This is gnubg.info, produced by makeinfo version 4.3 from gnubg.texi. INFO-DIR-SECTION Games START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY * gnubg: (gnubg). GNU Backgammon. END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY This file documents GNU Backgammon, a program for playing and analysing backgammon games and matches. Copyright (C) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Gary Wong, Achim Mueller. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".  File: gnubg.info, Node: Top, Next: Introduction, Up: (dir) GNU Backgammon ************** This manual describes how to use GNU Backgammon to play and analyse backgammon games and matches. It corresponds to version 0.14.3 (updated in October, 2003). * Menu: * Introduction:: What is GNU Backgammon. * For the impatient:: A short description how to use GNU Backgammon. * How to play backgammon:: The rules of the game. * Installing the software:: How to install GNU Backgammon under MS Windows, FreeBSD and Linux. * Starting GNU Backgammon:: Starting the software using a terminal and the graphical user interface (GUI) * Playing backgammon:: How to play a game, match or session. * Saving games:: How to save your positions, games, matches and sessions. * Opening files:: How to open saved positions, games, matches and sessions. * Import files:: Opening files from different formats. * Export files:: Saving files into different formats. * Settings:: Changing settings in GNU Backgammon. * Analysis and rollouts:: How to analyse positions, games, matches or sessions. * Position and match IDs:: A brief technical explanation. * Cubeful equities:: How do gnubg calculate cubeful equities. * Training:: How to store databases and train the neural nets. * Scripting:: How to use gnubg python scripting. * Bearoff databases:: How to generate bearoff databases for use with GNU Backgammon * Absolute ratings:: How are the absolute ratings derived * Additional documentation:: Links to other documentation regarding backgammon or GNU Backgammon * GNU Free Documentation License:: Your rights regarding this manual. * Command Index:: Index of available commands * Concept Index:: Index  File: gnubg.info, Node: Introduction, Next: For the impatient, Prev: Top, Up: Top Introduction ************ GNU Backgammon works on * MS Windows operating systems * Linux * FreeBSD * Solaris * MacOS 10 GNU Backgammon is available in different languages * English * German (nearly finished) * Italian (3/4 finished) * Japanese (2/3 finished) * Danish (1/4 finished) * Turkish (1/4 finished) * Icelandic (1/4 finished) * French (not ready yet) GNU Backgammon comes with * A Graphical User Interface (GUI) with 2D- or 3D-Animation * Including a selection of board designs to choose from * Powerful but simple tools to change or create your own design * You can choose colours, lighting, textures and even the perspective of the 3D board * A command line modus (CLI) with support of the script language python With GNU Backgammon you may play * backgammon, nackgammon or hypergammon * games, matches or sessions (gnubg adjusts its play always to the match score) Gnubgs analysing functions allow you to * get hints during the game * evaluate positions * use a tutor during the game * use a "temperature map" which gives a graphical simple overview of the possible results of the next dice roll * analyse or rollout positions, games, matches or sessions (with probably the most extensive controls to set speed and accuracy of any backgammon software) You can * setup, edit and save positions, games, matches and sessions * replay games, matches and sessions * record annotations * explore doubling windows, gammon prices and similar cube theory, valuable for money games and essential for match play * store error rates for different players GNU Backgammon imports matches and sessions from * Fibs * Gamesgrid * TrueMoneygame * Netgammon * Snowie * Jellyfish GNU Backgammon exports positions, games, matches and sessions into * *.pos * *.mat * plain text * different html formats * png * LaTeX * (Encapsulated) Postscript * PDF With GNU Backgammon you may choose between the following dice generators * Manual dice settings * from a file * a dice generator created by the user * Ansi * Blum, Blum and Shub * BSD * ISAAC * MD5 * Mersenne Twister * www.random.org GNU Backgammon comes with several databases for handling bearoffs and match equities, i.e. * larger bearoff databases (to be generated) * databases for 1/2/3-chequer hypergammon (to be generated) * a selection of several Match Equity Tables (METs) * an interface to Hugh Sconyers huge databases for races and bearoffs But don't forget ... GNU Backgammon is work in progress. Don't blame us if * a feature isn't implemented yet * a feature doesn't work correctly * gnubg crashes * your system suffers after gnubg is installed Don't forget also ... * it's free software (free as in "free speech", not in "free beer") * we are all volunteers * we need feedback and bug reports * we need your help  File: gnubg.info, Node: