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Loadstar 128 41
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t.boris 1999
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2022-08-28
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B O R I S 1 9 9 9
Program by Harold Snyder
Text by Fender Tucker
I had big plans for upgrading BORIS 128, which appeared on the very
first LOADSTAR 128 ten years ago, but instead the compiled version that's
on this issue is the same as the first one. But there is one major
difference: this time you get the source code. It's all in BASIC 7.0 so
here is a chance for a programmer to do a little LOADSTAR-style
embellishment.
I mainly wanted to revive BORIS because of the SuperCPU. Chess programs
have traditionally been very slow, especially playing at high levels. At 20
MHz BORIS will beat you very quickly at Level 9. No waiting. If you've got
the SuperCPU V2, by all means, use it when playing BORIS.
Anyone who attempts to modify the BASIC code will have to know the
Abacus 128 Compiler pretty well. I don't, which is one reason why I haven't
attempted to upgrade it with a custom font and a different screen design,
or even more ambitiously, mouse support. Even at 20 MHz, I believe this
program needs to be compiled. If you do make significant improvements to
the BASIC source, and successfully compile it, please send me a copy
(source and compiled code) and I'll pass it on to the LOADSTAR susbcribers
somehow.
USING THE PROGRAM
-----------------
You may use either the keyboard or a joystick with BORIS. One of the
first prompts asks which you want to use. You can always change your mind
once you're in the game so try them both out to see which you prefer.
You'll also be asked if you want to view the instructions. These are
the instructions for BORIS, the program, not chess, the game. If you aren't
familiar with the rules of chess, read one of the thousands of books on the
subject and try out BORIS on one of the lower levels and you'll soon be
playing at least as well as I do.
On the game screen you'll see a list of some of your options on the
right side of the screen. The options that aren't shown, but still work,
are C for changing the color of the pieces, J for switching to joystick
mode, and K for keyboard mode. You can either have grey against white (the
default colors) or purple against yellow.
The bottom option is CURSOR. To move from the board to the option row
you HAVE to go through this option. You can't go directly to the board
from, say, 'LEVEL CHANGE'. You must move the cursor down to CURSOR and then
across to the board.
The SPACE BAR is used instead of the usual RETURN to register your
move. Just position the cursor on the square of the piece you want to move,
press the SPACE BAR (the cursor turns red), then move the cursor to the
square you want to move to and press SPACE again. You'll be told of an
illegal move and allowed to make another one.
The only tricky move is MODIFY BOARD. It's also very handy for setting
up chess problems (you know, those "white mates in two" types of puzzles)
or working on your endgame.
Also, since BORIS has a limited library of openings, you may want to
start out by setting up the first few moves the way YOU want. When you
choose MODIFY BOARD you're expected to enter four characters, in this
sequence: the square, the player and the piece. The square requires two
characters in typical chess format, such as E5. The player can be C for
computer, P for player, or E for empty. The piece can be P, N, B, R, Q, K
or S for Pawn, kNight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, King or Space respectively.
So, to place one of your Rooks on square H4, enter H4PR at the MODIFY
prompt. Entering WIPE erases all pieces except the two kings and Z exits
the MODIFY mode.
The instructions, which are available at all times, explain about
promoting a piece and all of the things I mentioned above. I tried to make
an en passant move and I got an 'illegal move' message. BORIS does not
recognize en passant capturing.
BORIS 1999 does not return to LOADSTAR 128 when done. It drops to
BASIC.
\\\\\ R - Run RETURN - Menu \\\\\