diff --git a/minecraft/__init__.py b/minecraft/__init__.py
index 0be9a9e..d834d4a 100644
--- a/minecraft/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/__init__.py
@@ -3,312 +3,531 @@ A modern, Python3-compatible, well-documented library for communicating
 with a MineCraft server.
 """
 
+from collections import OrderedDict, namedtuple
+import re
+
 # The version number of the most recent pyCraft release.
 __version__ = "0.7.0"
 
-# A dict mapping the ID string of each Minecraft version supported by pyCraft
-# to the corresponding protocol version number. The ID string of a version is
-# the key used to identify it in
+# This bit occurs in the protocol numbers of pre-release versions after 1.16.3.
+PRE = 1 << 30
+
+# A record representing a Minecraft version in the following list.
+Version = namedtuple('Version', ('id', 'protocol', 'supported'))
+
+# A list of Minecraft versions known to pyCraft, including all supported
+# versions as well as some unsupported versions (used by certain forward-
+# compatible code: e.g. when comparing the current protocol version with that
+# of an unsupported version), in chronological order of publication.
+#
+# The ID string of a version is the key used to identify it in
 # <https://launchermeta.mojang.com/mc/game/version_manifest.json>, or the 'id'
 # key in "version.json" in the corresponding ".jar" file distributed by Mojang.
-SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS = {
-    '1.8':                  47,
-    '1.8.1':                47,
-    '1.8.2':                47,
-    '1.8.3':                47,
-    '1.8.4':                47,
-    '1.8.5':                47,
-    '1.8.6':                47,
-    '1.8.7':                47,
-    '1.8.8':                47,
-    '1.8.9':                47,
-    '1.9':                  107,
-    '1.9.1':                108,
-    '1.9.2':                109,
-    '1.9.3':                110,
-    '1.9.4':                110,
-    '1.10':                 210,
-    '1.10.1':               210,
-    '1.10.2':               210,
-    '16w32a':               301,
-    '16w32b':               302,
-    '16w33a':               303,
-    '16w35a':               304,
-    '16w36a':               305,
-    '16w38a':               306,
-    '16w39a':               307,
-    '16w39b':               308,
-    '16w39c':               309,
-    '16w40a':               310,
-    '16w41a':               311,
-    '16w42a':               312,
-    '16w43a':               313,
-    '16w44a':               313,
-    '1.11-pre1':            314,
-    '1.11':                 315,
-    '16w50a':               316,
-    '1.11.1':               316,
-    '1.11.2':               316,
-    '17w06a':               317,
-    '17w13a':               318,
-    '17w13b':               319,
-    '17w14a':               320,
-    '17w15a':               321,
-    '17w16a':               322,
-    '17w16b':               323,
-    '17w17a':               324,
-    '17w17b':               325,
-    '17w18a':               326,
-    '17w18b':               327,
-    '1.12-pre1':            328,
-    '1.12-pre2':            329,
-    '1.12-pre3':            330,
-    '1.12-pre4':            331,
-    '1.12-pre5':            332,
-    '1.12-pre6':            333,
-    '1.12-pre7':            334,
-    '1.12':                 335,
-    '17w31a':               336,
-    '1.12.1-pre1':          337,
-    '1.12.1':               338,
-    '1.12.2-pre1':          339,
-    '1.12.2-pre2':          339,
-    '1.12.2':               340,
-    '17w43a':               341,
-    '17w43b':               342,
-    '17w45a':               343,
-    '17w45b':               344,
-    '17w46a':               345,
-    '17w47a':               346,
-    '17w47b':               347,
-    '17w48a':               348,
-    '17w49a':               349,
-    '17w49b':               350,
-    '17w50a':               351,
-    '18w01a':               352,
-    '18w02a':               353,
-    '18w03a':               354,
-    '18w03b':               355,
-    '18w05a':               356,
-    '18w06a':               357,
-    '18w07a':               358,
-    '18w07b':               359,
-    '18w07c':               360,
-    '18w08a':               361,
-    '18w08b':               362,
-    '18w09a':               363,
-    '18w10a':               364,
-    '18w10b':               365,
-    '18w10c':               366,
-    '18w10d':               367,
-    '18w11a':               368,
-    '18w14a':               369,
-    '18w14b':               370,
-    '18w15a':               371,
-    '18w16a':               372,
-    '18w19a':               373,
-    '18w19b':               374,
-    '18w20a':               375,
-    '18w20b':               376,
-    '18w20c':               377,
-    '18w21a':               378,
-    '18w21b':               379,
-    '18w22a':               380,
-    '18w22b':               381,
-    '18w22c':               382,
-    '1.13-pre1':            383,
-    '1.13-pre2':            384,
-    '1.13-pre3':            385,
-    '1.13-pre4':            386,
-    '1.13-pre5':            387,
-    '1.13-pre6':            388,
-    '1.13-pre7':            389,
-    '1.13-pre8':            390,
-    '1.13-pre9':            391,
-    '1.13-pre10':           392,
-    '1.13':                 393,
-    '18w30a':               394,
-    '18w30b':               395,
-    '18w31a':               396,
-    '18w32a':               397,
-    '18w33a':               398,
-    '1.13.1-pre1':          399,
-    '1.13.1-pre2':          400,
-    '1.13.1':               401,
-    '1.13.2-pre1':          402,
-    '1.13.2-pre2':          403,
-    '1.13.2':               404,
-    '18w43a':               441,
-    '18w43b':               441,
-    '18w43c':               442,
-    '18w44a':               443,
-    '18w45a':               444,
-    '18w46a':               445,
-    '18w47a':               446,
-    '18w47b':               447,
-    '18w48a':               448,
-    '18w48b':               449,
-    '18w49a':               450,
-    '18w50a':               451,
-    '19w02a':               452,
-    '19w03a':               453,
-    '19w03b':               454,
-    '19w03c':               455,
-    '19w04a':               456,
-    '19w04b':               457,
-    '19w05a':               458,
-    '19w06a':               459,
-    '19w07a':               460,
-    '19w08a':               461,
-    '19w08b':               462,
-    '19w09a':               463,
-    '19w11a':               464,
-    '19w11b':               465,
-    '19w12a':               466,
-    '19w12b':               467,
-    '19w13a':               468,
-    '19w13b':               469,
-    '19w14a':               470,
-    '19w14b':               471,
-    '1.14 Pre-Release 1':   472,
-    '1.14 Pre-Release 2':   473,
-    '1.14 Pre-Release 3':   474,
-    '1.14 Pre-Release 4':   475,
-    '1.14 Pre-Release 5':   476,
-    '1.14':                 477,
-    '1.14.1 Pre-Release 1': 478,
-    '1.14.1 Pre-Release 2': 479,
-    '1.14.1':               480,
-    '1.14.2 Pre-Release 1': 481,
-    '1.14.2 Pre-Release 2': 482,
-    '1.14.2 Pre-Release 3': 483,
-    '1.14.2 Pre-Release 4': 484,
-    '1.14.2':               485,
-    '1.14.3-pre1':          486,
-    '1.14.3-pre2':          487,
-    '1.14.3-pre3':          488,
-    '1.14.3-pre4':          489,
-    '1.14.3':               490,
-    '1.14.4-pre1':          491,
-    '1.14.4-pre2':          492,
-    '1.14.4-pre3':          493,
-    '1.14.4-pre4':          494,
-    '1.14.4-pre5':          495,
-    '1.14.4-pre6':          496,
-    '1.14.4-pre7':          497,
-    '1.14.4':               498,
-    '19w34a':               550,
-    '19w35a':               551,
-    '19w36a':               552,
-    '19w37a':               553,
-    '19w38a':               554,
-    '19w38b':               555,
-    '19w39a':               556,
-    '19w40a':               557,
-    '19w41a':               558,
-    '19w42a':               559,
-    '19w44a':               560,
-    '19w45a':               561,
-    '19w45b':               562,
-    '19w46a':               563,
-    '19w46b':               564,
-    '1.15-pre1':            565,
-    '1.15-pre2':            566,
-    '1.15-pre3':            567,
-    '1.15-pre4':            569,
-    '1.15-pre5':            570,
-    '1.15-pre6':            571,
-    '1.15-pre7':            572,
-    '1.15':                 573,
-    '1.15.1-pre1':          574,
-    '1.15.1':               575,
-    '1.15.2-pre1':          576,
-    '1.15.2-pre2':          577,
-    '1.15.2':               578,
-    '20w06a':               701,
-    '20w07a':               702,
-    '20w08a':               703,
-    '20w09a':               704,
-    '20w10a':               705,
-    '20w11a':               706,
-    '20w12a':               707,
-    '20w13a':               708,
-    '20w13b':               709,
-    '20w14a':               710,
-    '20w15a':               711,
-    '20w16a':               712,
-    '20w17a':               713,
-    '20w18a':               714,
-    '20w19a':               715,
-    '20w20a':               716,
-    '20w20b':               717,
-    '20w21a':               718,
-    '20w22a':               719,
-    '1.16-pre1':            721,
-    '1.16-pre2':            722,
-    '1.16-pre3':            725,
-    '1.16-pre4':            727,
-    '1.16-pre5':            729,
-    '1.16-pre6':            730,
-    '1.16-pre7':            732,
-    '1.16-pre8':            733,
-    '1.16-rc1':             734,
-    '1.16':                 735,
-    '1.16.1':               736,
-    '20w27a':               738,
-    '20w28a':               740,
-    '20w29a':               741,
-    '20w30a':               743,
-    '1.16.2-pre1':          744,
-    '1.16.2-pre2':          746,
-    '1.16.2-pre3':          748,
-    '1.16.2-rc1':           749,
-    '1.16.2-rc2':           750,
-    '1.16.2':               751,
-    '1.16.3-rc1':           752,
-    '1.16.3':               753,
-    '1.16.4-pre1':   1073741825,
-    '1.16.4-pre2':   1073741826,
-    '1.16.4-rc1':    1073741827,
-    '1.16.4':               754,
-}
+KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSION_RECORDS = [
+    #       id                       protocol  supported
+    Version('13w41a',                0,        False),
+    Version('13w41b',                0,        False),
+    Version('13w42a',                1,        False),
+    Version('13w42b',                1,        False),
+    Version('13w43a',                2,        False),
+    Version('1.7-pre',               3,        False),
+    Version('1.7.1-pre',             3,        False),
+    Version('1.7.2',                 4,        True),
+    Version('13w47a',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w47b',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w47c',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w47d',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w47e',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w48a',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w48b',                4,        False),
+    Version('13w49a',                4,        False),
+    Version('1.7.3-pre',             4,        False),
+    Version('1.7.4',                 4,        True),
+    Version('1.7.5',                 4,        True),
+    Version('1.7.6-pre1',            5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.6-pre2',            5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.6',                 5,        True),
+    Version('1.7.7',                 5,        True),
+    Version('1.7.8',                 5,        True),
+    Version('1.7.9',                 5,        True),
+    Version('1.7.10-pre1',           5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.10-pre2',           5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.10-pre3',           5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.10-pre4',           5,        False),
+    Version('1.7.10',                5,        True),
+    Version('14w02a',                5,        False),
+    Version('14w02b',                5,        False),
+    Version('14w02c',                5,        False),
+    Version('14w03a',                6,        False),
+    Version('14w03b',                6,        False),
+    Version('14w04a',                7,        False),
+    Version('14w04b',                8,        False),
+    Version('14w05a',                9,        False),
+    Version('14w05b',                9,        False),
+    Version('14w06a',                10,       False),
+    Version('14w06b',                10,       False),
+    Version('14w07a',                11,       False),
+    Version('14w08a',                12,       False),
+    Version('14w10a',                13,       False),
+    Version('14w10b',                13,       False),
+    Version('14w10c',                13,       False),
+    Version('14w11a',                14,       False),
+    Version('14w11b',                14,       False),
+    Version('14w17a',                15,       False),
+    Version('14w18a',                16,       False),
+    Version('14w18b',                16,       False),
+    Version('14w19a',                17,       False),
+    Version('14w20a',                18,       False),
+    Version('14w20b',                18,       False),
+    Version('14w21a',                19,       False),
+    Version('14w21b',                20,       False),
+    Version('14w25a',                21,       False),
+    Version('14w25b',                22,       False),
+    Version('14w26a',                23,       False),
+    Version('14w26b',                24,       False),
+    Version('14w26c',                25,       False),
+    Version('14w27a',                26,       False),
+    Version('14w27b',                26,       False),
+    Version('14w28a',                27,       False),
+    Version('14w28b',                28,       False),
+    Version('14w29a',                29,       False),
+    Version('14w29a',                29,       False),
+    Version('14w30a',                30,       False),
+    Version('14w30b',                30,       False),
+    Version('14w30c',                31,       False),
+    Version('14w31a',                32,       False),
+    Version('14w32a',                33,       False),
+    Version('14w32b',                34,       False),
+    Version('14w32c',                35,       False),
+    Version('14w32d',                36,       False),
+    Version('14w33a',                37,       False),
+    Version('14w33b',                38,       False),
+    Version('14w33c',                39,       False),
+    Version('14w34a',                40,       False),
+    Version('14w34b',                41,       False),
+    Version('14w34c',                42,       False),
+    Version('14w34d',                43,       False),
+    Version('1.8-pre1',              44,       False),
+    Version('1.8-pre2',              45,       False),
+    Version('1.8-pre3',              46,       False),
+    Version('1.8',                   47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.1-pre1',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.1-pre2',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.1-pre3',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.1-pre4',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.1-pre5',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.1',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre1',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre2',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre3',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre4',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre5',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre6',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2-pre7',            47,       False),
+    Version('1.8.2',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.3',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.4',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.5',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.6',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.7',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.8',                 47,       True),
+    Version('1.8.9',                 47,       True),
+    Version('15w14a',                48,       False),
+    Version('15w31a',                49,       False),
+    Version('15w31b',                50,       False),
+    Version('15w31c',                51,       False),
+    Version('15w32a',                52,       False),
+    Version('15w32b',                53,       False),
+    Version('15w32c',                54,       False),
+    Version('15w33a',                55,       False),
+    Version('15w33b',                56,       False),
+    Version('15w33c',                57,       False),
+    Version('15w34a',                58,       False),
+    Version('15w34b',                59,       False),
+    Version('15w34c',                60,       False),
+    Version('15w34d',                61,       False),
+    Version('15w35a',                62,       False),
+    Version('15w35b',                63,       False),
+    Version('15w35c',                64,       False),
+    Version('15w35d',                65,       False),
+    Version('15w35e',                66,       False),
+    Version('15w36a',                67,       False),
+    Version('15w36b',                68,       False),
