Des Chiffres et des Lettres

Des Chiffres et des Lettres is a game based on the French TV show of the
same name. The game comprises two rounds, which can be played together or
independently. They are:

* Le compte est bon: players have to arrive at a target number using the four arithmetic operations applied to 6 numbers chosen randomly by the computer (which can be 1 to 10; 25; 50; 75; 100). First the two players enter their initials and the computer will decide who plays first. Four series of 6 numbers are stored in the computer’s memory and are drawn by the players by typing the numbers 1 to 4. Once a series is selected, it is shown at the screen, as well as the target result, and the players have 45 seconds to think about the answer. When the time is over, the player designated by the computer has 15 seconds to enter the result he or she arrived by typing it and then demonstrate its calculus. This is done by typing the numbers and operations between then. Once the numbers are used they are removed from the screen. If the player doesn’t reach the exact match, the other player has the chance to enter his calculations. The winner is the player who reaches the most proximate result, earning 6 points, or the exact result (“le compte est bon”), earning 8 points. In case of error, the adversary earns the points.

* Le mot le plus long: from 9 random letters, the players have to compose the longest word possible. First the two players enter their initials and the computer will decide who plays first. Then the players take turns choosing if the next letter will be a consonant (by typing C) or a vowel (by typing V). After all 9 letters are drawn, the timer starts and the players have 45 seconds to think of an answer. When the time is over, the player designated by the computer has 15 seconds to enter how many letters his or her word has (by typing 0 to 9). The player with the best result then types his solution. If the word is valid, he or she scores as many points as the number of letters in the word. In case of error, the adversary earns the points.

The game can be played against the computer or by two human players. Each
player has 10 turns in each game. If the players decide to play the complete
game, the rounds will be played alternately.