For the impatient, Next: How to play backgammon, Prev: Introduction, Up: Top For the impatient ***************** * Menu: * Installing the binaries:: * Playing a game::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Installing the binaries, Next: Playing a game, Up: For the impatient Installing the binaries =======================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Playing a game, Prev: Installing the binaries, Up: For the impatient Playing a game ==============  File: gnubg.info, Node: How to play backgammon, Next: Installing the software, Prev: For the impatient, Up: Top How to play backgammon ********************** The rules presented in this chapter were written by Tom Keith for the Backgammon Galore web site (http://www.bkgm.com/), and are included here with his permission. * Menu: * Rules of Backgammon:: How to play the board game. * Match Play:: Special rules used in tournament matches.  File: gnubg.info, Node: Rules of Backgammon, Next: Match Play, Up: How to play backgammon Rules of Backgammon =================== Setup ----- Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called "points". The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. The quadrants are referred to as a player's "home board" and "outer board", and the opponent's home board and outer board. The home and outer boards are separated from each other by a ridge down the center of the board called the "bar". Outer Board O's Home Board *Figure 1.* A board +13-14-15-16-17-18------19-20-21-22-23-24-+ with the checkers in | X O | | O X | their initial position. | X O | | O X | | X O | | O | An alternate | X | | O | arrangement is the | X | | O | reverse of the one | |BAR| | shown here, with the | O | | X | home board on the left | O | | X | and the outer board on | O X | | X | the right. | O X | | X O | | O X | | X O | +12-11-10--9--8--7-------6--5--4--3--2--1-+ Outer Board X's Home Board The points are numbered for either player starting in that player's home board. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent's one point. Each player has fifteen checkers of his own color. The initial arrangement of checkers is: two on each player's twenty-four point, five on each player's thirteen point, three on each player's eight point, and five on each player's six point. Both players have their own pair of dice and a dice cup used for shaking. A "doubling cube", with the numerals 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on its faces, is used to keep track of the current stake of the game. Object of the Game ------------------ The object of the game is for a player to move all of his checkers into his own home board and then bear them off. The first player to bear off all of his checkers wins the game. +13-14-15-16-17-18------19-20-21-22-23-24-+ *Figure 2.* Direction | X | | X | of movement of White's /---X----------------------------------- X | checkers. Red's | | X | | | checkers move in the | | X | | | opposite direction. | | X | | | | | |BAR| | | | | | X | | | | | X | | | X | | X | \---------------X----------X-----------> | | X | | X | +12-11-10--9--8--7-------6--5--4--3--2--1-+ Movement of the Checkers ------------------------ To start the game, each player throws a single die. This determines both the player to go first and the numbers to be played. If equal numbers come up, then both players roll again until they roll different numbers. The player throwing the higher number now moves his checkers according to the numbers showing on both dice. After the first roll, the players throw two dice and alternate turns. The roll of the dice indicates how many points, or "pips", the player is to move his checkers. The checkers are always moved forward, to a lower-numbered point. The following rules apply: 1. A checker may be moved only to an "open point", one that is not occupied by two or more opposing checkers. 2. The numbers on the two dice constitute separate moves. For example, if a player rolls 5 and 3, he may move one checker five spaces to an open point and another checker three spaces to an open point, or he may move the one checker a total of eight spaces to an open point, but only if the intermediate point (either three or five spaces from the starting point) is also open. +13-14-15-16-17-18------19-20-21-22-23-24-+ *Figure 3.* Two ways | X ^ O | | O . X | that White can play a | X +---------5---------^---3----X | roll of 53. | X O | | O | | X | | O | | X | | O | | O | | X----3---+ | | O | | X | | | O X---------------5---+ | | O X | | X | O | | O X | | X | O | +12-11-10--9--8--7-------6--5--4--3--2--1-+ 3. A player who rolls doubles plays the numbers shown on the dice twice. A roll of 6 and 6 means that the player has four sixes to use, and he may move any combination of checkers he feels appropriate to complete this requirement. 