iytconvert: I've thought that too! I've seen a reversi board, and the pieces are double sided, different colour on each side, so I guess they do.

Poor suffering Steve. Would you like me to help you with your games? Genuine offer :o)

*Edited* Off topic

*Edited* Off topic

LOL could well be, LJ! I do believe everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt when possible. If he continues to use the programme over and over without telling anyone (and the better players here can always tell), THEN would be the time for harsh judgement.
Stevie, I have thought about it, and of course its possible. But its also possible that he's a genuine guy who made a mistake without realising.

Well he has said that he didn't realise it wasn't allowed here. I guess for all he knew the majority of players he was against also used programmes. I don't know the guy and have never played him, but I feel he is being judged a bit harshly. He wasn't aware of the feelings about programmes, and has said he will make his opponent aware in future if he wishes to use one. Ratings will even out again and there doesn't seem much harm done. Everyone makes mistakes, he's admitted his and is willing to not make them again in future play.
I'll pull my head back in now!

I see your point LongJohn :o) I really do.
But I do think as long as he states before the start of the game that he may use a programme - and his opponent agrees - then its ok. Anyone here may be using a programme without his/her opponent knowing. At least this guy is upfront about it. But I can see why it causes anger too.

I think the guy sounds genuine enough. He has explained his position, on which he's actually right, there isn't anything specific in the rules about using programmes.
He's also said from now on he'll inform his opponent that he may use a programme. What more can you ask? He's been very open and upfront in my opinion. Give him a break!

LongJohn, not necessarily. For some people its standard practice to use programmes. Its the way he readily admitted it that makes me wonder if he really does know that its bad form to use them. If nobody tells him he may not know.
I agree about the ratings though, if they're gained by using a programme, they're not true ratings of his ability.

Has anyone explained to him that is isn't right to use a programme? Maybe he thinks lots of people use them and its ok.

Hi Gary, sorry, I dont often read this board which is why I've only just got around to replying!!

My choice of playing 6x6 by the 'wrong' opening moves (side by side pieces rather than diagonal) is precisely because of the advantage white has. As ChessTiger pointed out, white will win evey time in optimal play.
I find that to play with the opening stones slightly different unbalances this advantage white has.
I will play either way, I never demand the opening stones go in this way, and its certainly no guarantee that I will win! But I do find its slightly more fair to the black player.

I've played quite a few more reversi games than pente, so I can say a bit more about this! I dont study 'perfect play' or even my past games! I kind of 'wing it' when it comes to reversi.
But I like the choice, sometimes I go for the diagonal start just for the change. And half the time it obviously depends on where my opponent places their second stone. In other words I have no absolute preference really! How often do you get two 'optimal players' in one game? I'm certainly not a top player, but I do have a chance of winning against a top player if the stones are 'upset' at the start of the game by being side by side. What would be the point of playing a top player, with the diagonal opening, if you knew you were going to lose?!

Personally I like the option of how to start. Its only a couple of extra moves at the beginning and its nice to be able to choose the initail layout of the four centre stones. Especially with three different size boards. On the smaller 6x6 I like to start with the pieces diagonal, and on the 10x10 I like to start with them side by side. I have no preference on the 8x8.
I say leave it as it is, and the player can then decide for themselves.