That for Windows 95/That - For Windows 95.iso/MVPSPA11/SPADES.DOC

Text File | 1996-08-08 | 29KB | 696 lines

                   MVP Spades for Windows v1.1
                  Copyright 1996 Craig Kellogg
                       All Rights Reserved
                   An MVP Software Production

This game is shareware.  You may freely try it.  If you like it or
find it useful, then you must register with MVP Software.  To
"register" a shareware game means to purchase it directly from the
developer.  (Shareware games are evaluation versions only, which
means you have the right to try them, but after trying them you must
either register them with the author or delete them from your
system.  It is unlikely that anyone will check up on you, so
shareware works because of the honesty of users.)  When you register
you will receive MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows, which includes all
of the following additional features:

   * Unlimited play
   * 3 Expert players for the ultimate Spades challenge
   * Full-screen graphics up to 1024x768 resolution
   * More musical selections
   * More card back and front graphics
   * Printed manual

To order, call MVP's 24-hour order hotline at 800-968-9684 or
616-831-7985.  Please have your Master Card or Visa ready when you
call.  Or fill out the order form in this manual and fax it to
616-831-7982.  Make sure your credit card number and expiration date
are legible.  Or if you prefer mail the order form and your check to:
MVP Software, P.O. Box 888281, Grand Rapids, MI 49588.

The price is $19.95 plus shipping.  Shipping is $4.00 in the US,
$5.00 to Canada, and $6.00 to everywhere else.  Michigan residents
please add $1.44 sales tax.

            How to Register Online and Receive
        MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows Immediately!

MVP is pleased that MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows can now be
registered online, with immediate download of the registered
version.  This service is available to anyone who has access
to the World Wide Web and has a Master Card or Visa.  To
register MVP Spades online, set your web browser to
http://www.mvpsoft.com.  Once you are connected, go to the Station
Exchange.  There you may purchase MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows
and download it immediately.  While you are there check out the
other specials in the Station Exchange, as well as download any
other MVP shareware game you want from our Web Page.

         Download All the Latest MVP Shareware Games FREE

If your favorite BBS doesn't have an MVP file section, then you may
be missing some great shareware.  To get all the latest and greatest
MVP shareware releases, call one of the leading boards listed below,
and check out the FREE MVP file area.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan -- Ryan's Bar [phone]
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- Exec-PC [phone]
In New York, New York -- The Invention Factory [phone]
In Boston, Massachusetts -- Channel 1 [phone]
In Kansas City, Missouri -- Sound Advice [phone]
In Palo Alto, California -- Space BBS [phone]
In Reston, Virginia -- World Data Network [phone]

Even better, tell your favorite sysop about the MVP Distribution
Network and how he can be assured of getting all of the latest MVP
shareware hits as soon as they are released.  See the SYSOP.DOC file
for details.

                      MVP is Now on CompuServe!

You can get all of the latest MVP shareware releases, and discuss
MVP titles directly with the authors on MVP's new section on the
world's largest online information network, CompuServe.  Just type
GO MVPSOFT to get to our section!  If you are not a CompuServe
member you are eligible to receive a FREE trial membership,
including software and online time worth almost $55!  That's right,
you get the CompuServe Information Manager software for DOS or
Windows, which normally costs $29.95.  Plus you get a free first
month of online access, worth $9.95.  And to top it off, you get a
usage credit of $15 of additional online time.

To take advantage of this free trial membership to the largest
online service in the world, call 800-848-8199.  Ask for rep 671.
And then GO MVPSOFT and talk to the MVP team on CompuServe.

       MVP is Now on the Internet and the World Wide Web!

You can get all of the latest MVP shareware releases, find out news
of future activities, and give feedback to MVP on the Internet.  To
visit our new home page, just set your WWW browser to this URL:

                  http://www.mvpsoft.com

While there, you can see descriptions of all our releases, download
the shareware versions with a click of your mouse button, and check
out full color screen shots for all of our games.  Be sure to leave
feedback telling us how you like our page!

