Copyright: copyright (c) SoftTech 1994 - 1995


 X Bridge Assistant Help Index

Commands

File menu

Bridge menu

Edit menu

View menu

Options menu

Help menu

Objects

Deck


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

New	Clears the current deal.
Open	Opens an existing deal.
Save	Saves the current deal using the same file name.
Save As	Saves the current deal using a specified file name.
Export	Exports the current deal to the clipboard in text format.
Print	Prints a deal.
Print Preview	Displays the deal on the screen as it would appear printed.
Print Setup	Selects a printer and printer connection.
Exit	Exits Bridge Assistant.


Bridge menu commands

The Bridge menu offers the following commands:

Deal	Deals a new set of hands.
Call	Makes a call.
Play	Plays a card.
Undo	Takes back the last action, use to undo the last call or play.
Clear Trick	Clears the cards from the table when the trick is completed.
Auction	Makes all the remaining bids in the auction automatically.
Rotate	Rotates the hands clockwise.


Edit menu commands

The Edit menu offers the following commands:

Call	Allows the auction to be edited; use to undo or clear all bids.
Play	Allows the play to be edited; use to undo or clear the cards played.
Layout	Displays the layout editor, use to change the layout.
Filter	Displays the filter editor, use to change the filter.
Deck	Displays the deck, use to create a particular deal.


View menu commands

The View menu offers the following commands:

Palette	Shows or hides the bid palette.
Auction	Shows or hides the auction.
Toolbar	Shows or hides the toolbar.
Status Bar	Shows or hides the status bar.
South	Shows or hides the cards in the south hand.
West	Shows or hides the cards in the west hand.
North	Shows or hides the cards in the north hand.
East	Shows or hides the cards in the east hand.
Show All	Shows the cards in all the hands.
Arrange	Arrange the windows.
Refresh	Redraws all the hands.


Options menu commands

The Window menu offers the following commands, which enable you to arrange multiple views of multiple documents in the application window:

Position	Selects the hand you are playing.
Dealer	Selects the hand that is the dealer.
Filter On	Turns the filter on and off.
Edit On	Turns edit mode on and off.
Auto Call	Turns the auto call function on and off.
Auto Play	Turns the auto play function on and off.
Auto Arrange	Turns the auto arrange function on and off.
Allow Hints	Allows hints during the auction; the program will bid for you.
Allow Overrides	Allows you to bid for one of the hands controlled by the program.
Allow Overcalls	Allows overcalls.
Save Settings on Exit	Saves the settings when the program ends.
Config	Displays the configuration editor, use to set program parameters.


Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Contents	Offers you a list of topics on which you can get help.
How to Use Help	Provides general instructions on using help.
Shareware Help	Provides information about Shareware and how to register.
Registration	Displays the registration information screen again.
About	Displays the version number of this copy of Bridge Assistant.


File New command
New command (File menu)

Use this command to clear the current deal and reset the game.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+N


File Open command
Open command (File menu)

Use this command to open an existing deal.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+O


File Open dialog box

The following options allow you to specify which deal to open:

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open.  This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

List Files of Type

Select the type of file you want to open:

Drives

Select the drive in which Bridge Assistant stores the deal that you want to open.

Directories

Select the directory in which Bridge Assistant stores the deal that you want to open.


File Save command
Save command (File menu)

Use this command to save the current deal using the same file name and directory.  When you save a deal for the first time, Bridge Assistant displays the Save As dialog box so you can choose a name.  If you want to change the name and directory of an existing deal before you save it, choose the Save As command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+S


File Save As command
Save As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and choose a file name for the current deal.  Bridge Assistant displays the Save As dialog box so you can name the deal.

To save a deal with its existing name and directory, use the Save command.


File Export command
Export command (File menu)

Use this command to export a hand to the clipboard in text format. The text can then easily be moved to another package such as Notepad. See the Export dialog box for more details.

