                        Checkers 8X v1.1
 
                         Programmed by
                           Sam Heald
                      evil_sam@hotmail.com
                      http://void.calc.org

-----FEATURES-----
*Checks all legal checker moves
*Toggles board flipping for easy 2 player games
*2 players on one calcular
*2 players on two different calculators (via link)
*Availible and linkable on all Z80 TI-8X calculators!
  (uses similar link routines to Ztetris) 
*Small size! Under 2K (on the 82)
 

Table of Contents:
----------------
1)About this game
2)System Requirements
3)Controls
4)Instructions on basic play
5)Known Bugs
6)Future Versions
7)Thank You's
8)Contact Information
9)Version History


1) About this game
   ---------------
   It's checkers! There isn't a one-player version, mainly because
I don't want to waste time with AI. My main motivation for making
this game was to play around with linkplay, so as to maybe impliment
it into upcoming programs of mine. This game is very basic and very
simple, but at the same time it is very small (under 2K!) so you
might want to keep it on your calculator.
   About the name: It's Checkers 8X because there already exists a
Checkers on the 86. It's 8X because I decided to use modified versions
of the link routines used in Ztetris and convert it to every z80
TI-8X calculator, which means Checkers 82 will link with Checkers 83/85/86
and vice versa.
   The graphics and gameplay resemble the 86 version by Ahmed El-Helw,
but no actual code was shared during the making of this game. I have
included my source code not that it'll teach anybody anything. I wrote
the basic game in a few hours without really thinking so it isn't
well-coded at all, but it might show someone how to utilize the linkport
in an ASM game. 

2) System Requirements
   -------------------

82 - ASH or CrASH
83 - Ashell or SOS
83+- ION
85 - Usgard
86 - Nothing

3) Controls
   --------
 ARROWS =  Move cursor 
 2ND    =  Select piece (moving or placing)
 ALPHA  =  End jump
 DEL    =  Shut Down (one calc version only)
 CLEAR  =  Exit

4)Instructions on gameplay
  ------------------------
   It's checkers! I think everyone knows how to play.

   At the Title screen, select your method of play. You may play with 2
players on one calculator or on two calculators by way of a cable link
hook up. There is also an option to toggle board flipping. If board 
flipping is enabled, the current player will have his side of the board
facing him. When you link between calculators, this option is always 
enabled.
   During the game, the controls are simple. When it is your turn, move
the cursor onto the piece that you want to move. Press 2nd to select the
piece. Then, move the cursor onto the square you wish to move to, and push
2nd again. If you jump a person, you are allowed to make further jumps
(double-jumping, triple-jumping, etc.) but you may not make a normal move.
Once you have concluded jumping, push ALPHA to terminate your turn. If you did
not jump anyone, your turn ends automatically.
   Viable squares to move are detected. If you get a piece all the way across
the board, you will get a King. King may move backwards and forwards, and they
have a slightly different look to them. If you manage to jump ever piece of the
opposing color, then you win!

5)Known Bugs
  ---------
NONE


6)Future Versions
  ---------------
 NONE (hopefully)

7)Thank You's
  -----------
Jimmy Mardell - PutSprite routine
Pascal Bouron - Link routines
Ahmed El-Helw - For being cool and inspiring this simple creation.
Derrick Ward - For also being cool and maintaining the Void page

8)Contact Info
  ------------
    NAME:   Sam Heald
    EMAIL:  evil_sam@hotmail.com
	    sam@calc.org
    WWW:    void.calc.org

9)Version Info
  ------------
v1.1   November 30, 1999
    *Fixed jumping kings bug
    *Released an ION version (thanks Ahmed and Dan E.)
    *Released Usgard version, now its truly Checkers 8X!
    *Added Shut Down feature (11 bytes as well)

  Sizes: 82  = 1976 bytes
         83  = 2008 bytes
         83+ = 2015 bytes
         85  = 2143 bytes (stupid TI...)
         86  = 2033 bytes

v1.0   November 23, 1999
    *First public release
   Size:  82 = 1965 bytes 
          83 = 1997 bytes
          85 = 2082 bytes *Not released because I don't have an 85 to test!
          86 = 2018 bytes