If you prefer using direct ftp to get our files, you can find them
at the following sites:

                 ftp.mvpsoft.com
                 ftp.uwp.edu/pub/msdos/games/mvp

Users accessing the last site on this list must include a dash in
front of their email addresses for the password.  Without that
dash the software won't give you access.

These sites also have many mirrors, so just look for a game site
with an MVP directory, and you'll be assured of getting the best
games around!

                       Ordering Information

MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows is available from the following
authorized distributors:

In the United States:
--------------------
MVP Software
P.O. Box 888281
Grand Rapids, MI 49588-8281
phone: [phone] or 616-931-7985, 24-hour order line only
       [phone] information, technical support, or orders.
fax: [phone]
order price: $19.95 plus $4.00 shipping in the US, $5.00 shipping to
Canada, $6.00 shipping everywhere else.  Michigan residents please
add $1.44 sales tax.

In Australia:
------------
Budgetware
9 Albermarle St
Newtown NSW 2042
phone: [phone]          Fax: [phone]
order price: $A30.00 (includes shipping)

In the United Kingdom:
---------------------
Atlantic Coast Plc.
Station Rd.
Colyton, Devon, EX13 6HA
phone: [phone]            Fax: [phone]
order price: L20 (includes shipping and taxes)
Dealers please enquire.

In Denmark and all of Scandanavia:
---------------------------------
Pro-Soft
Benloese Skel 4 G
DK 4100 Ringsted
phone: [phone]             Fax: [phone]
order price: 145,00 kr. + VAT 25% + s/h 25,00

In Japan:
--------
P. & A. Company Ltd
1-3-6-2 Kamisunacho
Tachikawa, Tokyo 190
phone: [phone]         fax: [phone]
order price: 3015 yen includes shipping and taxes

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
---------------------------------
Topware PD-Service GmbH
Quadrat 0 3, 2
68161 Mannheim
phone: [phone]       Fax: [phone]
order price: 33 DM (includes taxes) plus 6 DM shipping

The Netherlands and Belgium
---------------------------
CSD -- Computer Solutions Dorth
Postbus 59
NL-7213 ZH Gorssel
THE NETHERLANDS
phone: +31.575.494.545         Fax: +31.575.491.222
order price: fl. 50,00 (includes VAT and shipping)

Italy
-----
Systems Comunicazioni srl
via Olanda
6 - 20083 Gaggiano
phone: [phone]            Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
order price: Lire 42.000 IVA inclusa

Spain
-----
Friendware S.L.
C/ Miguel Angel, 6 2-5
28010 Madrid
phone: [phone]            Fax: [phone]
CIS: 100413,1667
order price: 3.000 Pts

             MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows Order Form

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State ______ ZIP ____________

Country (if outside USA) _________________________________________

Price of MVP Spades Deluxe for Windows                       $19.95
Shipping and Handling (US)                                     4.00
Shipping and Handling (Canada)                                 5.00
Shipping and Handling (all other countries)                    6.00
Michigan residents add sales tax                               1.44
                                                              -----
Make check payable to "MVP Software"        Total enclosed:  $
Master Card/Visa information (credit card orders only)
(Please note that we accept Master Card and Visa only.)

Card number __________________________________________

Expiration date ______________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------
Where did you get MVP Spades for Windows shareware version?
Friend   CompuServe   AOL   MSN   Channel 1   Invention Factory
Exec-PC   World Data Network   Ryan's Bar   Space BBS
Sound Advice   MVP's Web Page (www.mvpsoft.com) disk distributor
------------------------------------------------------------------
Send this order form and your check to:

MVP Software, P.O. Box 888281, Grand Rapids, MI  49588-8281.
Checks must be in US funds and drawn on a US or Canadian bank.

US or Canada 24-hour order line: 800-968-9684.
Overseas 24-hour order line:     616-831-7985
Fax:                             616-831-7982.
Tech support and information:    616-831-7981.

Introduction
------------
MVP Spades is a challenging card game with three difficulty levels
(two difficulty levels in the shareware/trial version).  You may
play with or without a partner and various options await you.
Choose from nine different opponents (six different opponents in the
shareware/trial version, with varying skill levels, and the fun is
all yours.  Don't forget the fun and excitement with modem and
network play.

