From: vancleef@ohstpy.mps.ohio-state.edu
Newsgroups: rec.games.backgammon
Subject: NetGammon ONLINE!!!
Date: 28 Jul 92 23:54:49 EDT

NetGammon is finally tested and online!

The documentation is currently being written so online help is
scanty but will improve over the next day or so. I am listing
all of the available options below so people can start using
it now, while I write up the online docs/help.

The server is running on pooh.caltech.edu (131.215.48.30) on port 3200.

To connect, use telnet:

	telnet pooh.caltech.edu 3200

or	telnet 131.215.48.30 3200

You should get a welcome message. If you haven't already registered, you
must supply 2 passwords:

	register <first password> <second password>

Once you are registered, you must always type these two passwords to
login.

Here is a list of the command you can do along with the syntax:

General information:
	who		lists all players currently logged on 
			and who they are playing

	help		get info on online help
	read news	read news items. this lists who has beaten who
			and is used for general posts
	time		gives you info on what time it is
	name <your name> This gives you a name on the system, when you
			register your name is initialized as 'Unknown'.

Communications:
	say <message>	sends your message directly to your opponent
			you can only use it if you are playing a match

	broadcast <message>  This sends your message to everyone logged on
	gag		This ignores all broadcasts. Useful when you wish
			to ignore all of the banter :)

	send <who> <message>	This sends a telegram to a player (give name
			of player or player number), can be used to send
			messages to players not logged on etc.

	post <message>	This posts a message to the news

Backgammon commands:
	challenge <player> <points>  Use this to challenge someone to a
			match of the specified points.

	accept <player>	This command is used to accept a challenge from
			someone who challenges you. The accep command is
			also used to accept a double.

	decline		Decline a double. The opponent gets the number of
			points given on the cube.

	double		Double your opponent.

	board		Prints out the current board position.
	
	roll		roll the dice when its your turn.

	resign		resign the match to your opponent. This is posted
			in the news. Note that issuing the 'quit' command
			is also considered to be a resignation if you are
			currently in a match.

Moving men on the board:

	All moves are entered as one command line. Issue as many moves
	that is permissible with your current position:

		<move 1> <move 2> ...

	There are three types of moves:
		enter <point>		enter from the bar to the specified
					point.

		exit <point>		exit a man from the board.

		move <from point> <to point>	move a man from one point
					to another.

	For example, you might issue commands like

		enter 6 move 13-18	for 2 moves (non-doubles)

	or
		m 13-18 m 13-18 m 18-23 m 18-22  	(doubles)

	Each movement requires two arguments, 'enter', 'exit', 'move'
	and a point, or pair of points separated by a '-'. You must
	specify 'move' argument as '13-18', for example, not '13 18' or
	'13 - 18'. It's easy, you'll get used to it.

That's it for the commands. Player #1 is the Manager (me), so 'send 1 <gripe>'
if you encounter problems (which I am sure inevitibly will happen). There
will be a rating system eventualy, but for now, enjoy!

-Garrett