Is this game really free?

Yes, absolutely. There are no charges for playing this game. We do allow people to purchase enhanced positions using the Expanded Position Order Form, but you will always be able to play for free and compete by skillful betting and trading from the initial free position.

How is this game different from other internet SIM and Cyber horse games?

There are several major differences between this game and others on the internet. The underlying philosophy can be quite different, so you should choose the type of game you're most comfortable with. Games move at different paces, too, so you might want to try several different games. Here are some of the features and ideals of this game:

• All transactions and financial dealings are handled by computer, with no need for individuals to track them
• Whereever possible, we've designed customized forms, so that you just click on your choices
• Whenever we can, processes are automatic, so you can run a stable of horses but dont have to log on every day
• If something happens that affects your horses, you'll get an email telling you about it. You can then decide whether you need to log on to take additional action.
• The game is expandable. We've started with the essential features, but the design allows for later addition of more race tracks, stables, types of races and farms. It also allows for expanded roles for players as trainers, bankers, brokers, etc. Player interest will determine the order of these additions.

** I don't think that $10K is enough for people to get a good idea as to how to play the game

Bankrupting  is just to clear out those who never come back.   the 10K initial amount seems reasonable, since novices get interest deferred, and race winnings matched by the faction; then as soon as they make 20K and handicapper status, they get another 20K.     The initial amount does limit those who immediately buy horses, but giving them 20 or 30K wouldn’t solve that as they'd still just spend it all.

That said, there are a number of things that help new players -- the factions match your bet winnings, and they pay for the upkeep of your first 2 horses.   They also give you substantial additional cash as you progress -- when you double your initial cash you get the first promotion, and that gives you an additional $20K or so.

It would appear that a new player is not expected to actually "play" the game, but instead to try to "ease into it" by betting on the races first.  Presumably, at some point, after days/weeks/months of betting the player's bankroll becomes sufficient to support becoming an actual owner.  Is that basically the idea?

Most players who stay around take a coupla weeks to get to owning a small stable.   There are several layers to the game, so, yes, learning the how to make money is usually the first step -- better that than making players learn everything at once?  The game plays very differently, too, when you own 100 horses than when you have just a couple.  That’s deliberate too -- so that players who do achieve a position dont lose it if they happen to miss a coupla days.   again, the nature of online games is that 90% of the people who try it dont stick around very long.   That also means that there's a lot of cash floating out there to be taken by someone who looks for it

How do I change my name?

Just enter a new name on the Player Updates page. That name will become your new name.

If I won all my bets, how could my cash on hand gone down from my last report?

Interest payments, faction payments, and horse costs. These are listed in the report.

How do I know when I have more money?

Any events that add to your cash are sent to you via email. This includes all betting, successful sale of horses, stud fees, etc. There is a standard annual fee for awards, horse trainers, interest payments, etc, and these are only alerted when your cash gets low.

How do I prevent bankruptcy?

If you're a horse owner, you can sell the horse, or put him out to stud. If you don't own any horses, you will have to bet successfully or restart.

If you login and enter information on some form every day then the interest on your loan will be waived but inactive player will eventually go bankrupt

How do I restart?

You can restart by typing restart in the restart form on the Player Updates page.

How many times can I restart?

As many times as you want -- no penalties, you start clean each time. This will allow you to try many different strategies.

I was wondering if some of the more established and solvent players might not have some hints? It would seem that most of this beginning depends solely on luck!

Yes, check the  Strategies FAQ  .

There are so many more things I would like to control. Why aren't these implemented?

There is a three issues involved in this:

• We know some of what players want, but more feedback would be appreciated.
• The software is still under development, some more control will be given to players in the future.
• Too much control might make it impossible for the more advanced players to keep track of everything. A good solution for them will have to be made as more control is added.

WARNING to NEW Players: the greatest cause of bankruptcy is the overspending on horses in the early stages of play. Once a horse is bought it incurs significant costs in food, training, stabling and compulsory betting. The recommended strategy for success is to build a bank account by careful betting before buying horses. Your faction can help you -- it matches your winnings and forgives interest while you're a novice, and gives a cash bonus whenever you get a promotion.

We strongly advise that new players take the time to first get acquainted with the game by observing some races, placing some bets, and building their cash balance through wagering Once you have had some luck with this, you will then find that you have sufficient capital to start buying horses and becoming more directly involved in the game's happenings.  Immediately using your $10,000 stake to buy one or more horses and start out as an owner typically will bankrupt you before you have any chance for success