Abstract: The present invention provides a method for playing a computer-based solitaire game including the steps of retrieving an input from an internet server to a computer, playing and scoring the game according to the input. The internet server and the computer are intermittently connected during the game and the input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet. The present invention also provides a computer-based solitaire game comprising a network connection to an internet server for retrieving an input and for comparing scores, and a control system for a player having means for operating on the input and means for displaying the input and the comparison results to the player. The input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet server, and the game pattern comprises game features and graphic elements.

Abstract: A method for scoring a one-player online pool game including setting a countdown timer to a predetermined amount prior to taking a pool shot, stopping the countdown time when a game ball is pocketed, and awarding a player with a score that is related to the time that remains on the countdown timer when the ball is pocketed.