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1993-05-22
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╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ Corporate Headquarters BBS (815) 886-3233 ║
║ (815) 886-9381 ║
║ ║
║ C A R D S H A R K S ║
║ v5.3 ║
║ ║
║ MULTI-BBS Support ║
║ Supporting PCBoard, Wildcat!, Gap, QBBS, RBBS, Spitfire, WWIV, ║
║ UltraBBS, Telegard, TriTel, and Remote Access ║
║ ║
║ Copyright 1993 ║
║ by Robert Neal ║
║ 317 Hickory Avenue ║
║ Romeoville, IL 60441 ║
║ ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
|Changes to this documentation file from the previous version are
|indicated by "|" in the left hand margin. This should make finding
|changes to the documentation much easier and faster for those upgrading
|from previous versions.
ATTENTION: Beginning with v5.0, the program incorporates new routines.
Those upgrading from a prior release should note the new format for the
configuration file. With these changes, the file BRUN45.EXE is no longer
needed.
Card Sharks is released as SHAREWARE. You are granted a limited license to
evaluate the program. Try it out, if you continue to use it you are required
to register the program.
To register the program send $15.00 along with your name and BBS phone # to:
Robert Neal, 317 Hickory Avenue, Romeoville, IL 60441.
The file CS.REG contained with this package must not be altered in anyway.
Doing so will result in the program failing to operate. Once you register
the program you will be given your own personalized CS.REG file which will
show that the program is registered. BBS name supplied with payment will
be the name 'imprinted' in the CS.REG file.
THIS SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING MATERIALS ARE DISTRIBUTED "AS IS" WITHOUT
CHARGE AND WITHOUT WARRANTY, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ANYONE INVOLVED WITH THE CREATION AND
PRODUCTION OF THIS PRODUCT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF ANY USE THEREOF OR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY.
Card Sharks is based on the TV show of the same name with some minor
variations. Each time the player is started with $200 to wager. He may
bet any amount he desires up to the amount in his bank. The rules of play
are pretty self explanitory and are displayed in the new player information
screen of the game itself therefore I will not cover them here.
In addition to the initial $200 bank, for each row the player advances
he is given another $200. On the last row the player is given the chance to
bet his winnings from the current game PLUS the winnings he started the
game with in his bankroll. The player must then bet atleast half of his
entire bank on the last row (and last card). Note that the player is only
given $200 each time he starts the game, he is not given his entire bankroll
to play the game, only for the final card.
On the final card, if the user hangs up without placing a wager on the top
card, the program will automatically take half of his bankroll. I've seen
where some users, in an attempt to play it safe, will hang up rather than
play out the last card (especially if it's an 7, 8, etc.). This should keep
the game more honest for everyone.
FEATURES OF CARD SHARKS
- Easy to install and requires no maintenance.
- Ansi color support.
- Terminates cleanly through exit code even on runtime error.
- Automatically creates a top score listing suitable for inclusion
as a text/bulletin file for display within your BBS.
- Detects loss of carrier.
- Operates in local mode (either direct from BBS or from command line).
- Sysop function keys to return to the board, chat mode, user stats,
increase/decrease time, etc.
- Direct support for PCBoard, WildCat!, Gap, QBBS, RBBS, WWIV,
Ultra BBS, Telegard, TriTel and Remote Access.
- Support for baud rates up to 115,200
| - Support for COM0-15. Optional command line for non-standard IRQ's.
- Supports PCBoard environment variables %PCBDRIVE% and %PCBDIR%
- Support Fossil Drivers. A Fossil driver is not required to use the
program.
- Fully Multi-Node compatible.
FIRST TIME OPERATIONS
If you are setting up a game for the first time you MUST pass the command
parameter "NEW" to the program so that it will create the necessary files,
ie. CS NEW. This is the only time that you need to pass this parameter,
but you may use it to restart a game before the monthly maintenance. Note
that passing the 'NEW' parameter will NOT cause the current high score file
TOPCS to be converted to the TOPOLD file.
The 'NEW' will wipe out all current files, so be sure you want to 'NEW'
the game before using it.
AUTOMATIC MAINTENANCE
The program will automatically during the first play of each new month
reset it's user file and top score listing. The previous months top score
|listing (TOPCS) will automatically be renamed to TOPOLD. This can then
be included as a text file to display the previous months winners.
You should be aware of this so if you are starting a new game for the
first time towards the end of the month, the game will automatically perform
the maintenace come the first of the month.
