Abstract: A system for issuing a notification alert on user's mobile device whenever another user is within a short distance or in the same general area, as further detailed below. Users may or may not have any previous knowledge of each other in order for both to receive the proximity alert. Users who don't have any previous knowledge of each other (“non-friends”) are able to specify a number of characteristics (age, gender, etc.) and be both alerted only when they are in proximity and mutually satisfy their respective preferences. Following the alert, the system also enables users to exchange any number of anonymous messages that do not contain users' contact information.

Abstract: A method for providing a tournament system over a communications network enables players from different locations to participate in tournaments by playing an electronic games of skill and win awards based on the player's skill. A selection of electronic games of skill, in which the effect of chance has been minimized for each electronic game, is provided at a tournament host location. Players can participate in a selected tournament by playing the electronic game for that tournament via the communications network. Each player's score is determined based on player manipulation of the electronic game. A tournament winner is determined by comparing the score of each player with scores of other players.

Abstract: A method for providing a tournament system over a communications network enables players from different locations to participate in tournaments by playing an electronic games of skill and win awards based on the player's skill. A selection of electronic games of skill, in which the effect of chance has been minimized for each electronic game, is provided at a tournament host location. Players can participate in a selected tournament by playing the electronic game for that tournament via the communications network. Each player's score is determined based on player manipulation of the electronic game. A tournament winner is determined by comparing the score of each player with scores of other players.