GamesGrid Backgammon for Mac OS X is more than just an online backgammon game... it's also a backgammon community on the Internet with thousands of players around the world. Just download the free client software (http://www.gamesgrid.com/download.html), set up a free account, and play some backgammon.

I only downloaded it yesterday but I've already played a couple of very enjoyable and challenging matches against two opponents in some other part of the world. And the app is a purebred OS X program, with drawers and sheets and toolbars and everything.

It's all free. Or at least you can play games with people from around the world and try most of the GamesGrid features for free. They also offer including daily tournaments, one-on-one match play, and much more.

If you really want to get into it, they also offer a premium subscription memberships priced at:

1 month US$ 12.95
3 months US$ 24.95
6 months US$ 49.95
1 year US$ 79.95
lifetime US$ 500.00

and family memberships priced at:

1 year, 2 nicknames US$ 119.90
1 year, 3 nicknames US$ 159.85

Membership benefits include:

> * earn a rating
> * test your skill against our world-class members
> * play matches longer than 3 points
> * play unlimited matches
> * play backgammon propositions
> * upload your picture
> * add more players to your friends list
> * challenge the GGrobot and HyperBot computers
> * enter members-only daily and monthly tournaments
> * compete in money tournaments and jackpots
> * make your games private
> * send GamesGrid messages
> * play money games (with an E-Jackpots account)

I'm not sure I'm interested enough to pay, but so far I've had a lot of fun playing for free. Check it out; it's beautifully designed and gameplay is a blast. My nickname? "Dr. Mac," of course... If you see me logged on and want to play, click my nick and then choose "Invite" from the Action menu.

See if you can gammon me -- you won't be the first (and I've only played two games).

Have a great weekend (playing backgammon?)

To discuss this tip (or anything you like) in Dr. Mac's OSXFAQ Forum, click here:

Bob LeVitus is a leading authority on Mac OS and the author of 39 books, including Mac OS X For Dummies and The Little iTunes Book.