, practice, competition and - if so inclined - money. Although online backgammon removes the face-to-face social element that brings the game to its full potential and dimension, playing online is not without its merits. Firstly, and especially if you are a beginner or novice, you don't have to worry about anyone seeing your face turn red when you make a dumb move, or when it flames in fury at being double-hit to the bar. Second, you don't have to be super considerate or play Mr. or Mrs. Hospitality if you prefer to quit one site and jump to another (you lose friends and neighbors that way in real life) until you find an online backgammon site that fits your style and is worthy of bookmarking or adding to your favorites in your web browser.

You might even consider joining a league or club online. Backgammon sites such as www.iba-backgammon.com consolidate leagues of many levels (and some that may last only on a month-by-month basis) and give you a nice selection of leagues to "shop" from. A league gives you the advantage of playing in a hub or central site, your progress is tracked as you advance up the league ladder, and you can even email opponents in some instances (optional).