How to Put Games on A Graphing Calculator Ti-83

Introduction

The TI-83 graphing calculator is more than just a graphing tool. With its built-in programming capabilities, you can create a variety of games that run directly on the calculator. These games can range from simple number guessers to more complex games like tic-tac-toe or even simple versions of Pong.

Programming on the TI-83 is done using a language called TI-Basic. This language is relatively simple and easy to learn, making it a great starting point for those new to programming.

Basic Games

Let's start with some simple games that you can create on your TI-83.

Number Guessing Game

This is a simple game where the calculator picks a random number, and the player tries to guess it.

1. Turn on your TI-83 and press the [PRGM] key.
2. Select "NewProg" and name your program "GUESS".
3. Enter the following code:

ClrHome
:Disp "GUESS THE NUMBER"
:Disp "1-100"
:randInt(1,100→A
:Repeat A≠B
:Input "GUESS",B
:If A>B
:Then
:Disp "TOO LOW"
:Else
:Disp "TOO HIGH"
:End
:End
:Disp "CORRECT!"

This program will generate a random number between 1 and 100, and the player will try to guess it. The calculator will give hints if the guess is too high or too low.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

This is a classic hand game where the calculator randomly selects rock, paper, or scissors, and the player tries to beat it.

1. Create a new program named "RPS".
2. Enter the following code:

ClrHome
:Disp "ROCK PAPER SCISSORS"
:Disp "1) ROCK"
:Disp "2) PAPER"
:Disp "3) SCISSORS"
:Input "YOUR CHOICE",A
:randInt(1,3→B
:If A=B
:Disp "TIE!"
:ElseIf A=1 and B=3
:Disp "YOU WIN!"
:ElseIf A=2 and B=1
:Disp "YOU WIN!"
:ElseIf A=3 and B=2
:Disp "YOU WIN!"
:Else
:Disp "YOU LOSE!"
:End

This program will prompt the player to choose rock, paper, or scissors, and then the calculator will randomly select one. The program will then determine the winner based on the classic rules of the game.

Advanced Games

Once you're comfortable with basic games, you can move on to more complex ones.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-tac-toe is a classic two-player game that can be programmed on the TI-83. The calculator will act as the opponent, making random moves.

1. Create a new program named "TIC".
2. Enter the following code:

ClrHome
:Disp "TIC-TAC-TOE"
:For(I,1,9
:Lbl I
:Disp "YOUR TURN"
:Input "POSITION",A
:If A<1 or A>9
:Then
:Disp "INVALID"
:Goto I
:End
:If not(isinString("123456789",sub("123456789",A-1,1)))
:Then
:Disp "TAKEN"
:Goto I
:End
:sub("123456789",A-1,1→Str1
:sub("123456789",0,A-1)+"X"+sub("123456789",A,9-A→Str1
:Disp Str1
:If posnString(Str1,"XXX")≠0 or posnString(Str1,"OOO")≠0
:Then
:Disp "YOU WIN!"
:Stop
:End
:randInt(1,9→B
:While not(isinString("123456789",sub("123456789",B-1,1)))
:randInt(1,9→B
:End
:sub("123456789",B-1,1→Str2
:sub("123456789",0,B-1)+"O"+sub("123456789",B,9-B→Str2
:Disp Str2
:If posnString(Str2,"XXX")≠0 or posnString(Str2,"OOO")≠0
:Then
:Disp "YOU LOSE!"
:Stop
:End
:End

This program allows the player to take turns with the calculator in a game of tic-tac-toe. The calculator will make random moves, and the program will check for a winner after each move.

Simple Pong

Pong is a classic arcade game that can be simplified and programmed on the TI-83. The player controls a paddle to hit a ball back and forth.

1. Create a new program named "PONG".
2. Enter the following code:

ClrHome
:Disp "SIMPLE PONG"
:0→X
:0→Y
:1→DX
:1→DY
:0→Paddle
:Lbl 1
:ClrHome
:Disp "PONG"
:If X=0 or X=9
:Then
:(-1)*DX→DX
:End
:If Y=0 or Y=9
:Then
:(-1)*DY→DY
:End
:If X=Paddle and Y=9
:Then
:(-1)*DY→DY
:End
:X+DX→X
:Y+DY→Y
:For(I,0,9
:If I=Paddle and Y=9
:Then
:Disp "P"
:Else
:If X=I and Y=J
:Then
:Disp "O"
:Else
:Disp " "
:End
:End
:End
:Input "MOVE PADDLE",Paddle
:If Paddle<0 or Paddle>9
:Then
:0→Paddle
:End
:Goto 1

This program creates a simple version of Pong where the player controls a paddle at the bottom of the screen. The ball moves around the screen, and the player must hit it back and forth to keep it in play.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to help you create and improve your games on the TI-83.

Use Variables Wisely

Variables are your friends when programming games. Use them to store important information like the player's score, the position of objects, or the state of the game.

Break Down Complex Problems

If you're creating a complex game, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. This makes it easier to program and debug.

Test Frequently

Test your programs frequently as you write them. This helps catch errors early and makes debugging easier.

Use Comments

Comments can help you and others understand your code. Use them to explain what each part of your program does.

Experiment

Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas. Programming is all about learning and trying new things.