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Subbuteo - the soccer game with a difference that will convert even the most ardent of non-believers.

If you've never encountered the hallowed game of Subbuteo before in your life (God forbid!), be prepared for quite a surprise. The rules, you see, are very, very different from the game you see televised every weekend on the sports shows.

Subbuteo, the board, and now the computer, game is as far as I'm concerned far more nail-bitingly exciting, because you've got to use your noddle as well as your flicking finger to get results. OK, so it's still a game of two halves and it's all about getting more goals than the other team but, putting all that aside, you'll be astounded at the fun you can have in front of your computer screen.

Load up the game and the first thing you'll see is that, not only can you play on your own. but you can also arrange two player friendlies and even set up an eight player superleague to really get the old adrenalin flowing.

If you can't get that many of you together to start with, don't worry, the computer will come up with some fiendish opponents to make up the numbers.

Right, pick your team, choose your playing colours and formation, then get out on the pitch and do the business, although against the computer opposition, that's easier said than done.

Getting into the playing arena, the computer will have a quick think about its first move and then you're away. One of the basic rules to remember is that if you are offered the chance of a defensive flick, it is sometimes best to take it, as you don't always get that option when the other team is in possession.

When you actually get to control the play, getting used to the movements will take some time. Study the pitch pick the player you want to use, then gauge carefully what angle the flick should take and how strong it should be.

Remember, if the ball is very close to the touchline, you can always make a positional play to allow you a better shot next time.

Now then, if you are expecting to see a full run-down of the rules of Subbuteo in these pages, you've got another think coming. To be honest, a quick overview of the number of positional shots allowed at throw-ins and corners, or the procedure for penalty taking, the rules for 'forcing' and 'backs', would do no justice to this superb game at all. You really need to read through them all for yourself to avoid being caught for a foul in your own penalty area and, to this end, those awfully kind people at Goliath Games, have provided a full set of rules and instructions, taken direct from the Waddington lists, which you should have a good look at before you get too engrossed in the game.

All you really need to know to start off with is that you can kick the ball wherever you like on the pitch, being careful to be within the shooting area if you want to have a go at goal. Just be careful to work out where your player is going to end up after the flick, however, you don't want to give away a foul too close to your own goal.

Apart fromm the actual games, which are viewed from above, with strong colours and excellent graphics, allowing faster gameplay on the CPC, the standard of the game is superb.

Use the handy stop clock to make your own time limits for the match and then pace yourself for some non-stop action.

Even though the game hasn't got all of the refinements of the 16 bit version, which CPC game has, there's enough to see and do throughout the game to keep you occupied for hours.

With the option to save and load old leagues, you can keep the suspense of an eight player league going for as long as you like, working out the points to decide the overall Subbuteo champion.

You never know, if you get worked up enough, you could find yourself joining in one of the local board leagues in your area, it's certainly worth having a look in.