Author Topic: GridWars game - going to add AI to it. (Read 8065 times)

Dav · « **Reply #15 on:** November 03, 2021, 09:17:56 pm »

I haven't been able to work on this as much as I would like, but I have done something new with it and would like some testing on this version please.

This new version auto-scales the puzzle board based on your current desktop size. Hopefully the puzzle will now look and play the same regardless of your screen size. (That means it won't look like an icon on Steves super duper laptop!)

Instead or hard-coding the pixel size with everything, all the graphics are scaled based on _DESKTOPHEIGHT now, the font is too. The only thing I have found is that on large screens (over 2000 desktopheight) the game plays sluggish.

After doing all this changing, it then hit me that I really should have tried to add @SMcNeill autoscale thing first. Anyway, I've tried this in 4 different screen sizes and the puzzle fills the screen pretty nicely. How does it display on yours?

- Dav

Code: QB64: [Select]

 
'============
'GRIDWARS.BAS - v0.4
'============
'Coded by Dav NOV/2021
 
'NEW FOR v0.4:
'  * Board auto sizes based on users desktop settings.
'    Game should look and play same on any screen size now.
'  * Randomized AI so game doesn't always start playing same way.
'    (AI scans board from top OR bottom now - not always from top)
'  * Random player starts - not always human goes first now.
 
'TO DO: Make if player doesn't have a move, but other player does,
'       auto-fill in rest of board with the movable players color.
 
RANDOMIZE TIMER
 
_DELAY .25
 
_TITLE "GridWars"
 
DIM SHARED Rows, Columns, SquareSize: Rows = 9: Columns = 9
 
SquareSize = _DESKTOPHEIGHT * .95 / Columns / 1.3
 
'SquareSize = 800 * .95 / Columns / 1.3  '<< --- over-ride for testing
 
DIM SHARED Square.v(Rows * Columns) 'value of the square
DIM SHARED Square.x(Rows * Columns), Square.y(Rows * Columns) 'square x/y
DIM SHARED player
 
 
SCREEN _NEWIMAGE(Rows * SquareSize, Columns * SquareSize + SquareSize, 32)
 
'=========================================================================
restart:
'=======
 
PLAY "MBL32O3CEGEC"
 
CLS
 
bc = 1
FOR c = 1 TO Columns
    FOR r = 1 TO Rows
        x = (r * SquareSize)
        y = SquareSize + (c * SquareSize)
        Square.x(bc) = x - SquareSize
        Square.y(bc) = y - SquareSize
        Square.v(bc) = 0
        bc = bc + 1
    NEXT
NEXT
 
'set players pieces on board
Square.v(1) = 1: Square.v(9) = 2
Square.v(73) = 2: Square.v(81) = 1
 
player = INT(RND * 2) + 1 'choose a random player to goes first
 
 
'======================================================================
main:
'====
 
'if it's the computers turn to move....
IF player = 2 THEN
    UpdateBoard 'draw board
 
    mv$ = ComputerMove$ 'get a computer move
 
    old = VAL(LEFT$(mv$, 2)) 'grab the move from place
    new = VAL(RIGHT$(mv$, 2)) 'grab the move to place
 
    _DELAY .5 'a little pause to make it seem human
 
    'show all valid moves
    v$ = ValidMoves$(old)
    FOR f = 1 TO LEN(v$) STEP 2
        bv = VAL(MID$(v$, f, 2))
        x2 = Square.x(bv) + (SquareSize / 2) 'find middle of box
        y2 = Square.y(bv) + (SquareSize / 2)
        CIRCLE (x2, y2), SquareSize * .05, _RGBA(150, 150, 150, 150), b
    NEXT
 
    'highlight piece to move
    FOR k = 1 TO 30
        LINE (Square.x(old) + 2, Square.y(old) + 2)-(Square.x(old) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(old) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        LINE (Square.x(old) + 3, Square.y(old) + 3)-(Square.x(old) + SquareSize - 3, Square.y(old) + SquareSize - 3), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        LINE (Square.x(old) + 4, Square.y(old) + 4)-(Square.x(old) + SquareSize - 4, Square.y(old) + SquareSize - 4), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        _DISPLAY
        _LIMIT 30
    NEXT
 
    'if making one space move, clone
    IF HowManyPlaces(old, new) = 1 THEN
        SOUND 2000, .1
        Square.v(new) = player
        UpdateBoard: convertneighbors player, new, 1
    END IF
 
    'if jumping...erase old place
    IF HowManyPlaces(old, new) = 2 THEN
        SOUND 2000, .1
        Square.v(new) = player
        Square.v(old) = 0
        UpdateBoard: convertneighbors player, new, 1
    END IF
 
    UpdateBoard
 
    'check pieces here.....
 
