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ChessMAGIC! v1.83f
(c)1991-92 Bud Bradley / KnightWare
(All Rights Reserved)
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SYSOP'S REFERENCE MANUAL
by
Tom Brady
Distributed by
KnightWare
465 Ridgedale Way
Lawrenceville, GA 30244
(404) 978-2893
Decibel BBS
Atlanta, GA
Tom Brady, Sysop
(404) 288-6858 1200/2400/9600 (HST)
(404) 284-1152 1200/2400 (MNP/V42)
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ I n t r o d u c t i o n │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Congratulations! You and your users are about to begin enjoying the
"leader of the pack" chess software for computer Bulletin Board Systems!
The design of ChessMAGIC! and its features were developed by those with
many years of experience in playing both OTB chess and BBS chess. Many
of the standard features in ChessMAGIC! are NOT AVAILABLE with other
forms of BBS chess programs. Not only do we blow them out of the water
with power-packed features, but you'll find we don't charge an arm and a
leg for it either! This unregistered version, while slightly limited in
its scope, is fairly open in its functionality. The reason for this is
quite simple...we want you to become a registered user. We sincerely
believe that you'll find no better BBS chess program anywhere for any
price!
One of the most unique items in ChessMAGIC! is its own internal CHESS
PROGRAM. Players of all caliber will enjoy playing against any of the 10
levels of computer players provided by ChessMAGIC!. Whether your users
are beginners, experts, or anywhere between, this new door entry will
truly be a hit on your BBS! No longer will players be waiting for their
opponents to play. There will always be 10 that never tire of a good
game of chess in real time.
Another feature not found in other BBS chess programs that's loved by
chess buffs is that games are never reused, unless you specifically want
them to be! For as long as you wish to keep completed games available,
your users can download and view them, move by move, using the free
CMREAD11.EXE offline reader, or one their own favorite viewers. If
you've got enough drive space, 9,999,999 (that's right, almost 10
million!) games can be maintained in each playing area.
You might ask, "How many chess areas can I have?" The answer is
simple...virtually unlimited! When the time comes and that's not
enough, feel free to ask our grandchildren for more!
ChessMAGIC!, unlike other BBS chess programs, uses the same algorithm
for calculating its ratings as does the USCF. These ratings will be
consistent throughout each and every one of your chess areas. Other BBS
chess programs maintain no accurate master records for maximum
efficiency. Not so in ChessMAGIC!. ChessMAGIC! is highly integrated in
the fact that it carries only 1 rating per player, no matter how many
rated areas there are. All player data is maintained in a centralized
data base and shared by all chess areas. This provides a more realistic
rating system per board. More good news is, all areas are accessible
from the ChessMAGIC! menu. No more need for a sysop to set up different
door menu options, as in other BBS chess programs...
Does your BBS hold chess tournaments? Pairing and setting up player
files can be a real chore in other BBS chess programs. ChessMAGIC! will
perform all the pairings and setups for you!
As you're also going to find out, KnightWare is highly responsive to your
needs. We value your suggestions about improving our product. So, if
you think we need to add the kitchen sink, let us know!
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Bud Bradley and Tom Brady wish to express their sincere thanks to a few
of the Decibel BBS chess players (Larry Phillips, Al Schrank, Jay Eidex,
and Warren De Mers) and a host of registered ChessMAGIC! sysops across
the globe for their suggestions, patience and encouragement.
- Page ii -
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Section Title Page
1.0 ChessMAGIC! -- WHY REGISTER? 1
1.1 Features (unregistered limitations) 1
2.0 CONFIGURING ChessMAGIC! FOR YOUR BBS 3
2.1 BBS User Files 3
2.2 Customizing COM Ports 4
2.3 Using a Fossil Driver 4
2.4 System & Memory Considerations 5
3.0 INSTALLATION 5
3.1 Assistance 5
3.2 Associated Files & Descriptions 6
4.0 ALL ABOUT THE MENU 8
4.1 Menu Use and Option Descriptions 8
5.0 PLAYING AREA 10
5.1 Making Moves 10
5.2 Board Commands/Options 10
5.3 Note Pad & Message Editors 12
6.0 USER vs THE COMPUTER! 13
7.0 USER vs USER IN REAL TIME! 15
8.0 GAME INQUIRY/DOWNLOAD 15
8.1 Transfer Protocol Configuration 17
9.0 PRODUCT SUPPORT 18
10.0 RAPID ONLINE CHARGE ORDERS 20
10.1 Pricing 20
10.2 Extended Maintenance Plan 20
11.0 DISCLAIMER/AGREEMENT 21
11.1 Miscellaneous 22
12.0 DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE 23
13.0 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (checks) 24
14.0 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (charges) 25
- Page iii -
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 1.0 ChessMAGIC! -- WHY REGISTER? Page 1 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
By registering CHESSMAGIC!, you help us to provide continued support
for a quality product. As you will see by the unregistered version,
ChessMAGIC! is packed with features far exceeding other products in
the BBS program category. By registering, you guarantee the future
of this product and its continued support.
