Date: Sat, 10 Dec 1994 20:15:35 -0500
From: Augustine Carreno <acarreno@hookup.net>


			e-mail ENTROPY -- FAQ

	Q: What is e-mail Entropy?
	A: e-mail Entropy is a board game of abstract strategy.

	Q: What are the rules of Entropy?
	A: The board has 25 squares, or spaces, arranged in a 5 x 5 grid,
	as shown below.

                           S     S     S     S     S  <---5
     
                           S     .     .     .     S  <---4

                           .     .     .     .     .  <---3

                           O     .     .     .     O  <---2

                           O     O     O     O     O  <---1
			   ________________________________

			   a     b     c     d     e

	                   Fig. 1  Starting Position
 
	In this diagram, S and O represent two sets of pieces; seven to
	each player.  The dots are empty squares.

	THE OBJECTIVE is to disperse your pieces so that each one
	is placed next to a piece of the other color only, not their own.

	MOVES
	1. A piece can move only if it is next (incl. diagonally) to another
	of the same color.  Such a piece may be moved any number of empty
	squares, in a straight line, and in any one direction. BUT,...

	2. If, in your turn to move, you have a piece that is next to
	neither one of its own, nor one of the other color, then you are
	in check, and your only move is to clear the check. If it can't
	be done, you must pass.

	EXAMPLES:


	S     .     O     .     S             S     .     O     .     O

	O     .     .     .     O             O     .     S     O     S

	O     S     S     O     S             S     .     .     .     .

	S     .     .     .     .             O     O     S     S     O

	.     .     O     O     S             S     .     .     .     .


	Fig 2. The O side is in check         Fig. 3. What's O's best move?


	In Fig.2, the O side is in check, since the piece at c5 is isolated.
	(One possible way out is for O to play a4-c4, clearing the check
	and creating one for S at the same time.)
 
	Fig.3 shows S threatening to win with d2-e1. (O can preempt this
	with b2-b4, which denies the piece at c2 its connection.)

	Q: How do I start a game?
	A: By convention, the O's play first. The easiest way to start a
	gane is to just copy Fig.1 into your editor and proceed from there.
	(By sending away your first move.)


	Q: What is the most powerful tactical weapon of Entropy?
	A: Without doubt, the check. Often, by skilfully checking your
	opponent you can effectively freeze him or her long enough for you
	to find a winning combination, as in the following example:

			S     .     O     S     O

			O     .     .     .     S

			O     .     .     .     O

			.     O     .     .     S

			S     S     S     .     O


	In this position O is to play and win. Can you find the winning
	move?

	Q: Can I put myself in check?
	A: "In check", as described in rule 2., applies only when you
	take your turn. So you can put yourself in check in one
	turn, and then clear out of it in the next.


	Q: Can I be in multiple check?
	A: Yes. And if you are in a multiple check (i.e., you have more
	than one isolated piece) your only legal move is one that removes
	all the isolations simultaneously.

	Q: What happens if both players arrive to a winning position at
	the same time?
	A: If you succeed in dispersing your pieces as required,
	but your last move puts your opponent in a winning position
	as well, the game is considered a draw.
	For example,in the following position O is in check and at S's
	mercy.
			S     O     S     O     S

			.     S     .     .     .

			O     .     O     .     O

			.     .     S     .     .

			S     O     S     O     .
			
				Fig. 4

	However, if after 1. pass, S plays: 1..., b4-b3; 2. pass, c2-e2
	both players would have achieved the game's objective simultaneously,
	and it's a draw.
	To win, S must first create a second isolation, thus 1. pass, b4-c4;
	2. pass, c2-d2; 3. pass, d2-e1; 4. pass, c4-d3. This maneuvre leaves
	O with an isolated piece at a3.
	
	Q: Is a forced draw possible?
	A: Yes. For instance, in the next position S can't move again,
	but O cannot win either, since all squares surrounding the piece
	at c3 are off-limits. (An O on any of them is a win for S!)

			S     O     S     O     S

			.     .     .     .     O

			O     .     S     .     O

			.     .     .     .     .

			S     O     S     O     S
		
				Fig. 5

	Q: Is there a table-top version of Entropy?
	A: Yes. A commercial version is being readied.

	Q: How long does it take to play an average game?
	A: Ten to fifteen minutes. 

	Q: Is Entropy suitable for children?
	A: Entropy is especially suitable for children, because, among
	other things, it is devoid of grown-up references like,"war",
	"king", "castle", "territory", "variation", "seki", "ko", and
	so on.
	It is a game that seeks to instill the elementary and civilized
	logic of accomodation rather than the primitiveness of annihilation.

	Q: Is Entropy strictly for two players?
	A: No, it isn't. In the "bridge" mode four people can play in a 
	two-against-two format. Each pair shares the same pieces, and
	partners sit facing one another as in bridge. Of course, you
	need the table-top version for that.


 Copyright (C) 1994 Augustine Carreno. 
 All Rights Reserved