+    Version('15w36c',                69,       False),
+    Version('15w36d',                70,       False),
+    Version('15w37a',                71,       False),
+    Version('15w38a',                72,       False),
+    Version('15w38b',                73,       False),
+    Version('15w39a',                74,       False),
+    Version('15w39b',                74,       False),
+    Version('15w39c',                74,       False),
+    Version('15w40a',                75,       False),
+    Version('15w40b',                76,       False),
+    Version('15w41a',                77,       False),
+    Version('15w41b',                78,       False),
+    Version('15w42a',                79,       False),
+    Version('15w43a',                80,       False),
+    Version('15w43b',                81,       False),
+    Version('15w43c',                82,       False),
+    Version('15w44a',                83,       False),
+    Version('15w44b',                84,       False),
+    Version('15w45a',                85,       False),
+    Version('15w46a',                86,       False),
+    Version('15w47a',                87,       False),
+    Version('15w47b',                88,       False),
+    Version('15w47c',                89,       False),
+    Version('15w49a',                90,       False),
+    Version('15w49b',                91,       False),
+    Version('15w50a',                92,       False),
+    Version('15w51a',                93,       False),
+    Version('15w51b',                94,       False),
+    Version('16w02a',                95,       False),
+    Version('16w03a',                96,       False),
+    Version('16w04a',                97,       False),
+    Version('16w05a',                98,       False),
+    Version('16w05b',                99,       False),
+    Version('16w06a',                100,      False),
+    Version('16w07a',                101,      False),
+    Version('16w07b',                102,      False),
+    Version('1.9-pre1',              103,      False),
+    Version('1.9-pre2',              104,      False),
+    Version('1.9-pre3',              105,      False),
+    Version('1.9-pre4',              106,      False),
+    Version('1.9',                   107,      True),
+    Version('1.9.1-pre1',            107,      False),
+    Version('1.9.1-pre2',            108,      False),
+    Version('1.9.1-pre3',            108,      False),
+    Version('1.9.1',                 108,      True),
+    Version('1.RV-Pre1',             108,      False),
+    Version('1.9.2',                 109,      True),
+    Version('16w14a',                109,      False),
+    Version('16w15a',                109,      False),
+    Version('16w15b',                109,      False),
+    Version('1.9.3-pre1',            109,      False),
+    Version('1.9.3-pre2',            110,      False),
+    Version('1.9.3-pre3',            110,      False),
+    Version('1.9.3',                 110,      True),
+    Version('1.9.4',                 110,      True),
+    Version('16w20a',                201,      False),
+    Version('16w21a',                202,      False),
+    Version('16w21b',                203,      False),
+    Version('1.10-pre1',             204,      False),
+    Version('1.10-pre2',             205,      False),
+    Version('1.10',                  210,      True),
+    Version('1.10.1',                210,      True),
+    Version('1.10.2',                210,      True),
+    Version('16w32a',                301,      True),
+    Version('16w32b',                302,      True),
+    Version('16w33a',                303,      True),
+    Version('16w35a',                304,      True),
+    Version('16w36a',                305,      True),
+    Version('16w38a',                306,      True),
+    Version('16w39a',                307,      True),
+    Version('16w39b',                308,      True),
+    Version('16w39c',                309,      True),
+    Version('16w40a',                310,      True),
+    Version('16w41a',                311,      True),
+    Version('16w42a',                312,      True),
+    Version('16w43a',                313,      True),
+    Version('16w44a',                313,      True),
+    Version('1.11-pre1',             314,      True),
+    Version('1.11',                  315,      True),
+    Version('16w50a',                316,      True),
+    Version('1.11.1',                316,      True),
+    Version('1.11.2',                316,      True),
+    Version('17w06a',                317,      True),
+    Version('17w13a',                318,      True),
+    Version('17w13b',                319,      True),
+    Version('17w14a',                320,      True),
+    Version('17w15a',                321,      True),
+    Version('17w16a',                322,      True),
+    Version('17w16b',                323,      True),
+    Version('17w17a',                324,      True),
+    Version('17w17b',                325,      True),
+    Version('17w18a',                326,      True),
+    Version('17w18b',                327,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre1',             328,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre2',             329,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre3',             330,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre4',             331,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre5',             332,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre6',             333,      True),
+    Version('1.12-pre7',             334,      True),
+    Version('1.12',                  335,      True),
+    Version('17w31a',                336,      True),
+    Version('1.12.1-pre1',           337,      True),
+    Version('1.12.1',                338,      True),
+    Version('1.12.2-pre1',           339,      True),
+    Version('1.12.2-pre2',           339,      True),
+    Version('1.12.2',                340,      True),
+    Version('17w43a',                341,      True),
+    Version('17w43b',                342,      True),
+    Version('17w45a',                343,      True),
+    Version('17w45b',                344,      True),
+    Version('17w46a',                345,      True),
+    Version('17w47a',                346,      True),
+    Version('17w47b',                347,      True),
+    Version('17w48a',                348,      True),
+    Version('17w49a',                349,      True),
+    Version('17w49b',                350,      True),
+    Version('17w50a',                351,      True),
+    Version('18w01a',                352,      True),
+    Version('18w02a',                353,      True),
+    Version('18w03a',                354,      True),
+    Version('18w03b',                355,      True),
+    Version('18w05a',                356,      True),
+    Version('18w06a',                357,      True),
+    Version('18w07a',                358,      True),
+    Version('18w07b',                359,      True),
+    Version('18w07c',                360,      True),
+    Version('18w08a',                361,      True),
+    Version('18w08b',                362,      True),
+    Version('18w09a',                363,      True),
+    Version('18w10a',                364,      True),
+    Version('18w10b',                365,      True),
+    Version('18w10c',                366,      True),
+    Version('18w10d',                367,      True),
+    Version('18w11a',                368,      True),
+    Version('18w14a',                369,      True),
+    Version('18w14b',                370,      True),
+    Version('18w15a',                371,      True),
+    Version('18w16a',                372,      True),
+    Version('18w19a',                373,      True),
+    Version('18w19b',                374,      True),
+    Version('18w20a',                375,      True),
+    Version('18w20b',                376,      True),
+    Version('18w20c',                377,      True),
+    Version('18w21a',                378,      True),
+    Version('18w21b',                379,      True),
+    Version('18w22a',                380,      True),
+    Version('18w22b',                381,      True),
+    Version('18w22c',                382,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre1',             383,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre2',             384,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre3',             385,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre4',             386,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre5',             387,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre6',             388,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre7',             389,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre8',             390,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre9',             391,      True),
+    Version('1.13-pre10',            392,      True),
+    Version('1.13',                  393,      True),
+    Version('18w30a',                394,      True),
+    Version('18w30b',                395,      True),
+    Version('18w31a',                396,      True),
+    Version('18w32a',                397,      True),
+    Version('18w33a',                398,      True),
+    Version('1.13.1-pre1',           399,      True),
+    Version('1.13.1-pre2',           400,      True),
+    Version('1.13.1',                401,      True),
+    Version('1.13.2-pre1',           402,      True),
+    Version('1.13.2-pre2',           403,      True),
+    Version('1.13.2',                404,      True),
+    Version('18w43a',                441,      True),
+    Version('18w43b',                441,      True),
+    Version('18w43c',                442,      True),
+    Version('18w44a',                443,      True),
+    Version('18w45a',                444,      True),
+    Version('18w46a',                445,      True),
+    Version('18w47a',                446,      True),
+    Version('18w47b',                447,      True),
+    Version('18w48a',                448,      True),
+    Version('18w48b',                449,      True),
+    Version('18w49a',                450,      True),
+    Version('18w50a',                451,      True),
+    Version('19w02a',                452,      True),
+    Version('19w03a',                453,      True),
+    Version('19w03b',                454,      True),
+    Version('19w03c',                455,      True),
+    Version('19w04a',                456,      True),
+    Version('19w04b',                457,      True),
+    Version('19w05a',                458,      True),
+    Version('19w06a',                459,      True),
+    Version('19w07a',                460,      True),
+    Version('19w08a',                461,      True),
+    Version('19w08b',                462,      True),
+    Version('19w09a',                463,      True),
+    Version('19w11a',                464,      True),
+    Version('19w11b',                465,      True),
+    Version('19w12a',                466,      True),
+    Version('19w12b',                467,      True),
+    Version('19w13a',                468,      True),
+    Version('19w13b',                469,      True),
+    Version('19w14a',                470,      True),
+    Version('19w14b',                471,      True),
+    Version('1.14 Pre-Release 1',    472,      True),
+    Version('1.14 Pre-Release 2',    473,      True),
+    Version('1.14 Pre-Release 3',    474,      True),
+    Version('1.14 Pre-Release 4',    475,      True),
+    Version('1.14 Pre-Release 5',    476,      True),
+    Version('1.14',                  477,      True),
+    Version('1.14.1 Pre-Release 1',  478,      True),
+    Version('1.14.1 Pre-Release 2',  479,      True),
+    Version('1.14.1',                480,      True),
+    Version('1.14.2 Pre-Release 1',  481,      True),
+    Version('1.14.2 Pre-Release 2',  482,      True),
+    Version('1.14.2 Pre-Release 3',  483,      True),
+    Version('1.14.2 Pre-Release 4',  484,      True),
+    Version('1.14.2',                485,      True),
+    Version('1.14.3-pre1',           486,      True),
+    Version('1.14.3-pre2',           487,      True),
+    Version('1.14.3-pre3',           488,      True),
+    Version('1.14.3-pre4',           489,      True),
+    Version('1.14.3',                490,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre1',           491,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre2',           492,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre3',           493,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre4',           494,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre5',           495,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre6',           496,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4-pre7',           497,      True),
+    Version('1.14.4',                498,      True),
+    Version('19w34a',                550,      True),
+    Version('19w35a',                551,      True),
+    Version('19w36a',                552,      True),
+    Version('19w37a',                553,      True),
+    Version('19w38a',                554,      True),
+    Version('19w38b',                555,      True),
+    Version('19w39a',                556,      True),
+    Version('19w40a',                557,      True),
+    Version('19w41a',                558,      True),
+    Version('19w42a',                559,      True),
+    Version('19w44a',                560,      True),
+    Version('19w45a',                561,      True),
+    Version('19w45b',                562,      True),
+    Version('19w46a',                563,      True),
+    Version('19w46b',                564,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre1',             565,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre2',             566,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre3',             567,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre4',             569,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre5',             570,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre6',             571,      True),
+    Version('1.15-pre7',             572,      True),
+    Version('1.15',                  573,      True),
+    Version('1.15.1-pre1',           574,      True),
+    Version('1.15.1',                575,      True),
+    Version('1.15.2-pre1',           576,      True),
+    Version('1.15.2-pre2',           577,      True),
+    Version('1.15.2',                578,      True),
+    Version('20w06a',                701,      True),
+    Version('20w07a',                702,      True),
+    Version('20w08a',                703,      True),
+    Version('20w09a',                704,      True),
+    Version('20w10a',                705,      True),
+    Version('20w11a',                706,      True),
+    Version('20w12a',                707,      True),
+    Version('20w13a',                708,      True),
+    Version('20w13b',                709,      True),
+    Version('20w14a',                710,      True),
+    Version('20w15a',                711,      True),
+    Version('20w16a',                712,      True),
+    Version('20w17a',                713,      True),
+    Version('20w18a',                714,      True),
+    Version('20w19a',                715,      True),
+    Version('20w20a',                716,      True),
+    Version('20w20b',                717,      True),
+    Version('20w21a',                718,      True),
+    Version('20w22a',                719,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre1',             721,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre2',             722,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre3',             725,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre4',             727,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre5',             729,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre6',             730,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre7',             732,      True),
+    Version('1.16-pre8',             733,      True),
+    Version('1.16-rc1',              734,      True),
+    Version('1.16',                  735,      True),
+    Version('1.16.1',                736,      True),
+    Version('20w27a',                738,      True),
+    Version('20w28a',                740,      True),
+    Version('20w29a',                741,      True),
+    Version('20w30a',                743,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2-pre1',           744,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2-pre2',           746,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2-pre3',           748,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2-rc1',            749,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2-rc2',            750,      True),
+    Version('1.16.2',                751,      True),
+    Version('1.16.3-rc1',            752,      True),
+    Version('1.16.3',                753,      True),
+    Version('1.16.4-pre1',           PRE | 1,  True),
+    Version('1.16.4-pre2',           PRE | 2,  True),
+    Version('1.16.4-rc1',            PRE | 3,  True),
+    Version('1.16.4',                754,      True),
+    Version('20w45a',                PRE | 5,  False),
+    Version('20w46a',                PRE | 6,  False),
+    Version('20w48a',                PRE | 7,  False),
+]
 