By distributing as "shareware," we hold down well over 50% of the
cost that is normally passed on to the consumer when purchased as
commercial, off-the-shelf software. We don't provide any frilly box,
fluffy looking documentation, or shrink wrapped package. We do
provide a product that will serve you well, now and in the future.
We know that this is the way software should be sold...try it before
you buy it! In this way, there can be no doubt about the product you
are purchasing, once the frilly box is set aside.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 1.1 Features List (Unregistered Limitations) ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Although limited by the nature of this distribution method, the
ChessMAGIC! unregistered version is loaded with features. This
program version contains the following features (unregistered
limitations are noted):
1. Ratings/statistics updated with each completed and/or defaulted
game .
(unregistered version merely deletes the game)
2. Simultaneous multinode access to all ChessMAGIC! playing areas,
supporting chess play in REAL TIME! Supports any number of
nodes.
(unregistered version supports 2 nodes)
3. A virtually unlimited number of chess playing areas/doors are
supported and fully configurable as rated, unrated, team,
tournament, etc., via the registered CMSED program.
(unregistered version supports only 2 chess playing areas)
4. A maximum of 9,999,999 (almost 10 million) games before purging!
(unregistered version is limited to 15 games)
5. Completed games can be viewed online or downloaded for offline
loading in a user's chess editior.
(unregistered version will delete completed games)
6. Automatic time defaults supported, based on specified number of
days.
(unregistered version does not provide time defaults)
7. FREE ChessMAGIC! Graphical Interface program for users!
(now being developed)
8. ACE International Network! Each registered site will be a part
of this international chess network. Member players access
games on their favorite ChessMAGIC! system, enabling them to
play against players from all over the world!
(now being developed)
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 1.1 Features List (Unregistered Limitations) {continued} Page 2 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
9. NO BEG SCREEN! Once registered, BBS name, Sysop name or other
title you may wish to provide will be displayed instead of
"*UnREGISTERED COPY*" within the main menu and upon exit.
10. UNLIMITED TECHNICAL SUPPORT and 90 Days FREE MINOR/MAJOR
UPDATES. We can be contacted on Decibel BBS, or by voice. Any
problems reported by you during this period, will be responsibly
and quickly resolved.
╔════════════════════════════╗
║ ATTENTION REGISTERED SITES ║
╚════════════════════════════╝
Your 90-day free minor/major update period starts April 27th,
1992, if you registered prior to this date! We felt this was
only fair, since earlier ChessMAGIC! versions were not stable.
11. A sysop configuration/customization utility to provide the
following (unregistered version does not contain Sysop
utilities):
a. BBS name (or other info line) displayed in ChessMAGIC!'s
main menu.
b. Tournament pairings and game setup...automatic! You
specify the player names and ChessMAGIC! takes care of the
rest!
c. Team pairings and game setup...automatic! You specify the
player names and ChessMAGIC! takes care of the rest!
Complete team (and individual player) statistics are kept.
(future enhancement)
d. Setup custom board positions. This is also a user option
in unrated gaming areas.
(future enhancement)
12. The ChessMAGIC! System Editor (aka CMSED) is available for
download as unregistered shareware to provide all of your
ChessMAGIC! database management needs in one powerful, full-
featured database management program!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.0 CONFIGURING ChessMAGIC! FOR YOUR BBS Page 3 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Running ChessMAGIC! is quite simple. Normally, the only REQUIRED
command line parameter to pass is the path\filename of your BBS user
file. For those with special port\interrupt requirements, optional
parameters may need to be specified. Baud rates up to 115K are
supported.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.1 BBS User Files ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The BBS user file provides information to ChessMAGIC!!, such as COM
port, user name, time allowed in door, etc. This file is necessary
for ChessMAGIC! to function. The complete path\filename of the BBS
user file must be passed to CMAGIC.EXE as the 1st parameter in the
command line. These files are created by your BBS EACH time a user
runs a door...
The following BBS user file formats are directly supported:
door.sys - WildCat! v3.x, GAP v5.x, Generic & others
callinfo.bbs - WildCat! v2.x
pcboard.sys - PCBoard 12.0 - 14.5
dorinfox.def - RBBS, QBBS & others
generic.sys - A simple user system file that ChessMAGIC! can
utilize. (not recommended)
For BBS systems not shown, download QKDOOR2F.EXE from Decibel BBS.
This utility will provide conversions for many popular formats to one
of those we directly support, as shown above. The README.1ST file
found in the distribution archive briefly describes its use.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The following are sample ChessMAGIC! command lines for various
BBS system user files:
cmagic drive:\dir\door.sys
cmagic drive:\dir\callinfo.bbs
cmagic drive:\dir\pcboard.sys
cmagic drive:\dir\dorinfo1.def
cmagic drive:\dir\generic.sys
Note: You MUST specify the drive/directory path to your system's
user file if you expect ChessMAGIC! to find it!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.1 BBS User Files {continued} Page 4 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Not recommended for normal BBS entry, Generic.sys is a standard text
file that contains 3 lines, each line followed by a carriage return
and line feed. The format is:
line 1 - BBS Name
line 2 - COM port in use
line 3 - Time allowed in door
example : Decibel BBS
COM1:
50
Specifying COM0: will enable ChessMAGIC! for local mode operation.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.2 Customizing COM Ports ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
NOT USED FOR STANDARD PORT ADDRESSES/INTERRUPTS
A port address/interrupt is optional and can be passed if the address
is nonstandard. Otherwise, ChessMAGIC! defaults to the standard
address.
