Re: [Bug-gnubg] Feature suggestion

[Michael Petch]

On 2014-08-17 7:01 PM, address@hidden wrote:
> I just downloaded the update version of GNU Backgammon. I thought of a 
> feature that could be added. When there is no valid move (no matter what is 
> rolled), then skip the roll entirely. It does not make sense to waste time 
> rolling the dice, when there is no move that can be made, regardless of what 
> is rolled. Thanks. 

As far as I know, GNUBG already does this, however it won't seem to
happen in all cases.

One of the issues is that if you are the one on the bar (and opp has you
closed) - for example (no valid moves) there technically can still be a
decision to be made.

That is when it comes to whether the person with no potential legal
moves (no matter what is rolled) has the ability to turn the cube. Most
people forget that it is valid to cube in such a position (I know I have).

So if the score is for example 6-6/7 the cube isn't in play for either
player. The rolls should be done automatically because there is no
possible cube action (both players are 1 away from winning). If the
person who has no legal moves (no matter what they roll) doesn't own the
cube (Opponent does) then the roll should occur automatically.

In all other cases where you can potentially turn the cube, you are
forced to roll because you may have the choice to cube before the roll.
Rolling indicates you give up your choice to cube.

If it doesn't work as mentioned above then I would consider that a bug.

-- 
Michael Petch
GNU Backgammon Maintainer / Developer
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