4. A player must use both numbers of a roll if this is legally possible (or all four numbers of a double). When only one number can be played, the player must play that number. Or if either number can be played but not both, the player must play the larger one. When neither number can be used, the player loses his turn. In the case of doubles, when all four numbers cannot be played, the player must play as many numbers as he can. Hitting and Entering -------------------- A point occupied by a single checker of either color is called a "blot". If an opposing checker lands on a blot, the blot is "hit" and placed on the bar. Any time a player has one or more checkers on the bar, his first obligation is to "enter" those checker(s) into the opposing home board. A checker is entered by moving it to an open point corresponding to one of the numbers on the rolled dice. For example, if a player rolls 4 and 6, he may enter a checker onto either the opponent's four point or six point, so long as the prospective point is not occupied by two or more of the opponent's checkers. +13-14-15-16-17-18------19-20-21-22-23-24-+ *Figure 4.* If White | X O | | O O ^ X | rolls 64 with a checker | X O | | O O | | on the bar, he must | X | | O | | enter the checker onto | X | | O | | Red's four point since | X | X-----4---+ | Red's six point is not | |BAR| | open. | O | | X | | O | | X | | O X | | X | | O X | | X O | | O X | | X O | +12-11-10--9--8--7-------6--5--4--3--2--1-+ If neither of the points is open, the player loses his turn. If a player is able to enter some but not all of his checkers, he must enter as many as he can and then forfeit the remainder of his turn. After the last of a player's checkers has been entered, any unused numbers on the dice must be played, by moving either the checker that was entered or a different checker. Bearing Off ----------- Once a player has moved all of his fifteen checkers into his home board, he may commence "bearing off". A player bears off a checker by rolling a number that corresponds to the point on which the checker resides, and then removing that checker from the board. Thus, rolling a 6 permits the player to remove a checker from the six point. If there is no checker on the point indicated by the roll, the player must make a legal move using a checker on a higher-numbered point. If there are no checkers on higher-numbered points, the player is permitted (and required) to remove a checker from the highest point on which one of his checkers resides. A player is under no obligation to bear off if he can make an otherwise legal move. | | | +----6---------> *Figure 5.* White | | | | +--4--------> rolls 64 and bears off | | | | | | two checkers. | | | | X X X X | | | | X X X X X | +12-11-10--9--8--7-------6--5--4--3--2--1-+ A player must have all of his active checkers in his home board in order to bear off. If a checker is hit during the bear-off process, the player must bring that checker back to his home board before continuing to bear off. The first player to bear off all fifteen checkers wins the game. Doubling -------- Backgammon is played for an agreed stake per point. Each game starts at one point. During the course of the game, a player who feels he has a sufficient advantage may propose doubling the stakes. He may do this only at the start of his own turn and before he has rolled the dice. A player who is offered a double may "refuse", in which case he concedes the game and pays one point. Otherwise, he must "accept" the double and play on for the new higher stakes. A player who accepts a double becomes the "owner of the cube" and only he may make the next double. Subsequent doubles in the same game are called "redoubles". If a player refuses a redouble, he must pay the number of points that were at stake prior to the redouble. Otherwise, he becomes the new owner of the cube and the game continues at twice the previous stakes. There is no limit to the number of redoubles in a game. Gammons and Backgammons ----------------------- At the end of the game, if the losing player has borne off at least one checker, he loses only the value showing on the doubling cube (one point, if there have been no doubles). However, if the loser has _not_ borne off any of his checkers, he is "gammoned" and loses _twice_ the value of the doubling cube. Or, worse, if the loser has not borne off any of his checkers and still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board, he is "backgammoned" and loses _three times_ the value of the doubling cube. Optional Rules -------------- The following optional rules are in widespread use. "Automatic doubles" If identical numbers are thrown on the first roll, the stakes are doubled. The doubling cube is turned to 2 and remains in the middle. Players usually agree to limit the number of automatic doubles to one per game. "Beavers" When a player is doubled, he may immediately redouble (beaver) while retaining possession of the cube. The original doubler has the option of accepting or refusing as with a normal double. "The Jacoby Rule" Gammons and backgammons count only as a single game if neither player has offered a double during the course of the game. This rule speeds up play by eliminating situations