January, 1994


Dear Word Game Player,

This is the  second  version  of the WORDY  word  construction game.   I had
programmed the first crude version some 4 years ago using the old Mix C (tm)
compiler.  That version  worked only with   a  monochrome  monitor, had very
limited features, and was  buggy. This  version is written in Turbo C++ (tm)
ver. 1.0 and TASM (tm), ver 2.0.  None of the specific C++ language features
are used with the exception of the double backslash remarks.

WORDY 2.0 will work  with either color  or monochrome monitors (use the  file
WORDYM.EXE for mono  systems).     The  word validity  checking is enormously
improved,  using a binary search algorithm to  check entered words  against a
94,000+ word dictionary [all the valid words that may be used in the Scrabble
(tm) word game, not including the 5000-odd words in the new Second Edition of
THE OFFICIAL SCRABBLE DICTIONARY  (tm)].     This  makes   WORDY    ideal for
practicing the word construction  and pattern recognition skills  used in the
Scrabble (tm) game.

The user interface and   the display, although  still    confined    to ANSI
graphics, are much improved.  The game is  easier and  more fun to  play and
most of the bugs from the first version have been eliminated.

Also included in this package is  a  standalone SEARCH  utility that permits
the user to check whether any particular word is in the game dictionary. See
the SEARCH.DOC file for usage instructions.

Now also included is an ANAGRAM utility. This permits entering a letter com-
bination and finding all valid words contained in it.

This game is Cheapware.  I  am asking for  a  voluntary   contribution  of a
very modest $2. If you do not feel that the result of my many hours of labor
merit $2, or if you truly cannot afford it (hard to believe), well, I  can't
prevent you from playing  and  enjoying the game  all the same.  If you  use
WORDY and fail to send me a contribution, I will not put a curse  upon  you,
nor will I even feel   particularly bad about  it, much less  hold a grudge.
Feel free to send my  suggestions  for improvement,     criticism,   advice,
encouragement, brickbats (but no proposals of marriage, please), even if you
have not enclosed the MODEST (hint, hint) contribution.

A slightly larger $3.50 contribution will get you the next major update sent
to you at no extra charge. A huge $8.00 contribution gets you all the source
code, compilable in Turbo C  and  TASM,  for you  to modify to your  heart's
content and the next update.

Now for a commercial  for  myself.   If  you  are at  all impressed with the
programming effort,  not to mention style poured into this game,  and if you
know of any career opportunities for an entry-level C programmer, please let
me know.  I have been unhappily slaving  at a non-computer related trade for
eons and would welcome the chance to  career-change  to  programming or  any
other computer-related profession (I   proudly mention  that   I    have  NO
professional credentials...I'm self-taught).  You   would  earn   my undying
gratitude, not to mention a lifetime exemption from paying  for this and any
previous and future programming efforts of mine.

Oh,  yes.   I  formally  disclaim  responsibility   for any damage,  direct,
indirect, or incidental that  the use  of the program may cause. The program
will not, to the best of my  knowledge, cause any harm to the computer it is
run on, but it  can be addictive to  the  user, resulting in  damage to  the
person's career and/or relationships.  Warning:  it is a fun game, but is no
substitute for Real  Life (this may  not  hold true  for  the  next version,
though).

Yours sincerely,


M\Cooper
Route 1, Box 204
Grantsville, MD 21536-9801
--------------------------
Email: thegrendel@aol.com

P.S. My stepson, Mike Dumler, deserves much credit for his many helpful 
     suggestions and for beta-testing the game.  A portion of all 
     contributions received will be set aside for his college education.

---
Scrabble (tm) and THE OFFICIAL SCRABBLE DICTIONARY (tm) are trademarks of the 
Selchow and Righter Co.

Turbo C++ (tm) and TASM (tm) are trademarks of Borland International.

Mix C (tm) is a trademark of Mix Software.

The executables for WORDY have not been copyrighted and are herewith released 
into the Public Domain for all lawful purposes.  You may copy this archive 
and give it to friends, but you are asked not to publish modified versions of 
it without my express permission.