# mcfreecell

`mcfreecell` on `leg-py1.5.2` is a terminal-native FreeCell build aimed at old Python and old curses environments.

This branch keeps the implementation within a Python-1.5.2-friendly subset and favors compatibility over modern terminal features.

## Features

- FreeCell rules with 8 tableau columns, 4 free cells, and 4 foundations
- keyboard-driven curses interface
- visual stack selection mode
- lightweight `?` hint system
- ASCII-only suit tags for old terminals and fonts
- compatibility fallbacks for weak or incomplete curses implementations

## Controls

- `Arrow keys` / `h j k l` - move cursor
- `v` - enter or exit tableau selection mode
- `y` - pick up selected card or stack
- `p` - drop held card or stack
- `Enter` / `Space` - alternate pick up / drop
- `?` - show a suggested move
- `f` - quick move selected card to a free cell
- `d` - quick move selected card to foundation
- `Esc` - cancel held move
- `q` - quit

## Suits

- Debian (`Deb`)
- Red Hat (`RHt`)
- Solaris (`Sol`)
- HP-UX (`HPx`)

These are split into the two FreeCell color groups as:

- red group: Debian, Red Hat
- black-equivalent group: Solaris, HP-UX

On older terminals, the non-red group may render as blue, cyan, or plain monochrome depending on curses support.

## Running

Run with whatever Python interpreter is available on the target machine:

```sh
python linux-freecell.py
```

## Terminal Notes

Terminal and curses behavior can vary significantly on older systems.

- `xterm` generally gives the most reliable screen redraw behavior for this branch.
- Older `konsole` builds, including KDE 2.x-era versions, may show redraw artifacts or ghosting until the screen is resized.
- The game includes several repaint fallbacks for weaker curses implementations, but some VT100-style emulator quirks are still terminal-specific.

## Status

This branch is intended as a playable legacy-friendly FreeCell build for old Unix-like systems and older Python environments.