where a player avoids doubling so he can play on for a gammon. Irregularities -------------- 1. The dice must be rolled together and land flat on the surface of the right-hand section of the board. The player must reroll both dice if a die lands outside the right-hand board, or lands on a checker, or does not land flat. 2. A turn is completed when the player picks up his dice. If the play is incomplete or otherwise illegal, the opponent has the option of accepting the play as made or of requiring the player to make a legal play. A play is deemed to have been accepted as made when the opponent rolls his dice or offers a double to start his own turn. 3. If a player rolls before his opponent has completed his turn by picking up the dice, the player's roll is voided. This rule is generally waived any time a play is forced or when there is no further contact between the opposing forces.  File: gnubg.info, Node: Match Play, Prev: Rules of Backgammon, Up: How to play backgammon Rules for Match Play ==================== When backgammon tournaments are held to determine an overall winner, the usual style of competition is "match play". Competitors are paired off, and each pair plays a series of games to decide which player progresses to the next round of the tournament. This series of games is called a "match". Matches are played to a specified number of points. The first player to accumulate the required points wins the match. Points are awarded in the usual manner: one for a single game, two for a gammon, and three for a backgammon. The doubling cube is used, so the winner receives the value of the game multiplied by the final value of the doubling cube. Matches are normally played using the "Crawford rule". The Crawford rule states that if one player reaches a score one point short of the match, neither player may offer a double in the immediately following game. This one game without doubling is called the Crawford game. Once the Crawford game has been played, if the match has not yet been decided, the doubling cube is active again. Match to 5 White Black -------------------------------------------------------------- Game 1: White wins 2 points 2 0 \ Game 2: Black wins 1 point 2 1 } Doubling Allowed Game 3: White wins 2 points 4 1 / Game 4: Black wins 1 point 4 2 Crawford Game Game 5: Black wins 2 points 4 4 \ Game 6: White wins 2 points 6 4 / Doubling Allowed In this example, White and Black are playing a 5-point match. After three games White has 4 points, which is just one point short of what he needs. That triggers the Crawford rule which says there can be no doubling in next game, Game 4. There is no bonus for winning more than the required number of points in match play. The sole goal is to win the match, and the size of the victory doesn't matter. Automatic doubles, beavers, and the Jacoby rule are not used in match play.  File: gnubg.info, Node: Installing the software, Next: Starting GNU Backgammon, Prev: How to play backgammon, Up: Top Installing the software *********************** * Menu: * Installing a MS Windows binary:: * Installing a Linux rpm-package:: * Installing a FreeBSD package or port:: * Compiling and installing the source::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Installing a MS Windows binary, Next: Installing a Linux rpm-package, Up: Installing the software Installing a MS Windows binary ============================== For an installation of GNU Backgammon on MS Windows operating systems you need at least this build from gnubg. You'll find a file `setup.exe', which is approximately 11 mb. If you want daily builds, go to Nardy Pillards page at `http://users.skynet.be/bk228456/GNUBgW.htm' and read his documentation carefully. If you download everything, you'll have these packages: * setup.exe (Oysteins installation archiv from 20030727, including everything you need) * gnubg-old-[date]Zip.exe (Nardy's daily snapshot, no 3d-board, old layout) * gnubg-[date]Zip.exe (Nardy's daily snapshot, with 3d-baord and new layout) * board-3Dfiles.exe (Package needed for 3D-support) * locale_[lang].exe (Nardy's language packages) * gnubg_nogui-[date]Zip.exe (Nardy's daily snapshot without Graphical User Interface) * libpython22Zip.exe (Package needed for python support in the "no gui" version) Nardy's builds include a daily snapshot of the `gnubg.exe' and some addons. If you like daily builds, get either the "old layout", the "new layout" or the "no gui" binary (*.exe). You may also download a language package for Windows. Be aware, that the translation is still work in progress. Only the english and the german translation are (nearly) fully available. *Part I (Main program)*: After downloading the software "doubleclick" on `setup.exe'. You will be asked whether you want to install GNU Backgammon for windows. Click on _yes_. In the following window accept the license agreement and click on _next_. Then choose a directory where GNU Backgammon shall be installed. After this select the MS Windows menu entry and whether or not a desktop and a