This chapter is about how to play Xconq. Although Xconq supports a wide variety of games, they all have much in common, and it is these common features that will be described here. This chapter, along with any documentation for the game you're playing, should provide all the information you need to play and enjoy Xconq.
The term interface refers to the particular graphical user interface in use. Examples include X11, curses, and Macintosh. Interfaces can vary radically from each other, since each is designed to be best suited for its environment. In practice though, interfaces all share the same commands, so that you don't have to learn a whole new set when switching computers, and many of the displays are similar.
When reading this chapter, you should be aware that the term game
is more precisely game design, since it is the set of rules and
definitions of the game you want to play. Since Xconq allows for
many different kinds of game designs, much of the information in this
chapter will be irrelevant to a particular game. This will be indicated
in the text by phrases like "some games" or by saying that a game
"may" implement some concept or behavior. You should learn what the
game you're playing actually does in these cases. The names of the
variables or tables to look at will often be mentioned in computer
type.