DeLuxe Poker v1.1

program and documentation is

copyright 1996 Marzio De Biasi

All Rights Reserved

Introduction

System requirements and DPOKERXX.ZIP archive

Installation

How to play

Bugs report and contributions

Distribution and registration

How to register

About the author

Acknowledgements

History

Disclaimer


Introduction

In 1995 I wrote a gREAT poker game for the great Amiga(tm) using the powerful MUI interface ... after a looong year I decided to write a PC version of that hit using the powerful Delphi(tm) RAD system.

I've improved graphics and added some new stuff, but the games scheme has not changed.

PC version is SHAREWARE and I've included a small tiresome "noise" that will encourage you to register:

EVERY 10 HANDS THE ABOUT WINDOW WILL AUTOMATICALLY APPEAR AND DPOKER WILL FORCE YOU TO WAIT A FEW SECONDS BEFORE CONTINUE PLAYING; IF YOU REGISTER YOUR COPY OF DPOKER THIS BORING TRICK WILL DISAPPEAR (see How to register section).


System requirements
System requirements and DPOKERXX.ZIP archive

If you want to play DPoker you'll need a:

  - PC386 or higher with 8Mb RAM

  - a color VGA

  - Windows(tm)  (3.1, 3.11, 95 o NT)

  - ~1Meg of free space on your Hard Disk

  - a mouse (optional)

DPoker program and related files are stored in an archive called DPOKERXX.ZIP where XX is 11 for version 1.1, 12 for version 1.2, etc.

Files description:

SETUP.EXE	: installation program

DPOKER.EXE	: main program

DPOKER.HLP	: help file (English)

DPOKERIT.HLP	: help file (Italian)

DPOKER.INI	: DPoker initialization file

CARDS1.BMP	: the cards

LETTERS.BMP	: led font

LETTERS1.BMP	: led font

BRUSH.BMP	: a brush

BRUSH1.BMP	: a brush

REG.TXT	: registration form

REGIT.TXT	: registration form (Italian)

README.TXT	: Introduction and Installation sections in plain text format


Installation

Unzip DPOKERXX.ZIP archive into a temporary directory (or directly into your favourite game directory) then run the SETUP.EXE program found in the archive.

Installation options:

a) copy files to a destination directory: enable it if you want to copy DPOKER.EXE main program and the related files from the directory where youve unzipped DPOKERXX.ZIP archive to another directory.

(default = enabled)

b) create a group for DPoker in Program Manager: enable it if you want to automatically create a group DPoker (with related icons) in your Program Manager.

(default = enabled)

c) help language: choose the help language; English and Italian are available.

(default = English)

Click on <Install> button to install DPoker, on <Abort> button if want to skip installation.

An installation example:

Suppose you've a floppy disk with DPOKER11.ZIP file.

  - from Windows(tm) open a MS-DOS session (MS-DOS prompt) and type:

    C:\> copy A:\DPOKER11.ZIP C:\TMP

    C:\> cd C:\TMP

    C:\TMP> unzip DPOKER11.ZIP

    C:\TMP> exit

  - select Run from File menu' and type:

    C:\TMP\ SETUP.EXE

    then click <OK> button; wait a bit and click on <Install> button on the installation window;

  - double click on DPoker icon in the new DPoker group and have fun!

NOTE: if you dont run SETUP.EXE, DPoker will work perfectly as well; but, in this case, youll need to add a Program Manager group (or item) and configure help language manually (see DPOKER.INI FILE section).


DPOKER.INI FILE

Manually modify this file only if you are an expert user!!!

[DPoker] section:

XDelayFlag=1	(1=enable XDelayTime, 0=show cards at maximum speed)

XDelayTime=100	((msec.)  if you increase/reduce this value DPoker will show cards slower/faster)

Language=ENG	(help language; ENG=English, ITA=Italian)


How to play

DPoker is a video poker ... if youve never been in a Casino read these paragraphs carefully.

When you run DPoker, the game options window will appear. You must choose a player name:

- enter a new name, or

- enter a name youve already used.

If you enter a name youve already used DPoker will restore his credits and game statistics

(see Names&Players section for further details).

On the right of the window there are three check-boxes that enable (disable) some game options:

use Jokers,

3 deals and

partial doubling.

Now, click <Play Dpoker> button to start betting.

A game in DPoker is made up of three phases:

PHASE I: BETTING

Click on <Bet> button to bet one credit or click on <Bet10> button to bet 10 credits; the maximum bet allowed is 20 credits. When you've made your bet click on <Deal> button and ... good luck!

PHASE II: CHANGING YOUR CARDS

If you want to hold one or more cards, click on buttons <HOLD>, the word "hold" under the selected cards will lighten. If you want to un-hold a selected card, click on the corresponding button again. When you are satisfied of your choice click on <Deal> button to change the cards that are not holded.