-# Those Minecraft versions supported by pyCraft which are "release" versions,
-# i.e. not development snapshots or pre-release versions.
-RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS = {}
+# An OrderedDict mapping the id string of each known Minecraft version to its
+# protocol version number, in chronological order of release.
+KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS = OrderedDict()
 
-# The protocol versions of SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, without duplicates,
-# in ascending numerical (and hence chronological) order.
+# As KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, but only contains versions supported by pyCraft.
+SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS = OrderedDict()
+
+# As SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, but only contains release versions.
+RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS = OrderedDict()
+
+# A list of the protocol version numbers in KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS
+# in the same order (chronological) but without duplicates.
+KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS = []
+
+# A list of the protocol version numbers in SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS
+# in the same order (chronological) but without duplicates.
 SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS = []
 
-# The protocol versions of RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, without duplicates,
-# in ascending numerical (and hence chronological) order.
+# A list of the protocol version numbers in RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS
+# in the same order (chronological) but without duplicates.
 RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS = []
 
+# A dict mapping each protocol version number in KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS to
+# its index within this list (used for efficient comparison of protocol
+# versions according to chronological release order).
+PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES = {}
 
-def initglobals():
-    '''Init the globals from the SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS dict
 
-    This allows the SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS dict to be updated, then the
-    other globals can be updated as well, to allow for dynamic version support.
-    All updates are done by reference to allow this to work else where in the
-    code.
+def initglobals(use_known_records=False):
+    '''Initialise the above global variables, using
+       'SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS' as the source if 'use_known_records' is
+       False (for backward compatibility, this is the default behaviour), or
+       otherwise using 'KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSION_RECORDS' as the source.
+
+       This allows 'SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS' or, respectively,
+       'KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSION_RECORDS' to be updated by the library user
+       during runtime and then the derived data to be updated as well, to allow
+       for dynamic version support. All updates are done by reference to allow
+       this to work elsewhere in the code.
     '''
-    global RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS
-    global RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS
+    if use_known_records:
+        # Update the variables that depend on KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSION_RECORDS.
+        KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.clear()
+        KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.clear()
+        SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.clear()
+        PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES.clear()
+        for version in KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSION_RECORDS:
+            KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS[version.id] = version.protocol
+            if version.protocol not in KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS:
+                PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[version.protocol] \
+                    = len(KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS)
+                KNOWN_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.append(version.protocol)
+            if version.supported:
+                SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS[version.id] = version.protocol
 
-    import re
-
-    for (vid, protocol) in SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items():
-        if re.match(r"\d+(\.\d+)+$", vid):
-            RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS[vid] = protocol
+    # Update the variables that depend on SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.
+    SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.clear()
+    RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.clear()
+    RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.clear()
+    for (version_id, protocol) in SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items():
+        if re.match(r'\d+(\.\d+)+$', version_id):
+            RELEASE_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS[version_id] = protocol
             if protocol not in RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS:
                 RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.append(protocol)
         if protocol not in SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS:
             SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.append(protocol)
 
-    SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.sort()
-    RELEASE_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS.sort()
 
-
-initglobals()
+initglobals(use_known_records=True)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/connection.py b/minecraft/networking/connection.py
index 5713295..c2c40ee 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/connection.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/connection.py
@@ -11,9 +11,11 @@ import re
 
 from .types import VarInt
 from .packets import clientbound, serverbound
-from . import packets
-from . import encryption
-from .. import SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS, SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS
+from . import packets, encryption
+from .. import (
+    utility, KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS,
+    SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS, PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES
+)
 from ..exceptions import (
     VersionMismatch, LoginDisconnect, IgnorePacket, InvalidState
 )
@@ -31,6 +33,26 @@ class ConnectionContext(object):
     def __init__(self, **kwds):
         self.protocol_version = kwds.get('protocol_version')
 
+    def protocol_earlier(self, other_pv):
+        """Returns True if the protocol version of this context was published
+           earlier than 'other_pv', or else False."""
+        return utility.protocol_earlier(self.protocol_version, other_pv)
+
+    def protocol_earlier_eq(self, other_pv):
+        """Returns True if the protocol version of this context was published
+           earlier than, or is equal to, 'other_pv', or else False."""
+        return utility.protocol_earlier_eq(self.protocol_version, other_pv)
+
+    def protocol_later(self, other_pv):
+        """Returns True if the protocol version of this context was published
+           later than 'other_pv', or else False."""
+        return utility.protocol_earlier(other_pv, self.protocol_version)
+
+    def protocol_later_eq(self, other_pv):
+        """Returns True if the protocol version of this context was published
+           later than, or is equal to, 'other_pv', or else False."""
+        return utility.protocol_earlier_eq(other_pv, self.protocol_version)
+
 
 class _ConnectionOptions(object):
     def __init__(self, address=None, port=None, compression_threshold=-1,
@@ -129,13 +151,15 @@ class Connection(object):
             allowed_versions = set(map(proto_version, allowed_versions))
             self.allowed_proto_versions = allowed_versions
 
+        latest_allowed_proto = max(self.allowed_proto_versions,
+                                   key=PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES.get)
+
         if initial_version is None:
-            self.default_proto_version = max(self.allowed_proto_versions)
+            self.default_proto_version = latest_allowed_proto
         else:
             self.default_proto_version = proto_version(initial_version)
 
-        self.context = ConnectionContext(
-            protocol_version=max(self.allowed_proto_versions))
+        self.context = ConnectionContext(protocol_version=latest_allowed_proto)
 
         self.options = _ConnectionOptions()
         self.options.address = address
@@ -362,7 +386,9 @@ class Connection(object):
             # It is important that this is set correctly even when connecting
             # in status mode, as some servers, e.g. SpigotMC with the
             # ProtocolSupport plugin, use it to determine the correct response.
-            self.context.protocol_version = max(self.allowed_proto_versions)
+            self.context.protocol_version \
+                = max(self.allowed_proto_versions,
+                      key=PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES.get)
 
             self.spawned = False
             self._connect()
@@ -496,7 +522,7 @@ class Connection(object):
 
     def _version_mismatch(self, server_protocol=None, server_version=None):
         if server_protocol is None:
-            server_protocol = SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.get(server_version)
+            server_protocol = KNOWN_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.get(server_version)
 
         if server_protocol is None:
             vs = 'version' if server_version is None else \
@@ -751,7 +777,7 @@ class PlayingReactor(PacketReactor):
             self.connection.write_packet(keep_alive_packet)
 
         elif packet.packet_name == "player position and look":
-            if self.connection.context.protocol_version >= 107:
+            if self.connection.context.protocol_later_eq(107):
                 teleport_confirm = serverbound.play.TeleportConfirmPacket()
                 teleport_confirm.teleport_id = packet.teleport_id
                 self.connection.write_packet(teleport_confirm)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/__init__.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/__init__.py
index 149887c..e1028ff 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/__init__.py
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 '''
-NOTE: The packet classes in __all_legacy_packets__ exported by this
-module are included only for backward compatibility, and should not
-be used in new code, as (1) they do not include all packets present
-in pyCraft, and (2) some are named oddly, for historical reasons.
+NOTE: The packet classes exported by this module are included only for backward
+compatibility, and should not be used in new code, as (1) they do not include
+all packets present in pyCraft, and (2) some are named oddly, for historical
+reasons.
 
 Use the packet classes under packets.clientbound.* and
 packets.serverbound.* instead.
@@ -60,26 +60,3 @@ from .serverbound.play import PositionAndLookPacket
 from .serverbound.play import TeleportConfirmPacket
 from .serverbound.play import AnimationPacket as AnimationPacketServerbound
 from .serverbound.play import get_packets as state_playing_serverbound
-
-__all_legacy_packets__ = (
-    state_handshake_clientbound, HandShakePacket,
-    state_handshake_serverbound, ResponsePacket,
-    PingPacketResponse, state_status_clientbound,
-    RequestPacket, PingPacket, state_status_serverbound,
-    DisconnectPacket, EncryptionRequestPacket, LoginSuccessPacket,
-    SetCompressionPacket, state_login_clientbound,
-    LoginStartPacket, EncryptionResponsePacket,
-    state_login_serverbound, KeepAlivePacketClientbound,
-    KeepAlivePacketServerbound, JoinGamePacket, ChatMessagePacket,
-    PlayerPositionAndLookPacket, DisconnectPacketPlayState,
-    SetCompressionPacketPlayState, PlayerListItemPacket,
-    MapPacket, state_playing_clientbound, ChatPacket,
-    PositionAndLookPacket, TeleportConfirmPacket,
-    AnimationPacketServerbound, state_playing_serverbound,
-    KeepAlivePacket,
-)
-
-__all_other__ = (
-    Packet, PacketBuffer, PacketListener,
-    AbstractKeepAlivePacket, AbstractPluginMessagePacket,
-)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/login/__init__.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/login/__init__.py
index 38e0d8b..8b08dc0 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/login/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/login/__init__.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ def get_packets(context):
         LoginSuccessPacket,
         SetCompressionPacket,
     }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 385:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(385):
         packets |= {
             PluginRequestPacket,
         }
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ def get_packets(context):
 class DisconnectPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x00 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x01 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x00 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x01 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x00
 
     packet_name = "disconnect"
@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ class DisconnectPacket(Packet):
 class EncryptionRequestPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x01 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x01 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x01
 
     packet_name = "encryption request"
@@ -49,13 +49,13 @@ class EncryptionRequestPacket(Packet):
 class LoginSuccessPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x02
 
     packet_name = "login success"
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
-        {'UUID': UUID if context.protocol_version >= 707 else String},
+        {'UUID': UUID if context.protocol_later_eq(707) else String},
         {'Username': String}
     ])
 
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ class LoginSuccessPacket(Packet):
 class SetCompressionPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x03
 
     packet_name = "set compression"
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ class PluginRequestPacket(Packet):
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
+        return 0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
                0x00
 
     packet_name = 'login plugin request'
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/__init__.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/__init__.py
index 1afe9f6..b1c13f8 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/__init__.py
@@ -46,15 +46,15 @@ def get_packets(context):
         PlayerListHeaderAndFooterPacket,
         EntityLookPacket
     }
-    if context.protocol_version <= 47:
+    if context.protocol_earlier_eq(47):
         packets |= {
             SetCompressionPacket,
         }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 94:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(94):
         packets |= {
             SoundEffectPacket,
         }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 352:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(352):
         packets |= {
             FacePlayerPacket
         }
@@ -64,32 +64,32 @@ def get_packets(context):
 class KeepAlivePacket(AbstractKeepAlivePacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x21 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x21 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x21 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x21 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x00
 
 
 class ServerDifficultyPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x0D if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x0D if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x0D if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x0D if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x0D if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x0D if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x41
 
     packet_name = 'server difficulty'
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'difficulty': UnsignedByte},
-        {'is_locked': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 464 else {},
+        {'is_locked': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else {},
     ])
 
     # These aliases declare the Enum type corresponding to each field:
@@ -99,19 +99,19 @@ class ServerDifficultyPacket(Packet):
 class ChatMessagePacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 317 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(317) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x02
 
     packet_name = "chat message"
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'json_data': String},
         {'position': Byte},
-        {'sender': UUID} if context.protocol_version >= 718 else {},
+        {'sender': UUID} if context.protocol_later_eq(718) else {},
     ])
 
     class Position(Enum):
@@ -123,14 +123,14 @@ class ChatMessagePacket(Packet):
 class DisconnectPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x19 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x1B if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x1B if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x1B if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x19 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x1B if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x1B if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x1B if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x40
 
     packet_name = "disconnect"
@@ -150,23 +150,23 @@ class SetCompressionPacket(Packet):
 class SpawnPlayerPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x05 if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x05 if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x0C
 
     packet_name = 'spawn player'
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'entity_id': VarInt},
         {'player_UUID': UUID},
-        {'x': Double} if context.protocol_version >= 100
+        {'x': Double} if context.protocol_later_eq(100)
         else {'x': FixedPoint(Integer)},
-        {'y': Double} if context.protocol_version >= 100
+        {'y': Double} if context.protocol_later_eq(100)
         else {'y': FixedPoint(Integer)},
-        {'z': Double} if context.protocol_version >= 100
+        {'z': Double} if context.protocol_later_eq(100)
         else {'z': FixedPoint(Integer)},
         {'yaw': Angle},
         {'pitch': Angle},
-        {'current_item': Short} if context.protocol_version <= 49 else {},
+        {'current_item': Short} if context.protocol_earlier_eq(49) else {},
         # TODO: read entity metadata (protocol < 550)
     ])
 
