Virtual Reality Zone/VRZONE.ISO/mac/PC/EMAGS/LW9404/GAMER.TXT

Text File | 1994-03-24 | 5KB | 138 lines

One of the most popular games in the known universe
has come to one of the most popular multi-player
games on GEnie -- Contract Bridge is now playing at
RSCARDS.

John Weaver Jr. of Factory Programming, RSCARDS'
creator and master dealer, is excited about the new
arrival and its benefits to players of all skill
levels. Getting a foursome together for a friendly
game of bridge isn't always easy or practical, and
playing against a software-driven opponent that's
often predictable and uninspiring isn't always a
welcome alternative. RSCARDS now offers a third
option.

"This isn't some wimpy silicon opponent who
_always_ makes the same mistake, or a computerized
replica of some Grandmaster who'll ALWAYS kick your
backside," John points out. "In RSCARDS, you're
playing '100% organic opponents': other GEnie
subscribers, of all ages and skill levels, from all
over the world." With the human element in a
multi-player environment, you can enjoy the
excitement, challenge and unpredictability of
head-to-head competition, without worrying about
who gets the refreshments.

Simple and Painless

RSCARDS (Page 875, keyword RSCARDS) is a
multi-player, RS-232 based graphics game system
that gives you the unique opportunity to play
Backgammon, Chess, Checkers, Reversi, Blackjack,
Poker or Contract Bridge with players across North
America and all over the world. Special graphics
front-ends for IBM-compatibles, Apple Macintosh and
IIgs, Atari ST/TT and Falcon, Commodore Amiga and
Commodore 128 computers are available as free
downloads from the RSCARDS Software Library (Main
Menu Item #3, on Page 875).

Like all RSCARDS games, the point and click
interface in Contract Bridge makes bidding and play
simple and painless.

The graphics display adheres to the familiar layout
found in conventional computer bridge games, with
the players' hands shown around a 'table' and the
cards played to the centre for each trick. Names
and overall gradings of the players at the table,
plus information about the current hand and the
scores for the current rubber are displayed in the
four corners of the screen.

Interaction among players is achieved much the same
way as in other RSCARDS games -- through a chat
line and message area. When sitting at a table,
messages can be sent or received by other players
at the table or in that table's Gallery.

Bidding is simple and basic. Just click on the
trick count and the suit, in either order; when
both selections are flashing, click on the Bid icon
to register the bid. Passing, Doubling and
Redoubling follow the same prodecure.

Game play is simplified, too. Experienced veterans
will feel right at home, while beginners will be
spared the frustration of trying to learn a lot of
rules in the first sitting.

Playing a card is as easy as point-and-click. The
graphics display indicates which player is supposed
to lead the first card, and who's next to play, so
it's hard to lose track. To further simplify
things, moving the mouse pointer over your hand
will highlight those cards which can legally be
played. If only one legal move can be made, the
message "Forced play" will be flashed and the card
will be played automatically.

Getting Good Grades

In addition to standard bridge scores, RSCARDS
Contract Bridge uses two distinct rating systems:
NET and ELO. Each of these systems grades each
player in a slightly different fashion.

The NET score is simply an ongoing tally of a
player's WIN points minus their LOSS points. The
ELO system (developed by Professor Arpad E. Elo for
the United States Chess Federation in 1960)
computes a player's grade after each game based on
the relative strengths and grading of the
opponents. Together, they produce a much more
accurate picture of a player's true skill and
progress.

Game results, scoring and ratings are all tracked
automatically, of course, eliminating the need for
a designated scorekeeper, pads, pencils and
referee. When one partnership wins two games, the
match is over, final bonuses are added, and the
partnership with the most points wins the game.
Finally, ELO and NET ratings of all the players are
adjusted and recorded.

To make a great game even better, RSCARDS Contract
Bridge awards monthly prizes for the most improved
ELO grading, and the highest NET total. The winners
in each category receive a $6 credit on their GEnie
accounts.

Surprise, Surprise!

Not all the action is at the bridge table; there
are a few other surprises in store as well. "With
Bridge getting all this attention, we didn't want
the other games to feel left out," John says, "so
we've added lots of new sound effects to 'em --
beeps, boops, trills, fanfares, and even the
occasional brief tune."

One last surprise: The Waiting Room, where players
can go to look for opponents and partners or offer
challenges for any of the seven RSCARDS games, is
now FREE of standard GEnie connect charges.

Computer games are neat, but predictable; human
opponents are challenging, but eat snacks, drink
pop and leave a mess. The convenience of one is
often sacrificed for the adventure of the other.
But RSCARDS brings together the best of both worlds
in an interactive online multi-player environment
that can be playfully addictive.

Deal the cards!