PHASE III: LOSE OR WIN & RISK

If your cards form a winning combination (see below), you'll win some credits; otherwise you'll lose the credits you bet.

Now (if you've a winning combination) you can gamble your winnings (i.e. double them):

- click on <Collect> button if you *don't want* to gamble; the winnings will be added to your current credits;

- click on <Deal> button if you *want* to gamble:

DOUBLING RULES:

the leftmost card is the dealer's card, in order to double your winnings you must choose one of the remaining four cards; if the card you choose beats (i.e. is greater than) the dealer's card your winnings will be doubled, otherwise you'll lose them.	If you succeed in doubling them, or your card is equal to the dealer's card (i.e. same number), you'll be asked if you want to gamble again, and so on.

If you dont know poker rules take a look to Winning combinations section.

Remember that you can play DPoker using only keyboard: an underlined letter on a button specifies the keyboard shortcut for that button. For example, <Bet>, <Deal> and <Collect> buttons can be clicked using e, d and c keys (on keyboard) respectively.


Names&Players

When you start DPoker, you can enter your player-name (default is "MR. ACE").

When you quit DPoker, it tries to save a file (called "PLAYER.INI") which keeps track of your credits, highscore, combinations, etc.   When you re-start DPoker and enter a player-name that you've already used information about that player will be restored.  Don't try to modify PLAYER.INI file (i.e. try to get 1000 credits for free): it has a checksum that prevents such modifications.

If you want to start a "completely-new-DPoker-session" and delete the database of players, delete (or rename) PLAYER.INI file.


use Jokers option:

if you enable this option a joker will be added to the pack of cards. Youll have more chances to get a winning combination:

2 + 2 + joker + 5 + 7 is a three of a kind combination,

 4 + 5 + 6 + 8 (all hearts) + joker is a straight flush combination,

and so on ...


3 deals option:

if you enable this option you can get an extra changing your cards phase: after the bet-phase dpoker shows you the 5 cards and you can change some of them. When you click <Deal> button DPoker changes un-holded cards and, if youve not obtained a winning combination (or you still want to change some cards) and 3 deals option is enabled, you can change some cards again. Click <Collect> button if you dont want the extra phase, click <Deal> button if you want the extra phase. Remember that the extra phase will cost to you a sum equal to the current bet-sum.

For example, suppose youve bet 15 credits and dpoker gives you these cards:

9 + 10 + 3 + queen + king

Change only the 3 (hold the other 4 cards) and click <Deal> button but the new card is a 2:

9 + 10 + 2 + queen + king

You want an extra hold-phase, so you click <Deal> button: 15 more credits will be subtracted from

the total.

Change only the 2 (hold the other 4 cards) and click <Deal> button again:

if the new card is a jack then youll get a straight and win 15 * 5 = 75 credits (or 15 * 40 = 600 credits if it is a straight flush);

if the new card is not a jack then youll lose 15 + 15 = 30 credits ... sorry!


partial doubling option:

if you enable this option youll be able to gamble (double) only a part of your winnings. For example, suppose youve won 16 credits (got a two pair after a 8 credits bet). When DPoker asks you if you want to double them click on <Collect> button: 8 credits will be cashed and only 8 credits remain for doubling. Click on <Collect> again: 4 more credits will be cashed and only 4 credits remain for doubling. Click on <Deal> and if youre lucky youll double (only) the 4 credits.


Winning combinations

1) Jacks or better  = two jacks, two queens, two kings or two aces.

You'll win the same credits you bet.

2) Two pair  =  two cards with the same value form a pair.

For example, two pair combinations are: two 'jack' + two '3', two '10' + two '5', etc.

You'll win 2 times the stake.

3) Three of a kind  = three cards with the same value.

For example: three 'ace', three '5', three '10', etc.

You'll win 3 times the stake.

4) Straight  = the five cards form a sequence.

For example: 'ace' + '2' + '3' + '4' + '5', '8' + '9' + '10' + 'jack' + 'queen', '3' + '4' + '5' + '6' + '7', '10' + 'jack' + 'queen' + 'king' + 'ace', etc.

You'll win 5 times the stake.

5) Flush  = the five cards have the same suit.

You'll win 7 times the stake.

6) Full House  = a pair + three of a kind.

For example: '2' + '2' + '2' + '10 + '10', 'ace' + 'ace' + '4' + '4' + '4',   etc.

You'll win 10 times the stake.

7) Four of a kind  = four cards with the same value.

For example: '6' + '6' + 'queen' + '6' + '6'  etc.

You'll win 30 times the stake.

8) Straight flush  = straight + flush.

For example: '4' + '5' + '6' + '7' + '8' (all hearts).

You'll win 40 times the stake.

