Copyright: ** Copyright Astro Computing 1993 **


Table of Contents
  Domino Search - Table of Contents

How To Play Domino Solitaire

Menu Commands

File

New Game

Change Size

Exit

Edit

Reset

New Game

Show/Hide Domino List

Show/Hide Clock

Best Times

Erase Best Times

Register Domino Search

Help

How To Play

Get Hint

Get Clue

Fix Errors

About Astro Computing

Other Programs by Astro Computing

About Domino Solitaire


How To Play Dominos
  How to Play Domino Solitaire

The object of Domino Solitaire is to place each domino from a set in place over the numbers on the game board.

You are given a set of dominos which are shown on the right side of the screen.  All of them fit into the game board.

To place a domino on the board just click either mouse button on the line between two squares.  The program will place the domino on the board and remove it from the list.  The mouse cursor will change to a double arrow when it is possible to place a piece.

To remove a domino from the board click on the center of the domino and it will be removed.

Strategy.  The best way to get started is to look through the board and see if there is more than one instance of a double number (double zero, double one, etc.)  If there is only one, place the domino there.  After that look for other unique solutions - that is if there is only one place where a one and two are together.

Finally if you get stuck you can ask the computer for hints.  If you get help, your time will not be recorded on the best times board.


Starting A New Game
  New Game

Select File - New Game or Edit - New Game from the menu bar.

This command scrambles the dominos, resets the clock, and starts a new game.


Change Domino Size
  Change Size of Domino Set

Select File - Change Size from the menu bar.

This command changes the size of the domino set (Maximum number of dots on a domino half.)

The default set size is double 6.  With the registered version you can change to sets ranging from double 0 to double 9.  The unregistered version allows you to select from double 3 to double 6.


Quitting the game
  Exit Program

Select File - Exit from the menu bar.

This command abandons the game and returns to windows.


Start Current Game Over
  Reset Game

Select Edit - Reset from the menu bar.

This command starts the current game over.  All the dominos are removed from the board.  The clock is not reset and the dominos are not rescrambled.


  Show/Hide Domino List

Select Edit - Show/Hide Domino List from the menu bar.

By default the unused dominos are shown to the right of the game board.  To make the game  more challenging, you can hide the domino list.  You hide the list by selecting Hide Domino List.  If you want to see it again, select Show Domino List.


  Show/Hide Clock

Select Edit - Show/Hide Clock from the menu bar.

By default a timer is displayed just to the right of the game board.  This clock shows the time since you started the puzzle.  It is the time which is used for the "Best Times."  There is no way to stop the clock.  You can hide it by selecting the Hide Clock command.  You then show it by selecting the Show Clock command.  The clock will continue running even when it is not shown.

The clock is reset when you start a new puzzle.  It is not reset when you start the same puzzle over.


Viewing Fastest Times

  Show Fastest Times

Select Best Times - <size> from the menu bar.

This commands shows the best (fastest) five times for the selected size domino set.  Only games where the computer gave no hints will be counted.


  Erase Best Times

Select Best Times  - Erase Best Times from the menu bar.

This command erases all the recorded best times for every size domino set.


How to Register
  Registering Domino Solitaire

 (Thank you)

Select Register from the menu bar or Select the YES button on the opening form.

This command loads a new form which will allow you to register this program.  With the registered version of Domino Solitaire you can change domino set sizes from double zero to double nine. Several other programs by Astro Computing are listed.  They are only $10 each or three for $25.

 Send orders to:

Astro Computing

P.O. Box 1247

Abingdon, VA  24212

You can also see a discription of these other programs  by selecting the Help - Other Programs by Astro on the menu bar.


  Get Hint

Select Help - Get Hint from the menu bar.

This command takes you to the general hint screen.  From there you can select the Get Clue button, or the Fix Errors button.

If you change your mind and don't want a hint, select the Cancel button.

Note:  If you get a hint your time will not be recorded as one of the fastest times.


  Get Clue

This command can be selected in three ways:

1.  Select Help - Get Clue from the menu bar.

2.  Select Help - Get Hint from the menu bar and then select the Get Clue Button.

3.  Hold down the Control Key and Press C (Ctrl-C)

This command gives a hint for a specific square.  When you select this command the mouse pointer will change to a question mark.  Place the question mark over the square you want the hint for and press either mouse button.  The computer will place the correct domino on the board in the selected place.

Note:  If you get a hint your time will not be recorded as one of the fastest times.

Also Note:  There may be more than one correct solution to any game.  If you get hints from the computer, it will show you the solution it knows.


  Fix Errors

This command can be selected in three ways:

1.  Select Help - Fix Errors from the menu bar.

2.  Select Help - Get Hint from the menu bar and then select the Fix Errors Button.

3.  Hold down the Control Key and Press F (Ctrl-F)

This command removes all incorrectly placed dominos.

Note:  If you get a hint your time will not be recorded as one of the fastest times.

Also Note:  There may be more than one correct solution to any game.  The computer will remove the dominos which are incorrectly placed in the solution it knows.


  About Astro Computing

Select Help - About Astro Computing from the menu bar.

This command displays a form telling about our company.


  Other Programs by Astro Computing

Select Help - Other Programs by Astro from the menu bar.

This command opens a help file which gives a discription of programs we have to offer.  They sell for $10 each or three for $25.  They all come in a shareware version  for just $2 each if you want to just try them out.  ($10 minimum order please.)


  About Domino Solitaire

Select Help - About from the menu bar.

This command displays the version number of your copy of Domino Solitaire, the copyright notice, and other information about Astro Computing.  It also shows your free memory left.  This information is helpful when corresponding with the author.