Yeti's Tips & Tricks 23 January 2008

You've got questions, Yeti has answers.

Mr. Yeti, I hear there's a new game called Magic Shop Checkers – can you tell me more about it?

Why certainly! Magic Shop Checkers is VMK's version of Checkers, but we added a special ingredient – Magic! Now the game features special powers like Magic Hats and Magic Tricks. You are gonna love it!

Checkers! Magic! Oh my!

Where can I find the game?

Just click the VMK World Map, go to Main Street and you'll see the Main Street Magic Shop just a few steps away from the entrance to Tomorrowland, right there on Main Street!

Once inside the Magic Shop walk to the Gamerooms in the back of the Shop to play Magic Shop Checkers.

Can you tell me more about these Checkers Magic Tricks?

Magic Shop Checkers Tricks are special moves that you can use to win the game! Use the tricks carefully though, you can only use 8 Magic Tricks per game! Buy Magic Shop Checkers Magic Tricks in the Magic Shop, just remember to use the tricks during a game of Checkers you have to buy them before you start playing.

What Checkers Magic Tricks are available?

You want to learn all the tricks? Ugh, it's so hard for me to keep a secret...

OK, there are currently two Magic Shop Checkers Magic Tricks:

Levitation

When you use this trick you can jump two of your opponent's checkers on the same jump. How cool is that?

Sleight of Hand

This trick lets you swap places with your opponent when one their checkers is next to yours. Use the trick to get yourself out of a tight corner!

What is a Magic Hat Checker?

Magic Hats are what "kings" are called in Magic Shop Checkers. Kings are the only pieces that can move forward and backwards. Magic Hats can do the same thing, but they get TWO separate moves per turn. Think of the possibilities!

A Magic Hat

Magic Hats can:

• Move two squares (so long as they don't return to the square they left from).

• Move one square and jump (including multiple jumps).

• Jump (including multiple jumps) and then move.

• Not use Magic Tricks.

Mr. Yeti, can you explain the High Scores?

High Scores rank VMK Magic Shop Checkers players. Your level is calculated like this: we take the number of new players against whom you have won a game and give you a point. In other words, each pair of players plays for 1 possible point. The winner of the game played between these players wins the point.

Once you have won a game of Magic Shop Checkers against someone, winning future games against the same opponent won't increase your level. You must play and win against new opponents to increase your level. If you lose to someone who won the point in a previous game, they keep the point.

So any secrets or tips on winning?

Absolutely! I've schooled Yavn on more games than I can count. Here's now are the Yeti's top tips:

1. Practice. The more you play, the more ways you'll find to win, practicing will also help you develop strategies to use against other players.

2. Wait. Try not to use Checkers Magic Tricks too quickly – remember you're only allowed to use 8 Magic Shop Magic Tricks per game. Also try and have a few Checkers Magic Tricks in your back pocket in case of an emergency. For example, if your opponent has you trapped in a corner, you could use Magic.

3. Give 'em one occasionally. Don't be afraid to lose a few checkers. Experienced players will often sacrifice a checker in order to set up their opponent. If you lose one of your checkers but capture two of your opponent's checkers in return, that is a good thing.

Good Luck!

Your pal,
Yeti