This TAS improves the current Connect 4 hard mode run with an improved strategy that uses only 9 checkers.
On hard mode the computer won't let you win immediately if you have 3 in a row and an opportunity to win on your next move. but, if you don't have an opportunity to win on your next move, it will give you opportunity to do so. I believe this is the minimum number of checkers needed on hard mode. I also found a manipulation that requires a surprisingly low amount of delay frames.
This run is console verified.
nymx: Claiming for judging. I'm collecting up on this, since I have been working with the other two submissions made.
nymx: Well, this was a quick turn-around. There is nothing really to check out here, as it beats the previous publication by one move. I figured this would have been discovered, during the "Normal" game submission...but doesn't matter now. Since it is fresh on my mind, I felt like getting this one out of the queue.