CONFIGURING THE PROGRAM
New with v5.1 is a program called CSCONFIG.EXE. You may use this program
to create and/or edit the configuration files. To use CSCONFIG, type
CSCONFIG CS.CFG. This editor will allow you to enter the appropriate
configuration editor within it's own full screen editor as well as edit
the CS.TXT file. Below is the layout of the CS.CFG file if you wish to
edit it manually.
C:\PCB\PCBOARD.SYS
Corporate Headquarters
Bob
Neal
3
100
NOBANKRUPT
Line 1 = Full pathname of your door file. Formats supported by this
program are: PCBOARD.SYS, USERS.SYS, DOOR.SYS, USERINFO.DAT,
CALLINFO.BBS, DORINFOx.DEF, SFDOORS.DAT and
CHAIN.TXT. When using USERINFO.DAT, DOOR.SYS
must be in the same directory as USERINFO.DAT.
Line 2 = BBS name
Line 3 = Sysop First Name
Line 4 = Sysop Last Name
Line 5 = number of times per day that a player may play the game
if you do not wish to limit the number of daily plays enter
a large number (999 for example). I would suggest the a daily
limit be used (3 is a good number to use) so as to prevent
some users from running up the scores.
Line 6 = Probability of a Joker being added to the deck. This is a new
option in v5.1. Enter 100 if you want 1 joker added (100%
probablility), enter 200 for 2 jokers or you may enter 50 to
have a 50% probability that a joker would be hit. Do not set
this value to high otherwise the users may get tired of
seeing the joker pop up. I recommend a value between 50-100.
Line 7 = Another new feature with v5.1. You can set the option to either
bankrupt the player (the entire bankroll is lost) or just the
turns remaining for that day if the joker is hit. Enter either
BANKRUPT or NOBANKRUPT - I recommend NOBANKRUPT.
Note: This door supports the PCBoard environment variables %PCBDRIVE%
and %PCBDIR%. Non-PCBoard systems may also use these variables by
including the following either in your BBS batch or AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
SET PCBDRIVE=C: <- Drive letter of your BBS files
SET PCBDIR=\BBS <- Path of your BBS files
Then, in your CS.CFG file, on the first line you may put:
%PCBDRIVE%%PCBDIR%\PCBOARD.SYS, %PCBDRIVE%%PCBDIR%\DOOR.SYS, etc.
This allows you to use just one .CFG file for multi-node operation.
EXECUTING PROGRAM
To execute the program, enter the filename followed by the config file
name (ie CS.EXE CS.CFG). If you are running the program from the command
line, you may optionally enter CS.EXE LOCAL. The only problem with this
is the default user name sysop is used instead of the name on your board.
This is good for testing the game before putting it on your system, but
you should once play begins, execute the program locally from your BBS or
consistantly run the game from the command line when you play.
You may also specify a non-standard IRQ. Put the IRQ number after the
.CFG on the command line. For example: CS CS.CFG /5. This example tells
the program to use IRQ 5 instead of the standard IRQ.
You may also use the procedure above and create a variable IRQ so that
you can pass the IRQ setting as: CS CS.CFG /%IRQ%
|Some users may have had conflicts when using non-standard IRQ's on
|Novell/Netware systems. Novell seems to use the "/" character for
|parameter passing. You may not optionally use the "*" character instead
|of the "/", for example CS CS.CFG *%IRQ% is valid. Both "*" and "/"
|will work.
You also have the option of running the game as 'stand alone' (without a
BBS). To do so, type CS.EXE NOBBS. You will now be prompted to enter
your name. This is useful for testing the program offline for sysops and
have had people find this useful to play as a non-BBS door.
FOSSIL DRIVER
=============
Card Sharks now includes support for FOSSIL drivers. This means that the
program will now work with Digiboard (for Wildcat M and PCBoard/M
versions) and other multi-port boards. To activate the Fossil driver
support just include /FD on the command line in your door batch file.
For example: CS CS.CFG /FD
If no Fossil driver is available, Card Sharks will display a message
indicating such and exit cleanly.
This documentation will not go into the mechanics of how you set-up a door
program on your BBS. It is assumed that you have a working knowledge of
how to complete this task.
SYSOP KEYS ACTIVE
F3 - Toggles the printer On/Off. Value is passed to PCBoard and/or
written to DOOR.SYS and USERS.SYS
F4 - Toggles the Page Bell on/off. Value is passed to PCBoard
and/or written to DOOR.SYS and USERS.SYS
F5 - DOS Shell. Allows SysOp to exit to DOS from inside a DOOR.
F7 - Toggles the Caller Alarm On/Off. Value is passed to PCBoard
and/or written to DOOR.SYS and USERS.SYS
F8 - Returns the caller involuntarily to the BBS.
