Starting The Game

AMSTRAD:- Enter the names of the two players and press a number between 1 and 9 for difficulty level. You are then given the option of a practice at dart throwing.

Practice

This feature gives you the chance to become familiar with the controls before entering the real game. The controls below move the dart throwing hand left and right and set the strength of the throw. Try it now to get an idea of how to aim the dart. Hold down the strength key until the bar reaches the desired point and then release the key to throw. Notice how the dart's height is changed by the amount of strength you use.

You are given 6 darts after which the main screen will re-appear to allow you to select again.

The keys are:

Amstrad

Left Cursor = Left
Right Cursor = Right
Spacebar = Strength

The Main Game

At this stage you will be taken through the 4 rounds of the main game. Details of such follows. At the end of the game, the final score is shown and the program restarts.

Round 1. Each player is called to the ockey 3 times. A dartboard with 10 sections is shown with letters A to J representing a question category.

On the Amstrad pressing the desitred letter will select the relevant category.

Having selected the ideal subject, a dart can be thrown using the left, right and strength key as explained in the practice section.

A question will then be posed in the subject that is hit. (If this is also the subject chosen by the player, a bonus score is awarded, this being higher the closer the dart comes to the Bullseye.) Answer the question correctly and your score increases. Answer incorrectly (or not at all within the time allowed) and your opponent has a chance at answering and gaining points.

Round 2. This round uses a normal dartboard.

Each player is called to the ockey to throw 3 darts.

The player with the higher score then wins an attempt at answeing a general knowledge question to win points. Again, an incorrect answer gives the opponent a chance to answer.

This is repeated 3 times in all.

Round 3. This is a bonus round, where the player who is currently winning throws 9 darts at a special dartboard, showing 8 red segments and 8 black segments.

Hitting a red segment ONLY ONCE scores the bonus shown. Hitting the same red segment again loses the bonus shown. Hitting black segments has no effect.

Round 4. The player with the higher score is asked whether or not he wishes to gamble on the last board. (If not, the other player is offered the same option).

If one or other player accepts the challenge, he has 4 darts to throw at a normal board in order to score 101 or more.

Success means his score is doubled.
Failure means his score is halved.

Notes on answering questions

* If you make a slight error in spelling, you will usually be given a second chance at answering.

* If an answer is a number, use the number keys - eg answer 5 rather than FIVE.

* All answers are single words, so type a person's surname when requested, unless that person is generally known by first name alone.