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1994-05-27
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PROFESSIONAL VIDEO POKER FOR WINDOWS (tm)
====================================
SHAREWARE VERSION
*****************
Version 1.1a May 31, 1994
Copyright (c) 1993-94, All Rights Reserved
Bitwise Software International, Inc.
901 West Hononegh Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(602) 582-4468
Compuserve ID: 72074, 2677
Last Updated: May 27, 1994
REQUIREMENTS:
=============
Windows 3.1, windows compatible PC computer, windows compatible
VGA display with 640x480 resolution or higher, 3 Meg RAM,
3 Meg free on hard disk.
Recommended:
Windows 3.1, windows compatible 386/486+ computer running at 25Mhz+,
windows compatible SVGA display with 640x480 resolution or higher,
16+ colors, 4+ Meg RAM, 5+ Meg free on hard disk, Mouse.
LATEST VERSION:
===============
This copy of Professional Video Poker may not be the latest version
currently available. We are constantly updating, improving, and fixing
bugs in this program. Therefore, if you a using an unregistered version,
check the Windows Fun Forum (card games library) on CompuServe for the
latest unregistered version.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION:
=====================
ATTENTION CompuServe and Ziff-Net users: you may register your copy
of Professional Video Poker directly through CompuServe. To
register on-line, use the go command GO CIS:SWREG and enter
Registration ID #2584. The cost is the same and will be billed
automatically to your Compuserve Account. You should still send
us a completed registration form for our files.
INSTALLATION:
=============
To install this game from the distribution diskette, simply
copy the file "PVPOKE.EXE" to the desired directory ("\PVPOKER"
suggested) on your hard disk and run the program.
This is a self-extracting packed file and running it will unpack all the
needed files and programs. Once self-extraction is complete, this
file can be removed. However, you should always retain a copy of this
file on diskette or tape just in case you need to reload it in the
future.
NOTE: If you obtained a copy of this game from Compuserve or Ziff-Net,
the file VBRUN300.DLL was not included in the packed file PVPOKE.EXE.
This was done to save download time and related costs. The file
VBRUN300.DLL is available in most BBS forums -- check with your forum's
Sysop or search the BBS files by name.
If a message appears asking you whether or not you wish to replace an
existing file in the PVPOKER directory, answer with a "Y". DO NOT USE
OLD FILES WITH A NEW VERSION - FATAL ERRORS WILL RESULT.
To start the game, run the file PVPOKER.EXE from Windows File Manager.
The icon file PVPOKER.ICO contains the icon for you to use if you wish
to add Professional Video Poker for Windows (tm) to your Games Program
Group or set one up just for this game. Please see the Windows Users
Manual for instructions on adding Program Items and setting up Program
Groups from the Program Manager.
This program was written in Visual Basic V3.0 and REQUIRES the following
files: VBRUN300.DLL (normally included), FXTLS130.DLL (included),
QPRO200.DLL (included), CSGROUP.VBX (included), FXIMG130.VBX (included),
FXLBL130.VBX (included). Be sure these files are all located in the
directory where you loaded and unzipped PVPOKE.EXE.
NOTE: Occasionally, Microsoft will release an updated VBRUN300.DLL file
which will correct some bugs in their runtime modules. You should
periodically compare the date/time/size of this file to the latest
one available on CompuServe in the Microsoft MBASIC+ Forum. If a
later one is released, please download it and place it in the
PVPOKER directory. Professional Video Poker will use it automatically
from then on.
FILES:
======
FXTLS130.DLL - Special Effect Routines (Licensed).
FXIMG130.VBX - Licensed VB Control.
FXLBL130.VBX - Licensed VB Control.
CSGROUP.VBX - Licensed VB Control.
QPRO200.DLL - Special Effect Routines (Licensed).
VBRUN300.DLL - Microsoft's Visual Basic Runtime Library (Licensed).
READ.ME - This file.
PVPOKE.ZIP - Self-extracting packed distribution file.
PVPOKER.EXE - Unpacked Professional Video Poker for Windows Game.
PVPOKER.HLP - Help File for this program.
PVPOKER.ICO - Icon for adding to Window's Program Manager.
PVPOKER.P01 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #1.
PVPOKER.P02 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #2.
