Linos

HOW TO PLAY

Linos is a game by James Ernest and Crab Fragment Labs, used by permission. A link to the rules can be found here https://crabfragmentlabs.com/linos (direct link to v1.3 rules implemented here).

Linos is played with twelve 1x2 blocks and it is easiest to use this computer player in conjuction with a real set of blocks on this playing mat https://www.downtherathole.com/linos/linosgrid-2cm-usletter.pdf.

The computer manages the list and die rolls and keeps track of the score. By default you are player one and the computer is player two, but that can be swapped when starting a new game.

On your turn, you are presented with a list of legal moves to choose from (the score value of each move is shown in parenthesis). Moves are described using a notation similar to chess notation: Xd4u is a black piece placed on square d4 standing up, Ob4e is a white piece placed on square b4 laying down towards the east, Xc5n is a black piece placed on square c5 laying down towards the north.

An ascii representation of the board is shown with the X and O pieces numbered according to order in which they were placed. The game log shows the die roll, move, and move score for each player turn, along with the total score for each player.

After you move, the computer will "think" and then make its move.

The computer uses JSMCTS, a javascript implementation of Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) that runs in the browser, to select a move. It displays the moves it is evaluating and what percentage of the time those moves lead to a win. The number of trials it runs and the amount of time it has to run them can be controlled.

Have fun!