    'See how many empty places left
    howmany = 0: reds = 0: blues = 0
    FOR h = 1 TO Rows * Columns
        'empty ones
        IF Square.v(h) = 0 THEN howmany = howmany + 1
        IF Square.v(h) = 1 THEN reds = reds + 1
        IF Square.v(h) = 2 THEN blues = blues + 1
    NEXT
 
    'If no places left, game over
    IF howmany = 0 THEN
        IF reds = blues THEN
            LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
            LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
            PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "TIE GAME!"
            PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
            _DISPLAY: SLEEP 5
            GOTO restart
        END IF
        IF reds > blues THEN GOTO redwins ELSE GOTO bluewins
    END IF
 
    'If no reds left, blue wins
    IF reds = 0 THEN GOTO bluewins
    'If no blues left, red wins
    IF blues = 0 THEN GOTO redwins
 
    'switch player to human
    player = 1
 
    '==== First check if the new PLAYER HAS any MOVE LEFT
    movesleft = 0
    FOR g = 1 TO Rows * Columns
        IF Square.v(g) = player THEN
            IF ValidMoves$(g) <> "" THEN movesleft = 1
        END IF
    NEXT
 
    IF movesleft = 0 THEN
        LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
        LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
        PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "NO MOVES!"
        PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
        _DISPLAY: SLEEP 3
        IF reds > blues THEN GOTO redwins
        IF blues > reds THEN GOTO bluewins
        GOTO restart
    END IF
 
    player = 1
    GOTO main
END IF
 
selected = 0
 
UpdateBoard
 
second: 'Go back here when making second choice
_DISPLAY
 
DO
 
    'wait until mouse button up to continue
    WHILE _MOUSEBUTTON(1) <> 0: n = _MOUSEINPUT: WEND
 
    trap = _MOUSEINPUT 'Poll mouse data
 
    'draw a highlight box when a box is selected
    IF selected = 1 THEN
        LINE (Square.x(t) + 2, Square.y(t) + 2)-(Square.x(t) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(t) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        LINE (Square.x(t) + 3, Square.y(t) + 3)-(Square.x(t) + SquareSize - 3, Square.y(t) + SquareSize - 3), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        LINE (Square.x(t) + 4, Square.y(t) + 4)-(Square.x(t) + SquareSize - 4, Square.y(t) + SquareSize - 4), _RGB(RND * 255, RND * 255, RND * 255), B
        _DISPLAY
    END IF
 
 
    'If user clicked mouse in board area
    IF _MOUSEBUTTON(1) AND _MOUSEY > SquareSize THEN
 
        'see where they clicked
        mx = _MOUSEX: my = _MOUSEY
 
        'cycle through all Check blocks...
        FOR t = 1 TO (Rows * Columns)
 
            'Block loction...
            tx = Square.x(t): tx2 = Square.x(t) + SquareSize
            ty = Square.y(t): ty2 = Square.y(t) + SquareSize
 
            'if clicked on a box clicked
            IF mx >= tx AND mx <= tx2 THEN
                IF my >= ty AND my <= ty2 THEN
 
                    'if this is a first choice...
                    IF selected = 0 THEN
 
                        'only select players color
                        IF Square.v(t) = player THEN
                            selected = 1
                            SOUND 3000, .1 'made a select
                            oldt = t
                            oldtv = Square.v(t) 'save picked box number color
 
                            'show valid moves
                            v$ = ValidMoves$(t)
                            FOR f = 1 TO LEN(v$) STEP 2
                                bv = VAL(MID$(v$, f, 2))
                                x2 = Square.x(bv) + (SquareSize / 2) 'find middle of box
                                y2 = Square.y(bv) + (SquareSize / 2)
                                CIRCLE (x2, y2), SquareSize * .05, _RGBA(150, 150, 150, 150), b
                            NEXT
                            _DISPLAY
 
                            GOTO second 'now get second choice
                        END IF
 
                    END IF
 
                    IF selected = 1 THEN 'making second choice
 
                        'if selected an empty box
                        IF Square.v(t) = 0 THEN
 
                            'if making one space move
                            IF HowManyPlaces(oldt, t) = 1 THEN
 
