********************************************************************* * BLACKJACK PLUS USER MANUAL (MANUAL.TXT) * * * * for Windows Designed and developed by Jon Turcsanyi * * Copyright 1991-1996 All Rights Reserved * * Version 4.0 * * MUSICODE SOFTWARE * * 40108 Highway 49, Suite C-280 * * Oakhurst, CA 93644 * * USA (209) 966-3477 * ********************************************************************* ** "Blackjack Plus" for Windows is a Shareware Product ** This program is produced by a member of the ASP "Association of Shareware Professionals" Try it free for 30 days! If you have not registered this program after 30 days, you must stop using the it and delete all associated files! If you use this program after 30 days it is a copyright violation. Send the registration form (REGISTER.TXT) with your payment today! >>> SEE COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM FEATURES: BJPWINFO.TXT <<< ********************************************************************* QUICK START TUTORIAL ********************************************************************* "Blackjack Plus" for Windows gives users all the features needed to explore card counting, advanced playing and betting strategies. This program has an intuitive interface, designed with the user in mind. It's easy to get started and learn how to play a better game of blackjack! The operation of this program is based on the strategy that you assign to each player. Strategies are made up of play decision tables, betting systems and a choice of when to take insurance. Two basic strategies are provided for single & multi-deck play. You may easily add your own new strategies! When you register, you will receive a printed manual which clearly explains all program functionality. It shows how to set up counting & non-counting stategies, betting strategies, and much, much more! This program uses default values for the initial program set up. Later, you can set up and save your own configurations. 1. Execute program: BJPWIN.EXE 2. The value following 'Hands Left=' defaults to one (1). If you want to play more hands, enter any number to 9999999 (no commas). 3. Start the game by clicking on 'Play' (or Alt P). 4. Each player bets in turn, on the betting dialog presented. 5. After all players have bet, the cards are dealt. In the event that the dealer has an ace showing, insurance will be offered. 6. Play begins. Each player is presented with a dialog where they may select their choice of play. For players set to 'Manual' or 'Teacher' modes, you will select play options hit, stand, etc. Players that are set to 'Automatic' or 'Background' modes will play automatically. 7. Play continues until 'Hands Left=0'. 8. To end play at any time, click on the 'Stop' button at the bottom right corner of the Blackjack Plus playing table screen. That's it! "Blackjack Plus" for Windows gives you all the tools you need to practice and learn how to play a better game of blackjack! REMEMBER: The DOUBLE DOWN and SPLIT features are not active in the shareware version of "Blackjack Plus" for Windows. Register today and receive these features & a printed manual explaining program functionality! ********************************************************************* Program functions ********************************************************************* "Blackjack Plus" for Windows is easily driven with the menu options that are always available at the top of the screen. The options are self explanatory, easy to understand and use. Register, and receive a complete, detailed, printed user manual! =========== File Menu =========== Load Configuration (F3) You may load any previously saved configuration files. The currently loaded configuration file is displayed on the program title bar after Blackjack Plus for Windows. Save Configuration (F2) Saves changes to the currently loaded configuration file. Do not save changes to the default file 'setup.bjp'. To create your new configuration files, see below. Save Configuration As... Create new configuration files. Use 1-8 character names. The file extension .bjp is enforced. The following settings are saved in the configuration files. Player Setup Deck Setup Display Card Totals? Display Counting? (card counting values) Game Speed House Rules =========== Edit Menu =========== Player & Deck Setup ------------------- PLAYING MODES There are four (4) play modes. Each of the seven players can be individually set to any of the following play modes: OFF - Player will not play. It's like an empty seat at the table. MANUAL - Play an accurate simulation of casino blackjack. You decide when to Stand, Hit, Double, Split, Surrender and take insurance. TEACHER - Use the Teacher mode to learn and practice your strategies. You play manually, and if you select a play or bet that is not in agreement with the chosen strategy, you will receive a warning message. You will be given a chance to make the correct play or you may override the suggestion and make any play you choose. AUTOMATIC - Players set to this mode will play unassisted according to the strategy assigned to that player. Use automatic mode to put other players at the table with you. just like at the casino! BACKGROUND - Background mode is a powerful tool, most useful as an aid in the evaluation