The format for passing an address is:
PORT:aaaa:x where aaaa = address (i.e. 03F8, 02E8, etc.)
where x = the IRQ
The BBS file path MUST be the first parameter. If the port address is
specified, it MUST be the second parameter.
Example of starting ChessMAGIC! and specifying a nonstandard port:
cmagic d:\cmagic\door.sys PORT:03F8:4
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.3 Using a Fossil Driver ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
NOT USED FOR STANDARD PORT ADDRESSES/INTERRUPTS
If your BBS utilizes a fossil driver, ChessMAGIC! can easily be told to
use it. Similar to specifying port address/interrupt, above, the
second parameter requires only a slight modification:
PORT:F:p F = tells ChessMAGIC! to utilize a fossil driver
P = the port number of the fossil
Example of starting ChessMAGIC! with a fossil:
cmagic c:\cmagic\door.sys PORT:F:1
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 2.4 System & Memory Considerations Page 5 ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ChessMAGIC! utilizes ANSI graphics. You must make certain that your
users have an ANSI driver installed in order that they can properly
view the screens.
ChessMAGIC! is DesqView compatible.
ChessMAGIC! will automatically detect and use memory in this order:
EMS (expanded memory), or XMS (extended memory).
Conventional Memory Usage : 243k bytes
EMS/XMS : 112k bytes
Memory useage is displayed whenever ChessMAGIC! is run.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 3.0 INSTALLATION ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Complete installation procedures are provided in the README.1ST and
README.2ND files, found within the distribution archive.
Use the ChessMAGIC! System Editor (aka CMSED) for customization and
maintenance of your system. CMSED will also properly initialize
your entire ChessMAGIC! system. If run in an existing ChessMAGIC!
system directory, it will create any necessary system databases that
may be missing.
Always read any special help files that may be included in the
distribution archive!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 3.1 Assistance ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Although ChessMAGIC! is an easy program to install on most any BBS,
there may be some Sysop who has trouble. If so, please don't
hesitate to phone our support BBS! We will be glad to assist you in
getting ChessMAGIC! up and running.
Decibel BBS - Atlanta, GA
Tom Brady, Sysop
(404) 288-6858 1200/2400/9600 (HST)
(404) 284-1152 1200/2400 (MNP/V42)
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 3.2 Associated Files and Descriptions Page 6 ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The distribution version of ChessMAGIC! contains the following
files, some of which are contained within several archives inside
the distribution archive:
README .1ST - READ THIS FIRST
README .2ND - READ THIS SECOND
DESQVIEW.!!! - important info for Desqview users
QMODEM .!!! - important info for your users with Qmodem
HISTORY .DOC - current release history of enhancements/fixes
CMAGIC .DOC - you're reading it
CM_USER .DOC - User's Reference Manual
????DOOR.BAT - sample WildCat! & PC-Board door batch files
CMAGIC .EXE - executable program
* CMAGIC .SCR - menu screens
* CMERROR .DBF - assorted error messages
* CMAGIC .OPN - book openings used by computer
* CMAGIC .GME - game initialization file
* CMPROTO .DAT - transfer protocols & descriptions you specify
CM_? .BAT - assorted file transfer batches for CMPROTO.DAT
* ????????.BAT - assorted online help files
* NOTE: With the exception of CMPROTO.DAT (and the sample protocol
batch files), which must be edited, these files should NOT
be altered or removed! Erratic operation and system lock-
ups will occur if these files found by ChessMAGIC! when run.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED FILES ARE MISSING OR PROGRAM OPERATES
ERRATICALLY, DOWNLOAD ANOTHER ARCHIVE FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE.
The following files are created during system setup:
CMDOOR .DBF/.MDX - chess area definition database/index
PLAYER .DBF/.MDX - player database/index
RBASE .DBF/.MDX - player's historical ratings database/index
RATED .DBF/.MDX - rated area game database/index
UNRATED .DBF/.MDX - unrated area game database/index
PSTATS .DBF/.MDX - each area's player stats database/index
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 3.2 Associated Files and Descriptions {continued} Page 7 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The following files are used/created for each game:
* xxxx.MVE - game move file (xxxx = game number)
** xxxx.NTE - game note pad file (xxxx = game number)
** xxxx.MSG - game long message file (xxxx = game number)
** xxxx.SMG - game short message file (xxxx = game number)
* Note 1: Not created until a player actually enters each game.
** Note 2: Not created until a note/message is saved.
*** Note 3: If upgrading from _any_ version prior to 1.81d, be
sure to delete the CMAGIC.CFG file!
