Checkers, anyone?
In this articlePlay games while you chat in Windows Live Messenger
Windows Live Messenger is a great way to stay in touch with the people you care about. You can exchange instant messages, make phone calls using your computer, or have a video chat using your webcam. You can also catch up with someone and engage in a little friendly competition at the same time, by playing an online game.
Let the games begin
Most of the online games available in Messenger are free. They range from classic board games, to online favorites, to new takes on nostalgic childhood games. Finding the right game for you and your friend might take a bit of discussion—and maybe even some compromise—but with a variety of games to choose from, chances are you'll find one that you're both interested in trying.
Playing a game in Messenger requires that you and your friend both have Messenger installed and that you are both online. Then you can choose one of the following options to get started.
| To start a game from the main window |
| | 1.
| Open Windows Live Messenger, click the Show menu button 
, point to Actions, and then click Play a game. | | 2.
| Select a person you want to play against from your contact list, and then click OK. | | 3.
| Click the game you want to play. | | 4.
| The person you are playing against will receive an invitation to start a game with you. Once your opponent accepts the invitation, both of you can start the game. |
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| To start a game from a conversation window |
| | 1.
| Open Windows Live Messenger, and then double-click the person you want to play a game against. | | 2.
| In the conversation window, click the See a list of games button  , and then click the game you want to play. | | 3.
| The person you are playing against will receive an invitation to start a game with you. Once your opponent accepts the invitation, both of you can start the game. |
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| Choose a friend and pick a challenge |
Cheer or jeer, it’s up to you
Because the games are played in the conversation window, you can easily click between making your move in the game and chatting with your opponent after your turn. And much like playing a game with someone in person, half the fun of playing an online game using Messenger is giving your opponent words of "encouragement" when you're close to victory, or acknowledging defeat when the unthinkable happens.
You can also use online games as a tool to help teach someone a game you've already mastered. For example, you can explain the seemingly perplexing nature of the "en passant" in chess or how to strategically link multiple combinations in a puzzle game in the quest for a high score.
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| Share helpful tips or celebrate another big win |
Playing online games using Windows Live Messenger is a great way to prove to your best friend since grade school that she'll never beat you in a game of checkers, or to make sure that your weekly games of chess with your dad continue—even if you move cross country. Just be warned: Once you start routinely winning games, you might have a hard time finding competition worthy of your skills.
Help and How-to