of different strategies, see how they perform over the long run. You may evaluate the results of playing blackjack using the basic strategies included with this program. Players set to Background mode will play automatically with no step-by-step play shown on the screen. When all the players (with a stake) are set to Background, the entire game is played without any screen action, FAST! Hundreds of hands can be played in seconds! Extensive statistics are accumulated and may be viewed and/or printed when play is completed. Strategies ---------- You may assign any strategy to any player, from the list on the 'Player & Deck Setup' dialog. Two built-in strategies are shipped with Blackjack Plus for Windows; basic_s for single deck play and basic_m for multiple decks. These strategies may not be edited. Users may create their own new strategies. They will appear in the list on the 'Player & Deck Setup' dialog (see above). The new strategies may be changed and edited to suit individual needs. To create a new strategy: On the STRATEGIES dialog, you can create a custom strategy by clicking on 'New' and entering a new, 8 character name. The file extension .stg is enforced. Click on your new strategy name to select it, then click on 'Edit' to reach the STRATEGY EDITOR dialog. From this point you may access the BETTING STRATEGY dialog and the STRATEGY TABLE dialog. STRATEGY TABLE - Click on the Table button on the STRATEGY EDITOR The STRATEGY TABLE settings determine what action will be taken when a player is using that strategy. The top row represents the dealer's up card. The column on the left side represents the current total for the player's hand. The intersection of the row and column shows what the player's action will be in that situation: S = STAND H = HIT D = DOUBLE P = SPLIT R = SURRENDER Click on the values in the table to change them. Close the STRATEGY TABLE dialog and don't forget to save your changes on the STRATEGY EDITOR dialog! The strategy assigned to a player (see 'Player & Deck Setup' above) is used during the course of play, regardless of the play mode. The strategy specifications for player bet amounts and play actions may be overridden when playing manually. INSURANCE - Yes, if checked insurance will be taken. May be manually overridden. CARD COUNTING - check when using card counting systems. ****************************************************************** ** Note: Complete information about creating counting and non-counting betting and playing strategies is clearly explained in the printed user manual that you will receive when you register this program. ****************************************************************** Non Counting Betting Strategies - Click on the Betting button on the STRATEGY EDITOR when CARD COUNTING is NOT checked to reach the WIN/LOSE BETTING STRATEGY dialog. WIN/LOSE BETTING STRATEGY - Determines the next bet based on the result of the last hand (won or lost). UNIT BET - 0 to 9999 Bet made at start of session, also used to determine a new bet (see betting strategy below). MAX BET - 0 to 9999 Maximum allowed bet. UNIT Unit bet, see above. MAX Maximum bet, see above. +UNIT x .00 Last bet + (unit bet x n.nn) -UNIT x .00 Last bet - (unit bet x n.nn) BET x n.nn Last bet x n.nn Changing the betting factor (n.nn) '+' on the keypad Increments '-' on the keypad Decrements '+' or '-' with Left Shift Coarse adjustment '0' on the keypad Default Don't forget to save your changes on the STRATEGY EDITOR dialog! ============== Control Menu ============== Play Hint (F12) If you aren't sure what action to take while playing the game. Hints are based on the strategy being used by that player. Force Shuffle (F8) User may force dealer to shuffle at any time. Display Totals If checked, card totals will be displayed. Display Counting If checked, counting totals will be displayed. Key Step Play (F7) This is a handy option that is used to step through the game at the user's own speed. When this option is active (checked), play action will take place only when enter key or space bar is pressed. Game Speed The user may select from five game speeds. ================== House Rules Menu ================== Dealer Soft 17 - Stand or Hit ** Double Down - Any / 9 10 11 / 10 11 ** After Split - NO / YES Surrender - NO / YES ** Double Down & Split functions not available in shareware version Register and receive these functions! ================= Statistics Menu ================= Extensive statistics are gathered for you as the game is played. View to check the progress of the players. VIEW - STATISTICS Screen PRINT - Print the accumulated statistics for evaluation. CLEAR - Statistics accumulate during the playing session and may be reset at any time by selecting 'CLEAR'. ******************************************************************* * * * Share "Blackjack Plus" for Windows (BJPWIN.ZIP) * * with your friends! * * * ******************************************************************* * MUSICODE SOFTWARE hopes you enjoy "Blackjack Plus" for Windows * * We welcome all comments and suggestions. * * THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR SHAREWARE AUTHORS! * ******************************************************************* ********** END OF FILE: MANUAL.TXT **********