Shortcuts

Keys:	CTRL+E


Export Dialog Box
Help (Export Dialog Box)

Important: If you want to edit the auction use the edit mode button:

Toolbar:

Menu:	Options -> Edit On

The export dialog box is used to format the deal for exporting in text format.

Buttons

OK.

Cancel.

Write.

Define.  See the Define dialog box for more details.

Help.

Check boxes

Hand.

Auction.

Comment.

Title.

Auto write.

Lists

Format.


OK button

Will copy the text in the editor to the clipboard and close the export dialog box.


Cancel button

Will close the export dialog box without copying the text to the clipboard or preserving any settings.


Write button

Writes the deal in text format to the editor in the left part of the export dialog box.


Define button

Displays the define dialog box. This is used for fine-tuning the appearance of the text.


Help button

Starts Windows Help and displays the current topic.


Hand check box

Check if you wish to output the hand to the editor. If, for example, you want to export only two hands North and South say; use the Define button to set this option.


Auction check box

Check if you wish to output the auction to the editor.


Comment check box

Check if you wish to use the text in the comment  box.


Title check box

Check if you wish to output the title.


Auto write check box

Check if you wish the program to write the text to the editor using the current settings automatically every time the dialog box is displayed.


Format list

Currently there is only one format Standard-1.


File Save As dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the name and location of the deal you're about to save:

File Name

Type a new filename to save a deal with a different name.  A filename can contain up to eight characters and an extension of up to three characters.  Bridge Assistant adds the extension you specify in the Save File As Type box.

Drives

Select the drive in which you want to store the deal.

Directories

Select the directory in which you want to store the deal.


File 1, 2, 3, 4 command
1, 2, 3, 4 command (File menu)

Use the numbers and filenames listed at the bottom of the File menu to open the last four deals you closed.  Choose the number that corresponds with the deal you want to open.


File Exit command
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to end your Bridge Assistant session.  You can also use the Close command on the application Control menu.

Shortcuts

Mouse:	Double-click the application's Control menu button.

Keys:	ALT+F4


Bridge Deal command
Deal command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to deal a new set of hands. Bridge Assistant shuffles the deck and deals the cards. If you want a particular type of hand use the filter.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F3


Bridge Call command
Call command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to make the program call on its turn.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F4


Bridge Play command
Play command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to make the program play on its turn.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F5


Bridge Undo command
Undo command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to make the program take back the last action. This will undo the last call made or card played by either side.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F6


Bridge Clear Trick command
Clear Trick command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to clear the table after a trick has been completed.


Bridge Auction command
Auction command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to make all the remaining calls in the auction automatically.


Bridge Rotate command
Rotate command (Bridge menu)

Use this command to rotate the hands clockwise. This will cause the program to reset in the same way as after a file is opened or a new deal is made.


Edit Auction command
Auction command (Edit menu)

Use this command to edit the auction. The undo command will take back the last bid made. The clear command will undo the entire auction.

Undo

Use to undo the last bid.

shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F5

Clear

Use to clear the auction.


Edit Play command
Play command (Edit menu)

Use this command to edit the play. The undo command will take back the last card played. The clear command will clear all the cards.

Undo

Use to take back the last card played.

shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	F5

Clear

Use to clear all the cards played.


Layout command (Edit menu)

Use this command to modify the layout.  Bridge Assistant displays the Edit Layout dialog box so you can make the changes.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:


Edit Layout dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the layout of the current and subsequent deals.

Layout

Select what aspect of the layout you want to modify. You can either modify the current layout or set defaults to be used when various actions are performed, for example: opening a file, dealing, or changing which hand you are playing.

Show

Select which hands should be visible and which hidden.

Use Default After

Select the actions after which the defaults should be used.


Filter (Edit menu)

Use this command to modify the filter.  Bridge Assistant displays the Edit Filter dialog box so you can make the changes.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:


Edit Filter dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the filter to be used when the 'Filter On' option is chosen and Bridge Assistant deals.

Partnership

Select the partnership for which you want to edit the filter parameters.

Hand

Select the hand for which you want to edit the filter parameters.

