TO PRINT THIS DOCUMENTATION: At the DOS prompt type COPY DDPOKER1.TXT PRN The files included in this package are: DDPOKER.EXE -- The program. DDPOKER1.TXT -- DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER v1.0 text file (this document). DDPOKER.SCR -- SCREEN DRIVER (do not delete this file) it will load automatically when you type DDPOKER. REGISTER.TXT -- Form to send me when you register your copy of DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER. README.BAT -- Simple batch file to view the DDPOKER1.TXT documentation. PRINT.BAT -- Simple batch file to print the registration form. What you need: 512k, an EGA or VGA graphics adaptor and compatible monitor. A mouse is optional. SHAREWARE CONCEPT ----------------- If you received DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER as SHAREWARE (you'll see the SHAREWARE notice on the screen once you start the game) this means that you probably downloaded it from a bulletin board, or you bought it from a public software library vendor, or you got a copy from a friend. (That's right, you may distribute this SHAREWARE copy freely to whomever you wish). If you are not familiar with the SHAREWARE concept, let me give you a brief introduction. SHAREWARE is a try-before-you-buy marketing concept. This allows authors of computer programs who don't have the huge capitalization necessary to introduce a new program into the computer marketplace, to bring their product to your attention. Essentially, the author releases a fully working copy of his or her program for you to evaluate over a reasonable period of time under the condition that if you should find the program useful or fun, and continue using it, then you must register and pay a nominal fee. It's an honor system built on trust between people who have a sense of fair play. I fully support SHAREWARE, because it allows someone like me, with limited resources, the opportunity to compete in the computer software marketplace while giving you a quality program at the best price in all software markets. BUT THE CONCEPT WILL NOT WORK UNLESS YOU DO YOUR PART! You must register this program if you continue to use it after two weeks. Your support will allow me to continue providing and improving upon this and other programs I have written. For a $10.00 registration fee, you will receive the current retail version of DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER without the SHAREWARE "time countdown", and other SHAREWARE notices within the program. You will also be notified as to upgrades of DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER, and you will be entitled to a free registered copy of the next update when it becomes available. Registered users will also be sent information concerning other programs in the works. Send check or money order in the amount of $10.00 (U.S. funds) to: Sam Hazan 11929 Weddington Street #303 North Hollywood, CA 91607 To simplify the registration process, I have included a registration form in a text file called REGISTER.TXT. You may print this form on your printer using the DOS commands -- COPY REGISTER.TXT PRN or PRINT REGISTER.TXT You may also import REGISTER.TXT into your wordprocessor since it is in ASCII format. QUICK START ----------- Special note: If you do not know how to play poker or you need to review the rules please see the heading "HOW TO PLAY VIDEO POKER". 1. Do not delete the file DDPOKER.SCR. This is a screen driver file that you will need. If this file is not included in your package, consult the SHAREWARE vendor you purchased this product from, or the SYSOP of the BBS you downloaded this product from. 2. Load your mouse driver if you have one. If you don't have a mouse, that's OK. You'll just have to use your arrow keys in conjunction with your return key. 3. Type DDPOKER at the DOS prompt. 4. After the fancy graphics and SHAREWARE notice (see above) you'll see the main DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER screen. Place your bet, and the game starts. If you're using a mouse click only once. If you are using your keyboard, move the arrow icon to your appropriate bet and hit the return key. 5. Your cards have now been dealt. With the mouse or keyboard, move the arrow icon over the cards you wish to discard and click once with the mouse or hit the return key on your keyboard. If you accidently discard a card, don't panic! You can bring it back into play by moving the arrow icon over the card back and click the mouse button or hit the return key -- the card is now back in play. When you are happy with your selection, move the arrow icon over the "Deal" button. You will notice this button in the top right hand corner box. Click the mouse button or the return key and new cards will be dealt in place of your discarded cards. 6. If you win, you'll see what you've won, and how much you've won. If you lose, try your luck again. Now, once you've won a poker hand you'll have the option to double down. The box in the top right hand corner will tell you how much you've won and how much you stand to win if you double down. This will always be double what you've won. If you select "No" you return to poker and collect your winnings. If you select "Yes" you are taken to the DOUBLE DOWN game. 7. DOUBLE DOWN is similar to hi-low with a twist. The game deals five cards, like poker, except the first card -- to the far left -- is dealt face up. This is the card you want to beat -- you must beat this card to win at DOUBLE DOWN. Select your choice by moving the arrow icon over one of the four remaining cards and click once, or hit your return key. If you win, you may double down again or collect your winnings and return to the poker game. If you lose, you are taken back to the poker game. If you tie, the hand is automatically re-dealt. That's all there is to it! If you desire more information continue reading, otherwise, have fun and enjoy the game! OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE GAME ------------------------------------ You undoubtedly will notice a button in the top left hand corner named "Options". Selecting this button will take you to the options box which will appear in place of the cards box. Here you have the option to change the screen colors to a gray (mono systems) theme, a yellow, blue, red, or green theme, or if you like, a random theme. You can have lots of fun with this random color option. Other options include Sound "On" or "Off" which is useful if you are playing and wish not to disturb others -- like late at night or at work! Also included here is an information button which simply reminds you that the program is SHAREWARE and pleads with you to support the cause, and finally, the card back button when selected will display some neat graphics and credit to the author. HOW TO PLAY VIDEO POKER ----------------------- If you don't know how to play poker, I'll give you a brief but informative lesson on poker as it pertains to this game. You are dealt five cards. You may keep all five cards or discard up to and including all five cards. What you are trying to do is win! The following table summarizes what you are trying to win in the order of highest payoff to lowest payoff. Royal Flush -- A hand that contains an Ace, and all the picture cards (a King, a Queen, and a Jack) and a Ten. These cards must be of the same suit. That is, all hearts, all clubs, all diamonds, or all spades. Straight Flush -- A hand that is all in sequence (ex: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and all of the same suit. Note that the cards do not have to be in order on the screen. Four of A Kind -- A hand that contains four cards of the same rank (ex: all sevens). Full House -- A hand that contains three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. Flush -- A hand that contains five cards all of the same suit. Straight -- A hand that contains two or more suits ranking in sequence. Three of A Kind -- A hand that contains three cards of the same rank. Two Pair -- Two cards of one rank, and two cards of another rank, with an unmatched fifth card. One Pair (Jacks or Better) -- A hand that contains two Jacks, two Queens, two Kings, or two Aces, and three unmatched cards. Thanks for choosing to play DOUBLE DOWN VIDEO POKER, and please remember to register. If you have any problems, complaints, comments, praises, or suggestions you can reach me at the above address, but remember, registered users will receive first priority. You can also reach me via Compuserve my I.D. # is 73617,570. Thanks again and I hope you have found this program an enjoyable experience! (End of documentation)