yahtChallenge FAQ Copyright (c) 1996-2000 Tan Kok Mun
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Here are some the common questions that I have been asked regarding yahtChallenge.

To find the answer to your questions, please do refer to the manual and if it
is not there try searching for it in this FAQ. If you are still not satisifed
with the answer or cannot find the answer, you are most welcome to send me an
e-mail on your questions.


1. Question: Why when I score the second yahtC, I do not have another turn ?

   Answer  : Check your rule setting when you start a new game. You will only
             get another turn if the Standard rule is used. Please refer to
             the manual for detail information.


2. Question: The DICE value is not random, why is it so ?

   Answer  : The dice value is generated using the PalmOS random number
             genrator. I have run a test on the random number generator for
             100, 1000, 100000, and 1000000 iterations and the number 
             distribution is less than 5% variance for each case,
             which I think is acceptable.

             I have tried using other random number generator and the result is
             the same.


3. Question: The DICE rolling is more random when I select SLOW dice rolling 
             speed compare to FAST rolling speed. Why is it so ?

   Answer  : Both setting SLOW and FAST uses the same routine to generate the
             value for each dice. The only difference is, in FAST setting, there
             is no delay/wait between the generation of each dice value.


4. Question: Where is the MENU to access the program Preferences ?

   Answer  : To get to the MENU, you need to press the MENU SCREEN BUTTON. This
             button is on the left of the Graffiti area and below the PROGRAM
             LAUNCHER SCREEN BUTTON.

             In version 2.0 of yahtC with SMART MENU feature, you can write the
             letter "P" or "p" to access the PREFERENCE as well. Please refer to
             the documentation for a detail description.


5. Question: Does the computer player cheat ?

   Answer  : The computer does not cheat. When rolling dice it uses the same routine
             that generates your dice value. There is no manipulation of the dice
             value at all by the computer and all value is generated using the
             PalmOS random number generator.


6. Question: Is there a back door ?

   Answer  : Yes, there is. It is used by me to debug and test out various scoring
             combination. This routine is never used by the computer at all, ie. it
             don't cheat.

             As for how to activate it, I leave it as a challenge to all of you. 
             If you find the way to activate it and used it, please send me an e-mail,
             detailing the exact steps taken to activate it and steps to use it. Be
             specific.

             The first person to find the back-door, will be rewarded to ONE FREE
             registeration of my shareware program.

             Don't send me e-mail asking for hints, I won't reply.


7. Question: Why is gray-scale not supported on my PalmPilot or compatible, where I
             have other software that does gray-scale support ?

   Answer:   Gray-scale support is officially supported under PalmOS 3.5. 
             For gray-scale mode you need a minimum of PalmOS 3.5.

             Other developers implemented gray-scale support for PalmOS 3.0 and 
             PalmOS 3.3 by programming directly the display hardware. The program
             will failed when new hardware is used. The program may conflict with 
             future version of PalmOS and will not run properly.

             To provide greater compatibility and reduce potential problems, I
             have decided not to use any features that is not officially supported
             by PalmOS.


8. Question: Under Standard rule, when I score yahtC the second time, the yahtC
             score changes from 100 back to 50. Is this a bug ?

   Answer:   Under Standard rule, when you score yahtC for the second time, you will
             get to roll the dice again for another turn of scoring. 

             When you select yahtC the second time, you will get a message 
                "yahtC BONUS ! - The same player has another go." 

             You will need to press the NEXT button to roll the dice for your bonus 
             turn. If at this point instead of pressing the NEXT button, you select 
             another score category, this is basically changing your scoring decision
             for the current dice value.

             The message "The same player has another go." may have been misinterpreted
             as scoring again with the same dice value.


9. Question: How do I undo my scoring selection ?

   Answer:   As long as you have not press the NEXT button, you can change your current
             scoring by selecting the new scoring or selecting the same scoring to undo
             it. If you have HINT enabled, if you undo your score, the hint scoring will
             be redisplayed.