Online Backgammon
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Copyright 1991, David Becker
GEnie mail to D.Becker8
Online Backgammon attempts to fill a void within the ST domain. First the
lack of monochrome specific leisure software. Second a lack of games that can
be played head to head online through the modem and last a shortage of
freeware backgammon games period!
I will not attempt to teach you the game of backgammon (your local library
has a wealth of books on the subject). Online Backgammon adheres to regulation
play with only one exeption. There is a rule that only one colour can be off
on the bar at any given time. It is very rare that both players have men
out at the same time in normal backgammon so I doubt this will cause but the
most professional of players any grief. In addition to playing your friends
online you can play against the computer (which is the same as playing
against me ... don't expect much of a contest, I'm not a very good player).
Needless to say, this game only runs on the monochrome monitor. It should be
fine on all ST platforms (please disable the CPU cache when using 16mhz on
the Mega STE). Best if you run without auto programs or desk accessories.
In order to play backgammon with another friend over the phone line you must
first choose who is going to play the light markers and who is going to play
the dark markers. This option is available under the MODEM drop down menu.
Depending on which you choose, the board will redraw so that you are moving
from the upper right hand corner to the bottom right hand corner in a counter
clockwise direction. You may set your baud rate and dialing preferences under
this same menu. If you are dialing your friend, he should have his modem set
to auto answer (the AA light is lit on the modem). This can be done by
clicking "setup auto answer" on the drop down menu. You can alternately type
ATA when you hear the phone ringing. After the two modems have
connected (assuming you are both at the same baud rate) you should be able to
type messages back and forth at the bottom of the screen.
Hitting RETURN will send the line of text you have typed. Select "enter
terminal screen" if you want to use the entire screen to communicate. Hit the
left mouse button to flip back to the game. You can continue typing
messages back and forth throughout your backgammon game.
After connecting and chatting a bit you can begin a new game by selecting
this option under the GAME menu. A "requesting new game" alert message will be
diplayed on your opponents monitor and when you have both selected a new game
the dice will be rolled. To see who goes first the top dice will be for the
dark player and the bottom dice will be for the light player. Highest roll
goes first. There is an choice available under the OPTIONS menu called
"opening roll option". When selected, this rule gives the player who won
the opening roll the choice of accepting these dice or rolling again and
doubling the cube. When this option is off (default setting) the dice
are automatically rolled again for the first player.
I would like to use this paragraph for the purpose of clarifying the way
Online Backgammon controls game play.
THE BACKGAMMON BOARD IS A FREE AND OPEN BOARD.
This computerized backgammon board is just like a real-life backgammon
board. You can move ANY player onto ANY pip at ANY time. Even your opponents!
I did this for a few reasons. Most importantly so that you can help
out a player who is just learning and correct him visually. The only time
the computer checks for a valid move is when you are hitting your opponent
or moving off the bar.
So ... enough of the preliminary small talk! How do you play?
Simply click with the left mouse button to highlight the FROM player and then
click again to move it to the DESTINATION pip. If you make a wrong move,
retract it! Don't forget, FREE AND OPEN BOARD. If you are halfway through
a move then use the right mouse to clear it. Every move you complete will
be transmitted and appear simultaneously on your opponents board hundreds of
miles away! Miraculous! When you are happy with your moves and your opponent
is'nt typing obscenities at the bottom of the screen then click on the PASS
button to let your friend have a turn. If you want to use the doubling cube
simply click on the doubling square to increment the double amount. If you
are bearing off then click first on the player then second on the OFF button.
If line noise is present there is always the possiblity that some moves will
not be transmitted correctly to your opponents board(I recommend 1200 baud
to reduce line noise, the game will play just as fast as 2400 baud!). Under
the OPTIONS heading is a menu called "Position verification". If it is
your turn you may compare backgammon baords by clicking this option. All
player positions and game parameters will be transmitted and compared with
your opponents. You will be advised whether or not there is a discrepancy
between the two boards. If there is a difference then choose "Transmit
positions" to correct your opponents board.
Other functions available under the OPTIONS menu are "Visible pip numbers" to
help you count and the "Display scores" for games already played. Hey,
here's a little secret ... press the right mouse button while the arrow is
over a player to see what move options you have using the current dice roll!
After you have finished a few games you may wish to save the scores under a
friend's name for next time you play. The PLAYERS menu gives the choice
of saving the scores or loading scores from a previous session. Make sure
your disk is not write protected. You can save as many backgammon sessions
under as many names as you want!
If you can't find anyone to play with you then you might as well try playing
the computer. Click on the "Manual play mode" under the OPTION heading. Now,
when you select a new game the computer will ask if you want it to play the
opposing colour. If you answer no then you can play both colours all by
yourself or share the mouse with a friend.
Online Backgammon is freeware. Don't hesitate to contact me on GEnie.
My mail address is D.Becker8 if you have any comments. Enjoy!