56 lines
2.4 KiB
Plaintext
56 lines
2.4 KiB
Plaintext
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GAMNIV20.LBR
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------------
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Gammon IV, Version 2.0, April 1, 1986. Full-screen backgammon for CP/M.
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This is the April Fool's Day (1986) edition of Gammon IV, the first major
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update in many months.
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BACKGMMN.COM is the compiled and ready-to-run object file. It requires
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either an ADM-3A compatible terminal ("old" Kaypro) or a screen with video
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characteristics exactly like the Kaypro 2X, 4'84 or 10. However, this
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version has the same CRT Module as formerly, including a clearly-marked user
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patch area for non-Kaypro terminals.
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Improvements for Version 2.0 include:
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a) Several bugs and poltergeists, especially in the Arrange command, have
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been completely exorcised. No bugs have been found in the Play command
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for months; but, as before, Gammon IV will not invariably recognize a
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forced move, either in your play or in its own. Gammon IV knows and
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obeys all other official rules of backgammon.
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b) There are no "hidden" commands anymore. All commands are now shown in
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the command lines, including X(pert and G(raphic. The G(raphic command
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turns on the Kaypro video-able display.
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c) Input error handling now documents the BAR, HOME and HELP commands, so
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first-time players do not need to read anything else in order to play
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the game successfully. The X(pert mode dispenses with these messages,
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so X(pert actually does mean expert, now!
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d) The "break" command is Control-C again, instead of ESCAPE. It was
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all too easy to hit ESC instead of 1 on the Kaypro keyboard, leading to
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an inadvertently paused game.
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e) The sanction against cheating (your opponent became Torve) has been
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removed.
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f) If the cube is doubled during the opening rolloff to see who goes
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first, and the cube value reaches 8, additional pairs on the dice
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have no further effect. The cube's opening value will not go above 8.
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The computer's three styles of play have not been changed. Judging from the
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feedback I've received, Gammon IV plays acceptably well at the current
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levels. All information needed to re-compile the program is included in the
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BACKGMMN.C file, including the details of C/80 3.1 configuration. The
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compile and link steps are governed by BACKGMMN.SUB.
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This program is in the public domain, so distribute it freely.
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Enjoy!
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David C. Oshel
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1219 Harding Ave.
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Ames, Iowa 50010
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