@@ -186,20 +186,20 @@ class SpawnPlayerPacket(Packet):
 class EntityVelocityPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x46 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x47 if context.protocol_version >= 707 else \
-               0x46 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x45 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x41 if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x42 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x41 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x40 if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x3F if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x3E if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x3D if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x3B if context.protocol_version >= 86 else \
-               0x3C if context.protocol_version >= 77 else \
-               0x3B if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x46 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x47 if context.protocol_later_eq(707) else \
+               0x46 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x45 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x41 if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x42 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x41 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x40 if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x3F if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x3E if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x3D if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x3B if context.protocol_later_eq(86) else \
+               0x3C if context.protocol_later_eq(77) else \
+               0x3B if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x12
 
     packet_name = 'entity velocity'
@@ -214,14 +214,14 @@ class EntityVelocityPacket(Packet):
 class EntityPositionDeltaPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x28 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x29 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x28 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x26 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
-               0x26 if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x28 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x29 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x28 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x26 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
+               0x26 if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x15
 
     packet_name = "entity position delta"
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ class EntityPositionDeltaPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_definition(context):
         delta_type = FixedPoint(Short, 12) \
-                     if context.protocol_version >= 106 else \
+                     if context.protocol_later_eq(106) else \
                      FixedPoint(Byte)
         return [
             {'entity_id': VarInt},
@@ -253,18 +253,18 @@ class EntityPositionDeltaPacket(Packet):
 class TimeUpdatePacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x4E if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x4F if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x4E if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x4A if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x4B if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x4A if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x49 if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x48 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x47 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x46 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x44 if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
-               0x43 if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x4E if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x4F if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x4E if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x4A if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x4B if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x4A if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x49 if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x48 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x47 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x46 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x44 if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
+               0x43 if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x03
 
     packet_name = "time update"
@@ -277,20 +277,20 @@ class TimeUpdatePacket(Packet):
 class UpdateHealthPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x49 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x4A if context.protocol_version >= 707 else \
-               0x49 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x48 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x44 if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x45 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x44 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x43 if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x42 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x41 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x40 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x3E if context.protocol_version >= 86 else \
-               0x3F if context.protocol_version >= 77 else \
-               0x3E if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x49 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x4A if context.protocol_later_eq(707) else \
+               0x49 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x48 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x44 if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x45 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x44 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x43 if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x42 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x41 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x40 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x3E if context.protocol_later_eq(86) else \
+               0x3F if context.protocol_later_eq(77) else \
+               0x3E if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x06
 
     packet_name = 'update health'
@@ -304,31 +304,31 @@ class UpdateHealthPacket(Packet):
 class PluginMessagePacket(AbstractPluginMessagePacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x17 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x18 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x19 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x18 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x19 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x18 if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x19 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x18 if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x17 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x18 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x19 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x18 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x19 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x18 if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x19 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x18 if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x3F
 
 
 class PlayerListHeaderAndFooterPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x53 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x54 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x53 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x5F if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x50 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x4F if context.protocol_version >= 441 else \
-               0x4E if context.protocol_version >= 393 else \
-               0x4A if context.protocol_version >= 338 else \
-               0x49 if context.protocol_version >= 335 else \
-               0x47 if context.protocol_version >= 110 else \
-               0x48 if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x53 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x54 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x53 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x5F if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x50 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x4F if context.protocol_later_eq(441) else \
+               0x4E if context.protocol_later_eq(393) else \
+               0x4A if context.protocol_later_eq(338) else \
+               0x49 if context.protocol_later_eq(335) else \
+               0x47 if context.protocol_later_eq(110) else \
+               0x48 if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x47
 
     packet_name = 'player list header and footer'
@@ -340,14 +340,14 @@ class PlayerListHeaderAndFooterPacket(Packet):
 class EntityLookPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x29 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x2A if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x2B if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x2A if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x29 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x28 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
-               0x28 if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x29 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x2A if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x2B if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x2A if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x29 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x28 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
+               0x28 if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x16
 
     packet_name = 'entity look'
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/block_change_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/block_change_packet.py
index ca9c73f..a7c7403 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/block_change_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/block_change_packet.py
@@ -9,12 +9,12 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class BlockChangePacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x0C if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x0C if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
-               0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 62 else \
+        return 0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x0C if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x0C if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
+               0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(62) else \
                0x23
 
     packet_name = 'block change'
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ class BlockChangePacket(Packet):
         {'block_state_id': VarInt}]
     block_state_id = 0
 
-    # For protocols < 347: an accessor for (block_state_id >> 4).
+    # For protocols before 347: an accessor for (block_state_id >> 4).
     @property
     def blockId(self):
         return self.block_state_id >> 4
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class BlockChangePacket(Packet):
     def blockId(self, block_id):
         self.block_state_id = (self.block_state_id & 0xF) | (block_id << 4)
 
-    # For protocols < 347: an accessor for (block_state_id & 0xF).
+    # For protocols before 347: an accessor for (block_state_id & 0xF).
     @property
     def blockMeta(self):
         return self.block_state_id & 0xF
@@ -48,13 +48,13 @@ class BlockChangePacket(Packet):
 class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x3B if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x11 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x3B if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x11 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x22
 
     packet_name = 'multi block change'
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
         # Access the 'x', 'y', 'z' fields as a Vector of ints.
         position = multi_attribute_alias(Vector, 'x', 'y', 'z')
 
-        # For protocols < 347: an accessor for (block_state_id >> 4).
+        # For protocols before 347: an accessor for (block_state_id >> 4).
         @property
         def blockId(self):
             return self.block_state_id >> 4
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
         def blockId(self, block_id):
             self.block_state_id = self.block_state_id & 0xF | block_id << 4
 
-        # For protocols < 347: an accessor for (block_state_id & 0xF).
+        # For protocols before 347: an accessor for (block_state_id & 0xF).
         @property
         def blockMeta(self):
             return self.block_state_id & 0xF
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
         @classmethod
         def read_with_context(cls, file_object, context):
             record = cls()
-            if context.protocol_version >= 741:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(741):
                 value = VarLong.read(file_object)
                 record.block_state_id = value >> 12
                 record.x = (value >> 8) & 0xF
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
 
         @classmethod
         def send_with_context(self, record, socket, context):
-            if context.protocol_version >= 741:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(741):
                 value = record.block_state_id << 12 | \
                         (record.x & 0xF) << 8 | \
                         (record.z & 0xF) << 4 | \
@@ -141,9 +141,9 @@ class MultiBlockChangePacket(Packet):
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'chunk_section_pos': MultiBlockChangePacket.ChunkSectionPos},
         {'invert_trust_edges': Boolean}
-        if context.protocol_version >= 748 else {},  # Provisional field name.
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(748) else {},  # Provisional field name.
         {'records': PrefixedArray(VarInt, MultiBlockChangePacket.Record)},
-    ] if context.protocol_version >= 741 else [
+    ] if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else [
         {'chunk_x': Integer},
         {'chunk_z': Integer},
         {'records': PrefixedArray(VarInt, MultiBlockChangePacket.Record)},
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/combat_event_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/combat_event_packet.py
index db53734..b06fc0c 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/combat_event_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/combat_event_packet.py
@@ -8,19 +8,19 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class CombatEventPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x31 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x32 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x32 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x30 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x2F if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 86 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 80 else \
-               0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x31 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x32 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x32 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x30 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x2F if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(86) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(80) else \
+               0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x42
 
     packet_name = 'combat event'
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/explosion_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/explosion_packet.py
index 71a4af2..fe2745e 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/explosion_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/explosion_packet.py
@@ -7,16 +7,16 @@ from minecraft.networking.packets import Packet
 class ExplosionPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x1B if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x1E if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 80 else \
-               0x1B if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x1B if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x1E if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(80) else \
+               0x1B if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x27
 
     packet_name = 'explosion'
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/face_player_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/face_player_packet.py
index 4aca89d..4af3b76 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/face_player_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/face_player_packet.py
@@ -8,12 +8,12 @@ from minecraft.networking.packets import Packet
 class FacePlayerPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x34 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x35 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x34 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x32 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x31 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
+        return 0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x34 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x35 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x34 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x32 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x31 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
                0x30
 
     packet_name = 'face player'
@@ -21,14 +21,14 @@ class FacePlayerPacket(Packet):
     @property
     def fields(self):
         return ('origin', 'x', 'y', 'z', 'entity_id', 'entity_origin') \
-               if self.context.protocol_version >= 353 else \
+               if self.context.protocol_later_eq(353) else \
                ('entity_id', 'x', 'y', 'z')
 
     # Access the 'x', 'y', 'z' fields as a Vector tuple.
     target = multi_attribute_alias(Vector, 'x', 'y', 'z')
 
     def read(self, file_object):
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 353:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(353):
             self.origin = VarInt.read(file_object)
             self.x = Double.read(file_object)
             self.y = Double.read(file_object)
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class FacePlayerPacket(Packet):
                 self.z = Double.read(file_object)
 
     def write_fields(self, packet_buffer):
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 353:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(353):
             VarInt.send(self.origin, packet_buffer)
             Double.send(self.x, packet_buffer)
             Double.send(self.y, packet_buffer)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/join_game_and_respawn_packets.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/join_game_and_respawn_packets.py
index f94a07b..109d27d 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/join_game_and_respawn_packets.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/join_game_and_respawn_packets.py
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ class AbstractDimensionPacket(Packet):
     '''
     def field_string(self, field):
         # pylint: disable=no-member
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 748 and field == 'dimension':
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(748) and field == 'dimension':
             return nbt_to_snbt(self.dimension)
-        elif self.context.protocol_version < 718 and field == 'dimension':
+        elif self.context.protocol_earlier(718) and field == 'dimension':
             return Dimension.name_from_value(self.dimension)
         return super(AbstractDimensionPacket, self).field_string(field)
 
@@ -58,43 +58,43 @@ class AbstractDimensionPacket(Packet):
 class JoinGamePacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x26 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x23 if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x23 if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x26 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x23 if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x23 if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x01
 
     packet_name = "join game"
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'entity_id': Integer},
-        {'is_hardcore': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 738 else {},
+        {'is_hardcore': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(738) else {},
         {'game_mode': UnsignedByte},
         {'previous_game_mode': UnsignedByte}
-        if context.protocol_version >= 730 else {},
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(730) else {},
         {'world_names': PrefixedArray(VarInt, String)}
-        if context.protocol_version >= 722 else {},
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(722) else {},
         {'dimension_codec': NBT}
-        if context.protocol_version >= 718 else {},
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(718) else {},
         {'dimension':
-         NBT if context.protocol_version >= 748 else
-         String if context.protocol_version >= 718 else
-         Integer if context.protocol_version >= 108 else
+         NBT if context.protocol_later_eq(748) else
+         String if context.protocol_later_eq(718) else
+         Integer if context.protocol_later_eq(108) else
          Byte},
-        {'world_name': String} if context.protocol_version >= 722 else {},
-        {'hashed_seed': Long} if context.protocol_version >= 552 else {},
-        {'difficulty': UnsignedByte} if context.protocol_version < 464 else {},
+        {'world_name': String} if context.protocol_later_eq(722) else {},
+        {'hashed_seed': Long} if context.protocol_later_eq(552) else {},
+        {'difficulty': UnsignedByte} if context.protocol_earlier(464) else {},
         {'max_players':
-            VarInt if context.protocol_version >= 749 else UnsignedByte},
-        {'level_type': String} if context.protocol_version < 716 else {},
-        {'render_distance': VarInt} if context.protocol_version >= 468 else {},
+            VarInt if context.protocol_later_eq(749) else UnsignedByte},
+        {'level_type': String} if context.protocol_earlier(716) else {},
+        {'render_distance': VarInt} if context.protocol_later_eq(468) else {},
         {'reduced_debug_info': Boolean},
-        {'respawn_screen': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 571 else {},
-        {'is_debug': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 716 else {},
-        {'is_flat': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 716 else {},
+        {'respawn_screen': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(571) else {},
+        {'is_debug': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(716) else {},
+        {'is_flat': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(716) else {},
     ])
 
