Since our discussion drifted off to such games as chess and cribbage, I thought I'd just post this invitation here, FWIW:
Just started a group to discuss classic games like backgammon, checkers (draughts), chess, cribbage, and dominoes. If you enjoy such games and care to talk (or read) about them as well as play them, please visit:
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/timelessfavorites/
--Patrick