MaxCheckers -- Request by the Author for Input

[Richard Rognlie <rrognlie@gamerz.net>]

----- Forwarded message from Stan_Druben@webtv.net -----

From: Stan_Druben@webtv.net
Subject: Your thoughts welcomed!

Dear Players of MaxCheckers,

When I invented Checkers to the Max (TM), Go was one of the
inspirations.  Therefore, I was aware that ko-like situations could
arise in the game; for example:

     Imagine a black checker at C5 and a white checker at E7.  (I'm
assuming A1 is black's left corner.)  White enters a checker at D6.
Black responds with an entry to A3.  White must now jump C6, followed by
black having to jump B4.  If white re-enters at D6, the preceding
sequence would be available for repeating.

My decision was to permit such a series of moves, so I did not include a
ko rule.  (A ko rule would prohibit the re-entry at D6 until one white
move elsewhere on the board.)

What has been your experience with ko-like situations?  Do you feel they
should be prohibited?  Permitted?  Should there simply be an agreement
between the players before a game to apply or not apply a ko rule?
Would adding this as an option in "MaxCheckers" be useful?

Also, I welcome your comments on Checkers to the Max (TM)--challenging;
an improvement on standard checkers; "six of one, half a dozen of the
other" compared to the Anglo-American game . . . ?  Please write me at
Stan_Druben@webtv.net.

Thank you,

Stan


----- End forwarded message -----