Have been trying to play the internet hearts game that came with my windows XP computer. I am registered as an expert - every time I try to get a game started, three other experts are found. Problem is, nearly ALL of the time, before the first hand starts, the other three 'players' -- LEAVE!!, and I am left to play against a computer that is playing three hands AGAINST me!! DO NOT WANT TO PLAY AGAINST A COMPUTER!! Please, somebody - clue me in as to what is happening?? I would appreciate it very much. ~~omn2r~~

Maybe your reputation precedes you!

No but seriously were you able to play with others previously?

Have you tried a lower level than expert?

I am not sure I see this as a computer problem if that is what you were suspecting.

I am not familiar with the game but are there other options to set.

Perhaps I will fire it up and take a look and perhaps another member might have other ideas for you as well.

MSN's 'Internet Hearts' game -- does NOT actually come with Windows XP. [I believe I mis-Espoke earlier].

The game that DOES come with XP, one plays against a Computer. Sheepishly must confess it took me nearly 4 months to realize that I was playing against a computer, that not only DEALT the cards, but was in total control of ALL THREE hands AGAINST me.

That is when I searched, and found Internet Hearts. One has to sign up for it, make up another name, password, etc., but it is FREE.

Players get to set their own skill level -- Beginner, Intermediate or Expert. Players are supposedly picked from a world-wide pool, and, during the game are allowed to 'chat'. This consists of picking various fixed messages - apparently so they can be instantly transmitted in the proper language, etc.

I first tried Beginner - got very few games. Next tried Intermediate, but didn't do much better. Finally set it at Expert. [I hadn't picked that at first for fear of scaring players away. Understand, I think I am pretty good, but would not classify myself as an expert].

Expert worked for a while, but, after a few weeks, players were pretty much leaving early - some before the first trick was played. Problem is - I cannot find anyplace at MSN to ask about the game.

At this point, my old computer [XP] - went south. I have a new one with VISTA [which would be an ENTIRELY NEW post all by itself]. VISTA does not have the version of Internet Hearts I had been playing - supposedly because it just does not work with VISTA.

Had to go to MSN Games to find a -- free -- hearts game. If you have the time later on, we could maybe discuss THAT - which has its own peculiarities.

Since my Old computer still works for the hearts game, I went back and tried it - only to be confronted with the problem I described -- cannot get a game to start, without everyone instantly leaving. As nearly as I can make out - the only info one gets about one's opponents, is that they are an EXPERT [or whatever], from whatever country they live in. There is NO mention of how many games one has played, or won, or anything. Thus, cannot really see how a reputation could even be a factor.

I appreciate that you took the time to comment. I am a nearly total neophyte at posting, and look forward to any other help I can get. Also, be advised that - as I am NEW at this posting - I do not know how to get back to the actual message I posted, and do not know if it is possible to send myself a copy when posting???