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1 Introduction

In designing GIB, we have tried to make a product that is as easy to use as possible. Our goal is to make a program that you can take out of the case, slip into your machine's CD drive, and play. Ideally, you shouldn't even have to read the documentation!

Most of the time you're using GIB, you will probably be playing a game of bridge with a computer partner against two computer opponents. Both your partner and your opponents will bid and signal as you request; if you want to change their methods, it's possible to do so. It's also possible to set up a table with four computers and just watch, play with more than one human, and so on. If you're the type who generally picks up bad cards at the table (aren't we all?), you can compensate by telling GIB you always want to be dealt good hands.

There are many things about GIB that make it unique among the bridge-playing programs you can buy today. The most important one, of course, is the calibre of play. GIB bids and plays better than any other program you can buy. It's as simple as that.

GIB is also unique in that it comes with some prepackaged hands. Instead of playing random deals, you can play the deals from (for example) the final of the 1997 Bermuda Bowl (USA vs. France). After each deal, you can compare your result with the ones that were achieved at the table.

GIB also comes with demo versions of some other bridge software, not produced by Just Write but of high quality (in our opinion!). You can access the demos under the file menu, and we've arranged for you to get a discount if you order any of the products on the list. The discount is 10% for software, or $5 for a new subscription to The Bridge World. Just tell the original publisher that you'd like the ``GIB discount.''

One feature that GIB shares with other computer bridge programs is that it never expects you to be dummy. If your computer partner is declarer on a deal, you'll be expected to take over and play the hand for it. We thought that would be more fun than watching.

This documentation is designed to help you use GIB more easily. We've got a section telling you how to install it, and then a section telling you how to get extra information by clicking with the mouse on certain areas of the screen. Then there are two very boring sections that tell you what everything on the screen is, and what every menu item does. The final section gives a very brief overview of how GIB works.

As we said at the outset, thanks! We appreciate your business very much. If you'd like to get in touch with us, please feel free to do so via the GIB web page, http://www.gibware.com.


Next: 2 Installation Up: Contents Previous: Warranty