PVPOKER.P03 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #3.
PVPOKER.P04 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #4.
PVPOKER.P05 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #5.
PVPOKER.P06 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #6.
PVPOKER.P07 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #7.
PVPOKER.P08 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #8.
PVPOKER.P09 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #9.
PVPOKER.P10 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #10.
PVPOKER.P11 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #11.
PVPOKER.P12 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #12.
PVPOKER.P13 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #13.
PVPOKER.P14 - Payoffs and Cumulative Stats for Game #14.
PVPOKER.DEF - Game default settings file.
PVPOKER.SAV - Saved Game.
BACKUP.DEF - backup copy of file PVPOKER.DEF.
TEST RESULTS AND FEEDBACK
=========================
Please put this program through its paces and report back any positive
or negative feedback, suggestions, or bug reports. We want your input!
Your responses will help us improve this game.
Our Compuserve ID number is: 72074,2677.
Please check CompuServe's Windows Fun Forum, Card Games Library for the
latest unregistered version of this program. Please download the latest
version which will most likely correct any problems you are having or
contain the features you would like to see.
BASIC OPERATION:
===============
Professional Video Poker is a true windows application which can be run and
controlled by you just like any other windows application.
When first loaded, Professional Video Poker will display its opening window
while it initializes itself. Next a the main playing area will be displayed.
When Professional Video Poker starts, it will load a file called "PVPOKER.DEF"
as the default rules and other game settings. If it cannot find this file,
it will use its own pre-programmed default settings. See the next section
for more information regarding saving/restoring games and the default settings.
Next, Professional Video Poker will attempt to load the default payoffs
and cummulative stats for all 14 of the games available for play. These
are found in the files PVPOKER.P01...P14. If any of these files are not
found, the game program will automatically create them up based on its
own pre-programmed settings.
When the main playing window is first displayed, you will notice several
buttons at the bottom of the screen. Some of which will be disabled
(grayed out) and some of which will be enabled. At the start of a
new hand, the DEAL button will be the default button and should be
used to deal the next hand. To deal, move the mouse pointer to the
DEAL button and press the left mouse button.
The other buttons will be enabled/disabled depending on what is
happening during the game. For example, once the initial cards are
dealt for a new hand, the DEAL button will be grayed out and the
DRAW button will be active.
DEAL BUTTON:
===========
The DEAL button will deal the initial 5 cards for a new hand. Note:
you must bet at least 1 credit before this button will work. Once you
play your first hand, pressing the DEAL button before selecting a new
bet will cause the LAST BET to be used automatically. This way,
you do not have to enter the same bet each-and-every time a hand is
played. Only the very first hand's bet is required to be selected
by you.
When the DEAL button is pressed, the game will shuffle the single
deck of 52 cards (53 or 54 when the Joker Wild games are being
played) and deal out 5 initial cards. If you are dealt any of
the current game's winning hands (shown above the cards), the
game will highlight the highest winning hand it finds. This will
help insure you do not "throw away" a winning hand by mistake.
Once dealt, select the cards you wish to hold with the mouse
by clicking the left mouse button while the mouse pointer is
over the card. Then press the DRAW button to replace any cards
NOT HELD.
Directly below each card is a status label which shows the
HOLD/DISCARD status of that card. When you first click a card,
it will show HOLD as the status. Clicking it again will show a
status of DISCARD. Any cards which DO NOT show a HOLD status, will
be replaced when the DRAW button is pressed.
NOTE: you can select cards as HOLD/DISCARD without the mouse.
This is done by pressing the numbers "1" through "5" on your
keyboard. Pressing the "1" will toggle the HOLD status of the
first card and "2" will toggle card #2, and so on. This is
true for selecting a card on the "Double or Nothing Window"
as well (explained later).
Another way to DEAL cards is to click on the card deck. This
will deal the initial cards just like pressing the DEAL button.
BET MAX BUTTON:
===============
The BET MAX button will deposit either the maximum coins (5) or
your bank balance (credits) - whichever is less. Then the initial
5 cards will be automatically dealt for the next hand.
BET +1 BUTTON:
==============
The BET +1 button will increase the current bet by one credit.