                                'clone to 2nd box data
                                SOUND 2000, .1
                                Square.v(t) = oldtv
                                UpdateBoard
 
                                convertneighbors player, t, 1
 
                            END IF
 
                            'if jumping...
                            IF HowManyPlaces(oldt, t) = 2 THEN
 
                                'jump...erase 1st box data
                                SOUND 2000, .1
                                Square.v(t) = oldtv
                                Square.v(oldt) = 0
                                UpdateBoard
 
                                convertneighbors player, t, 1
 
                            END IF
 
 
                            UpdateBoard
 
                            'must have clicked a out of bounds place, redo turn...
                            IF HowManyPlaces(oldt, t) = 0 THEN
                                SOUND 500, .1
                                GOTO main
                            END IF
 
                            '===============================
                            'check pieces here.....
 
                            'See how many empty places left
                            howmany = 0: reds = 0: blues = 0
                            FOR h = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                                'empty ones
                                IF Square.v(h) = 0 THEN howmany = howmany + 1
                                IF Square.v(h) = 1 THEN reds = reds + 1
                                IF Square.v(h) = 2 THEN blues = blues + 1
                            NEXT
 
                            'If no places left, game over
                            IF howmany = 0 THEN
 
                                IF reds = blues THEN
                                    LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
                                    LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
                                    PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "TIE GAME!"
                                    PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
                                    _DISPLAY: SLEEP 5
                                    GOTO restart
                                END IF
 
                                IF reds > blues THEN GOTO redwins ELSE GOTO bluewins
 
                            END IF
 
                            'If no reds left, blue wins
                            IF reds = 0 THEN
                                bluewins:
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
                                PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "BLUE WINS"
                                PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
                                _DISPLAY: SLEEP 5
                                GOTO restart
                            END IF
 
                            'If no blues left, red wins
                            IF blues = 0 THEN
                                redwins:
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
                                PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "RED WINS!"
                                PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
                                _DISPLAY: SLEEP 5
                                GOTO restart
                            END IF
 
 
                            'players move done - switch turn, players
                            IF player = 1 THEN
                                player = 2
                            ELSE
                                player = 1
                            END IF
 
                            '==== CHECK IF PLAYER HAS VALID MOVE LEFT
                            movesleft = 0
                            FOR g = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                                IF Square.v(g) = player THEN
                                    IF ValidMoves$(g) <> "" THEN movesleft = 1
                                END IF
                            NEXT
 
                            IF movesleft = 0 THEN
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(0, 0, 0), BF
                                LINE (SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 4)-(SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize * .3), SquareSize * 5.5), _RGB(255, 255, 255), B
                                PPRINT SquareSize * 3.3, SquareSize * 4.5, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "NO MOVES!"
                                PLAY "mbl16o2bagfedc"
                                _DISPLAY: SLEEP 3
                                IF reds > blues THEN GOTO redwins
                                IF blues > reds THEN GOTO bluewins
                                GOTO restart
                            END IF
 
 
                            GOTO main
 
                        ELSE
 
                            'if user clicked on another one of its color instead...
                            IF Square.v(t) = player THEN
                                'clear previous highlighted selection
                                selected = 0
                                UpdateBoard
                                selected = 1
                                oldt = t
                                oldtv = Square.v(t) 'save picked box number color
                                SOUND 3000, .1
                                GOTO second
                            END IF
 
                            'clicked on enemy instead, redo
                            selected = 0
                            UpdateBoard
                            SOUND 500, .1
                            GOTO main
 
                        END IF
 
                    END IF
 
                END IF
            END IF
 
        NEXT
 
    END IF
 
    _DISPLAY
 
    IF INKEY$ <> "" THEN GOTO restart
 
    '_LIMIT 600
 
LOOP
 
FUNCTION HowManyPlaces (old, new)
    'computes how many places a user moved
    '0 = out of bounds
    '1 = one place
    '2 = a jump
 
    p = 0 'default is out of bounds
 
    SELECT CASE old
 
        'row 1
        CASE 1: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = 3 OR new = 12 OR new = 19 OR new = 20 OR new = 21 THEN p = 2
        CASE 2: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 3 TO 7: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 8: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 THEN p = 2
        CASE 9: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 THEN p = 2
 
            'row 2
        CASE 10: IF new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 11: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 12: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 13 TO 16: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 17: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 11 OR new = old - 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 THEN p = 2
        CASE 18: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 THEN p = 2
 
