As a general response to the past several posts, I'd just like to say that to me, games are primarily a relaxing, enjoyable escape (from the stress of the day or the humdrum of a lazy afternoon). Movies & books are OK, but I usually prefer something I can participate in. I don't care for sports; I prefer to exercise my mind (in a relaxed way, since this is supposed to be a time for play, not work). Games fill the bill quite nicely. But if my favorite game *required* two or more players, I'd get to play it only about 1/100th as often as I'd like to. It's not easy finding someone else whose available time and interest happens to coincide with mine. And it's a drag playing a game with someone who's not really interested in it but is just being polite. So, if there's a solitaire option, or if I can play the game on the computer, that's terrific for me.

As to non-challenging AIs, I've rarely found that to be a problem. Once in a blue moon, I've played a computer game whose AI is so bad that even I notice it. But as I said, I play games primarily for relaxation and enjoyment; so I'm usually in a mediocre frame of mind when I play anyway. I don't want work and stress in my hobby life; work and stress is what I'm using the hobby as a *break* from.

On the other hand, I do like the idea that the game I'm playing solo in the computer is also a game I can play against fellow humans--because then I can tell myself that when I'm playing on the computer I'm practicing* (not just engaging in mental masturbation). I also like a game that's deep enough that I can study it when I'm in the mood for studying something--because then I know it's a game that will provide me with a good challenge all my life. For these reasons, one of my favorite pastimes is computer chess. Lots of people play chess, so I can occasionally play Vs other people; and there's plenty of literature on the game, so I can study as well as play it.

But when I play chess on the computer, I almost always set it on Novice level--because then I can almost always win, without having to think too hard. It makes for a relaxing, enjoyable game.