The following miscellaneous files are not included in the
distribution archive, but may be downloaded from Decibel BBS at any
time:
QKDOOR2F.EXE - user file converter for non-supported BBS
NEWREC10.EXE - used when upgrading existing v1.33a (or lower)
ChessMAGIC! systems
{registered feature}
LHA213.EXE - archive utility (best one available and free)
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 4.0 ALL ABOUT THE MENU Page 8 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Shown below, the top box of the main menu provides the ChessMAGIC!
credits, registration status/name, current chess play area and whether
a single or multinode version.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KnightWare ChessMAGIC! Version 1.xxx (c)1991-92 │
│ *UnREGISTERED COPY* │
│ GAME AREA TITLE Multinode Version Nodes = 2 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The menu selections are shown in the next three boxes. To select a
command, enter the highlighted letter and press <ENTER>.
┌────[ GAMES ]─────┐ ┌─────[ LISTS ]──────┐ ┌─────[ MISC ]──────┐
│ Play Your Games │ │ │ │ ? = Help │
│ Start New Games │ │ Master Ratings │ │ Information │
│ Join New Games │ │ Who's Online │ │ + COLOR to Laptop │
│ View Games │ │ │ │ Design Board │
│ OTB REAL TIME │ │ * Area Stats * │ │ Select Game Area │
│ Play Computer │ │ Win/Loss Summary │ │ = Graphics OFF │
│ Game Inquiry │ │ Game History │ │ Quit/eXit to BBS │
└──────────────────┘ └────────────────────┘ └───────────────────┘
The last box shows player name, statistics and current game status.
The unregistered version will not update the wins, losses or draws
categories.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Wins: Losses: Draws: │
│ │
│ Accesses: Last Access: Your move in game(s) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 4.1 Menu Items and Descriptions ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
[ GAMES ] Commands
P Play Your Games -Used for actual game play. A list of your
current games along with play status (i.e.
flagged if your move) is shown.
* S Start New Games -Used to open new games as white or black. An
existing opponent may also be specified, thus
reserving games to prevent otherwise open
joining by any player.
* J Join New Games -Used to join open games that are awaiting
opponents.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 4.1 Menu Items and Descriptions {continued} Page 9 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
V View Games -View any game currently in progress.
O OTB REAL TIME -Used to enable play against a human opponent
on another node in real time!
(unavailable in unregistered version)
* C Play Computer -Used to open new games against any of 10
computer players who range in difficulty
levels (i.e. 1 is easiest, 10 is most
difficult). Similar to command B, you open
games as white or black, but you then specify
the player by number.
I Game Inquiry -Used to view and/or download completed games.
(unavailable in unregistered version)
* NOTE: Upon using one of these commands, you must use command A to
actually play in your games.
[ LISTS ] Commands
M Master List - Displays master list of player stats/ratings.
H Who's Online - Displays online status of other nodes/players.
W Win/Loss % - Win/Loss/% summary of current area.
G Game History - Lists completed games detailing wins and
losses in current area.
[ MISC ] Commands
? Help - Displays detailed menu information
describing commands and their functions.
F Information - Product credits and registration
information.
+ Color Setting - Current display setting, will toggle through
three possible choices:
COLOR to Mono
MONO to Laptop
LAPTOP to Color
D Design Board - Displays game board in current color and
tile configuration, allowing user to
customize white and black squares to suit
their own tastes.
A Select Area - Used to move from one gaming area to
another, based on Sysop configuration.
Shortcut command is Axx, where xx equals
the game area number.
(unregistered version only provides two
areas)
= Graphics - Toggles OFF or ON for graphical interface
Q Quit to BBS - Exits ChessMAGIC! and returns to BBS.
X Exit to BBS - ditto
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.0 PLAYING AREA Page 10 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The playing board is drawn using ANSI graphics. White pieces are
white letters on a black background and black pieces are black letters
on a white background. As shown, the pieces are letter equivalents:
P = Pawn R = Rook
N = Knight Q = Queen
B = Bishop K = King
Game data displayed includes game number, current move number, player
names, ratings and clock times.
The player whose move it is, is flagged with a "->" beside that
player's name.
The options box shows the available playing area commands.
The status box will display various status messages when needed such
as White Wins, Game Drawn, Message Waiting, etc. These messages will
be highlighted and blinking, so as not to be overlooked. All moves
and commands are entered in the designated "Option/Move" box.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.1 Making moves ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Algebraic notation (i.e. e2-e4) is REQUIRED when making ChessMAGIC!
moves. A delimiter is also required in move entry, consisting of any
character (i.e. e2 e4, d2;d4, b1=c3, etc.).
The only exception to algebraic notation is when castling. In that
case, you MUST move as o-o (king-side) or o-o-o (queen-side). Use
lowercase letters, NOT the numeral 0!
After entry of your command/move, press <ENTER> and the system will
perform upon your request. Invalid commands/moves will not be
allowed, nor acted upon and an error message will be displayed.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.2 Board Commands/Options ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
C - Used to display white & black list of captured pieces and their
corresponding point values.
D - Used to offer your opponent a draw, but only after you have made
your move. Until your opponent makes his next move, the draw
offer remains. Once your opponent has moved, the draw offer is
automatically removed.
R - Used to resign your game.
T - Used to take back your current move. This command is not
available during games played against computer opponents.
A - Used to accept a draw.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.2 Board Commands/Options {continued} Page 11 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
I - Used to invert (i.e. reverse) the game board.