            'row 3
        CASE 19, 28, 37, 46, 55: IF new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 20, 29, 38, 47, 56: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
            'middle board, all ways,  (thru row 7)
        CASE 21 TO 25, 30 TO 34, 39 TO 43, 48 TO 52, 57 TO 61: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 OR new = old + 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 26, 35, 44, 53, 62: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 OR new = old + 19 THEN p = 2
        CASE 27, 36, 45, 54, 63: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 16 OR new = old + 17 OR new = old + 18 THEN p = 2
 
            'row 8
        CASE 64: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 THEN p = 2
        CASE 65: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old + 2 OR new = old + 11 THEN p = 2
        CASE 66 TO 70: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old + 2 OR new = old + 7 OR new = old + 11 OR new = old - 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 71: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old + 1 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 OR new = old + 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 OR new = old + 7 THEN p = 2
        CASE 72: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 OR new = old + 8 OR new = old + 9 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 OR new = old + 7 THEN p = 2
 
            'bottom 9
        CASE 73: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old - 9 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old + 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 THEN p = 2
        CASE 74: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old - 1 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old + 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 THEN p = 2
        CASE 75 TO 79: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old - 1 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old + 2 OR new = old - 2 OR new = old - 7 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 16 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 80: IF new = old + 1 OR new = old - 1 OR new = old - 8 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 17 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 THEN p = 2
        CASE 81: IF new = old - 1 OR new = old - 9 OR new = old - 10 THEN p = 1
            IF new = old - 2 OR new = old - 11 OR new = old - 18 OR new = old - 19 OR new = old - 20 THEN p = 2
    END SELECT
 
    HowManyPlaces = p
 
END FUNCTION
 
SUB UpdateBoard
 
    CLS , _RGB(32, 32, 32)
 
    PPRINT SquareSize * 3.4, SquareSize / 4, SquareSize / 3, _RGB(255, 255, 255), 0, "GridWars"
 
    red = 0: blue = 0
 
    '=== draw board based on box values
    bc = 1 'counter
    FOR cl = 1 TO Columns
        FOR ro = 1 TO Rows
 
            '=== count colors
            IF Square.v(bc) = 1 THEN red = red + 1
            IF Square.v(bc) = 2 THEN blue = blue + 1
 
            '=== if empty box
            IF Square.v(bc) = 0 THEN
                LINE (Square.x(bc) + 2, Square.y(bc) + 2)-(Square.x(bc) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(bc) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(64, 64, 64), BF
            ELSE
                LINE (Square.x(bc) + 2, Square.y(bc) + 2)-(Square.x(bc) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(bc) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(64, 64, 64), BF
                '=== draw color ball
                x2 = Square.x(bc) + (SquareSize / 2) 'find middle of box
                y2 = Square.y(bc) + (SquareSize / 2)
                sz = SquareSize / 2
                SELECT CASE Square.v(bc)
                    CASE IS = 1: r = 255: g = 64: b = 64 'red
                    CASE IS = 2: r = 64: g = 64: b = 255 'blue
                END SELECT
                CIRCLE (x2, y2), sz - 4, _RGB(r, g, b)
                PAINT (x2, y2), _RGB(r, g, b)
            END IF
            bc = bc + 1
        NEXT
    NEXT
 
    PPRINT SquareSize / 2, SquareSize / 3.5, SquareSize / 4, _RGB(255, 128, 128), 0, "Red =" + STR$(red)
    PPRINT SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize / 1.6), SquareSize / 3.5, SquareSize / 4, _RGB(128, 128, 255), 0, "Blue =" + STR$(blue)
 
    'highlight current player
    IF player = 1 THEN
        LINE (SquareSize / 7, SquareSize / 8)-(SquareSize * 3 - (SquareSize / 2), SquareSize / 1.2), _RGBA(255, 100, 100, 50), BF
    END IF
 
    IF player = 2 THEN
        LINE (SquareSize * 6 + (SquareSize / 4), SquareSize / 8)-(SquareSize * 9 - (SquareSize / 7), SquareSize / 1.2), _RGBA(100, 100, 255, 50), BF
    END IF
 
