Yahtzee

Name: Yahtzee
Programmer(s): Gary A. Foote
Publisher: Apple Computer
Year: 1978

Description:

Yahtzee for the Apple II brought the classic dice game to computer screens in 1978. Created by programmer Jim Gillogly and published by Apple Computer Inc., this digital version helped establish computer gaming as more than just arcade-style action games. Players could enjoy this strategic dice game without needing physical dice or scorecards.

The game follows traditional Yahtzee rules where players roll five dice up to three times per turn. After each roll, players can keep any dice they want and re-roll the others. The goal is to score points by getting specific combinations like three of a kind, full house, or the coveted Yahtzee (five matching dice). Players must fill thirteen scoring categories over thirteen rounds, deciding where to place each roll for maximum points.

The Apple II version displays dice using simple ASCII characters and numbers. Players select which dice to keep by typing their positions. The computer automatically calculates scores and tracks them on a digital scorecard shown on the right side of the screen. Sound effects are minimal, with just basic beeps when rolling dice or selecting options. The black and white display shows everything clearly on the Apple II's 280x192 pixel screen.

Strategy becomes important as the game progresses. Players must decide whether to go for high-scoring combinations early or save categories for later rounds. Sometimes taking a zero in one category is better than wasting a good roll in the wrong spot. The computer opponent plays at different skill levels, from beginner to expert, providing good competition for solo players.

This version proved that computers could handle traditional games effectively. The program fit into just 16KB of memory, showing efficient programming for the era. Multiple players could take turns at the same computer, making it a social experience. The game saved high scores to disk, letting players track their progress over time.

Yahtzee for Apple II succeeded because it translated a familiar game perfectly to the computer. Unlike many early computer games that required learning complex rules, anyone who knew Yahtzee could start playing immediately. The simple graphics worked well for a dice game where numbers mattered more than visuals. This helped establish a pattern for other board game conversions on early computers.

The game remained popular throughout the Apple II's lifespan and influenced many later dice games on various platforms. Its straightforward design and faithful recreation of the original game made it a staple in many Apple II software collections. Even today, modern Yahtzee video games follow the same basic format that this 1978 version established.