     # These aliases declare the Enum type corresponding to each field:
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ class JoinGamePacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
     # Can be set or deleted when 'context' is undefined.
     @property
     def game_mode(self):
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 738:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(738):
             return self._game_mode_738
         else:
             return self._game_mode_0
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ class JoinGamePacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
     # Can be set or deleted when 'context' is undefined.
     @property
     def is_hardcore(self):
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 738:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(738):
             return self._is_hardcore
         else:
             return bool(self._game_mode_0 & GameMode.HARDCORE)
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ class JoinGamePacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
     # version-independently. Can be set or deleted when 'context' is undefined.
     @property
     def pure_game_mode(self):
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 738:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(738):
             return self._game_mode_738
         else:
             return self._game_mode_0 & ~GameMode.HARDCORE
@@ -170,37 +170,37 @@ class JoinGamePacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
 class RespawnPacket(AbstractDimensionPacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x39 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x3A if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x3B if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x3A if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x38 if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x39 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x38 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x37 if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x36 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x35 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x34 if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x35 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x39 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x3A if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x3B if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x3A if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x38 if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x39 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x38 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x37 if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x36 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x35 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x34 if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x35 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x07
 
     packet_name = 'respawn'
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'dimension':
-         NBT if context.protocol_version >= 748 else
-         String if context.protocol_version >= 718 else
+         NBT if context.protocol_later_eq(748) else
+         String if context.protocol_later_eq(718) else
          Integer},
-        {'world_name': String} if context.protocol_version >= 719 else {},
-        {'difficulty': UnsignedByte} if context.protocol_version < 464 else {},
-        {'hashed_seed': Long} if context.protocol_version >= 552 else {},
+        {'world_name': String} if context.protocol_later_eq(719) else {},
+        {'difficulty': UnsignedByte} if context.protocol_earlier(464) else {},
+        {'hashed_seed': Long} if context.protocol_later_eq(552) else {},
         {'game_mode': UnsignedByte},
         {'previous_game_mode': UnsignedByte}
-        if context.protocol_version >= 730 else {},
-        {'level_type': String} if context.protocol_version < 716 else {},
-        {'is_debug': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 716 else {},
-        {'is_flat': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 716 else {},
-        {'copy_metadata': Boolean} if context.protocol_version >= 714 else {},
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(730) else {},
+        {'level_type': String} if context.protocol_earlier(716) else {},
+        {'is_debug': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(716) else {},
+        {'is_flat': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(716) else {},
+        {'copy_metadata': Boolean} if context.protocol_later_eq(714) else {},
     ])
 
     # These aliases declare the Enum type corresponding to each field:
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/map_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/map_packet.py
index 3de187b..490cf87 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/map_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/map_packet.py
@@ -8,14 +8,14 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class MapPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x26 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x26 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 334 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x24 if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x26 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x26 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(334) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x24 if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x34
 
     packet_name = 'map'
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@ class MapPacket(Packet):
     @property
     def fields(self):
         fields = 'id', 'scale', 'icons', 'width', 'height', 'pixels'
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 107:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(107):
             fields += 'is_tracking_position',
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 452:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(452):
             fields += 'is_locked',
         return fields
 
@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ class MapPacket(Packet):
         self.map_id = VarInt.read(file_object)
         self.scale = Byte.read(file_object)
 
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 107:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(107):
             self.is_tracking_position = Boolean.read(file_object)
         else:
             self.is_tracking_position = True
 
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 452:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(452):
             self.is_locked = Boolean.read(file_object)
         else:
             self.is_locked = False
@@ -84,15 +84,15 @@ class MapPacket(Packet):
         icon_count = VarInt.read(file_object)
         self.icons = []
         for i in range(icon_count):
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 373:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(373):
                 type = VarInt.read(file_object)
             else:
                 type, direction = divmod(UnsignedByte.read(file_object), 16)
             x = Byte.read(file_object)
             z = Byte.read(file_object)
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 373:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(373):
                 direction = UnsignedByte.read(file_object)
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 364:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(364):
                 has_name = Boolean.read(file_object)
                 display_name = String.read(file_object) if has_name else None
             else:
@@ -134,12 +134,12 @@ class MapPacket(Packet):
     def write_fields(self, packet_buffer):
         VarInt.send(self.map_id, packet_buffer)
         Byte.send(self.scale, packet_buffer)
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 107:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(107):
             Boolean.send(self.is_tracking_position, packet_buffer)
 
         VarInt.send(len(self.icons), packet_buffer)
         for icon in self.icons:
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 373:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(373):
                 VarInt.send(icon.type, packet_buffer)
             else:
                 type_and_direction = (icon.type << 4) & 0xF0
@@ -147,9 +147,9 @@ class MapPacket(Packet):
                 UnsignedByte.send(type_and_direction, packet_buffer)
             Byte.send(icon.location[0], packet_buffer)
             Byte.send(icon.location[1], packet_buffer)
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 373:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(373):
                 UnsignedByte.send(icon.direction, packet_buffer)
-            if self.context.protocol_version >= 364:
+            if self.context.protocol_later_eq(364):
                 Boolean.send(icon.display_name is not None, packet_buffer)
                 if icon.display_name is not None:
                     String.send(icon.display_name, packet_buffer)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_list_item_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_list_item_packet.py
index 6f85fd0..74880e7 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_list_item_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_list_item_packet.py
@@ -9,17 +9,17 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class PlayerListItemPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x32 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x34 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x31 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x30 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x2F if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x32 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x34 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x31 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x30 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x2F if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x38
 
     packet_name = "player list item"
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_position_and_look_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_position_and_look_packet.py
index 5169366..59574e5 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_position_and_look_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/player_position_and_look_packet.py
@@ -9,18 +9,18 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class PlayerPositionAndLookPacket(Packet, BitFieldEnum):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x34 if context.protocol_version >= 741 else \
-               0x35 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x36 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x35 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x33 if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x32 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x31 if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x30 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x2F if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x2F if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x34 if context.protocol_later_eq(741) else \
+               0x35 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x36 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x35 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x33 if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x32 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x31 if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x30 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x2F if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x2F if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x08
 
     packet_name = "player position and look"
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ class PlayerPositionAndLookPacket(Packet, BitFieldEnum):
         {'yaw': Float},
         {'pitch': Float},
         {'flags': Byte},
-        {'teleport_id': VarInt} if context.protocol_version >= 107 else {},
+        {'teleport_id': VarInt} if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else {},
     ])
 
     # Access the 'x', 'y', 'z' fields as a Vector tuple.
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/sound_effect_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/sound_effect_packet.py
index da56748..697e2d1 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/sound_effect_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/sound_effect_packet.py
@@ -9,18 +9,18 @@ __all__ = 'SoundEffectPacket',
 class SoundEffectPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x51 if context.protocol_version >= 721 else \
-               0x52 if context.protocol_version >= 550 else \
-               0x51 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x4D if context.protocol_version >= 461 else \
-               0x4E if context.protocol_version >= 451 else \
-               0x4D if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x4C if context.protocol_version >= 352 else \
-               0x4B if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x4A if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x49 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x48 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x46 if context.protocol_version >= 110 else \
+        return 0x51 if context.protocol_later_eq(721) else \
+               0x52 if context.protocol_later_eq(550) else \
+               0x51 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x4D if context.protocol_later_eq(461) else \
+               0x4E if context.protocol_later_eq(451) else \
+               0x4D if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x4C if context.protocol_later_eq(352) else \
+               0x4B if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x4A if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x49 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x48 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x46 if context.protocol_later_eq(110) else \
                0x47
 
     packet_name = 'sound effect'
@@ -29,13 +29,16 @@ class SoundEffectPacket(Packet):
     def get_definition(context):
         return [
             ({'sound_category': VarInt}
-                if 326 > context.protocol_version >= 321 else {}),
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(321)
+                and context.protocol_earlier(326) else {}),
             {'sound_id': VarInt},
             ({'sound_category': VarInt}
-                if 95 <= context.protocol_version < 321
-                or context.protocol_version >= 326 else {}),
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(95)
+                and context.protocol_earlier(321)
+                or context.protocol_later_eq(326) else {}),
             ({'parroted_entity_type': String}
-                if 326 > context.protocol_version >= 321 else {}),
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(321)
+                and context.protocol_earlier(326) else {}),
             {'effect_position': SoundEffectPacket.EffectPosition},
             {'volume': Float},
             {'pitch': SoundEffectPacket.Pitch},
@@ -66,19 +69,19 @@ class SoundEffectPacket(Packet):
     class Pitch(Type):
         @staticmethod
         def read_with_context(file_object, context):
-            if context.protocol_version >= 201:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(201):
                 value = Float.read(file_object)
             else:
                 value = Byte.read(file_object)
-            if context.protocol_version < 204:
+            if context.protocol_earlier(204):
                 value /= 63.5
             return value
 
         @staticmethod
         def send_with_context(value, socket, context):
-            if context.protocol_version < 204:
+            if context.protocol_earlier(204):
                 value *= 63.5
-            if context.protocol_version >= 201:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(201):
                 Float.send(value, socket)
             else:
                 Byte.send(int(value), socket)
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py
index c129b72..9756e4f 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class SpawnObjectPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x00 if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
+        return 0x00 if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
                0x0E
 
     packet_name = 'spawn object'
@@ -43,43 +43,44 @@ class SpawnObjectPacket(Packet):
         if field != 'type_id' or context is None:
             return
 
-        pv = context.protocol_version
-        name = 'EntityType_%d' % pv
+        name = 'EntityType_%d' % context.protocol_version
         if hasattr(cls, name):
             return getattr(cls, name)
 
+        era = 0 if context.protocol_earlier(458) else 1
+
         class EntityType(Enum):
             # XXX This has not been updated for >= v1.15
-            ACTIVATED_TNT     = 50 if pv < 458 else 55  # PrimedTnt
-            AREA_EFFECT_CLOUD =  3 if pv < 458 else  0
-            ARMORSTAND        = 78 if pv < 458 else  1
-            ARROW             = 60 if pv < 458 else  2
-            BOAT              =  1 if pv < 458 else  5
-            DRAGON_FIREBALL   = 93 if pv < 458 else 13
-            EGG               = 62 if pv < 458 else 74  # ThrownEgg
-            ENDERCRYSTAL      = 51 if pv < 458 else 16
-            ENDERPEARL        = 65 if pv < 458 else 75  # ThrownEnderpearl
-            EVOCATION_FANGS   = 79 if pv < 458 else 20
-            EXP_BOTTLE        = 75 if pv < 458 else 76  # ThrownExpBottle
-            EYE_OF_ENDER      = 72 if pv < 458 else 23  # EyeOfEnderSignal
-            FALLING_OBJECT    = 70 if pv < 458 else 24  # FallingSand
-            FIREBALL          = 63 if pv < 458 else 34  # Fireball (ghast)
-            FIRECHARGE        = 64 if pv < 458 else 65  # SmallFireball (blaze)
-            FIREWORK_ROCKET   = 76 if pv < 458 else 25  # FireworksRocketEntity
-            FISHING_HOOK      = 90 if pv < 458 else 93  # Fishing bobber
-            ITEM_FRAMES       = 71 if pv < 458 else 33  # ItemFrame
-            ITEM_STACK        =  2 if pv < 458 else 32  # Item
-            LEASH_KNOT        = 77 if pv < 458 else 35
-            LLAMA_SPIT        = 68 if pv < 458 else 37
-            MINECART          = 10 if pv < 458 else 39  # MinecartRideable
-            POTION            = 73 if pv < 458 else 77  # ThrownPotion
-            SHULKER_BULLET    = 67 if pv < 458 else 60
-            SNOWBALL          = 61 if pv < 458 else 67
-            SPECTRAL_ARROW    = 91 if pv < 458 else 68
-            WITHER_SKULL      = 66 if pv < 458 else 85
-            if pv >= 393:
+            ACTIVATED_TNT     = (50, 55)[era]  # PrimedTnt
+            AREA_EFFECT_CLOUD = ( 3,  0)[era]
+            ARMORSTAND        = (78,  1)[era]
+            ARROW             = (60,  2)[era]
+            BOAT              = ( 1,  5)[era]
+            DRAGON_FIREBALL   = (93, 13)[era]
+            EGG               = (62, 74)[era]  # ThrownEgg
+            ENDERCRYSTAL      = (51, 16)[era]
+            ENDERPEARL        = (65, 75)[era]  # ThrownEnderpearl
+            EVOCATION_FANGS   = (79, 20)[era]
+            EXP_BOTTLE        = (75, 76)[era]  # ThrownExpBottle
+            EYE_OF_ENDER      = (72, 23)[era]  # EyeOfEnderSignal
+            FALLING_OBJECT    = (70, 24)[era]  # FallingSand
+            FIREBALL          = (63, 34)[era]  # Fireball (ghast)
+            FIRECHARGE        = (64, 65)[era]  # SmallFireball (blaze)
+            FIREWORK_ROCKET   = (76, 25)[era]  # FireworksRocketEntity
+            FISHING_HOOK      = (90, 93)[era]  # Fishing bobber
+            ITEM_FRAMES       = (71, 33)[era]  # ItemFrame
+            ITEM_STACK        = ( 2, 32)[era]  # Item
+            LEASH_KNOT        = (77, 35)[era]
+            LLAMA_SPIT        = (68, 37)[era]
+            MINECART          = (10, 39)[era]  # MinecartRideable
+            POTION            = (73, 77)[era]  # ThrownPotion
+            SHULKER_BULLET    = (67, 60)[era]
+            SNOWBALL          = (61, 67)[era]
+            SPECTRAL_ARROW    = (91, 68)[era]
+            WITHER_SKULL      = (66, 85)[era]
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(393):
                 TRIDENT = 94
-            if pv >= 458:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(458):
                 MINECART_CHEST =         40
                 MINECART_COMMAND_BLOCK = 41
                 MINECART_FURNACE =       42
@@ -92,44 +93,44 @@ class SpawnObjectPacket(Packet):
 
     def read(self, file_object):
         self.entity_id = VarInt.read(file_object)
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 49:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(49):
             self.object_uuid = UUID.read(file_object)
 
