Random pick object -destroy eight surroung objects

[RichC]

Hi -
I am designing a Windows (or HTML5) game with a grid of dots. The smallest grid is 6x6 and the largest will be 16x16. I want to be able to randomly pick a dot in the grid (I can), get it's x and y coordinates (I can) and finally, identify the 8 surrounding dots so I can flash them or destroy them. I can get the coordinates of the 8 surrounding objects by adjusting the X and Y coordinates of the target. I don't know how to translate those coordinates into the proper dots in the grid. I could use a blunt force approach for smaller grids (i.e. 6x6, 7x7) and write a routine for each individual dot. However, that is really tiresome when I get to the 16x16 grid (256 routines).
In the game, a random dot is chosen in the grid. It starts flashing. If the player doesn't save the surrounding dots by the end of a set time, then the flashing dot and the 8 around it (or anythat are still adjacent) are lost. Not sure how to tackle this. Thanks for any suggestions and help offered.

[Popcorn]

I'm not exactly sure if I understand what you're asking for here.
I suppose you want to know how to identify the 8 surrounding dots of a random dot?

First, you need to find a way to pick a random dot. The easiest way to do that is to use the "pick Dot at random" condition.
Then one method is to simply position an object shaped as a square that overlaps all surrounding objects but the one in the middle, on the target object.
Then do whatever you want with the objects overlapping the shape.

[RichC]

Okay. That sounds like a good trick to try. Thank you for your time and expertise. Stay safe.