This can be done until your bank runs out of credits or until
you increase your bet to the max allowed (5). Note: if you press
this button just after the previous hand has been completed, this
will not cause the bet to be 1. Instead, the previous hand's bet
will be increased by 1 credit.
Also, you can increase the current bet by one credit by clicking
on the "Insert Coins" coin-slot area in the upper right corner
of the screen.
OTHER WAYS TO ENTER A BET:
==========================
You can also use the mouse and click on one of the five payoff
columns for the current game. If you click on the second column,
the column will highlighted in Green and your bet will be 2 coins.
Click again on column 4, and your bet will be changed to 4 coins.
Another way to select a bet is to press the "1", "2", "3", "4", or
"5" on your keyboard. When starting a new hand, these keys will
allow you to select 1 coin thru 5 coins as the bet. NOTE: if the
hand has already started, these keys will toggle the Hold/Discard
status for cards 1 thru 5.
Please note that as you change your bet, your bank balance is
adjusted (up or down) accordingly.
DRAW BUTTON:
============
The DRAW button will complete a hand by replacing any or all of
the initial five cards that have NOT BEEN SELECTED as HOLD. Be
sure to correctly click on the cards you wish to HOLD with the
mouse. If you have not selected any cards to hold, then all 5
cards are replaced by new ones. If you have selected all 5 to
be held, then no new cards are dealt.
Another way to DRAW cards is to click on the card deck. This
will complete the hand just like pressing the DRAW button.
HOLD ALL BUTTON:
================
In addition to holding cards by clicking on them individually,
you can quickly mark all of them as "HOLD" by pressing this
button. This does not automatically deal out the rest of the
hand -- you must still press the DRAW button when you are
ready.
DISCARD ALL BUTTON:
===================
This button works just the opposite of the HOLD ALL button.
This marks all 5 cards as DISCARD.
EXIT BUTTON:
============
This button allows you to quit playing Professional Video Poker
for Windows and exit back to Window's Program Manager. Be sure
to SAVE the game before exiting if you wish to resume it at a
later time.
Note: If you press the EXIT button by accident, you can cancel
the request by pressing the CANCEL button on the "Are You Sure"
(you wish to exit) Window.
SAVE BUTTON:
============
Pressing the SAVE button will store the current game in progress
to a disk file called PVPOKER.SAV. Once a game is saved, you can
resume it at a later time by using the RESUME A SAVED GAME on
the FILE Menu. NOTE: The Save/Restore features can only be accessed
by Registered Users.
PRINT BUTTON:
=============
Pressing the PRINT button will print a copy of the current hand
and payoffs for you keep or to send in to us.
NOTE: any Registered User who wins a natural royal flush progressive
jackpot should use the PRINT Button and send the printout of the
hand to us. We will then send you a free copy of Ultima 21 Deluxe
Blackjack for Windows. The hand must be won naturally and must not
use wild cards or any "pre-set" or "hand-picked" cards.
SAVING & USING THE GAMES DEFAULT SETTINGS:
========================================
Professional Video Poker allows you to customize the various card
dealing effects, game type, game speed, jackpot balance, bank
balance, etc....
When any of these settings are changed, the game automatically
records them into a default settings file called PVPOKER.DEF. This
allows the game to "remember" how you like to play. The next time
you start Professional Video Poker for Windows from Window's Program
Manager, the settings stored in this file will automatically be
used. This eliminates the need to set up all the game settings "your
way" each time you want to play.
If the game cannot find this file, it will automatically revert back
to the pre-programmed default settings and store them in this file.
Note: in order for Professional Video Poker to locate and load this
file automatically, it must reside in the same directory as
Professional Video Poker for Windows. If the game cannot find this
file, it will revert back to its "factory" settings and re-create
this file in the program's startup directory on your hard disk.
ERRORS AT STARTUP
=================
If you encounter either of the following two errors at startup:
1) "OVERFLOW"
2) "Invalid Control Index"
then the startup files (PVPOKER.DEF, PVPOKER.Pxx, & PVPOKER.SAV)
may be corrupted or may be the wrong version. Try renaming these
files to something else and restarting Professional Video Poker.
The game will then use its own internal game settings since it
will not be able to find these files.
You should first try renaming the PVPOKER.DEF and restarting the
game. 99% of the time this file is causing the problem.