F9 - Toggles the local display On/Off. Value is passed to PCBoard
and/or written to DOOR.SYS and USERS.SYS
F10 - Activates SysOp CHAT mode within the DOOR.
ESC - Deactivates CHAT mode. DOOR is resumed.
UP - Give the caller extra time while in the DOOR.
DN - Subtract time from the caller while in the DOOR.
HOME - HELP key for Status Line options.
ALT-N - SysOp next on toggle. Value passed to PCBoard. (PCBoard only)
ALT-X - PCBoard will exit after current caller logs off. Value is
passed to PCBoard. Not available on non-PCBoard systems.
FILES USED AND CREATED
CS.EXE - The program itself (may want to rename to CS.EXE)
CS.DOC - Documentation for the sysop to run Card Sharks
CS.REG - File which shows who 'owns' (registered) the game
MUST NOT BE ALTERED
CS.CFG - Configuration file
CS.TXT - Option text file with comments for winning and losing. This
file will only be read by REGISTERED versions of Card Sharks.
The following files will be created by Card Sharks
CARDSHRK.USR - User file of current players
|TOPCS - Top scores in ascii format can be used as a bulletin
|TOPCSG - Top scores in ansi format can be used as a bulletin
|TOP.CS - Top scores data file
|TOPOLD - Previous months ascii score listing, created at the
beginning of each new month
|TOPOLDG - Previous months ansi score listing, created at the
beginning of each new month
HISCORE.CS - Data file with name and amount of highest earnings ever.
THE GAME ITSELF
The game starts by displaying the Card Sharks opening screen (please do not
modify this or any other part of the game), and will ask the user if he
wants to use ANSI colors. While the BBS door info file passes the variable for
if a user has ANSI on or off, this gives those players a chance who may have
ANSI off for normal BBS useage to use ANSI colors while in the door.
From here, if the player is a new player he is informed of the rules of play
and his account in established. If he is a current player he will be shown
his player stats right away (last time on, bankroll, etc) and then play
will begin. The users stats are updated after each guess (right or wrong)
so as to prevent callers from disconnecting if the hit bankrupt on a bad
guess.
Play continues until the players bank account hits zero or the last card
is played. The top score listing is then updated with the new standings.
CONTACT ME FOR SUPPORT
If you encounter any problems you may contact me at Corporate Headquarters
BBS (815) 886-3233 or (815) 886-9381.
If you have any suggestions for improvements for this program, please feel
free to let me know. This game has included suggestions from users of my
BBS as well as the beta testing BBS.
VERSION HISTORY
Version 3.0 (02/15/89)
While Card Sharks has been available for play on my BBS for over a year,
this is the first attempt at releasing a completely standalone program for
others use.
Version 3.1 (03/01/89)
Fixed several bugs including a problem with the program in rolling over
the previous months scores. The game would rollover the scores fine the
first month, but subsequent rollovers caused the game to go into a
screeching halt. With this fix also comes improved error handling so that
if something else quirky does arise the program will exit gracefully back
to the BBS instead of just dieing.
Fixed a minor problem with the input of using 'H'alf of bank. If a person
had only $1 the program would round the bet down to zero. Now if the person
has only $1 left to wager, half the bet would be the $1 remaining.
Added a new file CS.REG which contains information on whom the program is
registered. Unregistered programs are given the default file that labels
the program as being unregistered. Failure to keep this program in the
same directory as the Card Sharks program itself or altering this file
will result in the game refusing to operate. This 'feature' makes it
very simple for me to pass along a registered 'copy' to those who register
as all I need to do is hand out their own personalized CS.REG file.
Version 3.2 (05/05/89)
Once again the problem with the previous months scoreboard rolling over
has appeared. Seems that the problem only occurs when a remote call is
the first call of the month. If the sysop was the first call (locally)
the rollover worked fine. I have once again reworked the code and hope
this is the final time to call out the pest control for this problem.
Changed the program so that the sysop must now pass the parameter 'new'
to initialize a new game. Passing the parameter 'NEW', ie. CS NEW,
will cause the game to create new data files for the game.
Also added some more color to the game by now displaying the card numbers
and suites in a different color than the card itself.
Version 3.3 (06/01/89)
The bug with the rollover still managed to appear, but this time it's
next to guaranteed that the monthly score rollovers will work without
fail. A conflict between my code and the CatPatch routines made it
difficult to uncover. This function has now been tested and retested to
ensure proper handling of the routine.
Expanded the scoreboard field to allow well over a ZILLION points to be
displayed. Yes, it happened, a real duel was underway with two players
rolling their scores into the zillions on my board.
