YOUR OPPONENTS

The Yalta Conference (February 1945) Agreements were reached here that laid a framework for international relations in the coming peacetime. Its impact is well known, but until VERY recently the method for negotiation was not understood. Here is your chance to have a hand in history.

Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) Failing health and the pressing need for assistance with the war against Japan lead him to take only worthwhile risks. FDR is the most conservative player.

Joseph Stalin (1879-1953) Self-named "Man of Steel", he is accustomed to ruling with an iron hand. With a superior military position and much to gain, Stalin is the most aggressive player. 

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) Concerned that current Soviet military positions portend long-term occupation, Churchill strives for balance. He is neither overly aggressive nor conservative. 

Depending on your own style, any one of your opponents could be the "best."

Introduction

The game of hearts is an ancient game that dates back to the Greek city of Ephesus located on what is now the Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea.  It was originally called "Leona" for Helen of Troy's sister who was as ugly as Helen was beautiful.  To attract Leona's notice (the taking of hearts) was considered bad for a Greek's health, and to win her hand (the queen of spades) was considered lethal.  One of Aristophanes' later comedies maintained that Leona's face could sink a thousand ships.

HOW A COMPUTER PLAYS HEARTS

In much the same way that Santa's reindeer are able to fly, the "chip" inside your computer is able to think.  The computer doesn't play like you do, but rather as you think you do.  It is a rule-based "Expert System" that uses human advice to make its own choices.  It develops general rules based on specific examples, i.e., leading high hearts when not Shooting the Moon is bad policy.  

These rules allow your computer to look at any trick, in the context of the whole game, and decide which card to play.  This choice does not always turn out for the best.  Most choices are gambles and sometimes the computer gambles poorly.  The evaluation of these possibilities is how the different playing styles, discussed below, are achieved in Hearts Deluxe. A careful reading of the strategy guide will tell you much about how Hearts Deluxe plays hearts.

"You have a world model and you consider alternatives.  If this thing could talk, it could describe this internal process, and it could tell you, 'Yeah..I considered going around there, but it didn't seem like a good idea because...'" 
                                       Hans Moravec

The telepathy window under the Show Me menu is an attempt to get "this thing to talk."  I hope you find it interesting.

The "Yalta " opponent set was made by an independent Hearts Deluxe fiend. Tell me if you like it at ELFrasier@AOL.com. If you really like it, send $5.00 to:
Susan Acker
104 NE 43rd
Seattle, WA  98105
(she could use some help in graduate school)