playing games in messenger

every time i try to play checkers with other contacts of mine, the games lock
up on both ends, either by never loading, never showing that the other
clicked to start the game, or once the game starts, both show that it is the
other player's turn. what is the problem, and what can i do to fix it? please
help, it is very frustrating to be in the middle of a game and then for both
players to be told it is the other's turn