Cheap Email Games: Chess, Checkers, Backgammon (Software) (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me) Price

You can still append a little text message to each turn you send, so you won't have to follow up each move with a separate message. Of the three games included, chess is best suited for e-mail play, as it's nice to have a lot of time to mull over your moves and plot a strategy. Checkers and backgammon can get really frustrating, especially when the person you're playing with doesn't answer e-mail often.

The best thing about the software is that only one person playing needs to own it. You can buy a copy, initiate several games with a variety of people, and all they have to do is install a free client program to participate. Email Games is a good way to have fun and stay in touch at the same time, and the low price only adds to the game's appeal. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Other players don't need to own the game to participate
• You can attach text messages to the game turns you send

• Waiting for someone to send back a checkers or backgammon turn requires patience