Installing the Game
-------------------
If you downloaded MVP Spades as a "zip" file, first unzip it into a
temporary directory, using Pkunzip 2.04.  Then run Setup and install
the game into a permanent directory of a different name than the
temporary directory.  That's all there is to it.

If you received MVP Spades on diskette, put the diskette into drive A
and click on File, then on Run (in Windows95, click on Start, then on
Run).  Now type A:SETUP, and press ENTER.

How to Play
-----------
To start a new game of MVP Spades, choose the Game menu, then choose
New.  You will be prompted to choose your partner (if there is team
play).  You must then choose your two opponents.  Their skill levels
are listed at the top of the dialog.  The first hand will then be
dealt.  You will be prompted for your bid.  See Rules for
information on bidding.

Rules
-----
Players - Four players.  May be played in two partnerships.

Cards - A deck of 52 cards.  The cards rank (from highest to lowest)
A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.

Deal - Players each receive 13 cards.

Bidding - Beginning with the eldest hand, each player then bids the
number of tricks he/she expects to win, out of the total possible
number of 13 tricks.  The bid is added to his/her partner's bid
(unless playing without a partner) and thus, constitutes the
contract of the partnership.  Note: The total number of tricks does
not have to equal 13.

Nil Bidding - A player may choose to bid NIL, indicating the desire
to win no tricks.  After a player bids NIL, he/she has the option to
discard 3 cards from his/her hand, face down, to the hand of his/her
partner's.  After the partner bids, then the partner, in turn, gives
three cards to the player bidding NIL.  Note: If both partners bid
NIL, then there is no exchange of cards.

Play - The eldest hand leads first and may lead with any suit,
except spades.  The suit of spades may not be led until the suit is
"broken" by a spade on a previous trick (unless a player has no
other suit to lead).  Players must follow the suit if at all

possible.  A trick is won by the highest trump card or by the
highest card of the suit that was led.  Each trick is kept by the
player winning it.

Scoring - The object of the game is to fulfill the contract bid by
the partnerships, at the beginning of the game.  If one partner has
bid NIL, the player's contract and the partner's contract are scored
independently of one another.  The scores are then combined.

Tricks count as 10 points for each partnership if the contract is
made, 10 points against the partnership if the contract is set.
Note: Negative scoring is possible.  Tricks that are won in excess
of the contract are counted one point each.  A bid of NIL scores a
bonus of 100 points if successful or a penalty of 100 points if set.

If both partners bid NIL and are successful in making their
contracts, then the partnership receives 200 points.  However, there
is no score if either or both are set.

By default, the game consists of 500 points.  If both sides go over
that amount in the same hand, then the side with the larger total
score is the winner.

Main Menu Selections
--------------------
New
---
Begins a new game of MVP Spades.  You will be prompted to choose a
partner (if you are utilizing team play) and your opponents.  There
are three distinct skill levels (two in the shareware/trial
version): the first column of players are ranked as beginners, the
second column as intermediate players, and the third column as
experts, the latter requiring the most challenged play.

Open
----
Plays a game of MVP Spades that you previously have saved to disk.
The rule options will be displayed to show you what the rules are.
This dialog is read only.  You play with the rules that were set
when the game was saved, not the current rule options.

Change Rules
------------
Winning Score - Set the number of points needed to win the game.
Enter a value from 1 to 10,000.

Team Play - When this option is set, there are two partnerships
(teams), each with two players.  The players must win as many tricks
as their combined bid.  When this option is not set, each player
must play for him/her self.

Spade Lead on First Trick - When this option is set, a spade can be
led on the first trick.  However, this does not constitute
"breaking" the suit of spades.  A spade cannot be led on the second
trick until the suit is "broken" or the leader has only spades left
in his/her hand.

Bidding - Choose from one of the following minimum bid options:

   * No minimum bid - A player can bid any number (0-13).  See nil
     options below for information on a bid of zero.

   * Minimum bid of 1 - A player must bid at least 1. If the nil
     option is set, the player is still allowed to bid nil.

