Two Games That May Be More Fun To Play Online Then You Realize

There’s no denying the fact that there’s a unique appeal to playing any number of classic games, or sports, in person with good company. After all, games’ ability to bring people together is among their chief virtues. What’s more, in our increasingly online and digital world, being able to unplug and enjoy some analogue gaming can be a welcome change of pace.

However sometimes those we’d like to play with live further afield than is practical for regular meetups. Perhaps they’ve moved over state lines for work or love, or are travelling the world. In such cases, playing online titles can be a great compromise that still enables you to spend time together, doing what you love—albeit, admittedly, in an online setting.

What’s more, digital variants of popular games have had plenty of time to refine themselves over the past several decades. As such, you may be surprised at the quality and options available out there today. 

Online variants can be a great option for on-demand gaming also. Suppose you want to play a game of chess, but your normal game partner is otherwise occupied. In such cases, you can hop online and be playing against someone new virtually instantaneously.

Below we’re going to look at two classic games that have plenty to offer in their digital incarnations, with options and features that may surprise, or even convert you to the thrills of online gaming.

Poker

There are several card games that are well loved the world over, but it’s hard to deny that poker is among the most popular. Variants like Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha have won fans in virtually every country on earth, and for good reason.

Poker is an excellent party game because it’s easy to learn the basics, but difficult to master, and the ebb and flow of its gameplay creates a great social environment. You may not realize, but poker is among the best established online games in the world today. 

Its digital variants rose to prominence in the early 00s, in a time known now as the poker boom. A host of reputable platforms that established themselves at this time are still going strong, and provide robust and fully featured gameplay experiences for all-comers. 

Many offer the ability to form clubs with your friends, and even participate in online poker tournaments on-demand. Not only is this a great way to enjoy the game on your terms, but can help you hone your skills between your next scheduled game with friends.

Chess

The world’s favorite game of cerebral strategy, chess has often been thought of as the analogue game par excellence. But in reality, chess has enjoyed a stable presence online for decades, most chiefly through Chess.com, the platform which has come to serve as the home of the global online chess community today. 

Learning the intricacies of chess can take a lifetime, fortunately this platform provides users with extensive tutorials on all aspects of gameplay and is accordingly a great venue in which to learn the game. 

Chess uses a skill rating system, somewhat similar to a golf handicap. Called the Elo rating system, it assigns players a number with beginners starting out at, or below 1200, with grandmasters typically being rated to over 2200. 

This rating system can help you assess your level and progress, and can be used to help match-make you against opponents of a similar level. It can be difficult when playing offline to find players who are able to provide a sufficient challenge to push a developing player. This is where sites like Chess.com, which can use your Elo rating to consistently pair you with equal players, can be invaluable. 

Today is a great time to check out the online chess scene, as it is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance as a result of riding the crest of the wave of the wider esports boom of the 2020s.