24 Point Network Game (Rust TUI)

A multiplayer, terminal-based implementation of the classic 24 Game logic puzzle, written in Rust. This project features a TCP client-server architecture, allowing multiple players to compete simultaneously in real-time using a clean Text User Interface (TUI).

🎮 Game Overview

The objective is simple: given four randomly generated numbers, use arithmetic operations to calculate the value 24.

Players compete in a shared lobby. The first player to submit a valid expression that equals 24 wins the round and gains a point.

🚀 Features

• Multiplayer: Support for multiple clients connecting to a central server.
• Real-time TUI: Split-screen interface showing game status, live chat/logs, and an interactive input field.
• Smart Input: Custom keyboard shortcuts for complex math operations (like auto-parentheses).
• Rate Limiting: Prevents spamming to ensure fair play.
• No Penalty Mode: Incorrect answers do not deduct points, encouraging experimentation.

📜 Game Rules

1. The Cards: Each round, the server generates 4 random numbers (integers between 1 and 10).
2. The Goal: Construct a mathematical expression that equals exactly 24.
3. Valid Operators:

• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)
• Exponentiation/Power (^)
• Parentheses () for grouping.

4. Constraints:

• You must use all four numbers provided.
• You must use each number exactly once.
• You can use the operators as many times as needed.

5. Winning a Round: The first player to submit a correct expression gets +1 point. The round ends immediately, and the next set of numbers is generated.
6. Game Over: The game ends after a set number of rounds (default: 10). The player with the highest score wins.

⌨️ Controls & Input

The input system is designed for speed and convenience in a terminal environment.

Commands

Type these into the input bar:

• /start - Start the game (if currently waiting).
• /pass - Vote to skip the current difficult puzzle.
• /score - Check your current score.
• /players - List all connected players and their scores.
• /help - Show the help menu.

🛠️ Installation & Usage

Prerequisites

• Rust installed.

1. Build the Project

cargo build --release

2. Run the Server

Start the game server. You can specify the number of rounds and the port.

# Syntax: cargo run -- server [rounds] [IP:Port]
# Example (Start 10 rounds on default port):
cargo run -- server

# Example (Start 20 rounds on specific port):
cargo run -- server 20 0.0.0.0:7878

3. Run the Client(s)

Connect to the server. Open a new terminal window for each player.

# Syntax: cargo run -- client <Nickname> <IP:Port>
cargo run -- client Alice 127.0.0.1:7878
cargo run -- client Bob 127.0.0.1:7878

🧩 Example Gameplay

Server gives numbers: 3, 3, 8, 8

Player Input:

8 / ( 3 - 8 / 3 )

Result:

• Correct! The player wins the round.

Using Special Controls: If you have typed 2+2 and want to multiply the result by 6:

1. Current input: 2+2
2. Press . (Dot) -> Becomes (2+2)
3. Type *6 -> Becomes (2+2)*6 -> 24.

📝 License

This project is open-source. Feel free to fork and modify!