JSpente 1.0.0.0

JSpente is a Javascript/DHTML implementation of the strategy board game "Pente". Runs in the browser with several challenging computer intelligence levels. Play human versus computer, human versus human or computer versus computer.

Pente is a simple strategy game played on a grid. The pieces, called "winks" are placed on the line intersections of the board rather than in the squares. Players take turns placing pieces. Pieces may be placed anywhere on the board, though it is customary to place the first piece on the center position.

There are two ways to win the game: place five winks in a row or capture five pairs of your opponents winks. Rows may be established in any direction, including diagonally. Capturing a pair of winks is done by surrounding a pair of your opponents winks with your own so they form a row of four. The captured pair is removed from the board.

It is customary to warn your opponent when you have four in a row. If neither end of your row of four is blocked, you have an "open four" and will win on your next turn. JSpente visually alerts rows of four winks for both players.

JSpente may be adjusted to balance the game if an experienced player is playing an inexperienced one. The required number of winks in a row and the required number of pairs to capture can be adjusted for either player. The computer can control either player or both players with varying levels of intelligence.