quick launch icon shall be created. The installation program will install all necessary files on your disk and finally ask you whether GNU Backgammon shall be launched or not. Now you are ready to play. *Part II (Daily snapshots)*: If you like current snapshots, get the files from Nardy's page at `http://users.skynet.be/bk228456/GNUBgW.htm'. The files `gnubg-[date]Zip.exe' or `gnubg-old-[date]Zip.exe' contain only the binary `gnubg.exe'. If you like the new style with panels and a 3D-board layout get `gnubg-[date]Zip.exe' and the additional package `board-3Dfiles.exe'. Doubleclick on the file, select your installation directory and click on _extract_. Be catious: the binary will now overwrite the "old" `gnubg.exe'. For the old layout (seperate windows, no 3D-board) choose `gnubg-old-[date]Zip.exe'. You will now have a second program file in you GNU Backgammon directory called `gnubg-old.exe'. *Part III (Support for different languages*: If there is a package supporting your native language, you may download this package also. Doubleclick on the `locale_[lang].exe', and the installer will put all necessary files into your GNU Backgammon directory. After copying the files a README file will open with instructions how to activate the language. *Part IV (Command Line Interface)*: For using the "non-gui" version of GNU Backgammon you only have to additionally install `gnubg_nogui-[date]Zip.exe'. Again doubleclick on the binary `gnubg_nogui-[date]Zip.exe'. Be aware that possible older version of `gnubg-no-gui.exe' will be overwritten. Accept the warning and click on _ok_. Choose the directory of your GNU Backgammon installation and click on _extract_. *Part V (Additional python support)*: If you need additional support for the scripting language python you also have to install the package `libpython22Zip.exe'.  File: gnubg.info, Node: Installing a Linux rpm-package, Next: Installing a FreeBSD package or port, Prev: Installing a MS Windows binary, Up: Installing the software Installing a Linux rpm-package ============================== Get the rpm packages from the Linux download section at GNU Backgammon webpage. You'll need the main package `gnubg-[version].rpm', the databases `gnubg-databases.rpm' and the sound packages `gnubg-sound.rpm'. As root do a #: rpm -ihv gnubg*.rpm If you want to update GNU Backgammon you will mostly need only the new main package. Then you can update gnubg with #: rpm -Uhv gnubg-[version].rpm Some people like to compile GNU Backgammon from the source-rpms. In this case you have to download the package `gnubg-[version].src.rpm'. As root do a #: rpm --rebuild gnubg-[version].src.rpm For people who want to verify the packages we put a public key on public key ace. Download the key and import it with #: gpg --import pubkey_ace.asc #: rpm --verify [package] (for rpm version 3) or #: rpm --import pubkey_ace.asc #: rpm --checksig [package] (for rpm version 4)  File: gnubg.info, Node: Installing a FreeBSD package or port, Next: Compiling and installing the source, Prev: Installing a Linux rpm-package, Up: Installing the software Installing a FreeBSD package or port ==================================== fixme  File: gnubg.info, Node: Compiling and installing the source, Prev: Installing a FreeBSD package or port, Up: Installing the software Compiling and installing the source =================================== Download the sources from GNU Backgammon sources (http://www.acepoint.de/GnuBG/sources/). We try to put daily snapshots there. Be aware, that these sources may not compile! Unzip and untar the sources and change into the source directory: #: tar -xzvf gnubg-[version].tar.gz #: cd gnubg-[version] Copy at least the file `gnubg.weights' into the source directory. Then do a #: aclocal -I m4 #: autoconf #: automake --add-missing #: ./configure #: make #: make install The first three commands may not be necessary depending on your system. The command `./configure' includes some options you may like to use. You can get all options with #: ./configure --help  File: gnubg.info, Node: Starting GNU Backgammon, Next: Playing backgammon, Prev: Installing the software, Up: Top Starting GNU Backgammon *********************** * Menu: * The graphical interface:: * Using a terminal::  File: gnubg.info, Node: The graphical interface, Next: Using a terminal, Up: Starting GNU Backgammon The graphical interface =======================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Using a terminal, Prev: The graphical interface, Up: Starting GNU Backgammon Using a terminal ================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Playing backgammon, Next: Saving games, Prev: Starting GNU Backgammon, Up: Top Playing backgammon ****************** * Menu: * Starting a game or match or session:: * Moving the checkers:: * Using the doubling cube::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Starting a game or match or session, Next: Moving the checkers, Up: Playing backgammon Starting a game or match or session ===================================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Moving the checkers, Next: Using the doubling cube, Prev: Starting a game or match or session, Up: Playing backgammon Moving the checkers ===================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Using the doubling cube, Prev: Moving the checkers, Up: Playing backgammon Using the doubling cube =======================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Saving games, Next: Opening files, Prev: Playing backgammon, Up: Top Saving games ************ * Menu: * Saving a game:: * Saving a match:: * Saving a session:: * Saving a position::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Saving a game, Next: Saving a match, Up: Saving games Saving a game =============  File: gnubg.info, Node: Saving a match, Next: Saving a session, Prev: Saving a game, Up: Saving games Saving a match ==============  File: gnubg.info, Node: Saving a session, Next: Saving a position, Prev: Saving a match, Up: Saving games Saving a session ================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Saving a position, Prev: Saving a session, Up: Saving games Saving a position =================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Opening files, Next: Import files, Prev: Saving games, Up: Top Opening files ************* * Menu: * Opening a game:: * Opening a match:: * Opening a session:: * Opening a position::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Opening a game, Next: Opening a match, Up: Opening files Opening a game ==============  File: gnubg.info, Node: Opening a match, Next: Opening a session, Prev: Opening a game, Up: Opening files Opening a match ===============  File: gnubg.info, Node: Opening a session, Next: Opening a position, Prev: Opening a match, Up: Opening files Opening a session =================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Opening a position, Prev: Opening a session, Up: Opening files Opening a position ==================  File: gnubg.info, Node: Import files, Next: Export files, Prev: Opening files, Up: Top Import files ************ gnubg can import matches produced by various other programs or online servers. For example, you can import matches played on GamesGrid (http://www.gamesgrid.com/) or FIBS (http://www.fibs.com/). gnubg can export positions, matches, or money session to a number of formats; some suitable for printing, some suitable for including in emails or Usenet postings, and others suitable for publishing on the world wide web or for posting to backgammon forums. The following sections describe how to import and export positions, matches, and sessions with gnubg. Jellyfish .pos -------------- gnubg can import positions in Jellyfish (http://jelly.effect.no/) .pos format. To import a position file using the GUI select a file from `File->Import->.pos position'. The .pos position format is documented at The Jellyfish Position File Format (http://jelly.effect.no/fspec.htm). Jellyfish .mat -------------- gnubg can also import matches and money sessions in the .mat format. This format is often used to move games between different programs, as most programs (e.g., Jellyfish, Snowie, BGBlitz, and others) support import and export of this format. To import a match or money session in the .mat format, select a file from `File->Import->.mat match'. Note that at least one program (BBGT) is known to write multiple matches in the same .mat file. In this case gnubg will only read the first match. If you wish to import all matches from such a .mat file, you'll manually have to split the file into files containing the individual matches. GamesGrid .sgg -------------- gnubg can import matches and money sessions played on GamesGrid if saved in the SGG format. Currently, gnubg doesn't support import of the native undocumented .cbg format. Also note that gnubg does not analyse table stakes, so imported money sessions will be analysed as a normal money session. To import an SGG file using the GUI select a file using the menu entry `File->Import->.sgg match'. FIBS oldmoves ------------- gnubg can import matches and money sessions from FIBS in the oldmoves format. Most of the GUIs for playing on FIBS supports saving of matches either in the oldmoves format or in Jellyfish .mat format. To import an oldmoves file using the GUI select a file using the menu entry `File->Import->FIBS oldmoves'. Note that gnubg will only read the first match in the file. If you wish to import all matches from a file containing more than more game, you'll manually have to split it. TrueMoneyGames .tmg ------------------- gnubg can also import matches and money sessions played on TrueMoneyGames saved in the TMG format (file suffix .tmg). Please note that gnubg does not analyse table stakes, so imported money sessions will be analysed as a normal money session. To import an TMG file using the GUI select a file using the menu entry `File->Import->TrueMoneyGames .tmg match'. Hans Berliner BKG format ------------------------ Matches written in the Hans