The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

DRAUGHTS

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Graphical Draughts Simulation

Author             : Richard Hanson

Standalone Release(s)   : 1983: DRAUGHTS, Superior, £7.95

Compilation Release(s)   : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron, BBC B, B+ and Master 128

Supplier            : SUPERIOR, Department C, Ground Floor, Regent House, Skinner

                    Lane, LEEDS 7

Disc compatibility     : ADFS 1D00, CDFS 1D00, DFS 1D00

Instructions

The game uses the generally accepted rule that if there is a piece to take then you must take it. You must also take any further piece then takeable from your new square. This rule is enforced by the program, and messages appear to tell you when you must take.

Incidentally, messages are printed in your chosen colour, in case you should forget on which side you are playing!

To leave the program, simply press <BREAK>. Pressing <ESCAPE> will not work at any time.

1. Choice Of Colour

After loading, you should get a board, and a "Black or White?" message. Respond B or W and the board will be set up for you. If you selected White, the computer will also have made its random opening move, and the message "Level 1" will be shown (see 3).

2. Entering Your Move

At the bottom left there is a cursor. Its movement is controlled by four arrow keys. The keys repeat at intervals of 1/5th second.

Simply position the cursor on the square you want to move from and press <SPACE>, then move over the square you want to move to and press <SPACE> again. If your move was a legal move, the move will be shown and the computer will start considering its reply. If your move was illegal in any way, the cursor will return to bottom left and you must try again.

3. Changing Skill Levels

There are two levels available. Level 1 is fast (a few seconds) and quite difficult to beat without cheating (see 4). Level 2 is much slower - though times vary greatly - and plays a very skilful game. To change between one level and another, press "L" at your turn.

4. Move Recall

Pressing "R" withdraws your last move and the computer's last move. You can re-enter any legal move. This feature is very useful if you want the computer to make a more considered reply to your last move. Press "R" then "L" (for Level 2) and re-enter your move.

5. Problem Solving

The game has sophisticated problem solving features which are accessed by pressing "P". The message "Set position" is also issued. The following features are now available to you:

Cursor keys behave normally.

Key 0 - Deletes the piece under the cursor.

Key 1 - Inserts one of your pieces. (No need to press 0 first)

Key 2 - Inserts one of your kings.

Key 3 - Inserts a computer piece.

Key 4 - Inserts a computer king.

Key C - Clears the board completely.

Key Q - The computer will reply to the new position and you can continue playing normally as long as you like, but

Key G - restores the position when you last pressing "P", so you can get back to youe game providing you have only pressed "P" once.

6. Re-starting

If you want to abandon the present game, and start a new one, press "S". This is final, there is no going back to the previous game!

Instructions' Source   : DRAUGHTS (Superior) Inner Inlay

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