haphaeu/mastermind

Mastermind's solver using Knuth's algorithm.

Mastermind

Classical Mastermind code braking game, where one player, the code keeper, creates a secret code and the other player, the code breaker, tries to guess the code based on feedback from the code keeper on each guess.

The code is composed of 4 pegs. Each peg can have 6 colors.

The code keepers gives feedback using black and white pegs. One black peg for each guess peg that has the correct color at the correct place. One white peg is given for each remaining guess peg with the right color but in the wrong place.

The code has been broken when the code keeper feedback is 4 black pegs.

For exaple:

code = cybm

guess = rrgg => blacks = 0, whites = 0
guess = bbcc => clacks = 0, whites = 2
guess = ccyy => blacks = 1, whites = 1
guess = cybm => blacks = 4

Use - CLI

This implementation has 4 game modes:

Role	Mode 1	Mode 2	Mode 3	Mode 4
Code breaker	computer	computer	human	human
Code keeper	computer	human	computer	human

The default is Mode 1 - a non-iteractive automatic solver using Donald Knuth's algorithm.

To play the game iteractivelly, use the argument options -k to play as code keeer, and -b to play as code breaker. Note that passing both -k -b will lead to a game where the user has to input both the guesses and give feedback - in this case, wouldn't it be more fun to play on a piece of paper?

Use - GUI

A graphical interface, a very ugly and simple one at that, is implemented for the game.

This interface has 3 game modes: Auto, Breaker, Keeper. Just press A-B-K to switch between modes.

In Breaker mode, use the mouse to switch between colors for each peg. When you're happy with your guess, press P to play that round and get feedback on your guess.

In Auto mode, the computer will do the guess and give feedback, just press P to move on to new round.

The Keeper mode is not implemented.

Press R anytime to reset the board.

TODO

CLI

• Implement game modes
• Add command line arguments

GUI

• Input code to be broken, for Auto and Breaker modes.
• Show messages in the GUI rather than in the prompt.
• Highlight active row
• Implement use feedback