O t h e l l o  M a s t e r  v 1 . 0 1

                     (C) Copyright 1992 by M. Rackley

        This program was written in AMOS v1.34a (100%), and incorporates the
ARC System (AMOS Requestor Control System), which contains the routines for
the requestors used in the program.

        This program requires an Amiga (Wow!). No, seriously, any Amiga (I
hope) should be able to run this program. It should also be accelerator
board friendly, Workbench 2 friendly, and bug-free friendly?

        I have tried to make the program as user friendly as possible with
the use of pull down menus and full mouse control. I have also tried to
include a number of extra features not normally found in Othello games. Such
features include online rules of play, online hints on tactics, choice of
board type (traditional or expert), online game statistics, change level
within a game, change sides within a game, preferences save, and a choice of
opponent (e.g. Amiga vs Amiga, Amiga vs Human, and Human vs Human).

        To keep this file short, I will not explain the rules of Othello (or
Reversi as it sometimes called), or detail any hints or tactics as these can
be viewed through the program itself. To do this simply select the "Rules
Of The Game" option or the "Some Hints On Tactics" option respectively from
the menu entitled "Special".

        In fact most of the options in the menu bar can be called at any
time during the game (except when a requestor is present). This allows for a
user who accidentally selects an incorrect option, to be put back on the
right track in as short a time as possible.

                      How To Use OthelloMaster v1.01
                      ==============================

(1) On loading OthelloMaster v1.01, the contents of the file
    "OthelloMaster.Prefs" are read. This file contains information
    containing the preferred level and starting board layout. If this file
    cannot be located, defaults of level 1 and traditional board layout are
    assumed. The file "OthelloMaster.Prefs" must be in the root directory!
    If a disc error occurs, an error message will appear in a requestor.
    Clicking in the button "Abort" will allow the program to use the
    defaults.
    Note: The preferences may be changed by selecting the level you wish to
    play on from the "Level" menu, and/or selecting "Variations On The
    Game" from the "Special" menu. To save the new preferences, simply
    select "Save Preferences..." from the "Preferences" menu. The new
    preferences will be saved onto the disc, providing that an error does
    not occur. Otherwise, you will be alerted to the possible cause of the
    error by a requestor, asked to click the button "Abort" and the original
    operation will be terminated.

(2) Now, check the "Level" menu. Is the level you want to play the one
    highlighted in bold? If not select the required level option using the
    mouse. Perform a similar function on the "Variations On The Game" option
    in the "Special" menu. Here selecting either "Traditional" or "Expert".
    After selecting this option, a requestor will appear telling you that
    the starting board layout has changed for the next game.

(3) To start playing a game, select either "Amiga vs Amiga", "Amiga vs
    Human", or "Human vs Human" options from the "Start New Game As" option
    in the "Play" menu. A game may be aborted, and a new one begun by
    selecting the option again (even during midgame!). Note: the "Restart
    Current Game" option on the "Play" menu allows you to restart the
    current game with the original game settings, without any other
    reselection.

(4) The "Change Sides" option in the "Play" menu, will only allow you to
    change sides in a "Amiga vs Human" game. I can see no real point in
    allowing you to change sides in other games.

(5) The "About" option in the "Project" menu simply gives a few details
    about the program.

(6) The "Quit And Die!" option in the "Project" menu gives you the option to
    quit the game. Amazing huh?

(7) Selecting the "Show Game Statistics" option from the "Special" menu will
    present you with some information on the moves already made in the game.
    Use of the scroll bar, as with the "Rules Of The Game", and "Some Hints
    On Tactics" options will allow you to see more information. Selecting
    the "Proceed" button will return you back to your game.

(8) This version contains only four levels. If this is not difficult enough
    for you, or you find any problems or undocumented features (BUGS!) or
    want to see an additional feature, please write to:

                              Mr M. Rackley,
                              36, Beechwood Drive,
                              Walton,
                              Stone,
                              STAFFORDSHIRE.
                              ST15 OEH.

    I would like to thank, Francois Lionet for AMOS (C) Copyright 1990
Mandarin/Jawx, and Simon for play-testing this program. Enjoy!