If you still have problems after trying this procedure, please contact
the Author by mail on Compuserve or by phone.
SAVING AND RESUMING A GAME
===========================
Professional Video Poker allows Registered users to save a game
and resume playing it at a later time. This should not be confused
with the saving of default settings explained above. A game is saved
to a file called "PVPOKER.SAV" and this file must be located in the
same directory as the game program (PVPOKER.EXE) in order to be
resumed at a later time.
To save a game, click on the FILE menu and select the SAVE option.
This works the same as clicking the SAVE Button on the main screen.
At any time, Professional Video Poker allows you to resume a previously
saved game by clicking on the FILE menu and selecting the RESUME GAME
option.
Note: in order for Professional Video Poker to locate and load this
file automatically, it must reside in the same directory as
Professional Video Poker for Windows. If the game cannot find this
file, an error window will appear and you will not be able to resume
the saved game.
CHANGING PLAYING OPTIONS
========================
Professional Video Poker's menu system (located at the top of the playing
table) allows you to change every aspect about the game and it's playing
options.
FILE MENU:
==========
a) Save a game for later play (discussed above).
b) Resume a previously saved game (discussed above).
c) Exit the game (discussed above).
SPEED MENU:
===========
This allows you to control how fast the game operates. The
options are SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST, and VERY FAST. The type
of computer and video card will determine how you wish the
game speed to be set. Try the different settings to find
the one that gives you the desired card dealing speed and
special effect speed (discussed below) you like.
SPECIAL EFFECTS MENU:
=====================
Type of Effect Option:
======================
One of the most unique features of this game is to
allow you to control what type of card dealing
special effect you would like to the game to use.
They range from "no effect" to "cards dripping"
into place on your computer screen.
There are 50 impressive special effects to choose
from. The default is to "push up" the card once
it is dealt but you can select any one of them.
The only way to see the type of effects is to try
each one while keeping in mind that the "Effect
Speed" and "Effect Grain Size" will also control
how fast the special effect occurs on your computer.
Effect Speed Option:
====================
You can control how fast the card dealing special
effect is performed for each card. The settings
available are SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST, and VERY FAST.
If you have a very fast computer and video card,
you may need to change the Effect Speed setting to
SLOW in order to "see" some of the effects actually
perform on your screen.
If you have a slower computer system, you may need
to select the VERY FAST effect speed to keep the
special effect from being "too slow" for game play.
Effect Grain Size Option:
=========================
When the game performs a special effect, the grain
size selected here determines how much of the card
is drawn at one time.
The larger the grain size, the more of the card is
drawn at one time (using the special effect you
selected) and this results is faster card dealing.
The smaller the grain size, the less of the card is
drawn at one time (using the special effect you
selected) and this results is slower card dealing.
The Effect Grain settings are: Small (slowest),
MEDIUM, LARGE, and VERY LARGE (fastest).
Performance Issues:
-------------------
Each computer system and video card's performance are
different when running Windows Programs. We offer the
Game Speed and Special Effect settings to allow each user
to adjust the settings to receive maximum performance as
well as maximum pleasure from Professional Video Poker
for Windows.
If you need help, please contact the Author after trying
the different settings yourself to see what their effects
on the game's operational speed and card dealing effects
are. You should be able to find a combination that suits
you and your computer system. But if not, we will certainly
help you.
CHANGE MENU:
============
Game Type:
----------
There are 14 different game types you can select from. These
games were built from the 14 most popular games found in the
Las Vegas Casinos. When you combine these 14 games with the
ability to turn on and off the Double-or-Nothing Feature for
each game, you can play 28 different Games with Professional
Video Poker for Windows!
Progressive Games:
------------------
The term "progressive" refers to the ever-increasing jackpot
balance for a Royal Flush. To "hit the jackpot", the player
needs to build a Royal Flush (Ace high straight flush) and have
a 5 coin bet. If you do not play 5 coins and you get a
Royal Flush, the progressive jackpot WILL NOT BE PAID.
As in the real Casinos, progressive jackpots are paid for
from a percentage of the bets you make each hand and a
Progressive Game's payoffs are slightly lower than those
of a Regular Game.
