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How to Play

Master Baboon with this comprehensive guide to typing practice.

The Basics

Starting a Round

When Baboon launches, you'll see:

  1. A large word displayed in block letters
  2. A word counter (Word 1/30)
  3. An empty WPM bar

The timer hasn't started yet! Take a moment to:

  • Position your hands on the home row
  • Read the first word
  • Prepare mentally

Typing

Begin typing the displayed word:

  • The timer starts on your first correct keystroke
  • Letters turn green when correct
  • Letters turn red when incorrect
  • Keep typing until the word is complete

Timer Tip

If you mistype the first character, the timer won't start. This prevents accidental early starts.

Advancing to the Next Word

Press Space to move to the next word when:

  • You've typed all letters (correct or not)
  • You're ready to proceed

Important: If you press space before completing the word, it counts as an error!

Completing a Round

After 30 words:

  1. The timer stops automatically
  2. Statistics are calculated
  3. The results screen appears

Press Enter to start a new round.

Controls Reference

During Typing

Key Action
A - Z Type the corresponding letter
Backspace Delete the last typed character
Space Move to next word (when complete)
Esc Exit Baboon

On Results Screen

Key Action
Enter Start a new round
Esc Exit Baboon

Proper Technique

Hand Position

Use the standard touch typing home row position:

Left hand:  A S D F (index on F)
Right hand: J K L ; (index on J)

Your fingers should rest lightly on these keys, ready to reach for others.

Finger Assignments

Finger Keys
Left Pinky Q A Z
Left Ring W S X
Left Middle E D C
Left Index R F V T G B
Right Index Y H N U J M
Right Middle I K
Right Ring O L
Right Pinky P

Don't Look!

Looking at the keyboard slows you down. Trust your muscle memory!

Posture

  • Sit up straight
  • Elbows at 90-degree angle
  • Wrists floating above keyboard
  • Eyes on the screen

Strategies

For Beginners

Goal: Build accuracy first

  1. Focus on hitting the correct keys
  2. Don't worry about speed initially
  3. Use proper finger positioning
  4. Take your time

Target metrics:

  • Accuracy: > 95%
  • WPM: Any

For Intermediate

Goal: Build speed while maintaining accuracy

  1. Push yourself a little faster
  2. Accept some accuracy drop (temporarily)
  3. Identify weak letters in the heatmap
  4. Practice problem areas

Target metrics:

  • Accuracy: > 90%
  • WPM: 40-60

For Advanced

Goal: Optimise rhythm and consistency

  1. Work on typing flow
  2. Minimise pauses between words
  3. Develop consistent rhythm
  4. Target specific weak bigrams

Target metrics:

  • Accuracy: > 95%
  • WPM: 60+
  • Low StdDev (rhythm)

Common Mistakes

Looking at the Keyboard

Problem: Slows you down, creates dependency

Solution: Cover the keyboard or use a blank keyboard if needed. Trust your training!

Incorrect Finger Usage

Problem: "Hunt and peck" or using wrong fingers

Solution: Consciously use the correct finger for each key, even if it feels slower initially

Rushing

Problem: High speed, low accuracy

Solution: Slow down! Accuracy first. Speed comes from muscle memory, not conscious effort.

Tensing Up

Problem: Tired hands, slower typing

Solution: Keep hands relaxed. Light touches are faster than heavy presses.

Practice Tips

Daily Practice

Even 10-15 minutes daily is more effective than occasional long sessions.

Progressive Goals

Set achievable milestones:

  1. Complete 5 rounds with >90% accuracy
  2. Reach 50 WPM average
  3. Get all letters to green in the heatmap
  4. Achieve <100ms average seek time

Use Punctuation Mode

Once comfortable with letters, add punctuation:

baboon -p

This adds , . ; : ! ? between words.

Track Your Progress

Pay attention to:

  • Which letters are red/orange in the heatmap
  • Your error substitution patterns
  • Your average vs best scores
  • Rhythm consistency (StdDev)

Understanding Feedback

The WPM Bar

The live WPM bar shows your current pace:

▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░  45 WPM
0              60              120
  • Red zone (0-40): Below average
  • Yellow zone (40-60): Average
  • Green zone (60+): Above average

Don't obsess over it - it's meant for general awareness.

Colour Changes

Watch how letters change as you type:

  • Immediate green = great muscle memory
  • Red followed by correction = that's learning!
  • Consistent reds = focus on that letter

See what's coming:

  • Above: Word you just finished (dimmed)
  • Center: Current word (bright)
  • Below: Next 3 words (dimmed)

Use peripheral vision to prepare for upcoming words.

Troubleshooting

"I keep making the same mistake"

Check your error patterns on the results screen. Common causes:

  • Adjacent key confusion (e→r, i→o)
  • Finger position drift
  • Rushing through familiar sequences

"My speed plateaued"

Try:

  • Focus on weak letters (red in heatmap)
  • Practice punctuation mode
  • Work on rhythm consistency
  • Take a break and return fresh

"My accuracy dropped"

You might be:

  • Pushing speed too fast
  • Getting tired
  • Using incorrect fingers

Slow down and rebuild proper technique.

Next Steps