		      ======================   
			  Dr. BLACKJACK:
			 The User's Guide
		      ======================

		  Copyright 1994, E. Perlman and L. Illion


Your diskette should contain the following files:
BJREAD.ME -- Information for installing and quick play of Dr. BLACKJACK
BLACKJ.EXE -- The blackjack program itself.
BJ.DAT -- Stores default options and other data.
BJUSER.TXT -- Text file form of this document.
BJSETUP.EXE -- Program to set up and install Dr. Blackjack.
SW.DOC -- Shareware information used by program.
REGISTER.TXT -- Registration and ordering information.
REGISTER.FRM -- Registration form.

			  DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO
PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED. BECAUSE OF THE VARIOUS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENTS 
INTO WHICH THIS PROGRAM MAY BE PUT, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTI-
CULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. GOOD DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE DICTATES THAT 
ANY PROGRAM BE THOROUGHLY TESTED WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING
ON IT. THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE PROGRAM. ANY
LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACE-
MENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

	   ==== Dr. Blackjack: The User's Guide====

	Contents                                                Page

Introduction ................................................     1

Installing Dr. BLACKJACK.....................................     1

Quick Play...................................................     2

The Options Table
      Explanation ..........................................      3
      Setting the options...................................      3       
      The Options:
	   Number of Decks..................................      3
	   Playing Strategies...............................      3
	   Betting Strategies...............................      3
	   Shuffle Type.....................................      4
	   Show Shuffle?....................................      5
	   Location of shuffle..............................      6
	   Resplitting?.....................................      6
	   Late surrender?..................................      7
	   Double after split?..............................      7
	   Minimum Bet......................................      7
	   Maximum Bet......................................      7
	   Opening Bankroll.................................      7
	   Betting Unit.....................................      7

Cutting the Deck............................................      8
Placing your bet............................................      8
Insurance...................................................      8
Playing your hand...........................................      8
      Hit...................................................      9
      Stand.................................................      9
      Double................................................      9
      Split.................................................      9
      Surrender.............................................      9
      Help..................................................      9

A Word about the Help Window................................      9


	       **Introduction**
		      
Dr. BLACKJACK is a complete fast-paced single-player casino 
game for any level blackjack player.

If you are a beginner, you can use the program just to practice 
playing the game.  Dr. BLACKJACK keeps track of your bets and 
your bankroll and will not let you spend more than you have.  
Also, it will not allow you to make any plays that are "illegal."  Any 
time you are unsure of the "appropriate" play or bet, you can press 
the help function key (F1 key) and the Help Window will advise 
you.  Dr. BLACKJACK can teach you a betting strategy 
("Takedown Strategy") which does not require cardcounting. (See 
"Takedown Strategy" in this manual for more details).

If you are a serious player trying to improve your cardcounting or 
shuffle-tracking skills, Dr. BLACKJACK will allow you to simulate 
the casino (and even the table) of your choice.  Several variations of 
nonrandom shuffle produce a statistically realistic casino game. By 
pressing the help function key (F1 key), you can instantly view the 
running count, true count, cards and decks played, and the 
appropriate bet in the Help Window.  The actual formulas used to 
obtain these numbers are shown as well.  If you are practicing 
shuffle-tracking, Dr. BLACKJACK's help function can help you 
count and follow the picks.  The help function also supports 
advanced cardcount-based playing strategies which rely on index 
numbers.


	       **Installing Dr. BLACKJACK**

Dr. BLACKJACK requires the ANSI.SYS device driver, a DOS file 
which provides a set of codes for cursor control. This file comes 
with your DOS operating system, but to activate it, it must be 
installed in your CONFIG.SYS file which is in your main directory.

To set up the ANSI.SYS file and to copy Dr. BLACKJACK onto 
your hard disk, you must use the setup program on your Dr. 
BLACKJACK diskette. To do this, place your  diskette into your 
disk drive.

If you are using drive A, type:

a:setupbj   [and press ENTER]

The program will first ask if you wish to install Dr. BLACKJACK 
on your hard disk. If you type Y, Dr. BLACKJACK will be installed 
in a directory called BJ.