Regular Games:
--------------
Regular Games a very much like their Progressive game
counterparts except there is NO INCREASING JACKPOT and the
payoffs are slightly higher. When you receive a natural royal
flush with 5 coins bet, the fixed amount in column 5 is paid
instead of an increasing jackpot.
Wild Card Games:
----------------
There are a couple of wild card games available in Professional
Video Poker for Windows.
Note: the progressive jackpot is NOT PAID on Royal Flushes
that include wild cards -- the progressive jackpot is only
paid when the Royal Flush contains only "natural" (non-wild)
cards.
DUECES WILD:
------------
This game uses the four "twos" in the deck as wild
cards. This allows for many more "high" hands than
does non-wild card games. Therefore, you will notice
the payoffs are lower for each winning hand and
the lowest minimum hand is Three-of-a-Kind.
JOKER WILD
----------
There are two versions of this game. One is played
with a single Joker and the other is played with 2
Jokers. Both types of Joker games use the Joker as
a wild card. Just like in the DUECES WILD game, the
payoffs are lower in this game and the minimum hand
is either two-pair or a pair of Aces or Kings depending
on what type of Joker game is being played.
Customizing the Payoffs:
------------------------
Registered Users are given access to the Payoff Customization
feature of this game. The payoff amounts can be changed for
each winning hand.
Payoffs for each game, whether customized or not, are stored
in the "PVPOKER.Pnn" files on your hard disk. The "Pnn"
extension refers to games "P01" thru "P14" and each game payoff
file contains the winning hand descriptions and types, their
payoffs, and any wild card information. In addition, these files
contain the cumulative stats for each game. Stats are
cummulative until you reset them and will keep running stats
for every hand played ever with this game program.
Change Bank Balance
-------------------
This option allows you to select a new bank balance (of
credits). The default is $100 and whatever bank balance
you select with this option will become the default starting
balance for new games.
You will need to select this option whenever your bank runs out
of credits. This option allows you to replenish the bank and
continue to play video poker.
Change Jackpot Balance
----------------------
This option allows you to reset the jackpot balance for all
Progressive Games. The jackpot balance is automatically
increased during game play. The jackpot balance is the same
for all types of progressive games available with this game
program.
Once reset, the jackpot will continue to grow until someone
hits a "natural" Royal Flush. Professional Video Poker always
"remembers" the progressive jackpot from game-to-game even
when you do not use the "save/restore game" features.
Remember, the progressive jackpot is only paid when: you
are playing a "progressive" game, the Royal Flush is
natural (no wild cards), and you have bet 5 coins.
If someone wins a progressive jackpot, the amount will be
paid to the player and then the jackpot will be reset back
the amount selected here.
***********************************************************
NOTE: any Registered User who wins a natural royal flush
progressive jackpot should use the "PRINT" Button and send
a copy of the printout to us. We will then send you a free
copy of Ultima 21 Deluxe Blackjack for Windows. The hand
must be won naturally and must not use wild cards or any
"pre-set" or "hand-picked" cards.
***********************************************************
Set Card Back
-------------
There are many different "deck styles" or card backs to
choose from. Use this option to change to a different card
back. Whichever card back you choose with this option will
become the default card back for all new games.
Set Double-or-Nothing Feature
-----------------------------
For each game type available in Professional Video Poker for
Windows, you have the option to turn on or off the Double-or-
Nothing feature. This feature is on or off across games so
you only have to turn it on or off one time -- not each time
you switch games.
When active, this feature will allow you to double your
winnings each time a winning hand appears. If you win your
double-or-nothing attempt, you winnings are doubled and you
will be given the chance to double them again. If you lose,
you win nothing and the game continues on to the next hand.
When attempting the double-or-nothing feature, the game will
deal out 1 card face-up and 4 cards face down. You must then
pick 1 of the face-down cards and attempt to beat the face-up
or Dealer's card. Note: Aces are considered the highest card.
If the card you pick beats the Dealer's card, then you double
your winnings. If it is less than the Dealer's, you lose your
winnings. If the card is the same (tie), you will lose nothing
and you will be given the chance to attempt the double once
again.
EXAMPLE: If you build a full house that pays 25, a double-or-
nothing window will appear asking you if you wish to risk the
25 credits to win 50 credits. If you choose NO, you will simply
collect the 25 credits and proceed to the next hand like normal.
