CONNECT FOUR


			Installation...

Connect 4 requires the freeware file vbrun300.dll in your C:\windows\system directory. If you do not have this file, you may download it from CompuServe. After moving the connect4.exe file to a suitable directory, it can be installed using Program Manager [File... New... OK Browse... (select the connect4.exe file, or type its path, e.g. C:\games\connect4.exe) OK OK].


			The Game...

Connect 4 is related to "Tick Tack Toe", but the playing board is 7 * 6 instead of 3 * 3, and you need to align four discs of your colour to win. Also, discs are inserted in slots at the top of the board, and fall down in stacks. A Dutch mathematician has seriously investigated the game, using a powerful mainframe computer and lots of CPU-time. The conclusion was that "yellow" (the player who begins) can force a victory. However, this path to victory is extremely narrow and, surprisingly, most of the world best players and me (these are mutually exclusive groups!) actually prefer playing the "reds". The study also revealed that a 7 * 6 playing board yields the most complex games. My personal fascination for this game stems from the fact that it has very simple rules and lay-out but is extremely deep.


			The Program...

This Connect 4 was originally written by me in QuickBasic (those among you interested  in the ugly DOS version may contact me); the present version was adapted for  Windows using Visual Basic 3.0. The program is far from unbeatable, but it will put up  a mean fight (especially if you play with a timer!). However, if it loses a game it will  gracefully acknowledge you as a superior player [:)]. The program was written as a  learning tool (for me) and may be distributed freely, though I would appreciate you  would keep this .txt and the .exe file together.

			Disclaimer...

The writer of this software is NOT responsible for any mayhem closely or remotely  related to the use of this Connect4 program. So, specifically, if your monitor implodes  when playing this game, or if, fed up of seeing only the back of you playing silly games,  your faithful partner suddenly picks up your PC and smashes it through the Window  (the House version), killing a heptadigit-CEO and father of eleven, or if you suddenly  decide that, upon losing a simple game from your PC, life (your own, in particular) has  no meaning, in all these cases you will get my warm sympathy, but I WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

			Me...

I will be happy to hear your comments on this game or the program. You can reach me at:
CompuServe:  100340,2666 or at: RHVH8137@GGR.CO.UK. 





			Rob Hooft, Geneva, January 28, 1995