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The Arsenal Files 8
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The Arsenal Files Collection #8 (Arsenal Computer) (1996).ISO
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mathable.zip
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MATHABLE.TXT
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1995-09-04
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1. R U L E S O F M A T H A B L E
=====================================
1.1. INTRODUCTION
-----------------
MATHABLE is a SCRABBLE-like game. It can be played with 2, 3, or 4
players.
The computer can take the place of one or more of these players.
(To do this, choose for the player's name to begin with the letters
COMP, e.g. COMPUTER, COMP-A, COMP1). Computer can play also against
itself (Computer 'solo', e.g. by choosing names: COMP-1, COMP-2).
Each player begins the game with a rack of 7 tiles, which, unlike
SCRABBLE, have on them, not letters but numbers. The tiles are
taken out of the 'bag' randomly and distributed to the players. The
first player to play is also chosen randomly.
1.2. THE BOARD
--------------
Much like a SCRABBLE board, the MATHABLE board has special squares
([2x], [3x]) for double or triple values of the tile placed on them.
It also has several squares ([+],[-],[x],[:]) which depict one of
the 4 signs of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
The function of these squares will be explained later. In the center
of the board, the following 4 tiles are preset:
[1][2]
[3][4]
1.3. THE RULES
--------------
A tile is placed on a specific square on the board only if the
number on it is the result of addition, subtraction, multiplication
or division of the two numbers that are found above, below, left or
right of this number.
Example: The game begins with the tiles [1], [2], [3], [4] preset
on the center of the board so that some results can be generated and
the game can be put into action.
Let's say you have a [7] on your rack. If you're the first player
you can put this [7] in the square which is exactly right of the
already existing [4] (because 3+4=7) or in the square which is exactly
left of the already existing [3] (for the same reason). If you have a
[2] you can put it in many squares:
1) above [1], because 3-1=2
2) below 3, for the same reason
3) above 2, because 4-2=2 (or 4:2=2)
4) below 4, for the same reasons
5) right of 2, because 2x1=2 (or 2:1=2)
6) left of 1, for the same reason
... you choose the one you want.
In conclusion: You can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication
or division between 2 numbers that are next to each other,
horizontally or vertically, and place the result of this operation
in the same column, or row, next to these 2 numbers.
Say you put [7] here -----\
|
| [1][2]
[7][3][4]
And you have a [21] on your rack, you can go on playing, because
you can put it left of the tile [7] (7x3=21).
When you have nothing more to put on the board, you pass on to the
next player, and you rack is filled with new tiles so that it always
has 7 on it (unless there are no more tiles in the 'bag');
1.4. SCORING
------------
Each player receives points for each tile he/she places on the board.
Generally these points are the face value of the tile, except if this
hits on a [2x] or [3x] square which doubles or triples its value.
The points are also doubled or tripled in a situation like the
following:
put 3 here -------> [3][6]
[3][1][2]
[1][3][4]
and you get 6 points because 3 is 6-3 (the horizontal subtraction)
and 1x3 (vertical multiplication).
If one player places his/her 7 tiles all in one turn he/she gets 50
points extra bonus.
1.5. SPECIAL SQUARES
--------------------
The special squares have on them one of the 4 signs (+,-,x,:). For
example, in a situation like this
sign -----------> [x][3][6]
[3][1][2]
[1][3][4]
on the [x] square you can put only a [18] (for 3x6 - horizontal) or
a [3] (for 3x1 - vertical), because multiplication is what the sign
demands that you do. But these squares give you (for your trouble)
an extra bonus: You are allowed to take one new tile out of the 'bag'
and use it in that same round, if you wish to do so.
Your are always asked if you want a new tile because there are cases
that this may cost you (e.g in case you are pursuing the 50-points
bonus or in case that this may bring in your racks a big value tile
at the end of the game).
1.6. EXCHANGING TILES
---------------------
You can exchange as many of the tiles on your rack you want, but
you loose your turn. Exchanging is not allowed in case you have put
already one of your tiles.
