Game playing has always been one of my favorite pastimes and social activities, and some of my favorites are Balderdash, Pictionary, Taboo, Boggle, and Scrabble. A few years ago I was turned onto backgammon and was immediately hooked. To me this game is a perfect combination of skill (enough to encourage study of the game, but not enough to require the perusal of an overwhelming amount of literature) and luck (enough to be able to blame one's misfortune on the dice, but not enough to discourage study of the game). In addition, I appreciate the pace of the game (the average round can be played in under ten minutes, decidedly unlike a game of chess).

If you're interested in joining me in a match over the Internet, I can often be found playing on FIBS (First Internet Backgammon Server), under the moniker of 'SonOfPaRappa'.

• Backgammon Galore: A good all-around backgammon site.
• First Internet Backgammon Server (FIBS): Play on-line with thousands of rated users.
• Gammonline: An e-zine by Kit Woolsey with great annotated matches for learning.
• Flint Area Backgammon Club: A good resource for backgammon news and merchandise.