PBEM - When time is minimal

Play By Email Games look like the best option now. I need something that's quick and can be done at odd hours.

What to play though? The criteria needs to be fun, simple to install and simple to run.

The first stop is VASSAL.

VASSAL is a game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games and card games. It allows users to play in real time over a live Internet connection (in addition to playing by email). It runs on all platforms, and is free for personal use.

Basically, Vassal allows you to play board and card games online or via PBEM. It acts as a virtual board. Its a little confusing at first if you're expecting the game to handle the rules for you but it does work quite well.

So far, I've started a battle cry game with another busy gamer. It is working out great as battle cry is a relatively simple game. I recommend starting off on a game you and your opponent know well.

My rating is 8/10 for VASSAL for PBEM.