K - Used to kill a waiting game. If someone reserves a game and has
specified you as their opponent, but you don't wish to participate,
this option is available. The game will be deleted (i.e. it
never existed) without affecting either ratings or statistics.
Player's may only kill their own games and then, only when both
sides have not made a move.
L - Used to display a complete list of game moves.
M - Used to enter a message to your opponent (see next page for
detailed description).
N - Used to go to the [N]ext available game whether in view or play
mode. When in play mode, this will take you to next game in which
it is your move.
By specifying a valid game number, you can go directly to that game
without stepping through several others:
n34 (will step directly to game #34)
P - Used to access ChessMAGIC!'s Note Pad. This will enable you to
enter private notes (unseen by your opponent) to yourself as an aid
in the current game. (See next page for full description.)
F - Used to refresh the game screen in case something such as line
noise causes things to get jumbled.
Q - Used to quit from play mode and return to ChessMAGIC!'s main menu.
X - Used to exit ChessMAGIC! and return to BBS.
* SPACE - Used to abort the computer's "thinking" process.
* S - Used to resume the aborted computer "thinking" process
mentioned above.
* NOTE: These above two commands are only available when playing against
a computer opponent.
SPECIAL SYSOP/LOCAL COMMAND
* Z - LOCAL OPTION ONLY! Press uppercase Z, followed by <ENTER>. If
it's White's move when first Viewing a game, this option is
automatically enabled (i.e. local play accepted without Z press).
Use this option for each subsequent play, or IF it's Black's move
when you first View a game. This option inverts/reverses board
positions, so current player is at bottom of the game board.
This option enables the sysop to make rapid game corrections, since
the Take-back function is fully operational. If necessary, the
sysop can take back moves to the game's opening!
* NOTE: The Z option is available ONLY in local mode. Use the main
menu's D (View) option to use it in any/all games. BE CAREFUL
when viewing games, or you could have some upset users!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.3 Note Pad & Message Editors Page 12 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
[ NotePad ]
Each player has their own Note Pad for keeping game notes within
each and every game. These notes are completely private and
unviewable by their opponents or other observers.
[ Messages ]
Public notes can be entered by each game player to their
opponents. Viewable by everyone, only the players of that game
are able to access the editing features. Users are notified of
waiting mail.
When selected to read/enter a message, additional message entry
options are displayed in the "status" window:
┌─[ Status ]────────────────────────┐
│ [L]ong [S]hort [V]iew [A]bort MSG │
└───────────────────────────────────┘
L - used to enter a long message, described below
S - used to enter a single line message
V - used to view long message
A - used to abort message mode, returning to play mode
Long Message Entry/Edit -
The game board will clear and in its place will be a message entry
area for up to 23 lines of text. Simply begin typing, hitting
<ENTER> at end of each line. Don't worry about typos, those can
be corrected by using the special edit features. However, the
backspace is destructive for immediate corrections, if you wish.
The <ESC> key can be pressed anytime to bring up the following
command options:
Commands: [A]bort, [E]dit, [H]elp, [S]ave, or [C]ontinue
These commands are explained as follows:
A - Used to abort the current message entry session without
saving anything.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 5.3 Note Pad & Message Editors {continued} Page 13 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
E - Used to enter cursor placement mode for editing typos and
such. <NumLock> MUST be ON in order for cursor
positioning to work. Special editing commands are
available in this mode and are explained below.
Cursor movement corresponds to your numeric keypad as
follows:
Cursor LEFT = 4 or Left Arrow
Cursor RIGHT = 6 or Right Arrow
Cursor DOWN = 2 or Down Arrow
Cursor UP = 8 or Up Arrow
Other editing functions are performed with additional keys
on your numeric keypad:
Insert space = 0 or <Ins>
Delete to end-of-line = 1 or <End>
Delete character = . or <Del>
Cursor to "home" position = 7 or <Home>
Delete entire screen = 9 or <PgUp>
The Q command is special in that it exits from the
cursor/edit mode and returns to the command line options.
H - Used to display helpful information about editor use.
S - Used to save message and return to the game screen. The
opponent is automatically notified of the awaiting note.
C - Used to pick up where the cursor was left for continuing
with the message entry process.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 6.0 USER vs THE COMPUTER! ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
With the 10 levels of play offered in ChessMagic!'s built-in computer
chess program, your users have their choice of playing a beginner, a
seasoned veteran or anything in between! The advantage of playing
against a computer opponent is that they are able to play in real
time mode any time they like, rather than having to wait for someone
to phone in and move. If their time is about to expire, they don't
have to finish the game that session! They simply exit and the
computer will be patiently awaiting their return to pick up where
they left off!
ChessMAGIC!'s chess program also utilizes a library of book openings.
If it recognizes the opening you're playing, it will respond
immediately.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 6.0 USER vs THE COMPUTER! {continued} Page 14 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The computer players are always the first ten listed in the player
database. DON'T REMOVE ANY OF THEM! As a safety measure, The CMSED
utility will not allow deletion of the computer players.
