 *********************************************************************
 *   BLACKJACK PLUS     USER MANUAL                    (MANUAL.TXT)  *
 *                                                                   *
 *    for Windows       Designed and developed by Jon Turcsanyi      *
 *                      Copyright 1991-1996  All Rights Reserved     *
 *    Version 4.0                                                    *
 *                      MUSICODE SOFTWARE                            *
 *                      40108 Highway 49, Suite C-280                *
 *                      Oakhurst, CA 93644                           *
 *                      USA                          (209) 966-3477  *
 *********************************************************************
 
      **  "Blackjack Plus" for Windows  is a Shareware Product  **

            This program is produced by a member of the ASP
                 "Association of Shareware Professionals"

                     Try it free for 30 days!  
  If you have not registered this program after 30 days, you 
     must stop using the it and delete all associated files!
  If you use this program after 30 days it is a copyright violation.
 
 Send the registration form (REGISTER.TXT) with your payment today!
 
    >>>  SEE COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM FEATURES:  BJPWINFO.TXT   <<<

 *********************************************************************
                   QUICK START TUTORIAL
 *********************************************************************

 "Blackjack Plus" for Windows gives users all the features needed
 to explore card counting, advanced playing and betting strategies.
 This program has an intuitive interface, designed with the user in 
 mind.  It's easy to get started and learn how to play a better 
 game of blackjack!   
 
 The operation of this program is based on the strategy that you
 assign to each player. Strategies are made up of play decision
 tables, betting systems and a choice of when to take insurance. 
 Two basic strategies are provided for single & multi-deck play.
 You may easily add your own new strategies! 
 
 When you register, you will receive a printed manual which clearly
 explains all program functionality. It shows how to set up counting
 & non-counting stategies, betting strategies, and much, much more! 

 This program uses default values for the initial program set up.
 Later, you can set up and save your own configurations. 
 

 1. Execute program:  BJPWIN.EXE

 2. The value following 'Hands Left=' defaults to one (1). If you
    want to play more hands, enter any number to 9999999 (no commas). 

 3. Start the game by clicking on 'Play' (or Alt P).  
  
 4. Each player bets in turn, on the betting dialog presented.
 
 5. After all players have bet, the cards are dealt.  In the event
    that the dealer has an ace showing, insurance will be offered.
 
 6. Play begins. Each player is presented with a dialog where they
    may select their choice of play. For players set to 'Manual' or
    'Teacher' modes, you will select play options hit, stand, etc.
    Players that are set to 'Automatic' or 'Background' modes will
    play automatically.

 7. Play continues until 'Hands Left=0'.   
 
 8. To end play at any time, click on the 'Stop' button at the bottom
    right corner of the Blackjack Plus playing table screen. 


 That's it!  "Blackjack Plus" for Windows gives you all the tools you 
 need to practice and learn how to play a better game of blackjack!
 
   REMEMBER:  
   The DOUBLE DOWN and SPLIT features are not active in the shareware
   version of "Blackjack Plus" for Windows. Register today and receive
   these features & a printed manual explaining program functionality! 

 *********************************************************************
  Program functions                 
 *********************************************************************
  "Blackjack Plus" for Windows is easily driven with the menu options
  that are always available at the top of the screen.  The options
  are self explanatory, easy to understand and use.
 
  Register, and receive a complete, detailed, printed user manual!

  ===========
   File Menu 
  ===========  
 
  Load Configuration (F3)
    You may load any previously saved configuration files.
    The currently loaded configuration file is displayed on the 
    program title bar after Blackjack Plus for Windows.

  Save Configuration (F2)
    Saves changes to the currently loaded configuration file.
    Do not save changes to the default file 'setup.bjp'. 
    To create your new configuration files, see below.  

  Save Configuration As...
    Create new configuration files.  
    Use 1-8 character names. The file extension .bjp is enforced.

  The following settings are saved in the configuration files.
  
    Player Setup 
    Deck Setup
    Display Card Totals?
    Display Counting? (card counting values)
    Game Speed
    House Rules
        
  ===========
   Edit Menu 
  ===========  
 
  Player & Deck Setup
  -------------------
  
  PLAYING MODES
  There are four (4) play modes.  Each of the seven players can be 
  individually set to any of the following play modes:

    OFF - Player will not play. It's like an empty seat at the table. 

    MANUAL - Play an accurate simulation of casino blackjack. 
    You decide when to Stand, Hit, Double, Split, Surrender and take
    insurance.  

    TEACHER - Use the Teacher mode to learn and practice your
    strategies.  You play manually, and if you select a play or
    bet that is not in agreement with the chosen strategy, you will
    receive a warning message.  You will be given a chance to make
    the correct play or you may override the suggestion and make any
    play you choose.

    AUTOMATIC - Players set to this mode will play unassisted according
    to the strategy assigned to that player.  Use automatic mode to 
    put other players at the table with you. just like at the casino!

    BACKGROUND - Background mode is a powerful tool, most useful as an
    aid in the evaluation of different strategies, see how they perform
    over the long run.  You may evaluate the results of playing
    blackjack using the basic strategies included with this program.

