1. R U L E S O F M A T H A B L E ===================================== 1.1. INTRODUCTION ----------------- MATHABLE is a SCRABBLE-like game. It can be played with 2, 3, or 4 players. The computer can take the place of one or more of these players. (To do this, choose for the player's name to begin with the letters COMP, e.g. COMPUTER, COMP-A, COMP1). Computer can play also against itself (Computer 'solo', e.g. by choosing names: COMP-1, COMP-2). Each player begins the game with a rack of 7 tiles, which, unlike SCRABBLE, have on them, not letters but numbers. The tiles are taken out of the 'bag' randomly and distributed to the players. The first player to play is also chosen randomly. 1.2. THE BOARD -------------- Much like a SCRABBLE board, the MATHABLE board has special squares ([2x], [3x]) for double or triple values of the tile placed on them. It also has several squares ([+],[-],[x],[:]) which depict one of the 4 signs of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The function of these squares will be explained later. In the center of the board, the following 4 tiles are preset: [1][2] [3][4] 1.3. THE RULES -------------- A tile is placed on a specific square on the board only if the number on it is the result of addition, subtraction, multiplication or division of the two numbers that are found above, below, left or right of this number. Example: The game begins with the tiles [1], [2], [3], [4] preset on the center of the board so that some results can be generated and the game can be put into action. Let's say you have a [7] on your rack. If you're the first player you can put this [7] in the square which is exactly right of the already existing [4] (because 3+4=7) or in the square which is exactly left of the already existing [3] (for the same reason). If you have a [2] you can put it in many squares: 1) above [1], because 3-1=2 2) below 3, for the same reason 3) above 2, because 4-2=2 (or 4:2=2) 4) below 4, for the same reasons 5) right of 2, because 2x1=2 (or 2:1=2) 6) left of 1, for the same reason ... you choose the one you want. In conclusion: You can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication or division between 2 numbers that are next to each other, horizontally or vertically, and place the result of this operation in the same column, or row, next to these 2 numbers. Say you put [7] here -----\ | | [1][2] [7][3][4] And you have a [21] on your rack, you can go on playing, because you can put it left of the tile [7] (7x3=21). When you have nothing more to put on the board, you pass on to the next player, and you rack is filled with new tiles so that it always has 7 on it (unless there are no more tiles in the 'bag'); 1.4. SCORING ------------ Each player receives points for each tile he/she places on the board. Generally these points are the face value of the tile, except if this hits on a [2x] or [3x] square which doubles or triples its value. The points are also doubled or tripled in a situation like the following: put 3 here -------> [3][6] [3][1][2] [1][3][4] and you get 6 points because 3 is 6-3 (the horizontal subtraction) and 1x3 (vertical multiplication). If one player places his/her 7 tiles all in one turn he/she gets 50 points extra bonus. 1.5. SPECIAL SQUARES -------------------- The special squares have on them one of the 4 signs (+,-,x,:). For example, in a situation like this sign -----------> [x][3][6] [3][1][2] [1][3][4] on the [x] square you can put only a [18] (for 3x6 - horizontal) or a [3] (for 3x1 - vertical), because multiplication is what the sign demands that you do. But these squares give you (for your trouble) an extra bonus: You are allowed to take one new tile out of the 'bag' and use it in that same round, if you wish to do so. Your are always asked if you want a new tile because there are cases that this may cost you (e.g in case you are pursuing the 50-points bonus or in case that this may bring in your racks a big value tile at the end of the game). 1.6. EXCHANGING TILES --------------------- You can exchange as many of the tiles on your rack you want, but you loose your turn. Exchanging is not allowed in case you have put already one of your tiles. 1.7. THE END OF THE GAME ------------------------ The game normally ends when the 'bag' empties and no more tiles can be put anywhere. It's up to the players to decide when to end the game officially (this can happen even before the 'bag' empties). When this happens, the sum of the tiles still left on the rack is subtracted from the current score. So if one player is stuck with the tiles [60], [70] and [80] he/she will loose a total of 210 (=60+70+80) points after the game ends (This is a real curse !) 1.8. HINTS ---------- You can ask for a 'hint' during play and the computer will point you to a tile you can put on the board, WITHOUT telling you WHERE to put it. 'Hint' should not be used in competition games. Using 'hint', you also give up your right to enter the Hall of Fame. 1.9. COMMON MISTAKES -------------------- Many people think you can perform one of the 4 operations diagonally. You can't! Only horizontally and vertically. Many people think you can place the result BETWEEN 2 numbers. Example: place 48 (=8x6) here \ | [8] [6] No! Only like this: [8][6][48] or [.][.][.] [48][8][6] 1.10. SOME TIPS --------------- By playing Mathable (using the computer as opponent) you will soon develop your own strategies of playing. You will soon realize that the game becomes more exciting at the end (when -say- 6-12 tiles remain in the bag). Some tips for the beginners: 1) Choose tiles and squares to get as many points as you can but place them in a way, so as to help yourself put more tiles, targeting the 2x and 3x squares. A [90] on a 3x square makes you really happy! 2) Because your opponent tiles are not hidden, try to play aggressively. Don't create for your opponent a nice [9][10] if he/she has a [90] to put, not unless you have a [1] (10-9) or [19] (10+9) to spoil it for him/her. It is generally a bad practice to put a small tile (just for putting it!) which will give to your opponent(s) the chance to get many more points. 3) When the end is near and you give up the hope of finding a place to put your big ones (such as [64], [70], [72], [80], [81] and [90]) try to get rid of them by 'Exchange'. You surely don't want them to be subtracted from your total. Having small tiles in your racks (such as [0], [1], [2]) is generally considered as a blessing at the end of the game. 4) It is a good practice to take a look from time to time to the 'Tiles Left' (in the 'bag') particularly as the end of the game approaches. This way you can see the remaining tiles and find out what is the best thing to do: to put one of your 'small' tiles (with the risk of getting one 'big' but useless tile), to pass, or to exchange, hoping that you can get rid of useless 'big' tiles sending them back to the 'bag' or (at the best) to the racks of your opponent(s), if he/she is not careful as you are. 2. P R O G R A M I N S T R U C T I O N S ============================================ Playing 'Mathable' is fairly easy. However, you will need a mouse to select the tile you want and place it on the board. To do that, click once to select the tile, move the mouse until the tile gets close enough to the square you want to put it, and then click again to release it. If you make a mistake the tile returns to its original position in your rack. Apart from the tiles, 7 buttons exist on the screen. You activate their functions by clicking on them or pressing the corresponding underlined letters. These are:

ASS : To pass your turn to the next player. HALL OF AME : See the hall of fame. (Remember 3 halls of fame exist, for games with 2, 3, or 4 players). ILES LEFT : See the tiles left in the 'bag'. ECHANGE : To exchange one or more tiles. UIT : To end the game after all the players agree to do so. INT : To ask the computer for a hint. PTIONS : To change the colors of the desktop, choose cursor and tile speed, and toggle sound on/off. (Inactive buttons are indicated by their dimmed captions). Finally, a MESSAGE BOX displays useful messages, such as the number of tiles remaining in the 'bag' and certain 'Yes' or 'No' questions to confirm or cancel various actions. ---------------------