   * Minimum bid of 2 - A player must bid at least 2. If the nil
     option is set, the player is still allowed to bid nil.

Nil Bidding - A bid of nil is when the player states that he/she is
going to take zero tricks.  Winning any tricks is considered a bust
and a penalty is awarded.  The penalty consists of 100 points that
are deducted from your score at the end of the game.  Below are 3
options for nil bidding:

   * None - A zero bid constitutes a normal bid.  Scoring is done
     the same as in the case of any other bid.  Note: A bid of zero
     is only allowed if the bidding option is set to no minimum bid.

   * Nil w/o passing - A player may bid nil, but there is no
     exchange of cards between that player and his/her partner.
     He/she must win no tricks with the cards that were dealt into
     his/her hand.

   * Nil with passing - A player may bid nil.  If the team play
     option is set, then the team players exchange three cards.  If
     both partners are bidding nil, then no exchange occurs.

Records
-------
This is the location that records your wins and losses, as well as
that of your opponent's.  Also, your winning percentage is
calculated and is ranked along with your opponent's.  The computer
players are shown in blue.  You can reset all records by clicking
the mouse on the "Reset Records" button.

Animation
---------
You may choose the speed of the card animation.  You can choose
between Normal or Fast.

Automouse
---------
This feature automatically move the cursor for you.  If you can
follow suit, the cursor is moved to the lowest available card in
that suit.  Otherwise, the cursor is moved to the first valid card
that you can play.  Note: This is not a hint.  It is also moved to
the OK button in dialog boxes.  This option may be toggled by
choosing the menu option.

Change Player
-------------
The player must enter his/her name and choose a portrait.  To do

this, press on the arrow button and see the three possible
portraits.  When you have made your selection, simply have it
displayed in the box and select OK.  Note: There is the option of
not having this box appear each time the game is started.  To select
this function, click on the "Do not display" sentence on this
screen.  Also, if you wish to exit this screen, simply click on the
cancel key.

Background
----------
MVP Spades allows you the opportunity to play a challenging game of
spades on three different textured backgrounds.  Simply select
Texture and then choose from wood, marble, and brick.

Likewise, you are able to choose any color from the Window's System
Palette.  To select this option, select Color and then pick the
color that you want the background to become.  That's it!  It's that
easy.  But, be careful.  You may need to set the text to visualize
some of the background colors that you choose.

Text Color
----------
MVP Spades allows you to choose the color of the text during your
game of spades.  You may choose the text color by selecting Text
Color from the Options Menu.  Note: Not all colors will show up good
on all backgrounds.

Card Backs
----------
There are sixteen different card backs (1 in the shareware/trial
version) that come with MVP Spades.  To choose the card back of your
dreams, simply select the desired card back and press the OK button.

Card Fronts
-----------
There are two different card fronts that come with MVP Spades (1 in
the shareware/trial version).  To choose the desired card front,
simply select the card front and press the OK button.

Music
-----
There are a number of original music scores that come with MVP
Spades (1 in the shareware/trial version).  To select these, click
on the Options Menu and select Music.  If you would like to listen
to music throughout the game, then select Music Enabled by clicking
on it.  If you would rather listen to music only after winning or
losing a game, then select Event Music Only by clicking on it.
Also, if you find some music that you prefer, you may select from
one to six categories by selecting those buttons.  When you are
finished making your selections, press the OK button.

Sound Effects
-------------
This option allows the player to enable or disable the sound
effects.  Sound effects are played when spades are broken, when you
are set, when you bid nil and get it, and when you take your first
trick after bidding nil.

Save
----
This entitles the player to continue the game he/she is in the process
of playing  by saving it onto a disk.

Win Trick
---------
This feature allows you to choose whether or not you want the Win Trick
dialog to disappear on its own.  If set to Wait for OK, then you must
click on OK before proceeding on to the next trick.  You can also choose
from 1, 2, or 3 seconds, in which case the box will automatically
disappear after the allotted time.  Note:  you are still able to press
the OK button to proceed to the next trick.

