Reversi

by Gillian Bobbett

Reversi is a well-known strategy game for two players using black and white counters. The object of the game is to have the most counters on the board at the end of play.

The program can be run from the RISC User menu system or by double-clicking on its icon in a filer window. An icon is installed on the icon bar. Click on this icon to open the game window.

Rules of play
1. Two black and two white counters are placed on the four central squares before play commences.
2. The players take turns to place a single counter on a square which is horizontally, vertically or diagonally adjacent to one or more of the opponent's counters.
3. The counter being placed must lie in a straight line horizontally, vertically or diagonally from a previously-placed counter of the same colour, trapping one or more of the opponent's counters between the two.
4. Counters so trapped are captured and change colour accordingly. If more than one straight line of trapped counters is formed in a single move, all such counters are reversed.
5. If no valid move is possible, the player must miss a turn.
6. If a valid move is possible, the player must play.
7. Play continues until the board is full, or all counters are captured, or neither player can play.

Computer play
First enter the names of the players, followed by <Return> in each case. The first player will be allocated the black counters, the second player the white ones. Players may place counters either by clicking on a square with the mouse pointer or pressing a number followed by a letter on the keyboard.

The computer can be made to play for either of both players by entering COMPUTER as the player name. (Pressing <F1> will enter this automatically.)

To miss a turn, click on the Miss a turn icon at the top of the window or type <M> on the keyboard. To start a new game with the same players, click on the Next game icon or type <Y>.

Keyboard play
Because some people are unable to use a mouse, the game may be controlled completely from the keyboard.
Press:	Y for a new game;
	P for a new match (i.e. new players);
	S for the scoresheet to appear;
	N for the scoresheet to disappear;
	Q to cut out the sound;
	T to restore the sound (i.e. tune);
and	X to quit Reversi altogether.

Copyright  RISC User 1995