Re: Chess program for TI-8X

To: CALC-TI@LISTS.PPP.TI.COM
Subject: Re: Chess program for TI-8X
From: Tom Lake <laket@WESTELCOM.COM>
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 17:45:44 -0400
References: <352f0f17.9015885@news.bignet.net> <352F9C5C.DD30E519@geocities.com>
Reply-To: Tom Lake <laket@WESTELCOM.COM>
Xref: paladin.american.edu bit.listserv.calc-ti:22328

>> I remember reading all those post about the possibilities of a chess
>> program (PLAYER VS. TI) for the TI-8X a while ago and was wondering if
>> such a program ever emerged.  If so, please post it.  If not, I am
>> considering making one.  It should not be too hard, I have written
>> chess programs for the PC. Also, has anyone looked at porting an
>> existing program?  Would it be possible to compile a program such as
>> Crafty or TSCP using ZCC maybe (with modifications and a GUI of
>> course)?  Please reply, I think a chess program like this for the TI
>> would be awesome and worth some effort.  Thanks....
>>
>> Mike
>
>I think the issue with making a chess program was that the AI would take up
a
>lot
>of the calculator's memory. Possibly more than it has.


Back in 1980 or 81 there was a program called Sargon which ran on a 16K
TRS-80.  It was written in Z-80 assembler and had a very strong chess
algorithm, winning many microcomputer chess tournaments.  Dan and Kathe
Spracklin, the creators of Sargon, also wrote a book that had the generic
Z-80 source code for Sargon in it.  You had to add the graphics routines
yourself.  If you could find someone who still has a copy, it would be easy
to put it into the TI-85/86.  I was a beginner at assembly back then and had
no trouble porting the program over to my Xitan and Digital Group Z-80
(remember those?!?)  using text characters for chess pieces.  Unfortunately
I no longer have my copy of the book.  Good luck and happy hunting!

Tom Lake

References:

Chess program for TI-8X

From: Mike Bales <rbales@BIGNET.NET>

Re: Chess program for TI-8X

From: Julian <julian63@GEOCITIES.COM>