If you do not wish to install Dr. BLACKJACK on your hard disk, 
type N.



			       1

The setup program then checks to see if your ANSI driver is 
installed. If it already is, the program types "Your ANSI driver is 
already installed." If the ANSI driver is not installed, you are asked 
whether the program should automatically install it. Type Y at this 
point.

If the setup program is successful, it will type: 
  **ANSI.SYS Installed.
  **Re-BOOT TO USE!
  **Remove Dr. BLACKJACK diskette!

You then must turn off your computer or re-boot  (or press RESET).


		    **Quick-Play**
		      
If you do not want to set all the options, you can play Dr. 
BLACKJACK right away using a set of default options.  Here's 
how to do it:

1. If you have not installed the ANSI driver, you must do so first. 
See above section (Installing Dr. BLACKJACK).

2. Boot the system (start up your computer) from a DOS disk or 
hard disk drive as you normally do.

3. If you have already installed Dr. BLACKJACK on your hard 
disk, type:

cd\bj  [and press ENTER. Then type:]
blackj  [and press ENTER]

4. Now follow instructions on screen.
============

If you do not have a hard disk or have not installed Dr. 
BLACKJACK on it, you must do the following:

1. Insert Dr. BLACKJACK diskette into drive A.
						      
2. If you have a hard disk, you will see the C> prompt.

   Type:
 
   A: [press Enter]

3. You should then see an A> prompt.

4. Type:

   blackj [press Enter]

5. Now follow the instructions on the screen.



			   2                                                                
				    
	     **The Options Table**
		     
By setting the choices in the Options Table, you control all three 
aspects of your blackjack game:

	1) The house (and table) rules
	2) Your playing and betting strategies
	3) Your bankroll (balance)

To change the Option Table choices, you use only the four arrow 
keys on your keyboard.  The up and down arrow move the red 
cursor up and down the option rows. When the red (vertical) 
cursor is on the appropriate row, use the left and right arrows to 
move the blue (horizontal) cursor to change your selection.

When you are finished making your changes, press Enter.  Your 
choices will then be stored with your name on the disk.  The next 
time you play (using the same first name), these same options will 
appear in the table.  If you then want to change any selections, use 
the arrow keys.  If no changes are needed, just press Enter.

(Note: Up to five different first names of players and corresponding 
sets of Option Table choices are allowed.  If you try to store any 
more names, the last name entry will be deleted and replaced with 
the new name.) 

Here is some detailed information on each of the option selections:

* NUMBER OF DECKS.  Based on the casino you wish to simulate, 
you can select the number of decks.  Note that this number may 
determine what other options you may choose.  For instance, if you 
choose to play with one deck, you will be allowed to select only the 
"Vegas Single" or "Northern Nevada Single" playing options.

* PLAYING STRATEGIES.  Playing strategies are methods you use 
to decide how you play your hand (that is, to hit, stand, double, 
split or surrender).  Basic playing strategy is based on the value of 
the cards in your hand and the value of the dealer's up card.  The 
rules of play in various casino locations also alter the best choice of 
play.  

Dr. BLACKJACK help functions include four different basic 
playing strategies.  (For details and tables showing how these 
strategies are derived, see Dr. BLACKJACK: A Companion Manual 
for the Serious Player.)

* BETTING STRATEGIES.  Betting strategies are the methods you 
use to decide now much to bet on each hand.  Dr. BLACKJACK 
help functions include three betting strategies:

     ---Cardcounting Strategy--- 

In cardcounting, a number is assigned to each played card based on 
its value (cards 2-6 = +1; cards 7-9 = 0;  cards 10,J,Q,K,A = -1).  The 
player adds these numbers together as the hands are played.  This 
sum is called the "Running Count."  

			   3

Cardcounting theory presumes that having a lot of high cards 
(10,J,Q,K,A) in the remaining cards is to the player's benefit.  It 
follows that the higher the count, the more you should bet.  The 
predictive value of the count is greater when there are only a small 
number of cards remaining to be played.  To take this into account, 
the running count can be made more useful by dividing it by the 
fraction of cards remaining.  This term is called the "True Count":

True Count = (Running Count) / (N/52), where N = number of 
cards remaining.