Suit

Select the suit for which you want to edit the filter parameters.

High Card Points

For Partnerships, hands and suits you can set the minimum and maximum high card points allowed.

Shape

For hands you can select the range of shapes allowed. The higher the number the more unbalanced the hand. Values range from 1 to 39.

Length

For suits you can select a range for the number of cards allowed.


Deck command (Edit menu)

Use this command to display the deck.  Bridge Assistant displays the Edit Deck dialog box so you can make changes.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:


Edit Deck dialog box

This dialog box can be used at the same time as the main window. You can use it to rearrange the cards in each hand. The following options allow you to make these changes:

Select a hand

Selected cards will be moved to this hand.

Fill

Moves all cards to the deck.

Auto Fill

Automatically fills the deck when the dialog box is displayed.

Click a card in the deck

Selects a card to move to the currently selected hand.

Click a card on the table

Moves the card clicked to the deck.


View Palette command
Palette command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Palette, which contains buttons for making bids in Bridge Assistant.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Palette is displayed.


View Auction command
Auction command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Auction, which shows bids as they are made.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Auction is displayed.


View Toolbar command
Toolbar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Toolbar, which includes buttons for some of the most common commands in Bridge Assistant, such as File Open.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Toolbar is displayed.

See Toolbar for help on using the toolbar.


Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.  The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many tools used in Bridge Assistant,

To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).

Click	To

Deal a new set of hands.  Bridge Assistant shuffles the deck and displays the new deal.

Open an existing deal.  Bridge Assistant displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired file.

Save the current deal using the same file name.  If you have not named the deal, Bridge Assistant displays the Save As dialog box.

Print the current deal using the current printer settings.


View Status Bar Command
Status Bar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button, and keyboard latch state. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.

See Status Bar for help on using the status bar.


View South Command
South command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the cards in south hand.


View West Command
West command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the cards in west hand.


View North Command
North command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the cards in north hand.


View East Command
East command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the cards in east hand.


View Show All Command
Show All command (View menu)

Use this command to display the cards in all the hands.


View Arrange command
Arrange (View menu)

Use this command to arrange the windows on the screen. The program will move the auction box, the bid palette and any other windows to their default positions.


View Refresh Command
Refresh command (View menu)

Use this command to redraw all the hands.


Status Bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Bridge Assistant window.  To display or hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.

The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the arrow keys to navigate through menus.  This area similarly shows messages that describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing them.  If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.

The right areas of the status bar indicate the following:

Indicator	Description

DEALER	The hand that is the dealer.

SCORE	The current score.

TRICK	The current trick count during play.

MAXIMUM	The maximum number of hands generated before stopping.

EDIT	The edit mode status.

FILTER	The status of the filter.

STATUS	The status indicator for the deal and auction.

PLAYER	The hand the user is playing.


Options Player Command
Player command (Options menu)

Use this command to select the hand you are playing. When you select this option in the menu Bridge Assistant displays another menu and you can select the hand you wish to play.


Options Dealer Command
Dealer command (Options menu)

Use this command to select the hand that is the dealer. When you select this option in the menu Bridge Assistant displays another menu and you can select the hand that is the dealer.


Options Filter On Command
Filter On command (Options menu)

Use this command to turn the filter on and off.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:


Options Edit On Command
Edit On command (Options menu)

Use this command to turn edit mode on and off.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:


Auto Call command
Auto Call (Options menu)

Use this command to turn the auto call function on and off. Auto call means that the program will make a call for the hands it controls without waiting for the call command to be given. Note that this does not apply to the first call in any auction, the program needs the call command if it is to make the first call.


Auto Call command
Auto Play (Options menu)

Use this command to turn the auto play function on and off. Auto play means that the program plays cards for the hands it controls without waiting for the play command. Note that this does not apply to the opening lead, the program needs the play command if it is to play the first card.


Auto Arrange command
Auto Arrange (Options menu)

Use this command to turn the auto arrange function on and off. When auto arrange is turned on and the main program window is resized the other program windows are moved to their default positions.