If you choose YES, a window will appear and deal out 5 total
cards (1 face-up and 4 face-down).
The first card is the Dealer's card and you must attempt to
beat it by picking one of the four face-down cards. If you beat
it, you will double your winnings from 25 credits to 50. The
game will then give you the option to attempt to double the 50
and win 100. This continues until you lose or select NO on the
"double again" window.
Pick Cards in Hand
------------------
This option allows you to select from 1 to 5 cards to appear
in the hand or hands to follow. This feature allows you to
set the position (card #1,2,3,4,or 5), the card's value (Ace
thru King), and the suit of the card. You can set from 1
to 5 cards to appear in the next hand only or every hand
from then on.
This way you can practice certain hand combinations in order
to perfect your own Video Poker playing strategy.
Note: this feature is available to Registered Users only.
STATS MENU OPTION
=================
This option will display the current stats for the game in
progress. These stats are cummulative from the time you
first loaded this game program on your computer until the
end of time. They DO NOT reset each time you start this
game program. However, Registered Users are allowed to
reset the stats back to 0 at any time during a game.
Each game available with Professional Video Poker for
Windows has its own cummulative stats and they are
automatically stored in its PVPOKER.Pnn file as game play
occurs. Therefore, if you play 5 hands of Dueces Wild and
10 hands of Jokers Wild, the two games will have their own
independent stats. The Dueces Wild stats will be for first
5 hands and the Jokers Wild stats will be for next 10 hands.
The stats will show the total number of hands won, the number
of times each type of winning hand has appeared, average bets,
average return on your bets, and so on.
AUTHOR'S COMMENTS
=================
THERE IS NO OTHER GAME AVAILABLE for DOS or WINDOWS that provides you
with such flexibility as far as game types go. Combine this with the 50
card dealing special effects and the other impressive features and you
should agree this is the most sophisticated Video Poker game ever
created!
NOTE: if you cannot find your favorite version of Video Poker, please
let us know so we can incorporate it into a future version of this game.
This game program was written to easily handle any type of 5 card draw
poker game. You input will help make this game even better.
SHAREWARE REGISTRATION:
=======================
When you register your shareware copy of Professional Video Poker for
Windows (tm), you will receive an encrypted license file which will
provide you access to the restricted areas of the program. You will
then be able to save and restore games, customize payoffs, and set
cards. In addition, the "Please Register" reminder window will no
longer appear every few hands.
Registered Users are placed on our preferred customer list and receive
priority notification about new versions and new games and receive
special discounts on them.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
========================
This Windows game is the culmination of hundreds of suggestions and
comments from our very popular DOS version of Video Poker Plus. As you
can see, we have listened to those suggestions and implemented almost
every single one of them in this version for Windows.
Please drop us a note with your comments or suggestions. They are
always welcomed and help us improve our games in future versions.
SHAREWARE REGISTRATION:
=======================
Professional Video Poker for Windows (tm) is NOT FREEWARE nor IS
IT PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE.
This copyrighted product is being offered in the shareware manner.
We rely solely on honest shareware users for income from these products.
You may copy and distribute this game to your friends but you MUST
include all the files unzipped from the PVPOKE.ZIP master file.
If you use this game after the 30 day free trial period, YOU MUST
REGISTER IT!
The cost to register is $29.95 (personal checks, Company checks,
money orders, & certified checks accepted - do not send cash -
credit cards not accepted)
ATTENTION COMPUSERVE and ZIFFNET users: you may register your copy
of Professional Video Poker directly through CompuServe. To
register on-line, use the go command GO CIS:SWREG and enter Registration
ID #2584. The cost is the same and will be billed automatically to
your Compuserve Account. You should still send us a completed
registration form for our files.
REGISTRATION FORM:
==================
Please fill out and print the Registration Form. This form is located
inside Professional Video Poker for Windows (tm) and is accessed by
clicking the Register Button on the About Window. This form is
important and should be sent in with each registration.
Send your check for $29.95 and your completed Registration Form to:
Bitwise Software International, Inc.
