*******************************************************************************
*                                                                             *
*                        TI-Con45 for TI89/TI92p (v1.20)                      *
*                                                                             *
*                                     by                                      *
*                                                                             *
*                             The TI-Chess Team                               *
*                                                                             *
*                                                                             *
*                         release date: 31/12/2000                            *
*                                                                             *
*                                                                             *
* +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *
* +                                                                         + *
* +       VISIT The TI-Chess HOMEPAGE at:  http://tict.ticalc.org           + *
* +                                                                         + *
* +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *
*                                                                             *
*******************************************************************************
           
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What is TI-Con45?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TI-Con45 is a clone of the well-known Connect-4 game for the TI89/TI92plus, 
where you have to connect a specific number of pieces horizontally, 
vertically or diagonally to win the game.
The original gameplay is extended to use different board sizes and different
numbers of pieces to connect (Connect-4/Connect-5).
The built-in AI is VERY sophisticated and uses an approach similar to the one 
used in TI-Chess (AlphaBeta-SearchTrees).
Due to the fact that TI-Con45 is a NOSTUB program,it doesn't need any kernel
installed.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's new in version 1.20?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) using now exepack technology for smaller memory footprint when not running
    (you have to archive the ticondat file for best results)
(2) memory allocation now done statically at program start to fix calculator 
    lock-up if memory condition is too low.
(3) memory allocation optimized to reduce number of necessary AMS handles
(4) using now standard logo
(5) using now F2/F3 keys for grayscale refresh frequency adaption
(6) column "numbers" added for support two player games where just one player 
    operates the calculator
(7) key repeat feature added
(8) output now a winning message


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usage
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upload ticon45.89z and ticon45.89y to your TI89 or ticon45.9xz and ticon45.9xy
to your TI92plus. 
Start the program by typing ticon45() and pressing [ENTER] afterwards.


There exists two play modes:

(1) Connect-4: You have to connect 4 pieces of your color to win 
               (horizontal/vertical or diagonal)
               
(2) Connect-5: You have to connect 5 pieces of your color to win 
               (horizontal/vertical or diagonal)

Additionally you can vary the used the number of columns from 5 to 12 and
the number of rows from 5 to 7.

Player1 plays with white pieces and begins.

NOTE: Be aware that using large board will take much time to compute!


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KEY LIST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[UP]              ... move up in menu
[DOWN]            ... move down in menu / drop piece in column
[LEFT]            ... change menu entry / within game: move cursor to next column
[RIGHT]           ... change menu entry / within game: move cursor to next column
[ESCAPE]          ... No on Requests
                  ... within menu: EXIT program
[ENTER]           ... drop piece in slot (same as [DOWN])
                  ... within menu: start game (if not on EXIT entry)
                  ... Yes on Requests
[F1]              ... can be used instead of [ENTER]
[SHIFT]   + [ON]  ... turn off calculator during play
[DIAMOND] + [ON]  ... turn off calculator during play
[F2] / [F3]       ... modify grayscale refresh rate

NOTE: The game handles "Automatic Power Down" after 5 minutes idle time, too


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes about the copyleft
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This program may be distributed by any other website for non-commercial use only.

The author makes no representations or warranties about the suitability 
of the software, either express or implied. The author shall not be liable for
any damages suffered as a result of using or distributing this
software.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credits
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coding And Coordination:   Thomas Nussbaumer <thomas.nussbaumer@gmx.net>
Graphics and Beta-Testing: Marcos Lopez      <marcos.lopez@wol.es>
based on sourcecode of:    Keith Pomakis     <pomakis@pobox.com>


===============================================================================
Use our messageboard (http://pub26.ezboard.com/btichessteamhq) to post 
suggestions, bug reports and similar.
===============================================================================