Allow Hint command
Allow Hints (Options menu)

Use this command to allow the computer to bid for you. If you do not like what the program suggests you can use the undo command and bid again.


Allow Override command
Allow Overrides (Options menu)

Use this command to allow you to be for one of the hands that the computer controls. This allows you to setup a particular contract, or to change a bid that you do not think is correct.


Allow Overcall command
Allow Overcalls (Options menu)

Use this command to allow overcalls. By default this should be turned on and the check mark next to the menu item will indicate this. It can be turned off if you do not want the opponents to take part in the auction.


Options Save command
Save Settings on Exit (Options menu)

Use this command to turn the save settings option on and off. When turned on the current program settings will be saved when Bridge Assistant is closed.


Config command (Options menu)

Use this command to display the configuration editor. Bridge Assistant displays the Options  Config dialog box so you can make changes.


Options Config dialog box

Using this dialog box you can set the  following program parameters.

Maximum Search Count

The maximum number of hands to be generated when the filter is on and you have told the program to deal a new set of hands.


Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using Bridge Assistant and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


Shareware Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for information about Shareware.


Registration command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the initial screen again.


About command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your copy of Bridge Assistant.


Help Using Help Command
Context Help command

Use the Context Help command to obtain help on some portion of Bridge Assistant.  When you choose the Toolbar's Context Help button, the mouse pointer will change to an arrow and question mark.  Then click somewhere in the Bridge Assistant window, such as another Toolbar button.  The Help topic will be shown for the item you clicked.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+F1


Define Dialog Box
Help (Define Dialog Box)

The define dialog box is used to set options that determine the format of the output to the editor in the export dialog box.

Buttons

OK.

Cancel

Check boxes

Begin/End.

Auto Export

Sections

Game.

Hand.

Spacing.

Suit label.


OK button

Will close the define dialog box and accept the settings.


Cancel button

Will close the define dialog box without preserving any settings.


Begin/End check box

Check if you wish to use the Begin/End markers to delimit the text.


Auto export check box

Check if you wish to export text without displaying the export dialog box. The program will use the current settings and place the text directly into the clipboard.


Game section

Use to set various game settings.

Dealer	Outputs the dealer line, for example,  'Dealer: East'.

Score	Outputs the score line, for example,  'Score: NS Game'.

Player	Outputs the player line, for example, 'Player: South'.

When the export dialog box is first displayed it will use the current program settings for the dealer, score and player. If you wish to use different settings then you can change the settings in this dialog box. They are temporary and will not be preserved when the export dialog box is closed.


Hand section

Select one of the options. The output will consist of one of the following:

All four hands.

The player's and  the partner's hands.

The player's hand.


Spacing section

Use to insert a space each card.


Suit label section

Use to insert a colon after a suit label.


Title Bar

The title bar is located along the top of the main window.  It contains the name of the program and the current open file.

To move the window, drag the title bar.  Note: You can also move dialog boxes by dragging their title bars.

A title bar contains the following elements:

Application Control-menu button

Maximize button

Minimize button

Restore button


Scroll bars

Displayed at the right and bottom edges of the document window.  The scroll boxes inside the scroll bars indicate your vertical and horizontal location in the document.  You can use the mouse to scroll to other parts of the document.


Size command (System menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can size the active window with the arrow keys.

After the pointer changes to the four-headed arrow:

1.	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (left, right, up, or down arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

2.	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

3.	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Drag the size bars at the corners or edges of the window.


Move command (Control menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active window or dialog box with the arrow keys.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F7


System Minimize Command
Minimize command (application Control menu)

Use this command to reduce the Bridge Assistant window to an icon.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the minimize icon [image] on the title bar.

Keys:	ALT+F9


Maximize command (System menu)

Use this command to enlarge the active window to fill the available space.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the maximize icon [image] on the title bar; or double-click the title bar.

Keys:	CTRL+F10 enlarges a document window.


Close command (Control menus)

Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.