The computer players are listed below by skill level. level 1 is the
easiest to beat, while level 10 is the most difficult. The times
shown are approximate "thinking" times needed by each player level
when other than book moves are made against them. The times may vary
according to CPU type and number of nodes, but were arrived at on an
i486-25. The test results were based on the first three Black moves
(ignore White's moves) as follows:
Black = Human White = Computer
1 = c7c6 n/a
2 = g8f6 n/a
3 = d8a5 n/a
Level Name Longest "Think" Time
----- -------------------- --------------------
min:sec
1. FREDDY FISH L1 :05
2. HARVEY HAM L2 :10
3. PAWN PATZER L3 :15
4. ROOK ROGERS L4 :20
5. WOODY WOODPUSHER L5 :25
6. SIR LANCELOT L6 :30
7. THE ARCHBISHOP L7 :35
8. QUEEN LIZZIE L8 :40
9. KING FISCHER L9 :45
10. ACE DECIBEL L10 :50
NOTE: When the computer decides its beaten, it will flash a "Mate"
message in the status window and the user wins.
Users and computer players begin with a default rating of 1500.
Provisional ratings are used for the first 3 games played in a rated
area.
On 8088/8086 systems, you'll find that the computer players just
don't have enough time to "think," thus making them an easy target
for users to build up ratings/stats. For this reason, you should
modify all ten of the computer player names as follows from "L" to
"X" as follows:
1. FREDDY FISH X1 2. HARVEY HAM X2
3. PAWN PATZER X3 4. ROOK ROGERS X4
5. WOODY WOODPUSHER X5 6. SIR LANCELOT X6
7. THE ARCHBISHOP X7 8. QUEEN LIZZIE X8
9. KING FISCHER X9 10. ACE DECIBEL X10
The ChessMAGIC! System Editor (aka CMSED) will provide you with an
easy method for maintaining your entire ChessMAGIC! system, including
any modifications you may need to make to a player's rating or name.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 7.0 USER vs USER IN REAL TIME! Page 15 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Both players must prearrange to meet in the ChessMAGIC! door and
use the O command for OTB real time play action. Not counting
computer games, any active game may be entered for OTB play!
Once in the game play mode, the status box will display an "awaiting
opponent" message. A player whose move it is, may make that move
before the opponent arrives. When both of them have entered the
game, a notice will be displayed in the status box.
Game action is EXACTLY the same as when using the normal play mode.
Short-form messages may be sent to each other by using the M command.
Games in real time DO NOT need to be completed in one sitting, nor do
they need to be completed in real time! Play may be interrupted at
any point and continued later, either in real time, or in normal play
mode. ANY GAME may be played in real time, if your opponent wishes
to join you online!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 8.0 GAME INQUIRY/DOWNLOAD ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
This is a powerful feature and one that will be quite popular with
the serious chess buffs! The I option enables your users to view
game stats and DOWNLOAD any/all games (active or completed) based on
specific search criteria!
NOTE: You MUST have LHA v2.13 or later, in order for this feature to
work! Make sure it's placed where it can be found in your
system's PATH.
The following information will first be displayed:
Search Options Search Criteria Description
================ ==================== =========================
[A]rea........ : current game area
[D]ate........ : ALL date to start search
[P]layer...... : ALL first name is OK
[G]ame # Range : ALL low/high game numbers
[S]tatus...... : B Active/Completed/Both
Format [1] [2] : 1 CMReader 1=CMReader
2=Chessmaster 3000
Set criteria, then [V]iew Stats
or [R]eceive/Download Games
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 8.0 GAME INQUIRY/DOWNLOAD {continued} Page 16 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Using the default settings, ALL games (active and completed) in the
current game area will be found when the V or R command is used.
To narrow the field of search, specific information may be entered:
[A]rea : Provides area change option, same as main menu
[D]ate : Games with dates prior to that entered will be
ignored.
[P]layer : A full name, first name or partial first name may
be entered (i.e. by typing in JOH, all games
matching the player name of JOH will be found --
this could be John Barley, Johann Sebastian,
Johnathan Daniels, etc).
[G]ame # Range: This would allow you to select a range of games
or even a single game. If single game, specify
that game number for start and end.
[S]atus : Self-explanatory. Completed, Active or Both.
Format [1] [2]: ChessMAGIC! will compile the selected game files
in a format compatible with either CMReader
(default) or Chessmaster 3000.
Note: When importing to Chessmaster, use the
coordinate move type.
Use the above search criteria in any combination you wish to narrow
your field of search to specific game information.
The V and R commands will display the game statistics based on your
specified search criteria.
If using the new ChessMAGIC! Graphical Interface (aka CMgraph)
utility, your users will told to return (they use <ALT-X) to exit
CMgraph) to their communications program for downloading. After the
transfer, they will be told to shell back into CMgraph for continuing
ChessMAGIC! graphics mode.
After choosing R (and seeing the games statistics), a list of transfer
protocols specified by the Sysop will be displayed. Choose one and
ChessMAGIC! begins sending the requested games in a self-extracting
archive. The archive's game file members will be named according to
the associated game numbers:
12.txt
23.txt
36.txt
...etc.
The file name is the game number, the extent will be a random number
assigned at time of download and is unimportant.