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 458:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(458):
             self.type_id = VarInt.read(file_object)
         else:
             self.type_id = Byte.read(file_object)
 
-        xyz_type = Double if self.context.protocol_version >= 100 else Integer
+        xyz_type = Double if self.context.protocol_later_eq(100) else Integer
         for attr in 'x', 'y', 'z':
             setattr(self, attr, xyz_type.read(file_object))
         for attr in 'pitch', 'yaw':
             setattr(self, attr, Angle.read(file_object))
 
         self.data = Integer.read(file_object)
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 49 or self.data > 0:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(49) or self.data > 0:
             for attr in 'velocity_x', 'velocity_y', 'velocity_z':
                 setattr(self, attr, Short.read(file_object))
 
     def write_fields(self, packet_buffer):
         VarInt.send(self.entity_id, packet_buffer)
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 49:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(49):
             UUID.send(self.object_uuid, packet_buffer)
 
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 458:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(458):
             VarInt.send(self.type_id, packet_buffer)
         else:
             Byte.send(self.type_id, packet_buffer)
 
         # pylint: disable=no-member
-        xyz_type = Double if self.context.protocol_version >= 100 else Integer
+        xyz_type = Double if self.context.protocol_later_eq(100) else Integer
         for coord in self.x, self.y, self.z:
             xyz_type.send(coord, packet_buffer)
         for coord in self.pitch, self.yaw:
             Angle.send(coord, packet_buffer)
 
         Integer.send(self.data, packet_buffer)
-        if self.context.protocol_version >= 49 or self.data > 0:
+        if self.context.protocol_later_eq(49) or self.data > 0:
             for coord in self.velocity_x, self.velocity_y, self.velocity_z:
                 Short.send(coord, packet_buffer)
 
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/keep_alive_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/keep_alive_packet.py
index ac6d237..fd8d484 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/keep_alive_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/keep_alive_packet.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class AbstractKeepAlivePacket(Packet):
     packet_name = "keep alive"
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
-        {'keep_alive_id': Long} if context.protocol_version >= 339
+        {'keep_alive_id': Long} if context.protocol_later_eq(339)
         else {'keep_alive_id': VarInt}
     ])
 
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/login/__init__.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/login/__init__.py
index 3254d24..dc6fba3 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/login/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/login/__init__.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ def get_packets(context):
         LoginStartPacket,
         EncryptionResponsePacket
     }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 385:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(385):
         packets |= {
             PluginResponsePacket
         }
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ def get_packets(context):
 class LoginStartPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x00 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x01 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x00 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x01 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x00
 
     packet_name = "login start"
@@ -33,8 +33,8 @@ class LoginStartPacket(Packet):
 class EncryptionResponsePacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x01 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 385 else \
+        return 0x01 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(385) else \
                0x01
 
     packet_name = "encryption response"
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class PluginResponsePacket(Packet):
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 391 else \
+        return 0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(391) else \
                0x00
 
     packet_name = 'login plugin response'
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/__init__.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/__init__.py
index 477cdcd..011100b 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/__init__.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/__init__.py
@@ -23,11 +23,11 @@ def get_packets(context):
         PluginMessagePacket,
         PlayerBlockPlacementPacket,
     }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 69:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(69):
         packets |= {
             UseItemPacket,
         }
-    if context.protocol_version >= 107:
+    if context.protocol_later_eq(107):
         packets |= {
             TeleportConfirmPacket,
         }
@@ -37,33 +37,33 @@ def get_packets(context):
 class KeepAlivePacket(AbstractKeepAlivePacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 712 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x10 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x0C if context.protocol_version >= 386 else \
-               0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x0A if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x0C if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(712) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x10 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x0C if context.protocol_later_eq(386) else \
+               0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x0A if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x0C if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x00
 
 
 class ChatPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x01 if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x01 if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x01
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_max_length(context):
-        return 256 if context.protocol_version >= 306 else \
+        return 256 if context.protocol_later_eq(306) else \
                100
 
     @property
@@ -79,17 +79,17 @@ class ChatPacket(Packet):
 class PositionAndLookPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x13 if context.protocol_version >= 712 else \
-               0x12 if context.protocol_version >= 471 else \
-               0x13 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x11 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 386 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x0D if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x0F if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x0E if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x0D if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x13 if context.protocol_later_eq(712) else \
+               0x12 if context.protocol_later_eq(471) else \
+               0x13 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x11 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(386) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x0D if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x0F if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x0E if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x0D if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x06
 
     packet_name = "position and look"
@@ -126,22 +126,22 @@ class TeleportConfirmPacket(Packet):
 class AnimationPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 738 else \
-               0x2B if context.protocol_version >= 712 else \
-               0x2A if context.protocol_version >= 468 else \
-               0x29 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x25 if context.protocol_version >= 386 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 107 else \
+        return 0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(738) else \
+               0x2B if context.protocol_later_eq(712) else \
+               0x2A if context.protocol_later_eq(468) else \
+               0x29 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x25 if context.protocol_later_eq(386) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else \
                0x0A
 
     packet_name = "animation"
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
-        {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_version >= 107 else {}])
+        {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_later_eq(107) else {}])
 
     Hand = RelativeHand
     HAND_MAIN, HAND_OFF = Hand.MAIN, Hand.OFF  # For backward compatibility.
@@ -150,14 +150,14 @@ class AnimationPacket(Packet):
 class ClientStatusPacket(Packet, Enum):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 80 else \
-               0x02 if context.protocol_version >= 67 else \
-               0x17 if context.protocol_version >= 49 else \
+        return 0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(80) else \
+               0x02 if context.protocol_later_eq(67) else \
+               0x17 if context.protocol_later_eq(49) else \
                0x16
 
     packet_name = "client status"
@@ -175,13 +175,13 @@ class ClientStatusPacket(Packet, Enum):
 class PluginMessagePacket(AbstractPluginMessagePacket):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x0B if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x0A if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x09 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x08 if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x09 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x0A if context.protocol_version >= 317 else \
-               0x09 if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
+        return 0x0B if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x0A if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x09 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x08 if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x09 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x0A if context.protocol_later_eq(317) else \
+               0x09 if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
                0x17
 
 
@@ -201,17 +201,17 @@ class PlayerBlockPlacementPacket(Packet):
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 738 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 712 else \
-               0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 468 else \
-               0x2B if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x29 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x27 if context.protocol_version >= 386 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1E if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x1E if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1C if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
+        return 0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(738) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(712) else \
+               0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(468) else \
+               0x2B if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x29 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x27 if context.protocol_later_eq(386) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1E if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x1E if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1C if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
                0x08
 
     packet_name = 'player block placement'
@@ -219,15 +219,15 @@ class PlayerBlockPlacementPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_definition(context):
         return [
-            {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_version >= 453 else {},
+            {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_later_eq(453) else {},
             {'location': Position},
-            {'face': VarInt if context.protocol_version >= 69 else Byte},
-            {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_version < 453 else {},
-            {'x': Float if context.protocol_version >= 309 else Byte},
-            {'y': Float if context.protocol_version >= 309 else Byte},
-            {'z': Float if context.protocol_version >= 309 else Byte},
+            {'face': VarInt if context.protocol_later_eq(69) else Byte},
+            {'hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_earlier(453) else {},
+            {'x': Float if context.protocol_later_eq(309) else Byte},
+            {'y': Float if context.protocol_later_eq(309) else Byte},
+            {'z': Float if context.protocol_later_eq(309) else Byte},
             ({'inside_block': Boolean}
-                if context.protocol_version >= 453 else {}),
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(453) else {}),
         ]
 
     # PlayerBlockPlacementPacket.Hand is an alias for RelativeHand.
@@ -240,18 +240,18 @@ class PlayerBlockPlacementPacket(Packet):
 class UseItemPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x2F if context.protocol_version >= 738 else \
-               0x2E if context.protocol_version >= 712 else \
-               0x2D if context.protocol_version >= 468 else \
-               0x2C if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x2A if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x28 if context.protocol_version >= 386 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 345 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x20 if context.protocol_version >= 332 else \
-               0x1F if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x1D if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
-               0x1A if context.protocol_version >= 70 else \
+        return 0x2F if context.protocol_later_eq(738) else \
+               0x2E if context.protocol_later_eq(712) else \
+               0x2D if context.protocol_later_eq(468) else \
+               0x2C if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x2A if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x28 if context.protocol_later_eq(386) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(345) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x20 if context.protocol_later_eq(332) else \
+               0x1F if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x1D if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
+               0x1A if context.protocol_later_eq(70) else \
                0x08
 
     packet_name = "use item"
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/client_settings_packet.py b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/client_settings_packet.py
index f5e84e7..a826f09 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/client_settings_packet.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/packets/serverbound/play/client_settings_packet.py
@@ -8,12 +8,12 @@ from minecraft.networking.types import (
 class ClientSettingsPacket(Packet):
     @staticmethod
     def get_id(context):
-        return 0x05 if context.protocol_version >= 464 else \
-               0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 389 else \
-               0x03 if context.protocol_version >= 343 else \
-               0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 336 else \
-               0x05 if context.protocol_version >= 318 else \
-               0x04 if context.protocol_version >= 94 else \
+        return 0x05 if context.protocol_later_eq(464) else \
+               0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(389) else \
+               0x03 if context.protocol_later_eq(343) else \
+               0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(336) else \
+               0x05 if context.protocol_later_eq(318) else \
+               0x04 if context.protocol_later_eq(94) else \
                0x15
 
     packet_name = 'client settings'
@@ -21,10 +21,10 @@ class ClientSettingsPacket(Packet):
     get_definition = staticmethod(lambda context: [
         {'locale': String},
         {'view_distance': Byte},
-        {'chat_mode': VarInt if context.protocol_version > 47 else Byte},
+        {'chat_mode': VarInt if context.protocol_later(47) else Byte},
         {'chat_colors': Boolean},
         {'displayed_skin_parts': UnsignedByte},
-        {'main_hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_version > 49 else {}])
+        {'main_hand': VarInt} if context.protocol_later(49) else {}])
 
     field_enum = classmethod(
         lambda cls, field, context: {
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/types/basic.py b/minecraft/networking/types/basic.py
index 0a02ecd..52c4f27 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/types/basic.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/types/basic.py
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ class Position(Type, Vector):
         location = UnsignedLong.read(file_object)
         x = int(location >> 38)                # 26 most significant bits
 
-        if context.protocol_version >= 443:
+        if context.protocol_later_eq(443):
             z = int((location >> 12) & 0x3FFFFFF)  # 26 intermediate bits
             y = int(location & 0xFFF)              # 12 least signficant bits
         else:
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ class Position(Type, Vector):
         # 'position' can be either a tuple or Position object.
         x, y, z = position
         value = ((x & 0x3FFFFFF) << 38 | (z & 0x3FFFFFF) << 12 | (y & 0xFFF)
-                 if context.protocol_version >= 443 else
+                 if context.protocol_later_eq(443) else
                  (x & 0x3FFFFFF) << 38 | (y & 0xFFF) << 26 | (z & 0x3FFFFFF))
         UnsignedLong.send(value, socket)
 
diff --git a/minecraft/networking/types/utility.py b/minecraft/networking/types/utility.py
index bf3fa04..ac3cb83 100644
--- a/minecraft/networking/types/utility.py
+++ b/minecraft/networking/types/utility.py
@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
 """Minecraft data types that are used by packets, but don't have a specific
    network representation.
 """
-import types
-
 from collections import namedtuple
-from itertools import chain
 
-
-__all__ = (
-    'Vector', 'MutableRecord', 'Direction', 'PositionAndLook', 'descriptor',
-    'overridable_descriptor', 'overridable_property', 'attribute_alias',
-    'multi_attribute_alias', 'attribute_transform',
+# These aliases are retained for backward compatibility
+from minecraft.utility import (  # noqa: F401
+    descriptor, overridable_descriptor, overridable_property, attribute_alias,
+    multi_attribute_alias, attribute_transform, class_and_instancemethod,
 )
 