Berliner BKG format can be imported into gnubg. To import an BKG file using the GUI select a file using the menu entry `File->Import->BKG session'. Snowie .txt position format --------------------------- gnubg can import positions written in the Snowie .txt position format. Please note that very important distinction between _Snowie .txt position_ and _Snowie Standard Text_. The former is used for position and the latter is an extension of the Jellyfish .mat format, and can be imported in gnubg using the .mat importer. gnubg can also export positions to Snowie .txt format for easy exchange of positions with Snowie users. To import an Snowie .txt position file using the GUI select a file using the menu entry `File->Import->Snowie .txt position file'. Batch import ------------ gnubg doesn't support batch import and analysis using the GUI, but batch import is possible with the command line version of gnubg. Under Unix execute: `gnubg -t < INPUT-FILE > OUTPUT-FILE' Under Windows it depends on how your version of gnubg was build. For example, if you use the build by Øystein Johansen you should execute `gnubg-no-gui.exe < INPUT-FILE > OUTPUT-FILE' The INPUT-FILE must be carefully prepared. For example, it could look like: import sgg file1.sgg analyse match save match file1.sgf import sgg file2.sgg analyse match save match file1.sgf import mat file3.mat analyse match save match file3.sgf If you wish to adjust your setting for the analysis you can include commands like: set analysis chequerplay evaluation plies 2 set analysis cubedecision evaluation plies 3 [...] See the command reference for further details regarding the commands available in gnubg. Other formats ------------- There are a number of utilities written that can read and write positions, matches, and money sessions in other formats than the ones gnubg has direct support for. Bunny's Zone Converter (http://www.wingflyer.com/zoneutilities/) can be used to convert matches saved on MSN Gaming Zone to Jellyfish .mat format which can be imported into gnubg. The neural net backgammon program BGBlitz (http://www.bgblitz.com/) can read Gamesgrid .cbg, FIBS/W logfiles, MacFIBS logfiles and other formats which can be written back in the .mat format for importing into gnubg. Tips and tricks --------------- If you want to exchange the playes, i.e., gnubg has imported you as the top player rather than the bottom player, select them menu entry `Game->Swap Players'.  File: gnubg.info, Node: Export files, Next: Settings, Prev: Import files, Up: Top Export files ************ Export game in Jellyfish .gam ----------------------------- You can export the current game in the Jellyfish .gam format. This is useful if you wish import a specific game into Jellyfish. Other programs may read the file as well, since the format is identical to the Jellyfish .mat format. *export game gam FILENAME*: Export the current game in Jellyfish .gam format to FILENAME. Export positions, games, matches and sessions in HTML ----------------------------------------------------- gnubg can export the current position, game, match or session in HTML if you wish to publish it on the web. A sample match (http://home.online.no/~oeysteij/wc2002/final.html) with the World Cup Final 2002 from Monte Carlo is available for viewing (FIXME: put a match on gnu.org or gnubg.org instead). gnubg exports in validating XHTML 1.0 (http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/) with the use of CSS (http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-CSS1) style sheets. You may add your own style sheet to the exported HTML files if you wish to override the default layout, e.g., change colors or fonts. The board is made up from hundreds of pictures. Currently, you can choose between three different sets of pictures: (a) the BBS images used by Kit Woolsey's GammOnLine (http://www.GammOnLine.com) e-magazine, Danish Backgammon Federation's (http://www.dbgf.dk/) web-based discussion group and others, (b) the fibs2html images used by the Joseph Heled's program fibs2html (http://fibs2html.sourceforge.net/), and (c) images generated by gnubg itself. The images generated by gnubg will have the same design as your current design, and honours your settings on clockwise or anti-clockwise movement and board numbering (on, off, dynamic). If you export a match or session to HTML gnubg will write the individual games to separate files. For example, if you export to file `foo.html' the first game is exported to `foo.html', the second game to `foo_002.html', the third game to `foo_003.html' and so forth. The output from the HTML export can be customised. For example, it's possible to leave out the analysis or parts of the analysis. Also, you may enter a specific URL to the pictures used to compose the board which is useful for posting positions on web-based discussion groups such as Kit Woolsey's GammOnLine (http://www.GammOnLine.com), the Danish Backgammon Federation's (http://www.dbgf.dk/) Debat Forum (http://www.dbgf.dk/Debat/), or you may opt to use a default