    Players set to Background mode will play automatically with no 
    step-by-step play shown on the screen.  When all the players
    (with a stake) are set to Background, the entire game is played
    without any screen action, FAST!  Hundreds of hands can be played 
    in seconds!  Extensive statistics are accumulated and may be viewed
    and/or printed when play is completed.


  Strategies
  ----------
  You may assign any strategy to any player, from the list on the 
  'Player & Deck Setup' dialog.  Two built-in strategies are shipped
  with Blackjack Plus for Windows; basic_s for single deck play and
  basic_m for multiple decks. These strategies may not be edited.
           
  Users may create their own new strategies. They will appear in the
  list on the 'Player & Deck Setup' dialog (see above). The new 
  strategies may be changed and edited to suit individual needs. 
  
  To create a new strategy:  
  On the STRATEGIES dialog, you can create a custom strategy by 
  clicking on 'New' and entering a new, 8 character name. The file
  extension .stg is enforced.  Click on your new strategy name to
  select it, then click on 'Edit' to reach the STRATEGY EDITOR dialog.
  From this point you may access the BETTING STRATEGY dialog and the
  STRATEGY TABLE dialog.

  STRATEGY TABLE - Click on the Table button on the STRATEGY EDITOR
  The STRATEGY TABLE settings determine what action will be taken
  when a player is using that strategy.  The top row represents 
  the dealer's up card.  The column on the left side represents the
  current total for the player's hand.  The intersection of the row and
  column shows what the player's action will be in that situation:

    S = STAND   H = HIT   D = DOUBLE   P = SPLIT   R = SURRENDER

  Click on the values in the table to change them. Close the STRATEGY
  TABLE dialog and don't forget to save your changes on the STRATEGY
  EDITOR dialog! 

  The strategy assigned to a player (see 'Player & Deck Setup' above)
  is used during the course of play, regardless of the play mode. 
  The strategy specifications for player bet amounts and play actions
  may be overridden when playing manually.  

    
  INSURANCE     - Yes, if checked insurance will be taken.
                  May be manually overridden.

  CARD COUNTING - check when using card counting systems.

  ******************************************************************
  ** Note: Complete information about creating counting and 
           non-counting betting and playing strategies is clearly
           explained in the printed user manual that you will
           receive when you register this program.
  ******************************************************************


 Non Counting Betting Strategies -

 Click on the Betting button on the STRATEGY EDITOR when CARD COUNTING
 is NOT checked to reach the WIN/LOSE BETTING STRATEGY dialog.  


 WIN/LOSE BETTING STRATEGY  -  Determines the next bet based on the
                               result of the last hand (won or lost). 
 
   UNIT BET    - 0 to 9999  Bet made at start of session, also used
                 to determine a new bet (see betting strategy below).
   MAX BET     - 0 to 9999  Maximum allowed bet. 
                               
                 UNIT           Unit bet, see above.
                 MAX            Maximum bet, see above.
                +UNIT x .00    Last bet + (unit bet x n.nn)
                -UNIT x .00    Last bet - (unit bet x n.nn)
                 BET x n.nn     Last bet x n.nn

                Changing the betting factor (n.nn)
 
                '+' on the keypad             Increments
                '-' on the keypad             Decrements
                '+' or '-' with Left Shift    Coarse adjustment
                '0' on the keypad             Default

  Don't forget to save your changes on the STRATEGY EDITOR dialog! 
 
  ==============
   Control Menu 
  ==============
  
  Play Hint (F12)
  If you aren't sure what action to take while playing the game. 
  Hints are based on the strategy being used by that player.

  Force Shuffle  (F8)
  User may force dealer to shuffle at any time.

  Display Totals
  If checked, card totals will be displayed.

  Display Counting
  If checked, counting totals will be displayed.

  Key Step Play  (F7)
  This is a handy option that is used to step through the game at
  the user's own speed.  When this option is active (checked), play
  action will take place only when enter key or space bar is pressed.

  Game Speed
  The user may select from five game speeds.


  ==================
   House Rules Menu 
  ==================

      Dealer Soft 17 - Stand or Hit

   ** Double Down    - Any / 9 10 11 / 10 11
   **   After Split  - NO / YES
     
      Surrender      - NO / YES


   ** Double Down & Split functions not available in shareware version
      Register and receive these functions!


  =================
   Statistics Menu 
  =================
  Extensive statistics are gathered for you as the game is played.
  View to check the progress of the players.

   VIEW  - STATISTICS Screen
   PRINT - Print the accumulated statistics for evaluation.
   CLEAR - Statistics accumulate during the playing session
           and may be reset at any time by selecting 'CLEAR'. 


  *******************************************************************
  *                                                                 *
  *  Share  "Blackjack Plus" for Windows (BJPWIN.ZIP)               *
  *          with your friends!                                     *
  *                                                                 *
  *******************************************************************
  *  MUSICODE SOFTWARE hopes you enjoy "Blackjack Plus" for Windows * 
  *           We welcome all comments and suggestions.              *
  *         THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR SHAREWARE AUTHORS!        *
  ******************************************************************* 

       **********   END OF FILE:   MANUAL.TXT   **********