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The Best of Select: Games 9
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CD_1.iso
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dosgames
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mahjongg
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mahjongg.doc
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1993-07-07
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56KB
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┌────────┐ MAH JONGG ┌────────┐
│ ├┤ 3 │ Release 4.1 July 7, 1993 │ 0 0 8 │
│ ├┤ │ │ 0 0 │
│ ├┤ ├┤ │ Nels Anderson │ 0 0 │
│ ├┤ ├┤ │ 92 Bishop Drive │ 0 0 │
└────────┘ Framingham, MA 01701-6515 └────────┘
U.S.A.
Mah Jongg solitaire is based on an ancient Chinese game whose origins
are supposed to date back some 3000 years. This version has
similarities to solitaire played with cards and also with dominos since
it is played with tiles. When I first discovered the game my initial
impression was that the game would quickly become dull but having
played it for a while and having given it to friends we've all found
that it is quite addictive despite (or maybe because of) its apparent
simplicity.
The program requires an MS-DOS compatible PC that can run 640x350, 16
color graphics. Either EGA or VGA video cards are capable of handling
this video mode. If you're still running an older video card I'm
afraid the game won't work. (Apparently many people do not understand
the differences between EGA, CGA, VGA, MDA, etc.; basically, if you get
a screen full of letters blinking on and off when you try to run Mah
Jongg you don't have EGA and the game will not work on your system.)
When I originally wrote Mah Jongg I had never seen a game that used the
hi-res 16 color mode and I thought it would be nice if there was one.
This version also supports Hercules graphics mode. Since it's
monochrome it's not as pretty but the resolution is similar so it's not
bad. The type of video you have is automatically detected, so you
should not have to do anything to get the right mode.
I hadn't planned on doing any versions other than EGA, but Hercules
turned out to be so easy I figured, why not? Several people suggested
adding a monochrome EGA mode for laptop systems that have an EGA
compatible LCD or similar display. Since I'd already done all the work
of making monochrome look right for the Hercules version, this was easy
to add too. I don't have versions for other video adapters and I don't
have any plans for them since I don't consider any of the lower
resolutions adequate.
If your system won't automatically select the right video mode for some
reason, you can force a specific mode using DOS command line parameters
as follows:
mahjongg -h (forces Hercules graphics mode)
mahjongg -e (forces full color EGA graphics mode)
mahjongg -l (forces monochrome EGA graphics mode)
Under the Shareware system you may freely try out this program, but if
you continue to use it you are expected to register with the author and
pay the $15 (+ $2 S/H) registration fee. In return for your
registration you'll receive the latest version of the game with the
shareware notices removed, a setup program that allows you to
permanently set the game options, plus additional tile sets and board
layouts. There is also a "deluxe" version available which adds a
binder, printed manual and quick reference card. The "deluxe" version
is $22 (+ $4 shipping). Please note that all prices are U.S. dollars.
If you live in the U.K. you can register through Nildram Software.
Please print the file "UKORDER.TXT" for an order form all ready to go
or just send #12.95 to:
Nildram Software
82 Akeman Street
Tring
Herts HP23 6AF
When you register, please let me know what version you have and I'd
also be interested in knowing where you got it from. Please, make sure
to put your name and address on the letter! It's amazing how many
people don't do this. Or, you can use the instant registration form in
the file "ORDERFRM.TXT". Just copy the file to your printer using the
DOS copy command ("copy orderfrm.txt prn" will do it).
If you live outside the U.S., the best way to register appears to be by
using postal money orders. I've received these from quite a few
countries. In general, foreign checks are not accepted by U.S. banks
(Canadian checks are an exception, but please allow for the difference
in U.S. and Canadian dollars). EuroCheques, for example, are not
acceptable to the bank. You can also charge your registration to VISA
or MasterCard.
If you don't understand the term "Shareware" please read the file
"SHAREWRE.TXT".
If you have any suggestions or discover any problems with the program
you can reach me via the )(evious BBS (PCBoard) system (supports
300/1200/2400/9600/14400/16800, HST/v.32, 8N1) at 508-875-3618. Leave a
C)omment to the sysop to reach me. )(evious is the official support BBS
for all my software and the latest versions are always available for
downloading there. There is also a support conference for people to
exchange game tips or ask questions. J)oin conference #31 and check out
the latest tips. Also check B)ulletin #1 for the latest versions list.
You can registered Mah Jongg while on Xevious using your VISA or
MasterCard. Once logged in, use the command "CREDIT" and just answer
the prompts.
You can also reach )(evious through RelayNet. If there's a RelayNet
board in your area send a routed message to me at node XEVIOUS. The
Shareware conference would be the best choice, but if that's not
available try Games or even Common.
I'm also available through CompuServe. Send email to me at 71020,2613.
Or join me and many other Shareware authors in the Shareware forum (GO
SHAREWARE). Internet users can reach me this way by using the address
71020.2613@compuserve.com.
Of course you can also write me at the address at the beginning of this
file. If you're not a registered user please include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope.
Most of the instructions you'll need for playing the game are built
into it; just type H when prompted at the title screen. Or you can
read the instructions below. There is quite a bit of strategy involved
if you are to do well but I'll leave the strategies up to you to
discover. Besides, I'm no expert in playing the game either.
*****************************************************************************
* PLAYING THE GAME *
*****************************************************************************
OBJECT
The object of the game is to remove as many of the tiles from the
playing board as possible within the rules of the game. Tiles are
always removed in pairs and can only be removed from the left or the
right edges. Any tile that is not on a left or right edge is considered
blocked and cannot be removed. Note though that the tiles are arranged
in 5 levels and each level has a left and right edge so there are many
more unblocked tiles than it would first appear. Note that the tile on
the top of the pile blocks all four tiles below it, and tiles on row 5
block both rows 4 and 6.
SUITS OF TILES
There are many different suits of tiles and the suit of a tile
determines the rule used for matching tiles that can be removed
together.
MATCHING RULES
Most of the tile suits require an exact match. This means that you must
match a tile to another that is exactly the same. For example a Bamboo
1 matches another Bamboo 1 but does not match a Bamboo 3 or a Dot 1.
The other matching rule allows any tile in the same suit to match any
other tile in that suit. Thus, any of the four seasons (SUM, AUT, WIN,
SPR) match each other and any of the four flowers (MUM, PLUM, BAM, ORC)
match each other.
NUMBER OF TILES
There is only one each of SUM, AUT, WIN, SPR, MUM, PLUM, BAM, and ORC.
There are four of each of the other tiles for a total of 144 tiles on
the board. A counter keeps track of how many tiles are left in play.
If you want to see what tiles you have removed so far, hit F2 or right
click on the Help button (though some might consider this cheating!).
ALTERNATE TILE SETS
Mah Jongg can be pl