    _DISPLAY
    _ICON _DISPLAY 'update app icon on taskbar
END SUB
 
SUB convertneighbors (player, num, show)
    'convert neighbors surrounding num to players value.
    '(when a piece lands on num, it changes neighbors)
    SELECT CASE num
        'row 1
        CASE 1: IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            IF Square.v(num + 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 10
        CASE 2 TO 8: IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num + 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 8) = player:: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 8
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            IF Square.v(num + 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 10
        CASE 9: IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num + 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 8
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            'down left side
        CASE 10, 19, 28, 37, 46, 55, 64
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 8
            IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            IF Square.v(num + 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 10
            'down right side
        CASE 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 10
            IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num + 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 8
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            'middle of board
        CASE 11 TO 17, 20 TO 26, 29 TO 35, 38 TO 44, 47 TO 53, 56 TO 62, 65 TO 71
            IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num + 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 8
            IF Square.v(num + 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 9
            IF Square.v(num + 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 10
            IF Square.v(num - 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 8
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 10
            'bottom row
        CASE 73: IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 8
        CASE 74 TO 80: IF Square.v(num + 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num + 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num + 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num + 1
            IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num - 8) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 8) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 8) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 8
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 10
        CASE 81: IF Square.v(num - 1) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 1) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 1) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 1
            IF Square.v(num - 9) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 9) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 9) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 9
            IF Square.v(num - 10) <> 0 AND Square.v(num - 10) <> player THEN Square.v(num - 10) = player: IF show = 1 THEN change num - 10
    END SELECT
END SUB
 
SUB change (num)
 
    '=== find center x/y of place
    x2 = Square.x(num) + (SquareSize / 2): y2 = Square.y(num) + (SquareSize / 2)
 
    'do shrinking circle first
    IF player = 1 THEN clr& = _RGB(64, 64, 255) ELSE clr& = _RGB(255, 64, 64)
    FOR s = (SquareSize / 2.2) TO 1 STEP -(SquareSize * .025)
        SOUND 100 + t, .05
        'wipe clean
        LINE (Square.x(num) + 2, Square.y(num) + 2)-(Square.x(num) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(num) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(64, 64, 64), BF
        CIRCLE (x2, y2), s, clr&
        PAINT (x2, y2), clr&
        _DISPLAY
        IF _DESKTOPHEIGHT < 2000 THEN _LIMIT 140
        t = t + 100
    NEXT
 
    'Expand in the new circle
    'do shrinking circle first
    IF player = 2 THEN clr& = _RGB(64, 64, 255) ELSE clr& = _RGB(255, 64, 64)
    FOR s = 1 TO (SquareSize / 2.2) STEP (SquareSize * .025)
        'wipe clean
        LINE (Square.x(num) + 2, Square.y(num) + 2)-(Square.x(num) + SquareSize - 2, Square.y(num) + SquareSize - 2), _RGB(64, 64, 64), BF
        CIRCLE (x2, y2), s, clr&
        PAINT (x2, y2), clr&
        _DISPLAY
        IF _DESKTOPHEIGHT < 2000 THEN _LIMIT 140
    NEXT
 
END SUB
 
SUB PPRINT (x, y, SquareSize, clr&, trans&, text$)
    orig& = _DEST
    bit = 32: IF _PIXELSIZE(0) = 1 THEN bit = 256
    FOR t = 0 TO LEN(text$) - 1
        pprintimg& = _NEWIMAGE(16, 16, bit)
        _DEST pprintimg&
        CLS , trans&: COLOR clr&
        PRINT MID$(text$, t + 1, 1);
        _CLEARCOLOR _RGB(0, 0, 0), pprintimg&
        _DEST orig&
        x1 = x + (t * SquareSize): x2 = x1 + SquareSize
        y1 = y: y2 = y + SquareSize
        _PUTIMAGE (x1 - (SquareSize / 2), y1)-(x2, y2 + (SquareSize / 3)), pprintimg&
        _FREEIMAGE pprintimg&
    NEXT
END SUB
 
FUNCTION ValidMoves$ (num)
    'returns a string list of all valid moves for player that is sitting on the num
    'The list contains 2 charater byte strings per num place.
    'Each one is a num on the board that player could goto.
 
    list$ = ""
    SELECT CASE num
        CASE 1 'one steps
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            '2 steps
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
        CASE 2
            'one steps
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
 
        CASE 3 TO 7
            'one steps
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
        CASE 8
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
        CASE 9
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
 
            '2nd row
        CASE 10
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
        CASE 11
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
        CASE 12 TO 16
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
        CASE 17
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
        CASE 18
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            'down left side, outer
        CASE 19, 28, 37, 46, 55
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
            'down left side, inner
        CASE 20, 29, 38, 47, 56
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
 
