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