1.7. THE END OF THE GAME
------------------------
The game normally ends when the 'bag' empties and no more tiles can
be put anywhere. It's up to the players to decide when to end the game
officially (this can happen even before the 'bag' empties). When this
happens, the sum of the tiles still left on the rack is subtracted
from the current score. So if one player is stuck with the tiles [60],
[70] and [80] he/she will loose a total of 210 (=60+70+80) points after
the game ends (This is a real curse !)
1.8. HINTS
----------
You can ask for a 'hint' during play and the computer will point
you to a tile you can put on the board, WITHOUT telling you WHERE to
put it. 'Hint' should not be used in competition games. Using 'hint',
you also give up your right to enter the Hall of Fame.
1.9. COMMON MISTAKES
--------------------
Many people think you can perform one of the 4 operations diagonally.
You can't! Only horizontally and vertically.
Many people think you can place the result BETWEEN 2 numbers.
Example:
place 48 (=8x6) here \
|
[8] [6] No! Only like this: [8][6][48] or
[.][.][.] [48][8][6]
1.10. SOME TIPS
---------------
By playing Mathable (using the computer as opponent) you will
soon develop your own strategies of playing. You will soon realize that
the game becomes more exciting at the end (when -say- 6-12 tiles remain
in the bag). Some tips for the beginners:
1) Choose tiles and squares to get as many points as you can but
place them in a way, so as to help yourself put more tiles, targeting
the 2x and 3x squares. A [90] on a 3x square makes you really happy!
2) Because your opponent tiles are not hidden, try to play aggressively.
Don't create for your opponent a nice [9][10] if he/she has a [90]
to put, not unless you have a [1] (10-9) or [19] (10+9) to spoil
it for him/her. It is generally a bad practice to put a small tile
(just for putting it!) which will give to your opponent(s) the chance
to get many more points.
3) When the end is near and you give up the hope of finding a place
to put your big ones (such as [64], [70], [72], [80], [81] and
[90]) try to get rid of them by 'Exchange'. You surely don't want them
to be subtracted from your total. Having small tiles in your racks
(such as [0], [1], [2]) is generally considered as a blessing at the
end of the game.
4) It is a good practice to take a look from time to time to the
'Tiles Left' (in the 'bag') particularly as the end of the game
approaches. This way you can see the remaining tiles and find
out what is the best thing to do:
<i> to put one of your 'small' tiles (with the risk of getting
one 'big' but useless tile),
<ii> to pass, or
<iii> to exchange, hoping that you can get rid of useless 'big'
tiles sending them back to the 'bag' or (at the best) to the
racks of your opponent(s), if he/she is not careful as you are.
2. P R O G R A M I N S T R U C T I O N S
============================================
Playing 'Mathable' is fairly easy.
However, you will need a mouse to select the tile you want and
place it on the board. To do that, click once to select the tile,
move the mouse until the tile gets close enough to the square you want
to put it, and then click again to release it. If you make a mistake
the tile returns to its original position in your rack.
Apart from the tiles, 7 buttons exist on the screen. You activate
their functions by clicking on them or pressing the corresponding
underlined letters. These are:
<P>ASS : To pass your turn to the next player.
HALL OF <F>AME : See the hall of fame. (Remember 3 halls of fame exist,
for games with 2, 3, or 4 players).
<T>ILES LEFT : See the tiles left in the 'bag'.
E<X>CHANGE : To exchange one or more tiles.
<Q>UIT : To end the game after all the players agree to do so.
<H>INT : To ask the computer for a hint.
<O>PTIONS : To
<i> change the colors of the desktop,
<ii> choose cursor and tile speed, and
<iii> toggle sound on/off.
(Inactive buttons are indicated by their dimmed captions).
Finally, a MESSAGE BOX displays useful messages, such as the number
of tiles remaining in the 'bag' and certain 'Yes' or 'No' questions
to confirm or cancel various actions.
<END of INSTRUCTIONS>
---------------------