PBEM Up Front

So, you're among the curious, interested, or confused. If you're confused, the question you are most likely asking yourself is why would anyone want to play Up Front by email? Lots of reasons, but most of all it's fun. Granted it's not as quick as FTF play, but if you don't have a local opponent, or would like to test your skills against new opponents, well then maybe you would like to give one of these methods a try.

There are four basic methods for PBEM Up Front.
(Not meant to confuse you, but the following links are internal links only.)
1) The Bruce Wigdor Java Program
2) The Eric Taylor CGI method
3) The Bill Edwards method
4) Moderated play through the Internet Up Front Ladder

A quick word about something common to all methods. First, you need to be familiar with the game already, and you need a copy of the game. Next, you need to know the rules. Not well, if you're a beginner, but a basic comprehension is needed. Maybe a beginners example game would be helpful. Finally, all the admin stuff except for the cards needs to be handled by the players themselves. A good moderator will give a lot of help in this area, but otherwise, keeping track of the game is handled by those playing.

The Bruce Wigdor Java Program, also known as Internet Up Front, is a labor of love by the named author. Currently in version 4.0?, and ever evolving, the program uses Java Script to allow players to play Up Front "live" over the internet. The major drawback is that scenarios are randomly assigned, that is, you have no control over what scenario, side or potential effects such as whether night rules will be used. The positive side is that its currently the fastest way possible to play Up Front over the internet.

You need two downloads, The Java Runtime Environment, and Version 4.0. When you unzip the Version 4.0 file, it gives you instructions on how to implement the program.

It helps if you have an unzip program that works with long file names, and an instant chat program. Interested players should contact Bruce Wigdor for more information.

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The Up Front Play by Web Page is the opening page address for Eric Taylor's method of playing Up Front on the web. Using a CGI interface, it keeps track of the cards and positions. You still have to do a bit of cut and paste, and there could be a better user manual, but this is an absolutely fine effort by Eric to make a cool interface for the game. Since it seems to be an evolving project, it is important that you give him feedback on the project as you use it. Also, if something isn't clear, write him for help. Additionally, there is the ability to "lurk" on games, which is pretty cool in and of itself. All the addresses beyond the one above are on the page, so I didn't repeat them.

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Ufpbem13.zip is version 1.3 of the method designed by Bill Edwards. This is a DOS program he wrote for PCs, and it is rumored that a Windows version may be coming out soon. The current version is 1.3, and is approximately 130K. It comes as a zip file and has all the information you need to get setup and running, except for an opponent. Again, you can email Mr. Up Front at grinner@iname.com to find an opponent, or you can search the opponents page.

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Moderated play is just like it sounds. You get three people together, and one person runs the deck and admin for the other two. The Internet Up Front Ladder page explains moderated play in more detail, and provides a pool of opponents for play.
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