Attn: Jay J Falconer
901 West Hononegh Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(602) 582-4468
WHAT YOU GET BY REGISTERING:
============================
a) A special encrypted license file which will give you access to the
restricted areas of the game. You will be able to access the
save/restore game features, the edit payoffs feature, the
reset stats feature, and the set cards feature.
b) Be placed on our preferred customer mailing list & receive priority
notifications of new versions, new software, & special
promotions.
c) Registered users receive special discounts on all future versions of
Professional Video Poker for Windows (tm) and on all new
products.
d) Free on-line support on CompuServe via e-mail as well as free call-in
phone support.
e) Piece of mind that you are an honest shareware user.
Please help keep the spirit of shareware alive! Registrations are the
ONLY income from these products.
Hundreds of hours of time & effort have gone into this software and
we hope honest shareware users will show their support & appreciation
through their registrations.
OUR OTHER SOFTWARE
==================
If you like Professional Video Poker for Windows, you should obtain
a copy of our other casino game for Windows called Ultima 21
Blackjack for Windows. It is also a shareware windows game and
should be available from the the same source you obtained this game
from. If not, try a shareware source such as CompuServe Windows Fun
Forum, The Software Labs, Public Brand Software, and many, many
others.
Ultima 21 Blackjack is no ordinary blackjack game. It allows you
to control everything! You can customize the: casino to play in,
its rules, the number of decks, the number of players, the dealer
at your table, the card count system, the playing strategy, what
drink you would like, whos playing in the various lounges and
show rooms, and the list goes on and on. Try it, you will really
enjoy this "full casino experience".
SPECIAL THANKS
==============
Special thanks goes to Stephen Murphy, author of the FREEWARE card
drawing routines (can be found on Compuserve). His outstanding work
and support helped make this product's card drawing faster and
more colorful.
Also, we would like to thank the dozen or so excellent beta testers
who have taken the time to completely test and evaluate this program.
Their many bug reports, suggestions, and general comments were, in
no small way, of great help to us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVISION HISTORY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/01/94 - Version 1.0
=====================
First Version released with all major features. Very stable for a
first release.
5/31/94 - Version 1.1
=====================
Fixed bugs in hand recognition routines. Now correctly identifies
a Wild Card Full House and a Wild Card Royal Flush. This was a
problem in the Dueces Wild Games Only - Joker Wild Games were
working OK. The routines were not seeing the Dueces as a wild
card for these particular hands. They now work properly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/30/94
KNOWN PROBLEMS:
===============
S3 Video Drivers:
-----------------
Microsoft Visual Basic Versions 2.0 and 3.0 are not fully compatible
with certain S3 Video Drivers. You may experience "out of memory or
resources" problems as well as unexpected application errors while
using ANY Visual Basic program with these type of video drivers.
These problems are NOT under the control of Professional Video Poker for
Windows (tm) or any other Visual Basic program and only Microsoft
and the video driver Companies can correct the problem. Please
contact Microsoft (Compuserve forum MSBASIC+) and your video
driver Company.
If you use the Super or regular VGA Video Drivers supplied with
Windows 3.1, all Visual Basic programs should work properly.
=======================================
POSSIBLE "OUT OF MEMORY" ERROR SOLUTION
=======================================
In the January 24, 1994 issue of Info World, Brian Livingston has
written in his weekly Windows column on a cure for what he calls
"the most important cause of Windows instability." The instability
is reflected in messages such as "Out of memory", "This application
has violated system integrity", or "Application error" which happen
even when plenty of memory and resources are available. It occurred
to me that this may be related to some of the random problems that
users are experiencing with WPWin 6.0, so I am summarizing his
column here.
The solution to the problem is to insert a single line into the [386
Enhanced] section of your SYSTEM.INI file, reading:
MaxBPs=768
"MaxBPs" is an abbreviation for "maximum breakpoints." Breakpoints
are small pieces of memory, about 10 bytes each, that Windows uses
to save the state of a "virtual machine" (VM). All Windows
applications run in a single VM, and each DOS session runs in its
own VM. Windows applications may also create additional VMs for
various reasons.
Normally, Windows allocates 4K of RAM for breakpoints, which means
that 358 breakpoints are set up when it starts. Windows immediately
uses about 200 of these, leaving about 158 remaining. It is
possible that in a long Windows sessions these could get used up,
causing the strange errors described above.
