REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 21, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the MSN TM Gaming Zone ( http://www.zone.com/ ) has added the popular card game euchre to its list of card and board games offered for free* online play. Visitors to the site will be able to join thousands of other players for casual games of the British and North American versions of euchre or to compete in sponsored tournaments for cash and other prizes.
Although new to the Zone, euchre is thought to have been created during the time of the French Revolution in the province of Alsace. It became popular in the United States in the 19th century and was the original game for which the joker was introduced into the standard playing deck (the highest trump).
“The MSN Gaming Zone has its roots in traditional card and board games,”
said Dean Hachamovitch, product unit manager for the MSN Gaming Zone.
“Thousands of card game players from all over the world meet on the Zone to play bridge, cribbage, hearts and spades and to participate in tournaments and special events. With the huge following euchre has in the United States and Europe, we expect that we’ll attract even greater numbers of these casual gamers.”
In January the Zone kicks off the Euchre Millennium Tournament**, a month long series of online qualifying rounds that culminates in a championship event. Participants in the tournament will have the opportunity to win their share of $5,000 in cash and prizes.
About the MSN Gaming Zone
The MSN Gaming Zone is the largest multiplayer gaming site on the Internet, with more than 12 million registered members around the world, more than 66,000 concurrent users at peak times, and more than 100 games available for play. The Zone offers free* membership and a wide variety of games, including free* card, board and puzzle games, free* matchmaking for popular CD-ROM games and premium games. In addition, the MSN Gaming Zone has worked with others to offer its members expanded gaming services such as industry news, product reviews, downloadable demos, online shopping and a broader range of online games.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device
*Connect-time charges may apply.
**No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents who are 18 years of age or older. Void in Quebec, Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.
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