Version 4.0 (09/22/89)
First off, there have been no problems reported with the monthly rollover
of the scoreboard. Told you is was nearly guaranteed that it would work
properly this time.
Added option to run as a non-BBS program (stand alone).
Enhanced the display to show actual suit cards (a club, heart, spade
and diamond) instead of 'C', 'H','S' and 'D' respectively if the user
selects ANSI graphics display.
Added multi-BBS support to allow Card Sharks to be run on PCBoard v14.x,
QBBS, RBBS 15.1c and of course Wildcat.
Recoded the card display option to update only the card changed. Previously
if a user changed the card after jumping to the next row the last card
on the previous row was also changed.
Found that some users would rather hang up after seeing the top card rather
than take a chance of loosing half their bankroll. Well that has now been
fixed in this version as the program will automatically take half their
bankroll if they decide to hang up instead of playing the card shown.
For those who are upgrading to the new version, you need not change anything
you now have set-up. Just copy the CS40.EXE file into the proper directory.
Version 4.1 (04/28/90)
Added support for WWIV (CHAIN.TXT) file format.
Revised scoreboard to include highest ever earnings in Card Sharks as
well as average earnings per play.
Added option where user can remain in door and play out as many turns
as he has left. For example if you allow 3 plays per day, the user no
longer is forced to return to the board after each play. If he has 1 or
more turns left for the day he is prompted if he wants to play another
round.
Again, if upgrading just copy the CS41.EXE file into the proper
directory.
Version 4.2 (Added support for Spitfire BBS)
Version 4.3 (08/13/90)
Limited release version for beta testing new routines for high speed HST
modems.
Version 4.4 (08/25/90)
Resolved problem with high speed modems (9600+ baud). Beta testers have
reported that program now operates fine at high speed modes.
Changed compiler to latest version, v4.5 of Quick Basic. Program now
requires use of patch BRUN45.EXE program. Program is distributed with
this program.
v4.5
Internal version, minor changes, never released.
v4.6 (08/04/92)
Revised I/O routines to accomodate changes to several file formats.
Revised I/O routines for RBBS systems. Seems the format has been
changed slightly when running local doors. Fixed problem, thanks to
Rob Engle for his assistance with resolving this problem.
Added new option, "B" for all but a BUCK. Many times, users will want
to bet almost all they have on a card (3,4,Q,K). This lets them bet all
but $1 of their total bank.
Revised scoreboard, deleting average $ per play and replaced with # of
plays and date last played. Helpful for users who are in competition
with another user to know if they have played recently.
Changed display character for the club if in color mode. Seems that the
Compuserve system uses that as their file transfer start character,
users who had AUTO COMPUSERVE ON were getting +0+0's popping up when the
club was displayed. The character selected isn't as "cute", but better
than +0's being displayed.
v5.0 (08/23/92)
Underwent a major upgrade in the I/O routines. This door now supports baud
rates up to 115,200 and COM1-4 (plus non-standard IRQ's). This should help
those who lock their baud rates at 38,400 and above. In addition, these new
routines should allow the program to be run under DesqView. Please note, those
who are upgrading from a prior version should review the new configuration
file format. This door is now released as a completely stand-alone
program, no longer requiring the BRUN45.EXE file.
v5.1 (10/18/92)
Many ideas have been suggested for improving Card Sharks. I've taken
several comments and implemented the following changes:
Added option to add a JOKER to the deck.
Added option to either BANKRUPT player or lose turns remaining for the
day if Joker is hit.
Added option for sysop to include their own WINNING and LOSING comments
in the file CS.TXT (registered version only)
Improvement in the screen displays.
Improved CHAT routine - now restores upon return.
Revised routines to not display scoreboard twice during replays.
Minor screen revisions.
Fixed problem with upper case input - now accepts both upper and
lower case input without a problem.
v5.2 (11/11/92)
New support for FOSSIL drivers (see section on FOSSIL DRIVERS above for
details).
Screen displays have again been optimized, screen displays are faster
than previous versions.
v5.3 (05/22/93)
Enhanced the top player scoreboard display as well as increased number
of players included in the scoreboard from 5 to 10. The bulletin
filenames have been changed, Card Sharks will automatically handle any
conversion of this file information the first time it is run. You may
need to change your bulletin information on your BBS to reflect these
new filenames, refer to documentation above for filename conventions.
DISTRIBUTION SITES:
As always you can find the latest version of Card Sharks available for
downloading from Corporate Headquarters BBS.
Calls for support for Card Sharks should be directed only to
Corporate Headquarters BBS.
Corporate Headquarters BBS (815) 886-3233 (14400 v.32bis)
886-9381 (14400 v.32bis)