Help Topics

	Introduction
	The Interface (GUI)
	Menu Options (File, Options, Help)
	How To Use
	Optimizing Performance
	HELP!
	Registering your software

Introduction

Checkers is a game where one wrong move can mean End Game for you. When there are ratings at stake and your standing is threatened, you can't afford losses. This is where Checkers Buddy comes in.

Checkers Buddy is a non-intrusive tool that helps enhance your Checkers solving skills and also improve your score.

High on stealth and logic, Checkers Buddy is the quintessential Checkers helper and a must for lovers of this legendary board game.

Menu Options

	The File menu is another way of closing or exiting out of Checkers Buddy.
	The Options menu allows you to access Checkers Buddy's settings and change them to suit your needs (see below). This is also where you can collapse (and later expand) the GUI. It also offers an opportunity to refer a buddy (tell a friend) about Checkers Buddy and/or request a new feature.
	The Rooms menu has one of most valuable features of Checkers Buddy. It contains backdoors to each of Yahoo's Checkers rooms. This feature lets you enter a room even if its full. Note: If the room does not load, login to any Yahoo Checkers game with your username and password first then select the desired room from the list.
	The Help menu provides instructions on how to use Checkers Buddy, a link to the Play Buddy Help Center, shortcuts to buy and register your copy, and a valuable Bug Report feature to use when Checkers Buddy isn't working. But perhaps the most valuable feature here is the auto check at startup which automatically checks for any updates.

How To Use

• Log on to Yahoo games with your username and password.
• Launch Checkers Buddy when your game opens and/or select a room from the Rooms list. Upon entrance it automatically recognizes it and is ready to work.
• Manual players can use the play hint and show hint options.
• Autoplayers need only press the autoplay button to have Checkers Buddy complete the games automatically.

Optimizing Performance

• Speed and Efficiency: Checkers Buddy is already programmed by default with the best engine, hash, and endgame database combinations. However, these may not be your cup of tea! Alter these settings in ways that compliment your playing style.
• More Hash!:Increasing the size of the Hash Table (a memory area where previous moves are stashed for later use or recall) will significantly boost Checkers Buddy's performance (might slow down other programs on lower end machines).
• Engine, engine, number...:Looking to experiment with a new engine? Checkers Buddy will work with any engine compatible with the American-rules Checkerboard. A list can be found here.

HELP!

It won't recognize the game window

Double-check that you have the newest version available. Do this by using the check for update feature under the Help menu on the Buddy. Also, the "News" section at the top of this page has a link to "Updated Buddies." Here you can see if the Buddy has been recently updated and why. 

Now make sure that all the system requirements for the Buddy are met. These include Windows 7, Vista, or XP, Internet Explorer, Sun Java, and appropriate display settings.

It won't work

First, go to the Help menu on the Buddy and visit the Troubleshoot page to see if your solution is there. No luck? Select the Bug Report feature under the HELP tab on the Buddy. Fill in the required fields, capture the screen, and then send it. Play Buddy Support will receive it and respond to you via e-mail.

Miscellaneous / Other

Don't see an answer to your question, or do you think something else needs to be added to this help file? If so, e-mail support@playbuddy.com with your suggestion. 

Registering your software

Checkers Buddy is trialware and it cannot be used once the seven day trial period has expired. To avoid losing a great buddy, buy your copy by using the Buy Now option in the HELP menu or use the link given below. If you have already purchased and need help registering, please click here.