AutoPlay Last Trick
-------------------
This feature allows the last trick in the hand to be played
automatically.  Choose this menu option to enable or disable this
feature.

Rules
-----
Choosing this menu item during a game allows you the ability to view
the rule settings.  You cannot change any rules during the play of a
game.

Score
-----
Choosing this menu item during a game allows you to view the score.
This feature also displays the bidding and the tricks taken to date.

Display Size
------------
Choosing this menu item allows you to set the display area used by
the game.  Choose from one of the following options: 640x480,
800x600, or 1024x768 (640x480 only in the shareware/trial version).

Note: Your Windows display setting must be at least this large or
you will not be able to see the entire play area.

Hand
----
Choose this option to replay the current hand.  Upon making this
selection, you will return to the bidding phase.

Trick
-----
Choose this option to replay any trick in the current hand.

Multiplayer Options
-------------------
Listen Network
--------------
Allows a remote player to connect to you over a NETBIOS network.
You will be notified when a player establishes a connection.  The
player connecting to you chooses the rules, the opponents, and
seating arrangements of the game to be played.

Listen Modem
------------
Allows a remote player to connect to you over a modem.  Fill in the
appropriate modem information.  You will be notified when a
connection is established.  The player connecting to you chooses the
rules, the opponents, and the seating arrangements of the game to be
played.

Listen Direct Connection
------------------------
Allows a remote player to connect to you over a null modem cable.
You will need to specify the port where the null modem cable is
located, as well as the baud rate.  You should be able to leave the
baud rate at the default setting of 128,000.  You will be notified
when a connection is established.  The player connecting to you
chooses the rules, the opponents, and the seating arrangements of
the game to be played.

Connect Network
---------------
This allows you to connect to a player on a NETBIOS network.  You
can connect to 1 to 3 additional players.  The remote player must
have already done a Listen Network from the Multiplayer Menu.
Choose the name of the player from the list and click OK.  The
connection will be established.  Place the player in the appropriate
seat.  You are always SOUTH, so you can select either WEST, NORTH,
or EAST.  You can then choose the rules for the game to be played.

Connect Modem
-------------
This allows you to connect to a remote player using your modem.  The
remote player must have previously selected Listen Modem from the
Multiplayer Menu.  Add their name, number, and modem information
into your directory.  Select the player from that list to connect
to, and click on the OK button.  The connection will be established.
Place the player in the appropriate seat.  You are always SOUTH, so
you can select either WEST, NORTH, or EAST.  You can then choose the
rules for the game to be played.

Connect Direct Connection
-------------------------
This allows you to connect to a remote player using a null modem
cable.  You will need to specify the port where the null modem cable
is located, as well as the baud rate.  You should be able to leave
the baud rate at the default setting of 128,000.  The connection
will be established.  Place the player in the appropriate seat.  You
are always SOUTH, so you can select either WEST, NORTH, or EAST.
You can then choose the rules for the game to be played.

Chat
----
This allows public communication at anytime.  Choose chat from the
Multiplayer Menu to display the chat dialog box.  Enter the text
that you want to send and click on the send button.  The message
will be displayed on all of the player's screens.

Quit
----
Ends a game immediately.  You will be prompted to save the game.
Choose yes to save the game to a file, no to quit without saving, or
cancel to return to the game.  After quitting, you will return to
the title screen.

Exit
----
Exits MVP Spades.

Meet the Beginners
------------------
Foxy Roxy - is a twenty-six year-old bombshell from San Diego,
California.  You can find her hanging out on the beach, shopping at
the mall, or going cruising around town in her cherry red
convertible.  Roxy just recently began to play MVP Spades and has
found the beginner level quite challenging.  She hopes that one day
she might advance; but some goals may just be too far out of reach.

Hiroshi Chang - is an eighteen year-old originally from Hiroshima,
Japan, but now resides in Mankato, Minnesota.  Hiroshi has an
abundant amount of talent for the sport of - you guessed it - water
polo.  When he's not in the pool, or hitting the books, you can now
find him in front of his computer playing that fabulous game: MVP
Spades.  He has just begun to learn the trump game, but his coach is
already talking about it.  Everyday at practice, Hiroshi's coach is
saying, "Leave that computer alone and stop playing that game.  MVP
Spades is too addicting!  Practice, practice, practice!!!" Hiroshi
has yet to decide which hobby he wants to perform, on a professional
level.  But, between you and me, I vote for MVP Spades.