Once these members are extracted on the user's end, the games may be
easily viewed/studied offline. We suggest you download and use the
FREE program available on Decibel BBS as CMREADxx.EXE (xx = version
number) -- The ChessMAGIC! Offline Reader.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 8.1 Transfer Protocol Definition Page 17 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
CMPROTO.DAT will contain the file transfer protocols you wish to make
available to your users. You may list up to 10 protocols, one per
line. Following the protocol batch/alias information, you will
include a comma, then a short protocol description of up to 25
characters.
ChessMAGIC! will pass two parameters:
%1 = port number
%2 = file name
For several popular protocols, port numbers are defined in the
environment by using the SET command (e.g. SET DSZPORT=2 for DSZ,
tells it to use port 2 -- DSZ defaults to using port 1). However,
you may specify this parameter in your protocol batch file or
alias.
The file name being sent to your users by ChessMAGIC! will be
passed as the %2 parameter.
The distribution archive contains a sample CMPROTO.DAT file and
several preconfigured transfer protocol batch files. The following
examples describe use of CM_Z.bat in your CMPROTO.dat file:
1. Using an alias (e.g. cm_z) as configured in 4DOS, only it and
the description are necessary.
cm_z,Zmodem
Your cm_z alias could be defined as:
alias cm_z `dsz sz %%2`
2. The full drive\path and BAT extent are specified:
c:\util\CM_Z.bat,Zmodem via DSZ MobyTurbo
Your CM_Z.bat definition could be as simple as:
dsz sz %2
3. CM_Z.bat is found within the normally specified PATH, so the
command line can be abbreviated:
CM_Z,Zmodem MobyTurbo via DSZ
As you can see, it all depends on your own system requirements.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 9.0 PRODUCT SUPPORT Page 18 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Questions or inquiries can be directed to us through any of the
following sources:
* E-MAIL CONTACTS *
and
All BBS-Related Questions
Tom Brady
Decibel BBS
(Atlanta, GA)
(404) 288-6858 1200-9600 (HST)
(404) 284-1152 1200-2400 (MNP/V42)
* VOICE CONTACTS *
KnightWare
Bud Bradley : 404-978-2893
The Decibel Group
Tom Brady : 404-284-9017
Note: You will get answering systems at either voice number when
nobody is available to personally take your call.
For tech support related to ChessMAGIC! and your BBS setup
and/or operations, please direct your inquiries to Tom Brady.
Sysop/owner of Decibel BBS since early 1984 and computer
consultant, systems analyst since pre-IBM PC days, he can
provide help for most of your problems.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 9.0 PRODUCT SUPPORT {continued} Page 19 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Whether you're a registered user or not, we appreciate hearing from
you about how ChessMAGIC! can be improved!
You are encouraged to pass along this shareware copy of the
ChessMAGIC! package to your friends for their evaluation. Please
encourage them to register, if they find ChessMAGIC! fits their needs.
Registration entitles you to the very latest version of ChessMAGIC!
and more...
Registered ChessMAGIC! sysops receive UNLIMITED FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
through our distribution system, Decibel BBS.
For a period of 90 days following your receipt of the initial
registered ChessMAGIC! package (by mail or download), ALL maintenance
and/or major update releases will be downloadable FREE from Decibel
BBS, our support system.
Any problems reported by you during this period will be expedited in a
courteous and professional manner. If the resolution of your reported
problem is not made until after the normal 90 day period has expired,
the corrected version will be provided when ready.
╔════════════════════════════╗
║ ATTENTION REGISTERED SITES ║
╚════════════════════════════╝
Your 90-day free minor/major update period starts April 27th, 1992, if
you registered prior to this date! We felt this was only fair, since
earlier ChessMAGIC! versions were not stable.
NOTE: Usually, most software bugs are discovered within the first 30
days of regular use. Commercial software publishers might
provide you with a bug fix or two, but only if you're lucky and
complain loudly enough. But do they provide even one FREE
general update? Not hardly! With ChessMAGIC! registration,
this 90 day FREE update service makes it an excellent value.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 10.0 RAPID ONLINE CHARGE ORDERS Page 20 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ChessMAGIC! may be quickly/easily registered via charge card by
simply phoning Decibel BBS. Cards accepted include VISA, MasterCard,
Diners Club and Carte Blanche.
Decibel BBS - Atlanta, GA
Tom Brady, Sysop
(404) 288-6858 1200/2400/9600 (HST)
(404) 284-1152 1200/2400 (MNP/V42)
Use the Q command from the Main menu to access the Registration
Questionaires for charge card registration of KnightWare's
ChessMAGIC! (pick #3). Following the charge verification process
(usually within 24 hours), you will be able to DOWNLOAD the required
activation "key." The normal $5.00 shipping and handling fee is
waived for all online registrations.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 10.1 Pricing ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ChessMAGIC! is available in single node and multinode versions. The
single node version permits only one player to access ChessMAGIC! at
a time. The multinode version supports SIMULTANEOUS player access of
all gaming areas on all nodes.
