Skippy Lite
Skippy is a modern implementation of the ancient board game known as “Peg Solitaire” in the USA. In the United Kingdom it is simply known as “Solitaire” (don’t mistake it for the card game). It is popular throughout Europe since the 18th and 19th century. Though it could never be proven, it is said that the game was invented by an aristocratic prisoner while incarcerated in the French Bastille.
The object of the game is to eliminate balls and finish the game with only one ball remaining on the board, preferably in the center hole. You can remove a ball by jumping over it with another ball. Only certain jumps are allowed: you must jump horizontally or vertically, and you can jump only over one ball at a time to a free adjacent field.
This sounds all very easy, and it is. But don’t be surprised if you have to put on your thinking cap. Skippy strengthens the ability to think logically, improves the power of concentration and helps you keep a flexible mind. It’s a non-violent game and therefore perfectly suitable for children.
Using the software is easy: Just tap on the ball you want to jump with, then tap on the free location you want it to jump to. But remember the rules: You can only jump over one neighboring ball. If your selection is not valid, a little note at the bottom of the board will tells you so. Skippy will not allow you to make forbidden jumps – sorry, no cheating.
A toolbar at the bottom of the screen holds five button:
Reset the board to the starting position
Show an informative text about the game
Switch to the configuration screen and show the highscores
While Skippy only includes a historic board layout known as “The French Board”, Skippy XL, the grown-up brother of Skippy, features more boards, made of different materials. Lots of variations are available, including the most common form. This board with 33 fields arranged as a cross can be solved with only one ball remaining in the middle position, no matter of the empty starting field.
When new boards are released you can download them from the internet, directly to your iPhone or iPod touch. Are you a golf afficionado? Then why not use golf balls on a wonderful putting green to play Skippy XL? Furthermore, Skippy XL also lets you undo a move and shows you which balls are in position for a valid move so you will never a miss favorable game position again. Skippy XL is available on the AppStore.
If you have wishes or suggestions concerning Skippy please do not hesitate to contact us. Send us an e-mail.
Skippy Lite and Skippy XL © 2008 by Andreas Beier