Bobby Smith - This little boy has just recently begun playing on the
computer.  He is not quite familiar with how everything works, but
he has found that he enjoys playing MVP Spades- a game his daddy
taught him how to play.  Bobby is able to strengthen his ability to
play the game of spades, as well as make his daddy proud.  This is
quite an accomplishment for a seven year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
If you don't believe me, you can ask his dad.

Meet the Intermediates
----------------------
Tex Mex - Now, here's a bad ol' boy from deep, down in Texas.  I'd
tell you his age, but I'd be a very unhappy camper.  Tex does engage
himself in some rather scrupulous behaviors.  For example: he hunts
kittens and puppies, and even small deer.  When he's not
entertaining himself in the above mentioned quests, you can find him
playing the sensational game of MVP Spades where he has reached
intermediate status.

Esther Little - Esther Little is a perky old lady from Boston,
Massachusetts.  She has many grandchildren and even a few
great-grandchildren.  She is so old that I am not even able to count
that high, using all of my fingers and toes.  But, just between you
and me, I think that she was a witness to the invention of the
wheel.  When Esther isn't running after all those children that keep

coming and visiting her, or stuck in that Boston traffic, you can
find her at home, sitting with an afghan on one knee and her laptop
on the other, refreshing herself with a game of MVP Spades.  She
plays well enough that she has earned intermediate status.  She
dares all you "YOUNG FOLK" to try and pick her off!

I.M.A. Genius - Ignathious Michael Alexander Genius is here, or
I.M.A. Genius, for short.  He is from a little unknown town, by the
name of Germantown, Tennessee.  It is located just outside of
Memphis.  Genius feels strongly that his nickname suits him,
especially his playing style during a challenging game of MVP
Spades.  Just try for yourself and see if he is a true genius at
heart.

Meet the Experts (registered Deluxe version only)
----------------
Hannah Li - Hannah is one of the very few people that have the rank
of expert for the MVP Spades computer game.  She is one of the very
best.  Hannah is originally from Thailand and goes back to visit her
family, on occasion.  She has two daughters and a son, and she is a
great mom - when her family can keep her away from the computer long
enough.  But that's what happens when you have to maintain your
expert status and train, train, train.

Tiny Tim - If Tim is anything, it sure isn't Tiny.  Why, I once saw
Tim break an iron pole in half.  He did this while playing the
fantastic MVP Spades computer game.  You see, he bid nil and his
opponent made him take a trick.  Well, Tim wasn't happy, and neither
was his opponent when Tim got through with him.  That is one thing
about Tim.  He may have a little nickname - but his temper is huge.
Incidentally, if you feel brave enough, play a round of MVP Spades
with Tim.  And, remember, he is the expert.

Smart Alec - Alec has always been a bright boy.  He taught his cat,
Felix, to sit up and beg for his supper.  He has recently begun
playing the soon-to-be award-winning game MVP Spades and has found
it truly stimulating.  Never before has Alec had an opponent that he
felt to be as worthy and dedicated as he.  Since Alec has lived to
be sixteen (and sometimes people wonder how he has survived that
long) he desperately needs others who can stimulate him on an
intellectual basis.  Will you be the next victim?

Terms
-----
Bid - An offer to contract to win a definite number of tricks.
Deal - To distribute an amount of cards to the players.
Eldest Hand - The player at the left of the dealer.

Follow Suit - Play a card of the same suit that is the lead card.
Hand -  The cards that were originally dealt to a player.
Lead -  The player to play the first card in the trick.
Nil - A bid to win absolutely zero tricks.  If not met, then a
penalty is awarded.
Set - The defeat of a contract.
Trick - A round of cards during play that each player has
contributed one card to.
Trump - A privileged card or suit (in this case spades) that ranks
higher than any card in any other suit.