There are several options you can use when playing Think Ahead+. Some will make the game more fun and challenging, and some just make it easier to play or let you use your preference.
Macintosh Skill - This option may be selected when you are in the the new game dialog box or from the “Game” menu. This option can only be selected when you are playing a one-player game. There are four different game levels: Beginner, Good, Better and Best. Each level will allow the Macintosh to “Think Ahead” farther and predict your moves better. The higher skill levels will also cause the Macintosh to take longer to make its move so be patient.
SCRAMBLE - This option can only be turned on at the start of the game in the new game dialog. It cannot be turned off once it is on. Using this option will take the remaining numbers on the board and SCRAMBLE their positions. Any tiles that have already been selected as well as the marker position never move. Using this option costs five points and can only be used once per game by each player. Use it as a last chance gamble when you are in trouble or as part of your strategy. Please note: choosing to SCRAMBLE the board CANNOT be undone.
MYSTERY BOX - Available in both one and two player games. This option can only be turned on at the start of the game in the new game dialog. It cannot be turned off once it is on. When this option is on one tile will be displayed on the board. Selecting this tile can be worth from -15 to +25 points. Selecting the MYSTERY BOX can turn the game around, either way! Choose it if you feel lucky or really need it. Selecting the MYSTERY BOX CANNOT be undone.
First Thinker - Available in both one and two player games. This option can only be chosen in the new game dialog. It allows you decide who will move first in the game: Player 1, Player 2 or Random.
Undo Last Move Z - Available in both one and two player games. Undo is not available in one player games at BEST level. Only one move back can be undone. However, Undo cannot be used after choosing SCRAMBLE or after selecting the MYSTERY BOX. Undo does not cost any points.
Hint H - Available in both one and two player games. This option will give you a hint for your move. The hint will be displayed by flashing the hint square. You can use the hint option only once per turn. It will cost you one point for each hint. Hints are not allowed in one player games at BEST level.
Set Marker Flash F - You may change the speed at which the marker square flashes from very slow to fast, or you may turn it off completely.
Mac Move Flash M - Only in effect while playing the Macintosh. It allows you to change the number blinks used for displaying Mac’s move. Turning this off simply blinks twice without repeating.
Sound Effects E - This option acts as a toggle either turning the game sound effects on or off.
Show Mac Progress P - Only in effect while playing the Macintosh at level three or four. Selecting this option will highlight the move the Macintosh is analyzing. Because the Macintosh may require 30 seconds to move at level three and four, this option will give you visual feedback as to the progress of the move.
Highlight Selected Tiles T- This option acts a toggle. Selecting it will fill the background of each selected tile with either a diagonal pattern or white. the diagonal pattern makes selected tiles easier to see for some people.