set of images available from the gnubg web site at FIXME Add images to www.gnubg.org! (http://www.gnubg.org/html-images/). *Note Export::, for full details regarding the options available for HTML export. Description of the CSS stylesheet ................................. As mentioned above gnubg writes a CSS stylesheet along with the generated XHTML file. The CSS stylesheet may be written verbatim in the header section of the XHTML file, to an external file named `gnubg.css', or inside the tags using the `style' attribute. If you wish to make any modifications to the stylesheet without modifying the actual source code of gnubg you have to choose one of the first two methods. Note that the special export for Kit Woolsey's GammOnLine (http://www.GammOnLine.com) uses the third method since the XHTML is pasted into a web page without the possibility to modify the header section of the page where the style sheet is defined. Thus, it's not possible to modify the style of the generated XHTML for GammOnLine without modifications of the source code or extensive _search and replace_ in the geneated XHTML. Below follows a description of the CSS classes used in the XHTML export: Class Description .movetable Style applied to the entire table used for the move analysis .moveheader The header of the move analysis table .movenumber The rank number of a move in the move analysis .moveply The column indicating the number of plies or rollout .movemove The formatted move, e.g., 13/7 8/7. .moveequity The column with the equity or MWC. .movethemove Special style for row that contains the actual move chosen by the player .moveodd Special style for the odd rows. Can be used to give an alternating color for the rows. .percent Style for the game winning probabilities and equities in the move analysis. .blunder Emphasize blunders, e.g., "Alert: missed double" or "Alert: bad move". .joker Emphasize very good or bad rolls, e.g., "Alert: unlucky roll". .stattable The style applied to the entire table with game, match, and session statistics .stattableheader The header row of the statistics table .result Style for the text indicating the outcome of the game or match, e.g., "Joern Thyssen wins 16 points". .tiny Currently unsued. .cubedecision The style applied to the entire cube decision table .cubedecisionheader Style for the header row of the cube decision table .cubeequity Style for any equity or MWC in the cube decision table .cubeaction Style for the text indicating the correct cube action .cubeply Style for the text that states the level of evaluation .cubeprobs Style for the game winning probabilities in the cube decision table .comment The style applied to the entire table used for annotations or comments, e.g., the kibitzing from imported SGG files .commentheader The style applied to the header row of the annotations' table .number Currently unsued .fontfamily Style applied to the entire body of the XHTML document. .block Style applied to the images in the export to avoid gaps between individual pictures both horisontally and vertically. .positionid Style for the Position ID and match ID. *export position html FILENAME*: Export the current position in HTML to FILENAME. *export game html FILENAME*: Export the current game in HTML to FILENAME. *export match html FILENAME*: Export the current match in HTML to FILENAME. *export session html FILENAME*: Export the current session in HTML to FILENAME. Export games, matches, and sessions in LaTeX -------------------------------------------- writeme Export match or session in Jellyfish .mat ----------------------------------------- You can export an entire match or session into Jellyfish .mat format. This is very useful if you want to import a match or session into other programs as most other backgammon programs are able to read it. *export match mat FILENAME*: export the match in Jellyfish .mat format to FILENAME. Export games, matches, and sessions in PDF ------------------------------------------ writeme Export games, matches, and sessions in PostScript ------------------------------------------------- writeme Export position in Jellyfish .pos --------------------------------- writeme Export position in Snowie .txt position format ---------------------------------------------- writeme Export positions, games, matches, and sessions in plain text ------------------------------------------------------------  File: gnubg.info, Node: Settings, Next: Analysis and rollouts, Prev: Export files, Up: Top Settings ******** * Menu: * Player:: * Appearance:: * Options:: * Advanced options:: * Evaluation:: * Analysis:: * Rollouts:: * Export::  File: gnubg.info, Node: Player, Next: Appearance, Up: Settings Player ======  File: gnubg.info, Node: Appearance, Next: Options, Prev: Player, Up: Settings Appearance ==========  File: gnubg.info, Node: Options, Next: Advanced options, Prev: Appearance, Up: Settings Options =======  File: gnubg.info, Node: Advanced options, Next: Evaluation, Prev: Options, Up: Settings Advanced options ================