Computer Method - When computing its next move, the computer does what is called a "tree search" using
The game number determines how many "plies" deep the computer goes in the tree. One "ply" is a move by
The computer becomes progressively more intelligent as the difficulty level is increased. At level 1 (Game 1), the computer does no positional checking. It simply counts the number of pieces on the board, giving extra weight to kings. At level 4 and above, all of the positional checking is brought into play, including king row protection, and center and double corner control.
Difficulty Switches
Right Difficulty Switch: In the "B" position, the left player in a
Switching the right difficulty switch when it is your turn to play will cause you to trade sides with the computer. The computer will take over your pieces and make the next move.
Left Difficulty Switch: Use the "B" position for normal game play. Use the "A" position to setup the board. In the set up mode, use the left Joystick to place pieces on the board wherever you want. Move the cursor to the square in which you wish to place a piece. It does not matter if the square is empty or occupied. Press the button on the Joystick and the pieces of each color will flash in that square. When the piece you want is flashing in the square, release the button. To continue game play return the left difficulty switch to the "B" position.
The left difficulty switch is not "checked" while the computer is working on the next move. This means that moving the switch when the computer is computing a move has no immediate effect on the move.
Controls
The Joystick is used to move the cursor and/or the checkers around the board. The cursor is a red or white "X" (dark grey or white on a
To move one of your checkers, push the red controller button when the cursor is in the same square as the piece you wish to move. This "picks up" the piece. Then move the checker to the square you wish to occupy. To complete the move, push the controller button again. This "drops" the piece. Before you have dropped the piece, the computer will allow you to return it to the square it came from and move a different piece. After you have made you move, the computer will make its move. You can use the set up mode to take back moves or rearrange the board while it is your move.
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