OCTI

Game designed by Don Green
Programmed by Ben Davis
OCTI Website: http://www.octi.net/

The game of OCTI is patented (US Patent Number 6,182,967). Don Green and I
both give permission for this implementation of OCTI to be distributed
freely. However, without permission from both Don Green (find contact details
on the OCTI Website) and myself, no modified versions may be distributed and
you may not use the program for any kind of financial gain.

A makefile is included. It is somewhat evil, but it should work on a typical
Linux system. You need Allegro, which is available at http://alleg.sf.net/ .
Windows users: get Linux, or use a precompiled version, or hack the makefile,
or compile the game manually. The code should be portable, even if the
makefile isn't.

The rules for the game may be found on the OCTI Website, above. This program
implements the three-square, two-player game with no advanced rules. It can
of course be used to play the single-square game if you are prepared to be
honest and admit when your opponent has beaten you! I make no guarantees that
the rules enforced by this implementation conform to the official rules, but
let me know if you find a mismatch.

I wrote this program with plans to enter the Octi Bot Tournament, where the
entrants' computer players do battle and the winner receives a prize. I was
way out of my depth; my last attempt at writing a computer player for Chess
was a mess. My attempt at Draughts was a laugh. (Actually I never attempted
Draughts. I just enjoy playing with words.)

Although my own computer player was never written, this program is perfectly
usable for games between two human players, and it acts as a shell into which
you can integrate your own computer player if you are that way inclined.

In order to create a computer player, create a function called
do_computer_turn(). It should mimic do_human_turn(), but think instead of
taking user input. Then remove the line "#define NO_AI" from octi.h. Remember
that you must ask our permission before distributing the game with any such
player.

Please report bugs and make suggestions to entheh@users.sf.net.