Single Node Version : $40.00
Multinode Version : $50.00 (2 nodes)
Additional Nodes : $10.00 each
ChessMAGIC! Professional : $295.00 (27+ nodes)
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 10.2 Extended Maintenance Plan ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
An extended maintenance plan is available from KnightWare that would
go into effect immediately upon expiration of your initial free 90
day plan. This extended plan would continue to provide you with free
update releases for 1 full year. Any update releases (maintenance
and/or major versions) that become available during that period would
then be available for you to download at no extra charge. You would
be notified by mail of any/all major upgrades as they become
available. Then, all that would be necessary would be for you to
phone Decibel BBS and download the file.
Even if you decline the extended maintenance agreement, you will
still be notified of upgrade offers. However, each major upgrade
will be priced higher than that of the extended maintenance
agreement.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 11.0 DISCLAIMER/AGREEMENT Page 21 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Users of ChessMAGIC! must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"ChessMAGIC! is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties,
expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties
of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes
no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result
from the use of ChessMAGIC!."
"ChessMAGIC! is a `shareware' program and is provided at no charge to
the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends,
but please do not give it away altered or as part of any other
software package, etc. The essence of "user-supported" software is
to provide personal computer users with quality software without high
prices and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to
develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that
you are using ChessMAGIC! and continue to use ChessMAGIC! after a
reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment to
Knightware. The registration fee will license one copy for use on
any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just
like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any
number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location
to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at
one location while it's being used at another (just as a book cannot
be read by two different people at the same time).
"Commercial users of ChessMAGIC! must register and pay for their
copies of ChessMAGIC! within 30 days of first use or their license is
withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting
Knightware. Anyone distributing ChessMAGIC! for any kind of
remuneration must first contact Knightware at their address for
authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to
distributors recognized by Knightware as adhering to its guidelines
for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering
ChessMAGIC! immediately (however, Knightware must still be advised so
that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest versions
of ChessMAGIC!).
"You are encouraged to pass a copy of ChessMAGIC! along to your
friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy
if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive
a copy of the latest version of the ChessMAGIC! system and 90 days of
free support.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 11.1 MISCELLANEOUS Page 22 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ChessMAGIC! bears absolutely no resemblence to BBS-Chess, a product
written by Pat Forbes, either relating to `look-and-feel' or to
internal coding and especially not to quality. Our product is
written in C and its coding/structure is 100% dissimilar from that in
BBS-Chess! His product is barely editable, at best, while ours is in
dBase DBF format, fully editable with CMSED and/or CMSYS. He simply
can't stand the competition and has threatened legal action. We will
not be told by any twit what we can or can't write and distribute.
Nor will we be told by any twit what we can or can't legitimately
distribute and/or use on our own BBS...will you?
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 12.0 DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE Page 23 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you
are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details --
some request registration while others require it, some specify a
maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the
simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with
printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and
the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors and the programs are of
comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad
ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The
author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the
software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For
example, some authors require written permission before a commercial
disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether
it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your
needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the
overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
for it.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 13.0 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (check or money orders) Page 24 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Make Checks Payable to: KnightWare
465 Ridgedale Way
Lawrenceville, GA 30244
Your Name ________________________________
Phone ________________________________
Address ________________________________
Address ________________________________
City ________________ State ____ ZIP ______________
BBS Name ________________________________ No. of Nodes ________
BBS Software ________________________________
BBS Number(s) ______________________________________________________
PRODUCT QUANTITY PRICE EA. TOTAL PRICE
--------------------------- -------- --------- -----------
ChessMAGIC! Single Node ________ x $ 40.00 = ___________
ChessMAGIC! Multinode (2 nodes) ________ x $ 50.00 = ___________
Additional Nodes (each) ________ x $ 10.00 = ___________
Professional ChessMAGIC! (27+ nodes) ________ x $295.00 = ___________
Extended Maintenance Agreement (each package)
________ x $ 20.00 = ___________
Sub-Total ___________
Shipping & Handling $ 5.00
GA residents add 6% Sales Tax ___________
TOTAL
===========
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 13.1 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (charge/check orders) Page 25 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Mail charge orders to: The Decibel Group
P.O. Box 1773
Decatur, GA 30031-1773
Your Name ________________________________
Voice Phone ________________________________
Address ________________________________
Address ________________________________
City ________________ State ____ ZIP ______________
BBS Name ________________________________ No. of Nodes ________
BBS Software ________________________________
BBS Number(s) ______________________________________________________
PRODUCT QUANTITY PRICE EA. TOTAL PRICE
--------------------------- -------- --------- -----------
ChessMAGIC! Single Node ________ x $ 40.00 = ___________
ChessMAGIC! Multinode (2 nodes) ________ x $ 50.00 = ___________
Additional Nodes (each) ________ x $ 10.00 = ___________
Professional ChessMAGIC! (27+ nodes) ________ x $295.00 = ___________
Extended Maintenance Agreement (each package)
________ x $ 20.00 = ___________
Sub-Total ___________
Shipping & Handling $ 5.00
GA residents add 6% Sales Tax ___________
TOTAL
===========
Check Payment Method:
[ ] Check [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] Diners Club [ ] Carte Blanche
If method of payment is charge, include card number _____________________
and Signature ______________________________________