If you select the Cardcounting strategy, Dr. BLACKJACK will keep 
track of all these variables for you and will also show you how the 
calculations and betting amounts are derived.

The True Count is also useful to determine when to take insurance 
(see Insurance).

Lastly, the True Count can be used under unusual circumstances to 
alter your basic playing strategy.  For instance, you might 
ordinarily choose to double on a hand totaling 11 (and the dealer's 
up card is a 7), but if the True Count is very low (below -9), then 
the chances of your drawing a high card are poor.  In this instance, 
a double would not be recommended.  The number -9 in this 
example is called an Index Number.

(For greater details on cardcounting and its use in betting and 
playing strategies, see Dr. BLACKJACK: A Companion Manual for 
the Serious Player.)

     ---Takedown Strategy---

This is a fairly complex money management system (derived by J. 
Patterson) which does not require any cardcounting or tracking of 
cards.
						  
It is based on the premise that non-random shuffles can produce 
predictably biased results.  The amount you bet in the Takedown 
strategy is dependent on how well you have done in the hands just 
played.  In essence, the more you have won in past hands, the 
higher your bet should be.












			   4

If you choose Takedown strategy, the Dr. BLACKJACK Help 
Window (activated by pressing the F1 key prior to placing your 
bet) will help you keep track of wins and losses and will show you 
how your next bet is derived.

(To learn the details of Takedown strategy, see Dr. BLACKJACK: 
A Companion Manual for the Serious Player.)

     ---Shuffletracking Strategy---  

Shuffletracking is a counting system based on the fact that casino 
shuffles are not truly random.  

In shuffletracking, the player keeps a running count in each of a 
number of equal-sized groups of cards (called the pick).  The 
number of cards in each pick is the estimate of the number of cards 
the dealer grasps in each hand while shuffling.  In Dr. 
BLACKJACK, the pick size is set at 1/2 deck (26 cards).

When the dealer is ready to shuffle, the shuffletracking player then 
know the count in each pick as the dealer shuffles.  By careful 
observation of the movement of the picks, the player can then 
"predict" the count in each deck of the newly shuffled cards.  From 
this information, the player can select the best location for the cut 
of the cards prior to play.  In addition, he can bet based on the 
estimated count in each deck yet to be played.

If you select Shuffletracking strategy, the Dr. BLACKJACK Help 
Window (activated by pressing the F1 function key prior to placing 
your bet) can help you follow the count in each pick.  During the 
first shoe, the Help Window assists in this counting phase of 
shuffletracking. 

When the dealer is ready to cut, Dr. BLACKJACK can help you 
decide where the cut should be made (just press the F1 key before 
your cut selection). 

Finally, Dr. BLACKJACK will help you determine the appropriate 
amount to bet based on the previously determined count of that 
deck.  Until the program is reset, the Dr. BLACKJACK  Help 
Window will show you what the previous counts were.

(For more information about Shuffletracking, see Dr. 
BLACKJACK: A Companion Manual for the Serious Player.)

* SHUFFLE TYPE.  Most serious blackjack players are aware that 
real card shuffling is not truly random.  Conversely, the random 
shuffles that most blackjack computer programs perform do not 
accurately reflect actual casino shuffles. 

Dr. BLACKJACK's straight and zone shuffles are non-random 
shuffling methods that closely simulate true casino shuffling.





			    5
     ---Random Shuffle--- 

If you select this method, the cards are always shuffled in a nearly 
random way.  
		       
The nonrandom shuffles (straight shuffle and zone shuffle) cannot 
be done with a single deck of cards, so you must select greater than 
one deck to use these shuffles (see NUMBER OF DECKS above).


     ---Straight Shuffle--- 

In the straight shuffle, the dealer divides the cards into two equal 
stacks.  He then takes a pick (1/2 deck = 26 cards) from each pile, 
shuffles them together and places these cards in a third location.  
This process is continued until there are no more cards to shuffle.
   
If you select straight shuffle, Dr. BLACKJACK uses a straight 
shuffle for all the shuffles but the first, which is always random.  
You can watch the cards move during the shuffle if you set YES on 
the "Show Shuffle?" option  (see "Show Shuffle?" below).


