Posted by Amit Kulkarni [Author] | Posted in BlackBerry , Chess , Claim , Mobile Application testing , Moves , software testing | Posted on 9/04/2011 10:18:00 PM
Few days back I downloaded an app to be very specific a game [Chess game] on my BlackBerry device. The main purpose behind the download to see how many claims made by the game owner are correct, many were correct. Okay, not bad. Let's explore the game a bit now to see few more claims. I visited "puzzle" section where the user can solve the puzzles based on the set condition [if and only if those were fulfilled] then you crack the puzzle, and ultimately declared that you won, I mean you were able to solve the puzzle. So for first few tries I was informed that I have exceeded the number of conditions set, so I need to either try again or quit, the puzzle.
The puzzles were interesting and have set conditions so it is not that easy to actually read what move to make next, it may possible though that even after making correct moves, the app says you have exceeded the *defined* set of conditions, and ultimately leads you to start all over again. I find that part not much convincing, I mean ONLY if I could make the moves which falls under the category [the algorithm] set then only I could be able to crack it, huh? Anyways to continue with the jinx which I set for myself earlier I decided to see how it work out, I mean I am not that bad chess player either, so that should not be much worry. And yes the puzzles have variations too, it means that every time if you make a move and fail, and follow the same set of moves then it may not yield in the same moves by the app, not yours, of course. This leaves the user wondering the app [or the set algorithm] have the luxury to change the moves but the user is expected to expose or rather follow the same set of moves to crack the puzzle, but it turn out other way round, that is later, not now. I was solving the puzzles and now I understand the bit of logic in there so could easily move on to the next one.
Some claims that made me wonder:
As I move on to next levels the puzzles getting more interested and at the same time, somewhat tough, but I decided I am on for it. Here the *claims* for some of the puzzles made by the app owner didn't justify themselves, and I could see a way to sneak through without even following correct set, or even correct number of steps.
Examples: The app says the puzzle will have 3 moves and then mate, white moves first, which is mine.
So the example looks okay there is no problem with that but I could finish the puzzle in 2 moves but as mentioned it requires 3 moves, right? Then how could I finish off the puzzle in 2 moves, what happen to defined conditions in this case, or am I that smart to complete it in 2 moves. As the app didn't specify clearly or there is this ambiguity that 3 moves != 2 moves, right? Or even you didn't mention that it could be less than 3 moves also, as the message clearly states that I should be taking 3 moves, at least.
If that would have been the case of one puzzle then I would not mind that much, but I could repeat the same fist for others too. By 3 moves it certainly means that if one has follow 3 steps in order to complete the puzzle, and that too, those steps should fall in the defined conditions mentioned internally, that is not known to the user, of course.
Oh! I blocked the clear view of the board for you, I'll get it sorted out that one for you. It would give clear picture to see that one and who knows you may finish off the game in 1 move. :)
I set it up for you too, now it gives clear view for you, I marked the moves that made by me in "red" arrows, so those are ONLY 2 moves, and I am yet to figure out why would I make another move. It is so dead that, and yes by the way the move black makes does matter, but I could always beat this in 2 moves, and yet to figure out where should I go in order to make my 3rd move.
Anyways just to keep the story short I am yet to hear from the owner [developer] of the game, as I reported it via using "Report a problem" link, as I feel, some user may spend that precious time just to figure out where is my 3rd move? Oh, no I could not finish it off in 3 moves, I quit.
Update: Added few more screenshots after I made the moves and in response moves, as it could be seen in both the screenshots that I could complete it in 2 moves. For move details please view the top right hand side of the screenshots. [Update details: 02:10 PM IST]
Br.,
Amit
Started writing this blog on 09/04/2011 at 09:30 PM IST and completed the blog at 10:18 PM IST
One update in total on 09/05/2011 - added few more screenshots for more clarity.
The puzzles were interesting and have set conditions so it is not that easy to actually read what move to make next, it may possible though that even after making correct moves, the app says you have exceeded the *defined* set of conditions, and ultimately leads you to start all over again. I find that part not much convincing, I mean ONLY if I could make the moves which falls under the category [the algorithm] set then only I could be able to crack it, huh? Anyways to continue with the jinx which I set for myself earlier I decided to see how it work out, I mean I am not that bad chess player either, so that should not be much worry. And yes the puzzles have variations too, it means that every time if you make a move and fail, and follow the same set of moves then it may not yield in the same moves by the app, not yours, of course. This leaves the user wondering the app [or the set algorithm] have the luxury to change the moves but the user is expected to expose or rather follow the same set of moves to crack the puzzle, but it turn out other way round, that is later, not now. I was solving the puzzles and now I understand the bit of logic in there so could easily move on to the next one.
Some claims that made me wonder:
- User could make two different set of moves and still be declared as winner
- User makes correct moves but the app says "FAILED", try again.
- User follow the same set of moves after first attempt, but the moves by opponent are different this time
- User makes correct moves and there is no way they are not correct, app says it does not follow the defined set conditions
As I move on to next levels the puzzles getting more interested and at the same time, somewhat tough, but I decided I am on for it. Here the *claims* for some of the puzzles made by the app owner didn't justify themselves, and I could see a way to sneak through without even following correct set, or even correct number of steps.
Examples: The app says the puzzle will have 3 moves and then mate, white moves first, which is mine.
So the example looks okay there is no problem with that but I could finish the puzzle in 2 moves but as mentioned it requires 3 moves, right? Then how could I finish off the puzzle in 2 moves, what happen to defined conditions in this case, or am I that smart to complete it in 2 moves. As the app didn't specify clearly or there is this ambiguity that 3 moves != 2 moves, right? Or even you didn't mention that it could be less than 3 moves also, as the message clearly states that I should be taking 3 moves, at least.
 |
| 3 moves, white makes |
If that would have been the case of one puzzle then I would not mind that much, but I could repeat the same fist for others too. By 3 moves it certainly means that if one has follow 3 steps in order to complete the puzzle, and that too, those steps should fall in the defined conditions mentioned internally, that is not known to the user, of course.
Oh! I blocked the clear view of the board for you, I'll get it sorted out that one for you. It would give clear picture to see that one and who knows you may finish off the game in 1 move. :)
 |
| Board View - My Moves |
Anyways just to keep the story short I am yet to hear from the owner [developer] of the game, as I reported it via using "Report a problem" link, as I feel, some user may spend that precious time just to figure out where is my 3rd move? Oh, no I could not finish it off in 3 moves, I quit.
Update: Added few more screenshots after I made the moves and in response moves, as it could be seen in both the screenshots that I could complete it in 2 moves. For move details please view the top right hand side of the screenshots. [Update details: 02:10 PM IST]
 |
| 1st set of Moves |
 |
| 2nd set of Moves |
Br.,
Amit
Started writing this blog on 09/04/2011 at 09:30 PM IST and completed the blog at 10:18 PM IST
One update in total on 09/05/2011 - added few more screenshots for more clarity.
