Most people have fun with Activision video game cartridges as soon as they plug then in and start playing. So go ahead! Use your Joystick Controllers. And when you're ready to learn a few Boxing tricks, read these simple instructions. O.K., shake hands and come out swinging....

1. Hook up your video game system. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

2. With power OFF, plug in game cartridge.

3. Turn power ON. If no picture appears, check connection of your game system to TV, then try steps 1-3 again.

4. Select game with game select switch.
Game 1: You against the Activision computer (he's in black)
Game 2: You against another player.

5. Use left Joystick Controller for boxer in white and to play against the computer (Game 1).

6. Use right Joystick Controller for boxer in black (Game 2).

7. Hold Joystick Controller with red button at upper left. Push button to punch. Hold down for combination punching.

8. Choose your difficulty or handicap for each player (or the computer):
a (up) - Slow down a bit
b (down) - Normal speed

9. Press game reset to start each 2-minute round.

10. Scoring (top of screen):
Long jabs = 1 point each
Close power punches = 2 points each
100 points is K.O. (It's tough, but you can do it.)

Best score at end of match is the winner!

Scoring points: When you get near enough to your opponent to throw a punch, press the red button. Each punch moves your opponent slightly back and away from the punch. If you move him to the ropes, he can't easily duck the next punch, and you can set up a real scoring barrage. But don't get caught on the ropes yourself!

Watch your distance. If you move in too close, the computer gets tougher; but if you're too far away, you can't land scoring punches.

Give yourself a fighting chance. Put your difficulty setting (the left one) down to b and set the computer's difficulty control (the right one) up to a. Then, when you're ready for a really tough bout, take the computer on at b and see how well you do.

Bob Whitehead, a senior member of Activision's design team, began designing games for the Atari system in 1977 and worked on numerous well-know game titles. He is busily at work on new games for Activision.

"I wanted Boxing to be fun to play the first time you try it, but I designed some little tricks into the game that will make it more challenging the more you play.

"You'll find that the way to win at Boxing is to hit and dance, hit and dance (just like the pros). Draw off your opponent's jabs by making him punch while you're dancing away from him. His jab gives you an opening to move in and score. Then dance away fast to stay in charge.

"When you're sparring with the computer, you'll do best by throwing long jabs, moving in for an occasional power punch, then dancing quickly out of his reach. And watch out! When he gets behind, he gets better. But hang in there if you get behind; after the first minute (of each two-minute bout), the computer gets a little tired, and his reactions slow down. Come on strong at the end of the round and you might still catch him. By the way, I shortened the rounds to 2 minutes because... well, you'll see why when you've gone a couple of rounds.

"Your best strategy for winning is to jab your opponent until you move him to the ropes, then charge in, mix it up in close, and keep you red button pressed down. You may be able to repeat a punching combination that builds up your points score fast.

"But - please - be fair to newcomers. Give yourself a handicap when you're showing them Boxing. We don't want you to lose your friends.