Software of the Month Club 1998 March

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INI File | 1997-05-23 | 36KB | 852 lines

[SOLSUITE] Solitaire Suite Help ================================================================= This program is a graphical front end for the Solitaire Suite collection. To play a game simply click the left mouse button on one of the cute little game buttons. The middle mouse button (or the left and right mouse buttons pressed simultaneously) will blank the screen. The 'About' button gives some very important registration info, allows you to print out a registration form, and provides an easy way to convert the shareware version to a registered version (or vice versa). Register ... This button brings up a screen where you can enter a registration code that will convert the shareware version of Solitaire Suite to a registered version (getting rid of the "registration reminder" screen). Print Registration Form Click on this button to print a registration form, which you can simple fill out and send in ... The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. OK: Saves your preferences to the SOLSUITE.DAT data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [CALC] How To Play Calculation ================================================================= Calculation Solitaire is a game of skill and luck. You begin with an ace, two, three, and four as the start of four foundations to be built up to kings. You may build without regard for color or suit -- only the rank of each card is important. Each foundation is built in a different sequence, as follows: A,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,J,Q,K 2,4,6,8,10,Q,A,3,5,7,9,J,K 3,6,9,Q,2,5,8,J,A,4,7,10,K 4,8,Q,3,7,J,2,6,10,A,5,9,K Cards are removed from the deck one at a time, and may be played on a foundation, or on any one of four wastepiles. Cards on the wastepiles can be moved to the foundations at any time, but cannot be moved from pile to pile. The game is won by moving all cards to the foundations. If the "Easy Mode" option is enabled, you can place cards onto the three extra card spaces that appear to the right of the four main piles. Each of these extra spaces can hold only one card each -- they're meant to be used as a temporary holding area only. Use of this option should improve your chances! Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- In general, you want to try building descending sequences on the wastepiles, as much as the luck of the draw will allow. You will need to be careful of laying a king on any lower card, because once covered, the lower card cannot be accessed until the king is removed (in other words, until at least one foundation has been completed). Likewise, avoid laying cards of the same rank on the same pile where possible, though situations will occur in which this is necessary. Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. The right mouse button is used to de-select a card, and the middle mouse button (with a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Assist: When this is set 'On' the next card in each foundation sequence will be displayed above the foundations to prompt you for the next card. Session Statistics: When this is 'On' you will be shown your stats for the current session when you exit the game. You may also see your stats at any time (whether or not Session Stats are enabled) by clicking the score box. Easy Mode: When this is set 'On' then four extra card spaces will be available for play (see discussion above). Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Undo ----------------------------------------------------------------- Calculation has a ten-level undo feature that you can access by clicking on the 'Undo' button. This opens up some interesting strategy options, as well as allowing you to recover from the inevitable 'Oops, I didn't mean to do that' mistakes. Same Hand Button ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you click on the 'Same Hand' button, the current game will be lost and the cards will be re-dealt and you'll have another chance at the same hand. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower right corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of cards you have moved to foundations) and statistics on the number of games you have played, the number of games you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game if you have a score greater than four. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [CONCEN] How To Play Concentration ================================================================= Concentration is among the simplest of solitaires, yet it offers a new challenge each time it is played. The game is begun with the cards spread out face-down, and you have the task of removing pairs of matching cards, regardless of suit. You can select cards in any order you desire. When you find a pair, the cards will be removed, otherwise they will be turned back over and you can try again. The object of the game is to remove the entire deck in as few moves as possible. Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. If a card is selected it will be turned face-up. The middle mouse button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Multi-Player Mode: See the 'Multi-Player Mode' screen for a description of this option. Quick Deal: Setting this 'On' increases the speed of the initial deal. Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Multi-Player Mode ----------------------------------------------------------------- When the 'Multi-Player Mode' option is enabled, the game will keep statistics for more than one player. At the beginning of each game you will be asked to select the name of the current player. At this time you will also have the opportunity to add a new player or delete an old player from the list. The program will keep separate statistics for each player, as well as allowing a custom set-up (background color, etc) for each player. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower left corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of attempts you've made to remove cards), statistics on your best and worst games, the number of games you have played, and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game. Note: You can only select 'New' or 'Quit' when the score is zero. At any other time you will be told that you have to finish the current game. If you really want to exit, you can press the F10 key to abort the game. If you do so, the current game will not count. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [ID] How To Play Idiot's Delight ================================================================= Idiot's Delight is a one-deck solitaire also known as 'Aces Up'. The game is deceptively simple, but maddeningly difficult to win. It is begun by dealing a row of four cards, from which you discard any card that is lower than another card of the same suit (with aces ranking above kings). Only the top card in each pile is available for play. If the "easy mode" is enabled, you can also discard a card if it is lower than the card it is stacked on (and if the cards are of the same suit). For example, if a pile contained 6,9,K, and Q, the Q could be discarded because it is lower in value and of the same suit as the K which it partially covers. This option really increases the strategy required, and gives you a slightly better chance to win ... try it! When no more discards can be made, deal another row of four cards on the remainder of the previous deal, then remove cards as before. If a whole pile is removed, you can move a card from the top of another pile into the empty space. The game is won if only the four aces remain at the end, the remainder of the deck having been discarded. Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- Idiot's Delight is a tough game, whether or not the "easy" mode is on. This is one of those games that you'll need a lot of luck to win, regardless of your skill. That said, there are a few things you can do that may improve your chances: - Turn on the "move alert", and pay attention to it! - Move aces to the bottom of piles as soon as you can. - Try to create a space as soon as possible, and keep it free for as long as you can. - Make liberal use of the "Undo" button. :) Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. If a card is selected (and it's a valid move), the card will be immediately removed. The middle mouse button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). The deck is dealt by clicking on the card back. When the deck is exhausted, and no more discards can be made, click on the 'New Game' or 'Quit' buttons to concede defeat. The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Session Statistics: When this is 'On' you will be shown your stats for the current session when you exit the game. You may also see your stats at any time (whether or not Session Stats are enabled) by clicking the score box. Assist Option: When this is 'On' you will be advised of when more moves are possible. Easy Mode: Allows you to remove 'stacked' cards (see discussion of this option above). Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Undo ----------------------------------------------------------------- Idiot's Delight has a ten-level undo feature that you can access by clicking on the 'Undo' button. This opens up some interesting strategy options, as well as allowing you to recover from the inevitable 'Oops, I didn't mean to do that' mistakes. Same Hand Button ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you click on the 'Same Hand' button, the current game will be lost and the cards will be re-dealt and you'll have another chance at the same hand. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower right corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of cards you have discarded) and statistics on the number of games you have played, the number of games you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [MC] How To Play Monte Carlo ================================================================= Monte Carlo Solitaire is played on a tableau of five rows and five columns. The object of the game is to remove pairs of cards of the same rank (eg: 3 of hearts and 3 of spades). The pair need not be the same color, but need to be situated adjacent to each other on the tableau, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. If you need an example of this, select the 'Hint' button, which will step you through each possible pair in the tableau, which should give you an understanding of how the game works. Once you have removed all possible pairs, the tableau must be consolidated. That is, all blank spaces are filled by moving the remaining cards (keeping them in the same order they were dealt), and then dealing new cards into the blank positions at the bottom of the tableau. This is done by selecting the 'Deal' button. At this point you again remove all possible pairs from the tableau, then consolidate and deal again. Keep doing this until no more pairs can be removed. The game is won by removing the entire deck from the tableau. If you reach an impasse, select the 'New Game' button to give up. Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- There is not a great deal of strategy to this game -- you're pretty much stuck with the luck of the draw. One tactic that *may* help is to make pairs on the diagonal and vertical axis', and save the side-by-side pairs for last. Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. The right mouse button is used to de-select a card, and the middle mouse button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. SessionStats: When this is set 'On' you will be shown your statistics for the current session when you exit the program. You can also check your stats at any time (whether or not Session Stats are enabled) by clicking on the score box. Move Alert: When this is 'On' a message saying 'More Moves' will be displayed in the deck box when more moves are possible. Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Undo ----------------------------------------------------------------- Monte Carlo has an 'undo' feature that allows you to ttake back' your moves. This function is activated by clicking the 'Undo' button. The undo feature can only undo the moves you've made since your last deal. So once you click the 'Deal' button, the undo buffer is cleared, and those moves are final. Note also that when you undo a move, your score is decreased by two. Same Hand Button ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you click on the 'Same Hand' button, the current game will be lost and the cards will be re-dealt and you'll have another chance at the same hand. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box shows the Score (the number of cards you have removed) and statistics on the number of games you have played, number you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game. Note: If the score is zero and you select the 'New Game' or 'Quit' buttons, the statistics will not be updated. This allows you to evaluate the layout of the cards at the beginning of each game and 'chicken out' without having it count against you. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [MO] How To Play Midnight Oil ================================================================= Midnight Oil is a solitaire card game also known as 'La Belle Lucie' and 'Three Shuffles and a Draw'. At the beginning of the game, the deck is dealt into eighteen fans of three cards each. The object of the game is to move the four aces, as they become available, to the foundations along the bottom of the screen, which are then built up in suit to king. Only the top card of each fan is available for play. The fans may be built down in suit, taking a card from the top of one fan and moving it to another. You are allowed to re-shuffle the deck twice and draw a submerged card once. The drawn card may then be placed on any legal fan or foundation. Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- Midnight Oil offer ample opportunity for skillful play. It wouldn't be too far off the mark to say that the vast majority of the hands are winnable, given enough patience. One technique to improve your winning percentage is to look carefully at the layout before beginning, and simply not attempting any hand that appears un-winnable. The most obvious thing to look for is low cards (such as A-2-3) under Kings. Also don't be shy about using the "undo" key to try out different strategies. (Yes, some people may regard this as cheating, but it sure does improve your chances!) Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or options (the buttons along the right side of the screen) by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. The right button is used to de-select a card or to exit the 'Peek' and 'Draw' functions. The middle button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen. The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Auto Mode: When this is 'On', the program will make all plays from the fans to the foundations automatically. The only exception is at the start of a new game, when auto mode is temporarily disabled until the first card is moved to a foundation. This allows you to evaluate the layout before beginning a game. Auto Mode Speed: This allows you to adjust the amount of time between moves when auto mode is enabled. The slowest setting is 'single-step' mode, which requires a mouse click between each move. Session Statistics: When this is 'On' you will be shown your stats for the current session when you exit the game. You may also see your stats at any time (whether or not Session Stats are enabled) by clicking the score box. Trefoil Option: 'Trefoil' is the name of a variation of Midnight Oil in which the game is begun with the aces already in place, making the game a bit easier to win. Replay Option: When this is 'On' you'll be asked, after each loss, whether you would like to replay that game. Easy Mode: When this is 'On' the program will use an 'easy' algorithm when shuffling the deck. Basically, this will assure that lower cards will be above higher cards of the same suit within each fan. If this option is set 'Off' the shuffling will be completely random. Challenge Scoring: When this is 'Off' the game will use the standard scoring method, where each card counts as one point. When set 'On', an alternate scoring method is used, where you get five points for each card, plus an additional five points for each card in a 'run' of more than one card. In addition, you can earn 'bonus' points by not using all the shuffles or draws: Shuffles Left Draws Left Bonus ------------- ---------- ----- 0 1 250 1 0 500 1 1 750 2 0 1000 2 1 2000 Move Alert: When this is 'On' a little box will be displayed below the 'Quit' button. It will say 'Moves!' in bright red if a fan-to-foundation move is possible, dark red if a fan- to-fan move is possible, or 'No Moves' in dark gray if no more moves are possible. Note: Just because more moves are possible doesn't mean that they will necessarily do you any good ... use your own judgement here. Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower right corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of cards you have moved to foundations), the number of shuffles and draws you have left, and statistics on the number of games you have played, the number of games you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the MO.DAT data file and are updated at the end of each game. Note: If you have not moved any cards to the foundations and you select the 'New Game' or 'Quit' buttons, the stats will not be updated. This allows you to evaluate the cards at the beginning of each game and 'chicken out' without having it count against you. Note: In addition to the normal 'auto' mode, the program also features a sort of 'manual-auto' mode, in which you can click on a foundation and the next available card(s) will be played onto that foundation. Note: If 'Challenge Scoring' is enabled, you might want to disable 'Auto Mode', to give you a chance to line up long runs of cards and get a higher score. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [OSMOSIS] How To Play Osmosis ================================================================= Osmosis is a one-deck solitaire also known as 'Treasure Trove'. The game is begun by dealing four piles of four cards each into a column along the left of the screen. These piles form the reserve, and the top card of each is available for play. After dealing the reserve, one card is dealt to the right of the top reserve pile. This card forms the basis for the first foundation. Put other cards of the same rank, as they become available, in a column below the first to form the other foundations. The remainder of the deck is dealt three cards at a time, the top card of which is always available for play. Foundations are built in suit, regardless of order. On the first foundation, any card of the same suit may be be built as soon as it becomes available. On each lower foundation, a card may be built only if a card of the same rank has been built on the foundation above. After turning all cards from the deck in batches of three, the deck may be redealt as often as needed, until either the game is won, or an impasse is reached. The game is won by moving all cards to the foundations. Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- Osmosis is a rather difficult game, and requires a good deal of concentration (not to mention a bit of luck) to win consistently. You should examine the layout carefully before beginning, to get a clear idea of what cards you're looking for, and to recognize (and perhaps work around) possible blocks. Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. If a card is selected, it will be moved immediately (if possible) to the appropriate foundation. The middle mouse button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). The deck is dealt by clicking on the card back. When the deck is exhausted, click it once more to restore it, then start again. The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Peek: When this is set 'On' the reserve piles will be spread out so that all cards can be seen, allowing you to see possible blocks and giving you the chance to find a way around them before the game is lost. Session Statistics: When this is 'On' you will be shown your stats for the current session when you exit the game. You may also see your stats at any time (even if Session Stats are disabled) by clicking the score box. Darken Filled Foundations: When this is 'On', completed foundations will be 'darkened'. When this option is 'Off', foundations will be overwritten by the word 'COMPLETE'. Move Alert: When this option is set 'On', the program notify you if any more moves are possible by displaying a message above the deck saying 'Move Possible'. Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Undo ----------------------------------------------------------------- Osmosis has a ten-level undo feature that you can access by clicking on the 'Undo' button. Same Hand Button ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you click on the 'Same Hand' button, the current game will be lost and the cards will be re-dealt and you'll have another chance at the same hand. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower right corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of cards you have moved to foundations) and statistics on the number of games you have played, the number of games you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game if you have a score greater than one. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [RC] How To Play Royal Cotillion ================================================================= Royal Cotillion is a two-deck solitaire in which the object is to build four pairs of foundations up in suit by twos, with the left foundations starting at ace and building to queen, and the right foundations starting at two and building to king. The game is begun by dealing twelve cards into three rows of four cards each, forming the left wing of the tableau, and sixteen cards in four rows of four cards each forming the right wing of the tableau. The foundations are built between the left and right wings of the tableau. In the left wing, only the bottom card of each column is available for play, while all cards in the right wing may be played at any time. Spaces in the left tableau are never filled, while spaces in the right wing are filled immediately from the wastepile, or, if there is none, the deck. Cards are dealt one at a time from the deck, and may be played to a foundation or to the wastepile, the top card of which is always available for play. The game is won by moving all cards to the eight foundations, or lost if the entire deck has been dealt but no more moves can be made. Strategy ----------------------------------------------------------------- Royal Cotillion is not an especially difficult game, but it does require that you pay attention to where the cards fall. It is advisable, if you have a choice, to play from the left wing first, thus freeing up additional cards. In the right wing, you should not make a move merely because you can. It is better to wait to make a space until a desirable card to save turns up. Using The Mouse ----------------------------------------------------------------- You may select cards or on-screen buttons by using the mouse to point, and then clicking the left button once. The middle mouse button (if you're using a 3-button mouse) or the left and right buttons pressed simultaneously, will blank the screen (this is the 'boss key'). You may 'peek' at the deck or wastepile by positioning the cursor over the desired pile and clicking the right mouse button. The Options Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------- After selecting the 'Options' button, you have the chance to set your preferences for the following items: Sound: Setting this 'Off' will prevent the program from producing its normal array of beeps and noises. Automatic Dealing: If this is set 'On' then cards will be turned from the deck automatically. Session Statistics: When this is 'On' you will be shown your stats for the current session when you exit the game. You may also see your stats at any time (even if Session Stats are disabled) by clicking the score box. Move Alert: When this option is set 'On', the program notify you if any more moves are possible by displaying a message in the deck box saying 'Move'. Background Color & Border Color: Click on the up or down arrows to change the screen color to suit your tastes. Card Back: You can click on the card back to bring up another menu from which you can select from all available card backs. OK: Saves your preferences to the data file. Cancel: Exits without saving your preferences. Clear Stats: Resets your scoring statistics. Scoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Score Box located in the lower left corner of the screen shows the Score (the number of cards you have moved to foundations) and statistics on the number of games you have played, the number of games you've won (and percent won), and your average score. These statistics are kept in the data file and are updated at the end of each game. Auto Mode ----------------------------------------------------------------- This game has a 'semi-automatic' mode available to speed up the process of moving cards to the foundations. It is accessed by clicking on one of the foundations when the 'Select a card to move ...' message is displayed. The program will then make any available moves to that foundation, stopping only when no more moves are possible. While this mode is convienient, it is also a bit dangerous, in that the most advantagous move may not always be made. In general, priority is given to the left tableau first, then the right, then the deck, and finally the wastepile. For the lazier among us (the author included <grin>), there is also a little arrow button located between the deck and the wastepile, which, when clicked, will remove the top card from the deck (if it is face up), and move it to the wastepile. >> Refer to the SOLSUITE.TXT file for more details and for << >> information about how to register Solitaire Suite. << [END]