Setting MaxBPs to any number from 359 to 768 uses an additional 4K
of RAM. The number could be set higher (up to 1,177) at the cost of
yet another 4K.
(please let the Author know if this "possible solution" works on your
machine. That way we can track the results and relay them to other
customers with similar problems. Thanks.)
==========================================================================
Professional Video Poker For Windows (tm) LICENSE AGREEMENT
==========================================================================
Your use of Professional Video Poker For Windows (tm) indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in the sections
to follow.
Professional Video Poker For Windows (tm) ("the Software") is a
Windows 3.1 shareware video poker game licensed by Bitwise Software
International, Inc. ("BSI") from the Author, Jay J. Falconer.
This copyrighted Software is NOT FREEWARE or PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE.
SHAREWARE LICENSE
=================
You are entitled to distribute the ENTIRE UNMODIFIED contents of the
distribution package to anyone you wish, free of charge. You may NOT
distribute any other programs that utilizes the Software without
obtaining a Registered User License for the Software from BSI.
For a period of no more than 30 days, you may use, test, & duplicate
the enclosed version of the Software. Thereafter, if you wish to
continue using the Software, you must register the Software with BSI,
or else you must cease all use of the Software. You will violating
U.S. copyright laws if you fail to register with BSI and continue to
use this Software for more than 30 days.
Continued use of this program without registration is a violation
of 17 United States Code, sections 101 through 810. This carries
severe financial penalties including but not limited to fines of
up to $50,000 per violation.
REGISTERED USER LICENSE
=======================
If you pay the registration fee for the Software to BSI, BSI will
grant you a non-exclusive license to use ONE copy of the Software
regardless if the owner of the license is a person or a business
("the Licensee"). For each registration fee paid, the Licensee
is permitted to use ONE copy of the Software on ONE computer by ONE
person.
In addition, the Licensee may distribute the Shareware Version of
the Software, free of charge, provided the ENTIRE UNMODIFIED
contents of the Shareware Version of the Software package is
distributed.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, may a Registered User distribute or
otherwise make available the PVPOKER.LIC file to any other
person or organization.
SHAREWARE VENDORS
=================
Shareware vendors who wish to charge a small fee for distribution
of the Software must obtain prior written approval from BSI. BSI
will provide the latest copy of the Software and also provide the
vendor with full instructions on BSI's requirements for shareware
distribution.
LIMITED WARRANTY
================
The Software is distributed and licensed under an "as is" basis.
For a period of 30 days from the date that you pay the registration
fee, you may return all materials provided by BSI, destroy any and
all copies of the Software and documentation you have made and then
you will receive a refund of your registration fee minus a $10
restocking charge, provided that all the materials are returned
and they are undamaged. If the materials are damaged, your refund
will be deducted for the replacement costs of the damaged materials.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
========================
BSI makes no claims as to the suitability of the software for any
specific purpose. EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED ABOVE,
BSI DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR ANY SPECIFIC PURPOSE. The Limited Warranty stated
above gives you specific legal rights, but you may have other
rights which may vary from state to state.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
=======================
In no event shall BSI be liable for any damages whatsoever
arising out of the use of the Software, including without
limitation any direct, indirect or consequential damages or
any damages for business interruption, loss of profits, loss
of information, or any pecuniary loss even if BSI has been
notified of the possibility of such damages. The limitation
or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential
damages may not be allowed in some states, and in these states
those particular prohibited limitations do not apply.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
======================
Should you have problems with the Software, BSI's entire
liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at BSI's
discretion, either (a) to repair or replace the Software,
or (b) to terminate the License and send you a refund of
your registration fee minus a restocking charge, provided that
all materials are returned undamaged. If the materials are
damaged your refund will be deducted for the replacement
costs of the damaged materials.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
=====================
Professional Video Poker (tm) is protected by the copyright
laws of the United States, and by the copyright laws of many
other countries pursuant to international treaties. Copyright
(c) 1993-94, All Rights Reserved, Bitwise Software International,
Inc.
No portion of the Software, documentation or examples may be
copied, stored, or transmitted except as provided for by the
License.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
=====================
Professional Video Poker for Windows (tm) is a trade marked name
held by Bitwise Software International, Inc. under the approval
of Jay J. Falconer of Phoenix Arizona (the Author).