 
@@ -92,161 +88,6 @@ class MutableRecord(object):
                 yield slot
 
 
-def attribute_transform(name, from_orig, to_orig):
-    """An attribute descriptor that provides a view of a different attribute
-       with a given name via a given transformation and its given inverse."""
-    return property(
-        fget=(lambda self: from_orig(getattr(self, name))),
-        fset=(lambda self, value: setattr(self, name, to_orig(value))),
-        fdel=(lambda self: delattr(self, name)))
-
-
-def attribute_alias(name):
-    """An attribute descriptor that redirects access to a different attribute
-       with a given name.
-    """
-    return attribute_transform(name, lambda x: x, lambda x: x)
-
-
-def multi_attribute_alias(container, *arg_names, **kwd_names):
-    """A descriptor for an attribute whose value is a container of a given type
-       with several fields, each of which is aliased to a different attribute
-       of the parent object.
-
-       The 'n'th name in 'arg_names' is the parent attribute that will be
-       aliased to the field of 'container' settable by the 'n'th positional
-       argument to its constructor, and accessible as its 'n'th iterable
-       element.
-
-       As a special case, 'tuple' may be given as the 'container' when there
-       are positional arguments, and (even though the tuple constructor does
-       not take positional arguments), the arguments will be aliased to the
-       corresponding positions in a tuple.
-
-       The name in 'kwd_names' mapped to by the key 'k' is the parent attribute
-       that will be aliased to the field of 'container' settable by the keyword
-       argument 'k' to its constructor, and accessible as its 'k' attribute.
-    """
-    if container is tuple:
-        container = lambda *args: args  # noqa: E731
-
-    @property
-    def alias(self):
-        return container(
-            *(getattr(self, name) for name in arg_names),
-            **{kwd: getattr(self, name) for (kwd, name) in kwd_names.items()})
-
-    @alias.setter
-    def alias(self, values):
-        if arg_names:
-            for name, value in zip(arg_names, values):
-                setattr(self, name, value)
-        for kwd, name in kwd_names.items():
-            setattr(self, name, getattr(values, kwd))
-
-    @alias.deleter
-    def alias(self):
-        for name in chain(arg_names, kwd_names.values()):
-            delattr(self, name)
-
-    return alias
-
-
-class overridable_descriptor:
-    """As 'descriptor' (defined below), except that only a getter can be
-       defined, and the resulting descriptor has no '__set__' or '__delete__'
-       methods defined; hence, attributes defined via this class can be
-       overridden by attributes of instances of the class in which it occurs.
-    """
-    __slots__ = '_fget',
-
-    def __init__(self, fget=None):
-        self._fget = fget if fget is not None else self._default_get
-
-    def getter(self, fget):
-        self._fget = fget
-        return self
-
-    @staticmethod
-    def _default_get(instance, owner):
-        raise AttributeError('unreadable attribute')
-
-    def __get__(self, instance, owner):
-        return self._fget(self, instance, owner)
-
-
-class overridable_property(overridable_descriptor):
-    """As the builtin 'property' decorator of Python, except that only
-       a getter is defined and the resulting descriptor is a non-data
-       descriptor, overridable by attributes of instances of the class
-       in which the property occurs. See also 'overridable_descriptor' above.
-    """
-    def __get__(self, instance, _owner):
-        return self._fget(instance)
-
-
-class descriptor(overridable_descriptor):
-    """Behaves identically to the builtin 'property' decorator of Python,
-       except that the getter, setter and deleter functions given by the
-       user are used as the raw __get__, __set__ and __delete__ functions
-       as defined in Python's descriptor protocol.
-
-       Since an instance of this class always havs '__set__' and '__delete__'
-       defined, it is a "data descriptor", so its binding behaviour cannot be
-       overridden in instances of the class in which it occurs. See
-       https://docs.python.org/3/reference/datamodel.html#descriptor-invocation
-       for more information. See also 'overridable_descriptor' above.
-    """
-    __slots__ = '_fset', '_fdel'
-
-    def __init__(self, fget=None, fset=None, fdel=None):
-        super(descriptor, self).__init__(fget=fget)
-        self._fset = fset if fset is not None else self._default_set
-        self._fdel = fdel if fdel is not None else self._default_del
-
-    def setter(self, fset):
-        self._fset = fset
-        return self
-
-    def deleter(self, fdel):
-        self._fdel = fdel
-        return self
-
-    @staticmethod
-    def _default_set(instance, value):
-        raise AttributeError("can't set attribute")
-
-    @staticmethod
-    def _default_del(instance):
-        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
-
-    def __set__(self, instance, value):
-        return self._fset(self, instance, value)
-
-    def __delete__(self, instance):
-        return self._fdel(self, instance)
-
-
-class class_and_instancemethod:
-    """ A decorator for functions defined in a class namespace which are to be
-        accessed as both class and instance methods: retrieving the method from
-        a class will return a bound class method (like the built-in
-        'classmethod' decorator), but retrieving the method from an instance
-        will return a bound instance method (as if the function were not
-        decorated). Therefore, the first argument of the decorated function may
-        be either a class or an instance, depending on how it was called.
-    """
-
-    __slots__ = '_func',
-
-    def __init__(self, func):
-        self._func = func
-
-    def __get__(self, inst, owner=None):
-        bind_to = owner if inst is None else inst
-        return types.MethodType(self._func, bind_to)
-
-
 Direction = namedtuple('Direction', ('yaw', 'pitch'))
 
 
diff --git a/minecraft/utility.py b/minecraft/utility.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ab8d1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/minecraft/utility.py
@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+""" Miscellaneous general utilities.
+"""
+import types
+from itertools import chain
+
+from . import PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES
+
+
+def protocol_earlier(pv1, pv2):
+    """ Returns True if protocol version 'pv1' was published before 'pv2',
+        or else returns False.
+    """
+    return PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[pv1] < PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[pv2]
+
+
+def protocol_earlier_eq(pv1, pv2):
+    """ Returns True if protocol versions 'pv1' and 'pv2' are the same or if
+        'pv1' was published before 'pv2', or else returns False.
+    """
+    return PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[pv1] <= PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[pv2]
+
+
+def attribute_transform(name, from_orig, to_orig):
+    """An attribute descriptor that provides a view of a different attribute
+       with a given name via a given transformation and its given inverse."""
+    return property(
+        fget=(lambda self: from_orig(getattr(self, name))),
+        fset=(lambda self, value: setattr(self, name, to_orig(value))),
+        fdel=(lambda self: delattr(self, name)))
+
+
+def attribute_alias(name):
+    """An attribute descriptor that redirects access to a different attribute
+       with a given name.
+    """
+    return attribute_transform(name, lambda x: x, lambda x: x)
+
+
+def multi_attribute_alias(container, *arg_names, **kwd_names):
+    """A descriptor for an attribute whose value is a container of a given type
+       with several fields, each of which is aliased to a different attribute
+       of the parent object.
+
+       The 'n'th name in 'arg_names' is the parent attribute that will be
+       aliased to the field of 'container' settable by the 'n'th positional
+       argument to its constructor, and accessible as its 'n'th iterable
+       element.
+
+       As a special case, 'tuple' may be given as the 'container' when there
+       are positional arguments, and (even though the tuple constructor does
+       not take positional arguments), the arguments will be aliased to the
+       corresponding positions in a tuple.
+
+       The name in 'kwd_names' mapped to by the key 'k' is the parent attribute
+       that will be aliased to the field of 'container' settable by the keyword
+       argument 'k' to its constructor, and accessible as its 'k' attribute.
+    """
+    if container is tuple:
+        container = lambda *args: args  # noqa: E731
+
+    @property
+    def alias(self):
+        return container(
+            *(getattr(self, name) for name in arg_names),
+            **{kwd: getattr(self, name) for (kwd, name) in kwd_names.items()})
+
+    @alias.setter
+    def alias(self, values):
+        if arg_names:
+            for name, value in zip(arg_names, values):
+                setattr(self, name, value)
+        for kwd, name in kwd_names.items():
+            setattr(self, name, getattr(values, kwd))
+
+    @alias.deleter
+    def alias(self):
+        for name in chain(arg_names, kwd_names.values()):
+            delattr(self, name)
+
+    return alias
+
+
+class overridable_descriptor:
+    """As 'descriptor' (defined below), except that only a getter can be
+       defined, and the resulting descriptor has no '__set__' or '__delete__'
+       methods defined; hence, attributes defined via this class can be
+       overridden by attributes of instances of the class in which it occurs.
+    """
+    __slots__ = '_fget',
+
+    def __init__(self, fget=None):
+        self._fget = fget if fget is not None else self._default_get
+
+    def getter(self, fget):
+        self._fget = fget
+        return self
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _default_get(instance, owner):
+        raise AttributeError('unreadable attribute')
+
+    def __get__(self, instance, owner):
+        return self._fget(self, instance, owner)
+
+
+class overridable_property(overridable_descriptor):
+    """As the builtin 'property' decorator of Python, except that only
+       a getter is defined and the resulting descriptor is a non-data
+       descriptor, overridable by attributes of instances of the class
+       in which the property occurs. See also 'overridable_descriptor' above.
+    """
+    def __get__(self, instance, _owner):
+        return self._fget(instance)
+
+
+class descriptor(overridable_descriptor):
+    """Behaves identically to the builtin 'property' decorator of Python,
+       except that the getter, setter and deleter functions given by the
+       user are used as the raw __get__, __set__ and __delete__ functions
+       as defined in Python's descriptor protocol.
+
+       Since an instance of this class always havs '__set__' and '__delete__'
+       defined, it is a "data descriptor", so its binding behaviour cannot be
+       overridden in instances of the class in which it occurs. See
+       https://docs.python.org/3/reference/datamodel.html#descriptor-invocation
+       for more information. See also 'overridable_descriptor' above.
+    """
+    __slots__ = '_fset', '_fdel'
+
+    def __init__(self, fget=None, fset=None, fdel=None):
+        super(descriptor, self).__init__(fget=fget)
+        self._fset = fset if fset is not None else self._default_set
+        self._fdel = fdel if fdel is not None else self._default_del
+
+    def setter(self, fset):
+        self._fset = fset
+        return self
+
+    def deleter(self, fdel):
+        self._fdel = fdel
+        return self
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _default_set(instance, value):
+        raise AttributeError("can't set attribute")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _default_del(instance):
+        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
+
+    def __set__(self, instance, value):
+        return self._fset(self, instance, value)
+
+    def __delete__(self, instance):
+        return self._fdel(self, instance)
+
+
+class class_and_instancemethod:
+    """ A decorator for functions defined in a class namespace which are to be
+        accessed as both class and instance methods: retrieving the method from
+        a class will return a bound class method (like the built-in
+        'classmethod' decorator), but retrieving the method from an instance
+        will return a bound instance method (as if the function were not
+        decorated). Therefore, the first argument of the decorated function may
+        be either a class or an instance, depending on how it was called.
+    """
+
+    __slots__ = '_func',
+
+    def __init__(self, func):
+        self._func = func
+
+    def __get__(self, inst, owner=None):
+        bind_to = owner if inst is None else inst
+        return types.MethodType(self._func, bind_to)
diff --git a/tests/fake_server.py b/tests/fake_server.py
index 2bc24ec..9d5251b 100644
--- a/tests/fake_server.py
+++ b/tests/fake_server.py
@@ -24,9 +24,6 @@ import hashlib
 import uuid
 
 
-VERSIONS = sorted(SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items(), key=lambda i: i[1])
-VERSIONS = [v for (v, p) in VERSIONS]
-
 THREAD_TIMEOUT_S = 2
 
 
@@ -108,7 +105,7 @@ class FakeClientHandler(object):
             level_type='default', reduced_debug_info=False, render_distance=9,
             respawn_screen=False, is_debug=False, is_flat=False)
 
-        if self.server.context.protocol_version >= 748:
+        if self.server.context.protocol_later_eq(748):
             packet.dimension = pynbt.TAG_Compound({
                 'natural': pynbt.TAG_Byte(1),
                 'effects': pynbt.TAG_String('minecraft:overworld'),
@@ -134,7 +131,7 @@ class FakeClientHandler(object):
                     ]),
                 }),
             }, '')
-        elif self.server.context.protocol_version >= 718:
+        elif self.server.context.protocol_later_eq(718):
             packet.dimension = 'minecraft:overworld'
         else:
             packet.dimension = types.Dimension.OVERWORLD
@@ -232,13 +229,13 @@ class FakeClientHandler(object):
         # Prepare to transition from handshaking to play state (via login),
         # using the given serverbound HandShakePacket to perform play-specific
         # processing.
-        if packet.protocol_version == self.server.context.protocol_version:
+        if self.server.context.protocol_version == packet.protocol_version:
             return self._run_login()
-        if packet.protocol_version < self.server.context.protocol_version:
-            msg = 'Outdated client! Please use %s' \
+        elif self.server.context.protocol_earlier(packet.protocol_version):
+            msg = "Outdated server! I'm still on %s" \
                   % self.server.minecraft_version
         else:
-            msg = "Outdated server! I'm still on %s" \
+            msg = 'Outdated client! Please use %s' \
                   % self.server.minecraft_version
         self.handle_login_server_disconnect(msg)
 
@@ -372,7 +369,7 @@ class FakeServer(object):
                  client_handler_type=FakeClientHandler, private_key=None,
                  public_key_bytes=None, test_case=None):
         if minecraft_version is None:
-            minecraft_version = VERSIONS[-1][0]
+            minecraft_version = list(SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.keys())[-1]
 
         if isinstance(minecraft_version, Integral):
             proto = minecraft_version
@@ -458,8 +455,9 @@ class _FakeServerTest(unittest.TestCase):
         must raise a 'FakeServerTestSuccess' exception.
     """
 
-    server_version = VERSIONS[-1]
+    server_version = None
     # The Minecraft version ID that the server will support.
+    # If None, the latest supported version will be used.
 
     client_versions = None
     # The set of Minecraft version IDs or protocol version numbers that the
diff --git a/tests/test_backward_compatible.py b/tests/test_backward_compatible.py
index c9cc66c..d929eac 100644
--- a/tests/test_backward_compatible.py
+++ b/tests/test_backward_compatible.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import unittest
 
 from minecraft import SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS
+from minecraft import utility
 from minecraft.networking.connection import ConnectionContext
 from minecraft.networking import packets
 from minecraft.networking import types
@@ -87,6 +88,12 @@ class LegacyTypesTest(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertIsInstance(types.FixedPointInteger, types.FixedPoint)
         self.assertEqual(types.FixedPointInteger.denominator, 32)
 
