Choose your favorite search engine and type in 'backgammon, online tournaments.'  The ancient game of backgammon has arrived in the 21st century - big time!  Thousands of hits to pour over, read through, enjoy and play.
 
However, as you go through the sites, you may notice some new words associated with your favorite game.  For example, what do you make of 'freeware,' 'shareware,' 'sit & go,' or 'satellite tournament?'  If you're scratching your head at this moment, be assured that with diligence and patience you will continue to learn a new language to connect you to the world wide web of online backgammon tournaments.
 
The first thing you must have to participate in most of these sites, whether you're playing for fun or for fee, is an active email address with which to register.  Yes, these sites want to know who you are; but, you can give them a real or 'play' username - for example, 'HOTBG' - so, already you're having fun.
 
As always, read everything a site has to offer, that's why it's there.  All reputable sites have information about how to register, how to play, FAQ's, etc.  Click those links and become informed.
 
Now, for some 'translations' of those previously mentioned new words for 21st century backgammon online tournaments:
 
*  freeware - software that is available for free, usually over the Internet; distributed without charge.  Ownership is held by the developer.
 
*  shareware - copyrighted software that's available free on a trial basis, usually with a condition that users pay a fee to continue
 
*  'sit & go [SNG or SnG]' - when a predetermined number of players register, tournament begins
 
*  event -  when a predefined date and time are viewed on the software, tournaments starts
 
*  'satellite tournament' - 'mini' tournaments - the winner receives a free entry to another, larger, tournament
 
*  'daily stars freeroll' -  the more you play, the more stars you accumulate to win free prizes - * stars are accumulated when playing for real money, only
 
Often there will be a disclaimer based on ratings and rankings, as well.  For example, a 'Rating Limited Tournament' means that only players with a rating lower than a set limit can join.
 
Since you'll be competing against opponents poised at their keyboards in all 39 time zones, please remember to check your times and dates carefully.  Remember that times are, often, listed based on military/24-hour clocks - example, 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time = 16:00 GMT.  In addition, some countries post a date with month first, then day; and, some post it the other way 'round - therefore, March 8 is either 3/8 or 8/3.  Get your times and dates muddled and you'll miss your tournament.  If you're playing for fun, that's frustrating.  If you're playing for money, it will cost you, literally.
 
If you've mastered backgammon offline, coming into the realm of online backgammon tournaments might be somewhat daunting, at first glance.  However, given tenacity, attention and time, you're patience and skills will be rewarded.  Welcome to the 21st century and backgammon online tournaments.

 

 

 

 

 

Please go to the OPN forum and tell us what you think about backgammon in the 21st century.