9) Royal flush  = straight + flush + the highest card is an ace.

For example: '10' + 'jack' + 'queen' + 'king' + 'ace' (all hearts).

You'll win 50 times the stake.

NOTE: the order in which cards appear doesn't matter, i.e. '2' + 'ace' + '4' + 'ace' + 'queen'  is the same of  ace' + 'queen' + '4' + '2' + 'ace'.


How to register

If you like DPoker and decide to register then you must fill out the registration form and post it to me together with the money. As soon as I receive it Ill send to you the registration password that you can use to register to DPoker.

When youve got the registration password follow these steps to get a registered copy of DPoker:

1- click on <Info> button;

2- insert the registration password (16 characters long) in the edit box on the left of <Register DPoker> button;

3- click on <Register DPoker> button;

your copy of DPoker is now a REGISTERED copy and you will be able to play it without a break!

NOTE: if youve got an email address youll receive the registration password very quickly; besides Ill inform you every time I release I new DPoker version (and where to  download it).


Registration form

(you can find this text in reg.txt file, too)

Please fill this out if you want to register to Dpoker (if you haven't a printer, make a HAnD-copy of it); post it to me together with the money.

DON'T FORGET YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS!!!

====cut-here==================================================================

    To:  De Biasi Marzio

         via Borgo Simoi, 34

         31029 Vittorio Veneto (TV)

         ITALY

         YES, I want to register to DPoker !!!

         -------------------------------------

         Send me the DPoker registration-password (WHICH WILL WORK WITH FUTURE

         DPoker VERSIONS, TOO) to the address below (please use CAPITAL

         letters):

         Name: ________________________________________________

         Street: ______________________________________________

         PC, City: ____________________________________________

         Country: _____________________________________________

         The shareware-fee enclosed is:

              O  Cash : 18 US $ or an equivalent sum in DM or £ or Italian

                 Lire (25.000 lire circa!)

              O  Cheque (INSIDE Italy - same as cash)

              O  Cheque (OUTSIDE Italy - 28 US $ or an equivalent sum in DM

                 or £ : international cheques need ready money to become

                 ready money 8-(

         Optional information:

         E-Mail: ______________________________________________ (*)

         Phone: _______________________________________________

         Your PC (CPU type and speed): ________________________

         HD, RAM: _____________________________________________

         Bugs, remarks, suggestions ...

         ______________________________________________________

         ______________________________________________________

         ______________________________________________________

         (*) if you have an email address, I'll send you the future

         versions of Dpoker directly, and (if you wish) you'll become

         a DPoker play-tester.

====cut-here==================================================================


Bugs report and contributions

If you find some bugs, encounter some problems or have some suggestions about DPoker, please send me an email

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!!!!

(help me to improve DPoker)


Distribution and registration

DeLuxe Poker v1.1 is a SHAREWARE program.

You may freely distribute the unregistered version it as long as all of its files are included in their original form without additions, deletions, or modifications, and only a nominal fee is charged for its distribution. It cannot be distributed as a part of commercial product without author's written permission.

The registered version cannot be distributed in any way.

IF YOU PLAY DELUXE POKER AND FEEL THAT IT IS GOOD, YOU SHOULD REGISTER: THE SHAREWARE FEE IS USA $18 (OR AN EQUIVALENT SUM IN DM OR ITALIAN LIRE).

Read section "How to register" for further deatils.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SHAREWARE!!!

NOTE: this program may be included in freeware and shareware collections, providing that the previous conditions are respected. TO SOFTWARE REVIEWS: if you include this program in one of your disks, please send me a copy of the review, thanks :-)

NOTE: if you want to make DPoker a commercial product contact me via email.


About the author

My address is:

De Biasi Marzio

via Borgo Simoi, 34

31029 Vittorio Veneto (TV)

Italy

E-Mail: debiasi@dimi.uniud.it


SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are required to register it (in the case of DPoker you purchase a registration-password that allow you to make your copy of the program a registered one).

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and retail software, and the copyright holder retains all rights. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like retail authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's retail or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is lower, prices are lower also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


Acknowledgements

Windows(tm) is a trademark of Microsoft

Delphi(tm) is a trademark of Borland

Amiga(tm) is a trademark of Escom


History

30 May 1996 (v1.1)	-> new PC version

06 Jun 1995 (v1.0b)	-> bug fixed: now  DPoker correctly recognizes A, K, Q, J, 10  straights.

03 May 1995 (v1.0a)	-> first Amiga(tm) version.


Disclaimer

No responsability or liability will be accepted for any damage that may appear to have resulted from use of this program. All use is at your own risk. The software is provided "as is" without any warranty implied or otherwise to the fitness or accuracy of the software and documentation. The author reserves the right to update the software and/or documentation without notice.