+        for attr in ('descriptor', 'overridable_descriptor',
+                     'overridable_property', 'attribute_alias',
+                     'multi_attribute_alias', 'attribute_transform',
+                     'class_and_instancemethod'):
+            self.assertEqual(getattr(types, attr), getattr(utility, attr))
+
 
 class ClassMemberAliasesTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_alias_values(self):
diff --git a/tests/test_connection.py b/tests/test_connection.py
index 1f52f29..c55a1e4 100644
--- a/tests/test_connection.py
+++ b/tests/test_connection.py
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
-from minecraft import SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS
-from minecraft import SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS
+from minecraft import (
+    SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS, SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS,
+    PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES,
+)
 from minecraft.networking.packets import clientbound, serverbound
 from minecraft.networking.connection import Connection
 from minecraft.exceptions import (
@@ -119,26 +121,22 @@ class ConnectCompressionHighTest(ConnectTest):
 
 
 class AllowedVersionsTest(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
-    versions = sorted(SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items(), key=lambda p: p[1])
-    versions = dict((versions[0], versions[len(versions)//2], versions[-1]))
+    versions = list(SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items())
+    test_indices = (0, len(versions) // 2, len(versions) - 1)
 
     client_handler_type = ConnectTest.client_handler_type
 
     def test_with_version_names(self):
-        for version, proto in AllowedVersionsTest.versions.items():
-            client_versions = {
-                v for (v, p) in SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items()
-                if p <= proto}
+        for index in self.test_indices:
             self._test_connect(
-                server_version=version, client_versions=client_versions)
+                server_version=self.versions[index][0],
+                client_versions={v[0] for v in self.versions[:index+1]})
 
     def test_with_protocol_numbers(self):
-        for version, proto in AllowedVersionsTest.versions.items():
-            client_versions = {
-                p for (v, p) in SUPPORTED_MINECRAFT_VERSIONS.items()
-                if p <= proto}
+        for index in self.test_indices:
             self._test_connect(
-                server_version=version, client_versions=client_versions)
+                server_version=self.versions[index][0],
+                client_versions={v[1] for v in self.versions[:index+1]})
 
 
 class LoginDisconnectTest(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
@@ -363,12 +361,22 @@ class HandleExceptionTest(ConnectTest):
 
 
 class VersionNegotiationEdgeCases(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
-    lowest_version = min(SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS)
-    highest_version = max(SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS)
-    impossible_version = highest_version + 1
+    earliest_version = SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS[0]
+    latest_version = SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS[-1]
+
+    fake_version = max(PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES.keys()) + 1
+    fake_version_index = max(PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES.values()) + 1
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[self.fake_version] = self.fake_version_index
+        super(VersionNegotiationEdgeCases, self).setUp()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        super(VersionNegotiationEdgeCases, self).tearDown()
+        del PROTOCOL_VERSION_INDICES[self.fake_version]
 
     def test_client_protocol_unsupported(self):
-        self._test_client_protocol(version=self.impossible_version)
+        self._test_client_protocol(version=self.fake_version)
 
     def test_client_protocol_unknown(self):
         self._test_client_protocol(version='surprise me!')
@@ -383,21 +391,21 @@ class VersionNegotiationEdgeCases(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
     def test_server_protocol_unsupported(self, client_versions=None):
         with self.assertRaisesRegexp(VersionMismatch, 'not supported'):
             self._test_connect(client_versions=client_versions,
-                               server_version=self.impossible_version)
+                               server_version=self.fake_version)
 
     def test_server_protocol_unsupported_direct(self):
-        self.test_server_protocol_unsupported({self.highest_version})
+        self.test_server_protocol_unsupported({self.latest_version})
 
     def test_server_protocol_disallowed(self, client_versions=None):
         if client_versions is None:
             client_versions = set(SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS) \
-                              - {self.highest_version}
+                              - {self.latest_version}
         with self.assertRaisesRegexp(VersionMismatch, 'not allowed'):
-            self._test_connect(client_versions={self.lowest_version},
-                               server_version=self.highest_version)
+            self._test_connect(client_versions={self.earliest_version},
+                               server_version=self.latest_version)
 
     def test_server_protocol_disallowed_direct(self):
-        self.test_server_protocol_disallowed({self.lowest_version})
+        self.test_server_protocol_disallowed({self.earliest_version})
 
     def test_default_protocol_version(self, status_response=None):
         if status_response is None:
@@ -414,10 +422,10 @@ class VersionNegotiationEdgeCases(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
                 raise fake_server.FakeServerDisconnect('Test complete.')
 
         def make_connection(*args, **kwds):
-            kwds['initial_version'] = self.lowest_version
+            kwds['initial_version'] = self.earliest_version
             return Connection(*args, **kwds)
 
-        self._test_connect(server_version=self.lowest_version,
+        self._test_connect(server_version=self.earliest_version,
                            client_handler_type=ClientHandler,
                            connection_type=make_connection)
 
@@ -436,9 +444,9 @@ class VersionNegotiationEdgeCases(fake_server._FakeServerTest):
                 raise fake_server.FakeServerDisconnect('Test complete.')
 
         def make_connection(*args, **kwds):
-            kwds['initial_version'] = self.lowest_version
+            kwds['initial_version'] = self.earliest_version
             return Connection(*args, **kwds)
 
-        self._test_connect(server_version=self.lowest_version,
+        self._test_connect(server_version=self.earliest_version,
                            client_handler_type=ClientHandler,
                            connection_type=make_connection)
diff --git a/tests/test_packets.py b/tests/test_packets.py
index 57efeb9..44b775c 100644
--- a/tests/test_packets.py
+++ b/tests/test_packets.py
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
             context.protocol_version = protocol_version
             packet = clientbound.play.MultiBlockChangePacket(context)
 
-            if protocol_version >= 741:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(741):
                 packet.chunk_section_pos = Vector(167, 17, 33)
                 packet.invert_trust_edges = False
             else:
@@ -239,8 +239,9 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
                             'type_id', context)
 
             pos_look = PositionAndLook(
-                position=(Vector(68.0, 38.0, 76.0) if protocol_version >= 100
-                          else Vector(68, 38, 76)),
+                position=(Vector(68.0, 38.0, 76.0)
+                          if context.protocol_later_eq(100) else
+                          Vector(68, 38, 76)),
                 yaw=263.494, pitch=180)
             velocity = Vector(21, 55, 41)
             entity_id, type_name, type_id = 49846, 'EGG', EntityType.EGG
@@ -252,7 +253,7 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
                         velocity_x=velocity.x, velocity_y=velocity.y,
                         velocity_z=velocity.z,
                         entity_id=entity_id, type_id=type_id, data=1)
-            if protocol_version >= 49:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(49):
                 object_uuid = 'd9568851-85bc-4a10-8d6a-261d130626fa'
                 packet.object_uuid = object_uuid
                 self.assertEqual(packet.objectUUID, object_uuid)
@@ -267,12 +268,12 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
                 "object_uuid='d9568851-85bc-4a10-8d6a-261d130626fa', "
                 "type_id=EGG, x=68.0, y=38.0, z=76.0, pitch=180, yaw=263.494, "
                 "data=1, velocity_x=21, velocity_y=55, velocity_z=41)"
-                % packet.id if protocol_version >= 100 else
+                % packet.id if context.protocol_later_eq(100) else
                 "0x%02X SpawnObjectPacket(entity_id=49846, "
                 "object_uuid='d9568851-85bc-4a10-8d6a-261d130626fa', "
                 "type_id=EGG, x=68, y=38, z=76, pitch=180, yaw=263.494, "
                 "data=1, velocity_x=21, velocity_y=55, velocity_z=41)"
-                % packet.id if protocol_version >= 49 else
+                % packet.id if context.protocol_later_eq(49) else
                 "0x%02X SpawnObjectPacket(entity_id=49846, type_id=EGG, "
                 "x=68, y=38, z=76, pitch=180, yaw=263.494, data=1, "
                 "velocity_x=21, velocity_y=55, velocity_z=41)" % packet.id
@@ -282,7 +283,7 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
                         context=context, position_and_look=pos_look,
                         velocity=velocity, type=type_name,
                         entity_id=entity_id, data=1)
-            if protocol_version >= 49:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(49):
                 packet2.object_uuid = object_uuid
             self.assertEqual(packet.__dict__, packet2.__dict__)
 
@@ -290,7 +291,7 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
             self.assertEqual(packet.position, packet2.position)
 
             packet2.data = 0
-            if protocol_version < 49:
+            if context.protocol_earlier(49):
                 del packet2.velocity
             self._test_read_write_packet(packet, context,
                                          yaw=360/256, pitch=360/256)
@@ -304,11 +305,11 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
             packet = clientbound.play.SoundEffectPacket(
                 sound_id=545, effect_position=Vector(0.125, 300.0, 50.5),
                 volume=0.75)
-            if protocol_version >= 201:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(201):
                 packet.pitch = struct.unpack('f', struct.pack('f', 1.5))[0]
             else:
                 packet.pitch = int(1.5 / 63.5) * 63.5
-            if context.protocol_version >= 95:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(95):
                 packet.sound_category = \
                     clientbound.play.SoundEffectPacket.SoundCategory.NEUTRAL
 
@@ -321,19 +322,20 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
             packet = clientbound.play.FacePlayerPacket(context)
             packet.target = 1.0, -2.0, 3.5
             packet.entity_id = None
-            if protocol_version >= 353:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(353):
                 packet.origin = OriginPoint.EYES
             self.assertEqual(
                 str(packet),
                 "0x%02X FacePlayerPacket(origin=EYES, x=1.0, y=-2.0, z=3.5, "
-                "entity_id=None)" % packet.id if protocol_version >= 353 else
+                "entity_id=None)" % packet.id
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(353) else
                 "0x%02X FacePlayerPacket(entity_id=None, x=1.0, y=-2.0, z=3.5)"
                 % packet.id
             )
             self._test_read_write_packet(packet, context)
 
             packet.entity_id = 123
-            if protocol_version >= 353:
+            if context.protocol_later_eq(353):
                 packet.entity_origin = OriginPoint.FEET
             else:
                 del packet.target
@@ -341,7 +343,7 @@ class TestReadWritePackets(unittest.TestCase):
                 str(packet),
                 "0x%02X FacePlayerPacket(origin=EYES, x=1.0, y=-2.0, z=3.5, "
                 "entity_id=123, entity_origin=FEET)" % packet.id
-                if protocol_version >= 353 else
+                if context.protocol_later_eq(353) else
                 "0x%02X FacePlayerPacket(entity_id=123)" % packet.id
             )
             self._test_read_write_packet(packet, context)
diff --git a/tests/test_packets_with_logic.py b/tests/test_packets_with_logic.py
index e9a202e..c10a74b 100644
--- a/tests/test_packets_with_logic.py
+++ b/tests/test_packets_with_logic.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class MapPacketTest(unittest.TestCase):
         packet.is_tracking_position = True
         packet.is_locked = False
         packet.icons = []
-        d_name = u'Marshmallow' if context.protocol_version >= 364 else None
+        d_name = u'Marshmallow' if context.protocol_later_eq(364) else None
         packet.icons.append(MapPacket.MapIcon(
             type=2, direction=2, location=(1, 1), display_name=d_name
         ))
diff --git a/tests/test_reactors.py b/tests/test_reactors.py
index 9d0de52..206a35b 100644
--- a/tests/test_reactors.py
+++ b/tests/test_reactors.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from minecraft.networking.connection import (
 from minecraft.networking.packets import clientbound
 
 
-max_proto_ver = max(SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS)
+latest_proto = SUPPORTED_PROTOCOL_VERSIONS[-1]
 
 
 class LoginReactorTest(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class LoginReactorTest(unittest.TestCase):
     @mock.patch('minecraft.networking.connection.encryption')
     def test_encryption_online_server(self, encrypt):
         connection = mock.MagicMock()
-        connection.context = ConnectionContext(protocol_version=max_proto_ver)
+        connection.context = ConnectionContext(protocol_version=latest_proto)
         reactor = LoginReactor(connection)
 
         packet = clientbound.login.EncryptionRequestPacket()
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ class LoginReactorTest(unittest.TestCase):
     @mock.patch('minecraft.networking.connection.encryption')
     def test_encryption_offline_server(self, encrypt):
         connection = mock.MagicMock()
-        connection.context = ConnectionContext(protocol_version=max_proto_ver)
+        connection.context = ConnectionContext(protocol_version=latest_proto)
         reactor = LoginReactor(connection)
 
         packet = clientbound.login.EncryptionRequestPacket()
diff --git a/tox.ini b/tox.ini
index a465d4b..488032d 100644
--- a/tox.ini
+++ b/tox.ini
@@ -50,7 +50,8 @@ deps =
 
 [flake8]
 per-file-ignores =
-    */clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py:E221,E222,E271,E272
+    */clientbound/play/spawn_object_packet.py:E221,E222,E271,E272,E201
+    minecraft/networking/packets/__init__.py:F401
 
 [testenv:pylint-errors]
 basepython = python3.8