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When you're through using these options, press '''ENTER''' to return to the main selection list.
===Simultanious Play===
One of the amazing feats that can be performed by outstanding human chess players is that they can play a number of games simultaneously against different opponents and still play each game well. The Video Chess module used with the TI-99/4 can also play simultaneous games (16K bytes of memory required). Up to 9 games may be played simultaneously, although certain options (BACKUP, HELP, SWITCH, REPLAY, RECORD, and TIME OUT) are not available to the
players.
When this option is used, the computer first asks for the player number. (Active player numbers are displayed on the screen.) Once entered, the computer checks to see if this is an "active" player. If so, the computer instructs
the player to enter the move. The computer will give its corresponding move and then advance to the next player by asking for player number. If the player number entered is for a new player, the computer asks for that opponent's selection of level of play, thinking time (if required), style of play, and color choice. Then play begins for that player. After the player's move and the computer's move are both entered, the computer asks for the next player number. If for some reason, the next player is not ready to enter a move, press '''SHIFT C''' instead of move entry, and the computer asks for player number again. (''Note:'' An illegal move also causes the computer to ignore the move and ask for player number again.)
Up to 9 players can be active at any one time. If less than 9 players are active, a new one can join by entering an unused player number. However, if all 9 positions are active, a player must finish a game before a new player can be added. If a player wants to resign, follow this procedure. When the computer asks for player number, enter the player number. Then press '''SHIFT E''' for that player to resign. That player's number is now available for any new player that's ready to play.
We recommend that the simultaneous exhibitions be controlled by someone who is not playing. This person enters the playing choices for each player and then goes through the players in rotation. When the controller calls out "PLAYER 1" and presses 1, the appropriate position appears on the screen. Player 1 calls out his move (e.g., A7A6) and this move is entered. When the computer replies, the controller calls back the reply move and then passes on to player 2, and so on, though it is not necessary to play in any particular order. If the controller is energetic, he can walk back and forth between the console and the players, each of whom has his own board and chess set, so that the moves can be made in silence. This avoids disturbing the players. (''Note:'' It is important that each player remembers his number!)
During simultaneous play, any player has the option of changing the style and level of computer play. To do so, first enter the player number and then press '''SHIFT M'''. The computer then asks for the new level of play and style of play. Then the game resumes at the same point.
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