Some calls can be modified in a natural way, such as `catch [fan the top] 3', `busy [1/2 tag]', and `vertical tag your neighbor'. Some calls can be modified in unnatural ways, such as `trade the diamond but replace the diamond circulate with explode the diamond'. The usual way to perform natural modifications is simply to type the call as decribed in section Call Variations.
To form an unnatural type of modified call, you must first enable call modifications
by selecting simple modifications or allow modifications
before choosing the call.
There are two levels of this feature. With simple
modifications, you get the simple version, which only prompts
you for natural modifications. Natural modifications have been somewhat
arbitrarily defined as those for which there is an accepted way of fitting
the words in without using the phrase "but replace the <whatever> with
<whatever>." With allow modifications, you allow
a potentially large number of modification possibilities, sometimes several
in the same call.
In most cases, simple modifications is probably the right thing.
For all but the most extreme cases of modifications, you don't need to do it this way,
because the "<ANYTHING>" mechanism can be used instead. Just type the
call with the replacement call in brackets, as in
busy [lockit] fascinating [ah so]
See section Call Variations, for more details about this.
When either level of modifications is selected in Sd,
the status line above
the text transcript area indicates this. Also, the universal call menu
is chosen whenever modifications are enabled, since the possibilities are
unpredictable.
When you select a call for which modifications are possible, the program
will ask a question like The box circulate can be
replaced. Do you want to replace it? If you want to replace the
designated call, click in the active area of the popup; otherwise, move
the mouse away. If you indicate that you want to
replace the call, you will then be prompted for the replacement call.
Enter it, along with any concepts. In some cases you may be asked
repeatedly about various modifications. For example, in motivate,
you can replace the initial circulate, and you can turn the star a
different amount. You may select any or all of these modifications.
Note: When complex modifications are involved, the program may ask for them in an order that seems unnatural. This is because it asks in the order that it executes the call internally, which may not be the same as the order in which the words are spoken. Do not be alarmed. Observe the popup titles and prompts carefully. The final result will come out in the correct order.
For both these optional modifications and the mandatory subcalls discussed
earlier (e.g., clover and <anything>), the program attempts to show
unambiguously how everything is structured, by putting subcalls and their
accompanying concepts in square brackets. It also attempts to put
natural modifications in their natural place in the phrase. In complex
cases, like `[CHECKPOINT LEFT catch [SINGLE CONCENTRIC snake] 3 BY
[2/3 recycle] the difference] cover up' things may be quite difficult.
How (and whether) you choose to read such a card is up to you.
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