    ---Zone Shuffle--- 

Slightly more complex than the straight shuffle, the zone shuffle 
also starts off by dividing the cards into two equal stacks. The 
dealer then further divides these stacks into one-deck (52-card) 
piles which are placed in rows on the table.  Then the dealer takes a 
pick (1/2 deck) from diagonally located piles and shuffles these 
together.  This shuffled deck is placed in another location.  This 
sequence is done twice until all the cards have been shuffled.
				       
If you select Zone Shuffle, Dr. BLACKJACK will use this method 
on all shuffles except the first, which is always random.  You can 
watch the cards move during the shuffle if you set YES on the 
"Show Shuffle?) option (see "Show Shuffle?" below).
			

* SHOW SHUFFLE? If you select "Yes", the Straight or Zone 
Shuffles will be graphically shown to help you follow the shuffle.  
When you view the shuffle, it takes a little longer (about 10-30 
seconds).  If you select "No" to this question, the appropriate 
shuffle will be done very quickly, but you will not see the actual 
movement of the cards.

* LOCATION OF SHUFFLE.  The dealer always places a shuffle card 
into the deck after the shuffle to indicate where the next shuffle will 
take place.  You can choose this location with the Options Table.  
Your selection will be show graphically in the Discard Pile in the 
lower right corner of the playing screen.

* RESPLITTING?  When you are dealt two of the same card (or two 
face cards and/or 10s), you may split the cards up into two 
separate hands (see Split below).  Some casinos allow splitting only 
on the first hand.  If you trying to simulate such a casino, then 
select "No" for this option.

If you select "Yes", you may split your hand up to three times (for a 
total of four hands).
			      6

* LATE SURRENDER?  Some casinos allow you to turn in your 
hand without playing it (after the dealer has checked if he has 
blackjack).  This is called late surrender.  If you surrender, you lose 
half your bet.  If you are trying to simulate a casino that allows late 
surrender, then choose "Yes" for this option.

* DOUBLE AFTER SPLIT?  Most casinos allow you to double after 
you have split your hand (see "Double" and "Split" below).  In Dr. 
BLACKJACK, all playing strategies allow double after splitting 
except "Northern Nevada Single."  If you chose "Northern Nevada 
Single" strategy, Dr. BLACKJACK will set Double after Split to 
"No" for you.  Otherwise, it will automatically be set to "Yes" for 
you.

* MINIMUM BET.  Each table has minimum bet allowed.  Select the 
appropriate option for the table you intend to simulate.

* MAXIMUM BET. Each table has a maximum bet allowed.  Select 
the appropriate option for the table you intend to simulate.

* OPENING BANKROLL.  You can choose what your opening 
bankroll (balance) will be for the playing session.  You may start 
from your previous balance if you choose.

* BETTING UNIT.  All the betting strategies use the Betting Unit 
(BU) as the multiple to calculate your actual bet.  For instance, if 
you chose $5 as your betting unit and the suggestion was to bet 4 
betting units, your bet would be $5 x 4 = $20.
  
The BU can be the minimum bet for the table.  Most money 
managing strategies suggest using 1% or 2% of your opening 
bankroll as the BU.  Dr. BLACKJACK does all the calculations for 
you for each of these options.  You can then decide what BU you 
would like.

Here is an example of how you might set the Options Table to 
simulate the $2 minimum, $300 maximum table at Foxwood 
Casino, Ledyard CT to practice cardcounting.  (Assume you have 
$500 to use and you would like a 1% Betting Unit.)

Number of Decks = 8
Playing Strategy = Atlantic City Multi
Betting Strategy = Cardcounting
Shuffle Type = Straight
Show Shuffle? Yes
Location of shuffle = 2/3 from end
Resplit? No
Late surrender? No
Double after split? Yes
Minimum Bet = $2
Maximum Bet = $300
Opening bankroll = $500
Betting Unit = $5





				7

	      ***Cutting the Deck***
		   
After the dealer shuffles, the player cuts the deck.  Follow the 
instructions on the screen to do this.

