Clarification on Game (Generic games) Terms

["electronicwaffle" <electronicwaffle@...>]

Hi, I think I missed the boat on what certain classification terms 
mean. What denotes an Abstract game? What are the other 
classifications? (I dont think I know them all, and further more I 
can't remember any more classification types) One step further, do 
these games share common mechanics or procedures of play? If so what 
are those called?