            'middle of board (all directions)
        CASE 21 TO 25, 30 TO 34, 39 TO 43, 48 TO 52, 57 TO 61
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
            IF Square.v(num + 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 20)
 
            'right side, outer
        CASE 27, 36, 45, 54, 63
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
 
            'rigth side, inner
        CASE 26, 35, 44, 53, 62
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 16)
            IF Square.v(num + 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 17)
            IF Square.v(num + 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 18)
            IF Square.v(num + 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 19)
        CASE 64
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
        CASE 65
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
        CASE 66 TO 70
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 11)
        CASE 71
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 10)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
        CASE 72
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 8)
            IF Square.v(num + 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 9)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 7)
            'bottom row
        CASE 73
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
        CASE 74
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
        CASE 75 TO 79
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 16) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 16)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 7) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 7)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
            IF Square.v(num + 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 2)
        CASE 80
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 8) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 8)
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            IF Square.v(num + 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num + 1)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 17) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 17)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
        CASE 81
            'one step
            IF Square.v(num - 9) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 9)
            IF Square.v(num - 10) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 10)
            IF Square.v(num - 1) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 1)
            'two steps
            IF Square.v(num - 20) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 20)
            IF Square.v(num - 19) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 19)
            IF Square.v(num - 18) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 18)
            IF Square.v(num - 11) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 11)
            IF Square.v(num - 2) = 0 THEN list$ = list$ + nums$(num - 2)
 
    END SELECT
 
    ValidMoves$ = list$
 
END FUNCTION
 
FUNCTION nums$ (num)
    'helper function returns num as a two byte string
    n$ = LTRIM$(RTRIM$(STR$(num)))
    IF LEN(n$) = 1 THEN n$ = "0" + n$
    nums$ = n$
END FUNCTION
 
 
FUNCTION ComputerMove$ ()
 
    'this function will find the best move and return a string of it.
    'the string will contain the from place and the new place numbers.
    '(like "0103" to move piece 1 to place 3
 
    'ideas: if bestgain is only 1 (no enemies) then use a random piece
    'instead of first one scanned.  This way game doesn't start same way
    'all the time.  Will have to keep track of pieces and make sure more than
    'one is found.
 
    'backup original board values, for restoring later
    'and count total blue pieces on board while were at it....
    REDIM box.v2(Rows * Columns): totalblues = 0
    FOR o = 1 TO Rows * Columns
        box.v2(o) = Square.v(o)
        IF Square.v(0) = 2 THEN totalblues = totalblues + 1
    NEXT
 
    bestgain = 0: bestplace = 0
 
    'added random below, so doesnt always start the same way.
    'now either scan from top, or from bottom.
 
    scandir = INT(RND * 2) 'returns a 0 or 1
 
    IF scandir = 0 THEN
        'step through pieces again, this time trying all moves on blues
        FOR piece = 1 TO Rows * Columns
            'if it's a blue piece
            IF Square.v(piece) = 2 THEN
                'get valid moves of piece, if any
                Valids$ = ValidMoves$(piece)
                'If there is....
                IF Valids$ <> "" THEN
                    'try each move on piece...recount board
                    FOR try = 1 TO LEN(Valids$) STEP 2
                        new = VAL(MID$(Valids$, try, 2))
                        'do the move, temporarily, just to see outcome
                        'if making one space move, clone player 2
                        IF HowManyPlaces(piece, new) = 1 THEN
                            Square.v(new) = 2
                            convertneighbors player, new, 0
                        END IF
                        'if jumping...erase old place
                        IF HowManyPlaces(piece, new) = 2 THEN
                            Square.v(new) = player
                            Square.v(piece) = 0: convertneighbors player, new, 0
                        END IF
                        'now recount totalblues of board
                        newtotal = 0
                        FOR ss = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                            IF Square.v(ss) = 2 THEN newtotal = newtotal + 1
                        NEXT
                        'see what new tally is
                        compute = newtotal - totalblues
                        'if better than others, save data
                        IF compute > bestgain THEN
                            'save this info
                            origplace = piece: bestplace = new
                            bestgain = compute
                        END IF
 
                        'restore original board values to try other valid moves
                        FOR res = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                            Square.v(res) = box.v2(res)
                        NEXT
                    NEXT
                END IF
            END IF
        NEXT
 
