Introduction

Counter Attack is a game of strategy that may be played in a variety of ways using the same board, pieces and rules. The strategies and tactics required vary from simple to 'brain-strainer'.

Objective

The object of the game is to get a number of counters, by default four, into a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.

Prior to the commencement of each game, the winning conditions may be changed:

1. by specifying the number of counters that constitute a line;
2. by specifying whether the objective is to make a line ('play to win') or to force your opponent to make a line ('play to lose').

Play To Win

Each player is trying to make a line before his opponent can do the same. The game ends as soon as one player makes a line.

Play To Lose

Each player is trying to force his opponent into making a line. The game ends when a player is left with a line at the end of his turn. Thus, if you make a line of your opponent's counters, he has one move to break the line.

When playing to lose, there are limit to the number of rotations each player can make. For example, if the number of "counters per rotate" is set to three then each player is allowed only one rotate for every three counters placed. In a winning game, the number of rotates is not limited - the less pieces you have on the board, the less likely you are to win. In a winning game, rotates should only be used as the "coup d'etat".

Turns

On his turn, a player will normally add a new piece to the board by dropping it down one of the seven "shafts". However, at the appropriate time he may "rotate" instead of placing a new piece. He may rotate a row left or right, or a column up or down, attempting to re-arrange the pieces to his advantage.

To drop a new piece into a "shaft" just enter the number of the column into which you want your counter placed.

To rotate a row, press the left or right arrow key, followed by a letter (a to g).

To rotate a column, press the up or down arrow key, followed by a number (1 to 7).

Capital "P" may be used to override a rotation selection.

Customisation Facilities

The red function keys may be used before the start of each game to change a variety of options:

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*TAPE (RETURN)
CHAIN"" (RETURN)