If you have selected Shuffletracking Betting Strategy, the cut 
location will be important to you (see Betting Strategies above).  By 
pressing the F1 function key prior to cutting, you can get help in 
choosing a good cut location.


	     ***Placing Your Bet***

The suggested amount you bet is a multiple of the betting unit you 
selected in the Options Table (see Betting Unit above).  Depending 
on your selected betting strategy, the Help Window (activated by 
pressing F1 key) will show you how the bet is calculated.

To enter a bet, type in the correct digits (no dollar sign or decimal is 
needed).  If you would like to place the same bet as the previous 
hand, just press Enter.

To reset the Options Table (or to start over or "refresh" your 
bankroll), type 'r' (upper or lower case).

To quit the program (saving your balance and options) type 'q' 
(upper or lower case).
			
	     ***Insurance***
			  
If the dealer's upcard is an ace, he will ask if you want insurance.  
You may bet an additional amount--up to half your original bet--
that the dealer does not have blackjack.

Type in digits for your insurance bet in the same way you entered 
your original bet.  If you win the insurance bet (that is, the dealer 
has blackjack), you are paid twice your insurance bet.

If you choose not to place an insurance bet, simply press ENTER 
and no insurance bet will be made.

	    ***Playing Your Hand***

After you place your bet, a play options menu will appear between 
the dealer's hand and your hand.  The choices are:

	  Hit   Stand   Double   sPlit   sUrrender   F1(Help)

The uppercase character in each word is the character you type to 
select that choice.  For example to split, you would type 'p' (upper 
or lower case).

If the uppercase letter is red, that selection is a valid choice.  If the 
uppercase letter is black, then that choice is not valid. Dr. 
BLACKJACK will not allow you to make invalid plays.

The Help Window (activated by pressing the F1 function key) is 
always a valid choice.
				
				 8

Here are brief descriptions of the playing choices:

* Hit.  Type an 'h' (upper or lower case) to add another card to your 
hand.  If you have 21 or greater, you may not choose Hit.

* Stand.  Type an 's' (upper or lower case) when you do not wish to 
take any more cards.

* Double. Type a 'd' (upper or lower case) when you wish to add 
only one more card to your hand.  When you double, your bet 
amount is doubled.  (If you have insufficient funds for a double, 
Dr. BLACKJACK will allow you to bet the rest of bankroll as a 
double. Naturally, if you lose, you'll have no more money left!)

* Split.  If the value of your pair of cards is the same (for example, a 
pair of 8's) you may split them into two hands with a bet on each.  
The total bet is therefore twice your original bet.  You play each 
hand separately.  To split your hand, type a 'p' (upper or lower 
case).

* Surrender.  In some casinos, you may be allowed to surrender 
your cards before playing (see Late Surrender in Options Table 
discussion above). If you wish to surrender (and it is permitted in 
your Options Table selection), type a 'u' (upper or lower case).  You 
will then lose only half you bet amount.

* F1(Help).  Pressing the F1 function key will provide you with 
playing suggestions based on the particular playing strategy you 
selected in the Options Table.  If your Betting Strategy was either 
Cardcount or Takedown, a modification of the basic strategy will 
occasional apply.  The Help Window will always indicate if a 
deviation from basic playing strategy is recommended.

     ***A Word About the Help Window (Function key F1)***

Dr. BLACKJACK has very sophisticated detailed Help functions to 
allow you to practice and learn a variety of playing and betting 
strategies.  You can activate the Help Window  almost anytime 
during your blackjack game by pressing the F1 function key.  The 
Help Window will appear in the upper right corner of the screen.

Times to use the Help Window:

*In shuffletracking, prior to cutting the deck to help determine 
where to cut it.

*Prior to placing your bet to show how to determine your best bet.

*Prior to taking insurance to see if your betting strategy has a 
recommended choice.

*Prior to choosing your play (whether to hit, stand, double, split, 
or surrender).

  =============

For an explanation of the theories and strategy tables behind the 
Dr. BLACKJACK Help Window suggestions, refer to: Dr.BLACKJACK: 
A Companion Manual for the Serious Player.
			      9
