Learn Hardcore Russian: Кроме того, я уже купил билеты. - Besides that, I have already bought the tickets.

"Кроме того" is a discourse connector that adds an additional point to what was said. It maps to "besides," "in addition," "what's more," or "moreover." It's neutral-to-formal and works in speech and writing.

How is "Кроме того" different from "к тому же", "и ещё", "также", "тоже"?

к тому же: very close, slightly more colloquial; often interchangeable.
и ещё: very colloquial, like "and also."
также: like "also" in formal writing; less natural as a standalone sentence connector.
тоже: "also" but contrasts subjects/actions; not a sentence connector.
помимо этого/кроме этого: "in addition to this (specific thing)"; more referential to the preceding item.

Why is there a comma after "Кроме того"?

It's an introductory parenthetical. Russian sets such connectors off with a comma: "Кроме того, ..." If inserted mid-sentence, use commas on both sides: "Я, кроме того, уже купил билеты." A dash is possible for emphasis, but a comma is standard.

Why "того" and what case is it?

"Кроме" governs the genitive case, so "то" becomes genitive "того." In this fixed connector "кроме того," the phrase means "besides that" and the "того" needn’t point to any specific noun unless context supplies it.

Where can I put "уже"? Are other word orders possible?