Double-clicking a Control-menu box is the same as choosing the Close command.

Shortcuts

Keys: 	CTRL+F4 closes a document window

ALT+F4 closes the application or the active dialog box


Restore command (Control menu)

Use this command to return the active window to its size and position before you chose the Maximize or Minimize command.


Switch to command (application Control menu)

Use this command to display a list of all open applications.  Use this "Task List" to switch to or close an application on the list.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+ESC

Dialog Box Options

When you choose the Switch To command, you will be presented with a dialog box with the following options:

Task List

Select the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To

Makes the selected application active.

End Task

Closes the selected application.

Cancel

Closes the Task List box.

Cascade

Arranges open applications so they overlap and you can see each title bar.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Tile

Arranges open applications into windows that do not overlap.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the bottom of the screen.


Table

The table is displayed in the middle of the application window.  The table provides buttons for quick mouse access to some actions performed by Bridge Assistant on hands. For more information on what the buttons do see: Table button.


Table button

You use buttons in two ways:

Showing and hiding a hand

To show and hide the hand. This only works if the deal is valid.

Moving cards to a hand

To move the cards selected in the deck to a hand. This action only works if the deck is visible.


Deck object

You can display the Deck by using the Deck command in the View menu. Bridge Assistant displays the Edit Deck dialog box. This takes the place of the ordinary deck of cards; you can move cards to the Deck and then from the Deck to the required hand.

You can move cards to a particular hand by selecting the cards in the Deck and then clicking one of the buttons on the Table. To move cards from a hand to the Deck simply click on the particular card that you want to move.


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.


File Print command
Print command (File menu)

Use this command to print a deal.   This command presents a Print dialog box, where you may specify the destination printer, the number of copies, and other printer setup options.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Toolbar Print command
Print command (Toolbar)

Use this command to print a deal.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Print dialog box

The following options allow you to specify how the deal should be printed:

Printer

This is the active printer and printer connection.  Choose the Setup option to change the printer and printer connection.

Setup

Displays a Print Setup dialog box, so  you can select a printer and printer connection.

Print Range

Specify the pages you want to print:

All	Prints the entire document.
Selection	Prints the currently selected text.
Pages	Prints the range of pages you specify in the From and To boxes.
Copies

Specify the number of copies you want to print for the above page range.

Collate Copies

Prints copies in page number order, instead of separated multiple copies of each page.

Print Quality

Select the quality of the printing.  Generally, lower quality printing takes less time to produce.


Print Progress Dialog

The Printing dialog box is shown during the time that Bridge Assistant is sending output to the printer.  The page number indicates the progress of the printing.

To abort printing, choose Cancel.


File Print Preview command
Print Preview command (File menu)

Use this command to display the current deal as it would appear when printed.  When you choose this command, the main window will be replaced with a print preview window in which the page will be displayed in its printed format.  The print preview toolbar offers you options to zoom in and out of the page and initiate a print job.


Print Preview toolbar

The print preview toolbar offers you the following options:

Print

Bring up the print dialog box, to start a print job.

Next Page

Preview the next printed page.

Prev Page

Preview the previous printed page.

One Page / Two Page

Preview one or two printed pages at a time.

Zoom In

Take a closer look at the printed page.

Zoom Out

Take a larger look at the printed page.

Close

Return from print preview to the editing window.


File Print Setup command
Print Setup command (File menu)

Use this command to select a printer and a printer connection.  This command presents a Print Setup dialog box, where you specify the printer and its connection.


Print Setup dialog box

The following options allow you to select the destination printer and its connection.

Printer

Select the printer you want to use.  Choose the Default Printer; or choose the Specific Printer option and select one of the current installed printers shown in the box.  You install printers and configure ports using the Windows Control Panel.

Orientation

Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Paper Size

Select the size of paper that the printer should use.

Paper Source

Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper sources.  Specify the tray here.

Options

Displays a dialog box where you can make additional choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have selected.


File Page Setup Command
Page Setup command (File menu)

<< Write application-specific help here. >>