| There is another game by the name Quivive (one word). This isn't it.
I first saw Qui Vive in a book on programming the TI-99/4a in 1983.
I've never seen it implemented anywhere else. It's a shame, because it's a
nice little game. I've probably re-implemented it seven times. The Zillions
AI plays a very nice game if you crank up the computer opponent strength
and variety.
Each player has five pieces and begins the game by dropping them on the 5x5
board. Once all pieces are placed then the players take turns moving them.
Pieces can be moved to any vacant space on the board.
The object is to arrange your own pieces in one of five patterns.
. . . . .
. . X . .
. X X X .
. . X . .
. . . . . a plus
. . . . .
. X . X .
. . X . .
. X . X .
. . . . . a cross
X . . . .
. X . . .
. . X . .
. . . X .
. . . . X a straight line (diagonal or orthagonal)
. . . . .
X . . . X
. X . X .
. . X . .
. . . . . a "V" or "wing"
. . . . .
. X . . .
. X . . .
. X X X .
. . . . . an "L"
These patterns can be in any orientation, anywhere on the board.
The phrase "to be on the qui vive" means to be on the alert, which
makes it an appropriate name for the game. That it has so many
winning patterns means that you can easily get "caught" by
an opponent who prepares two winning positions, either of which can
be completed by a single move. Of course, this is the strategy
you should adopt yourself. Don't get yourself into a situation where
you are reacting to your opponent's moves: that's a sure recipe for
defeat. |
