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32 .\" @(#)backgammon.6 8.1 (Berkeley) 5/31/93
33 .\" $FreeBSD: src/games/backgammon/backgammon/backgammon.6,v 1.7.2.1 2001/07/22 11:01:21 dd Exp $
34 .\" $DragonFly: src/games/backgammon/backgammon/backgammon.6,v 1.3 2007/03/11 19:05:31 swildner Exp $
41 .Nd the game of backgammon
51 This program lets you play backgammon against the computer
52 or against a "friend".
53 All commands are only one letter, so you don't need to type a carriage return,
54 except at the end of a move.
55 The program is mostly self-explanatory,
56 so that a question mark (?) will usually get some help.
57 If you answer `y' when the program asks if you want the rules,
58 you will get text explaining the rules of the game, some hints on strategy,
59 instructions on how to use the program,
60 and a tutorial consisting of a practice game against the computer.
61 A description of how to use the program can be
62 obtained by answering `y' when it asks if you want instructions.
64 The possible arguments for backgammon
65 (most are unnecessary but some are very convenient)
67 .Bl -tag -width ".Fl pr"
69 get a description of possible arguments and exit
71 don't ask for rules or instructions
73 player is red (implies
76 player is white (implies
79 two players, red and white (implies
82 print the board before red's turn
84 print the board before white's turn
86 print the board before both player's turn
91 .Pa /usr/share/misc/termcap
93 recover previously saved game from
99 has capabilities for direct cursor movement (see
102 ``fixes'' the board after each move,
103 so the board does not need to be reprinted,
104 unless the screen suffers some horrendous malady.
105 Also, any `p' option will be ignored.
106 (The `t' option is not necessary unless the terminal type does not match
108 .Pa /usr/share/misc/termcap
111 When the program prompts by typing only your color,
112 type a space or carriage return to roll, or
113 .Bl -tag -width ".Ic s-f"
121 to save the game for later
124 When the program prompts with 'Move:', type
125 .Bl -tag -width ".Ic s-f"
136 which is a sequence of
137 .Bl -tag -width ".Ic s-f"
148 separated by commas or spaces and ending with a newline.
149 Available abbreviations are
150 .Bl -tag -width ".Ic s-f1-f2"
165 or 0 or 25 as appropriate.
167 .Bl -tag -width ".Pa /usr/share/misc/termcap" -compact
168 .It Pa /usr/games/teachgammon
170 .It Pa /usr/share/misc/termcap
171 terminal capabilities
176 The program's strategy needs much work.