    ELSE
 
        'step through pieces again, this time trying all moves on blues
        FOR piece = Rows * Columns TO 1 STEP -1
            'if it's a blue piece
            IF Square.v(piece) = 2 THEN
                'get valid moves of piece, if any
                Valids$ = ValidMoves$(piece)
                'If there is....
                IF Valids$ <> "" THEN
                    'try each move on piece...recount board
                    FOR try = 1 TO LEN(Valids$) STEP 2
                        new = VAL(MID$(Valids$, try, 2))
                        'do the move, temporarily, just to see outcome
                        'if making one space move, clone player 2
                        IF HowManyPlaces(piece, new) = 1 THEN
                            Square.v(new) = 2
                            convertneighbors player, new, 0
                        END IF
                        'if jumping...erase old place
                        IF HowManyPlaces(piece, new) = 2 THEN
                            Square.v(new) = player
                            Square.v(piece) = 0: convertneighbors player, new, 0
                        END IF
                        'now recount totalblues of board
                        newtotal = 0
                        FOR ss = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                            IF Square.v(ss) = 2 THEN newtotal = newtotal + 1
                        NEXT
                        'see what new tally is
                        compute = newtotal - totalblues
                        'if better than others, save data
                        IF compute > bestgain THEN
                            'save this info
                            origplace = piece: bestplace = new
                            bestgain = compute
                        END IF
                        'restore original board values to try other valid moves
                        FOR res = 1 TO Rows * Columns
                            Square.v(res) = box.v2(res)
                        NEXT
                    NEXT
                END IF
            END IF
        NEXT
 
    END IF
 
    ComputerMove$ = nums$(origplace) + nums$(bestplace)
 
    'restore original board values again, just to be safe...
 
    FOR res = 1 TO Rows * Columns
        Square.v(res) = box.v2(res)
    NEXT
 
END FUNCTION
 

bplus · « **Reply #16 on:** November 04, 2021, 01:14:48 pm »

Your AI plays "too good!", it makes a move and suddenly half my pieces are it's color. I go,"What?!" If it made a jump, I swear the place it jumps from is not leaving a hole that it occupied, maybe not?

Is it possible to highlight the last move AI made with it's piece, from and to? I don't want to accuse it of cheating simply because it doesn't care! (My tendency would be just to quit playing with it.)

PLUS for extra bonus, when showing legal moves show by color difference which are jumps that should leave hole and which are "clones" (good name, and maybe something I am not use to playing with/against).

bplus · « **Reply #17 on:** November 04, 2021, 02:48:59 pm »

Quote

How does it display on yours?

Pretty much the same as before which was already fine.

Statsman1 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 04, 2021, 03:20:19 pm »

@Dav ...

Game looks great! Played 2 games, won both, the second one by a large margin. I am not going to dive into the AI at this time, you must have something going on - it appears that the AI looks for the move with the biggest piece turnover, and takes it, without considering position, especially along the sides.

A couple of things I noticed...

When the game ends and the winner is announced, the score is not updated, the game just moves on to the next game.

Also, sometimes there is a big delay between selecting a piece with the mouse, and the piece becoming "active" and ready to move.

But your game is coming along nicely! Like the sound effects!

Dav · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2021, 03:46:44 pm »

@bplus: Hmm, I haven't caught it cheating yet, but perhaps I made a mistake in the change sub, an it's flipping squares wrong somewhere. I will double check that. Maybe I can add a tracer to see what happened at last move. Was thinking of adding a UNDO last move thing. I may add difficulty levels, easy, medium, hard. Where it is now would be the hard one. Thanks for telling me how it displays on your system!

@Statsman1. Thanks! You have a keen eye. You are correct, the AI takes the move that gives it the most gain for that move. I need to do a look ahead - see if the next best for the human would result in less pieces after all, or something. Thanks for catching the score not being updated at the end. I hadn't noticed it. About the delay, yeah it happens to me when the window is larger than 1400 pixels high, I'm not sure how to fix that but will investigate. Thanks for trying it out!

- Dav

News:

Author Topic: GridWars game - going to add AI to it. (Read 8065 times)

Dav

Re: GridWars game - going to add AI to it.

bplus

Re: GridWars game - going to add AI to it.

bplus

Re: GridWars game - going to add AI to it.

Statsman1

Re: GridWars game - going to add AI to it.

Dav

Re: GridWars game - going to add AI to it.