ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ º ɼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û º ɼ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÛ Û º º ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º º º º ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º Éͼ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û º ɼ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º º º ÉÍͼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÉÍÍͼ º Û Ü Ü Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ ÜÛ Û ßÛÛ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º ɼ Û Û Û Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÜÛßÜÛÛÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ Û ÛÜß Û Û ÜÜÜÛÜ º ɼ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍ» º September 1996 Volume 4 Number 9 º ÇÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĶ º Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida (813) 862-4772 º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ In This Issue ------------- þ SPECIAL GAMBLE 'ZINE ISSUE þ Shareware Lottery Programs þ How Computers Changed Blackjack þ Baccarrat - The Most Mis-Understood of Casino Games þ Ultimate Software's Casino Game Machines þ PBM Flashback - Cripple Creek Colorado þ Some Other Gambling Related Shareware Programs þ Computer Basics Written by Ed Garwood þ Reviews, humor and all the latest news + + + + + Editor's Welcome ---------------- Welcome to another issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. For some time I have thought of doing a publication, in addition to this one, which would be dedicated to gambling. A decent name for this publication, so I thought, would be "Gamble 'zine." I did not consider doing this new magazine every month, perhaps quarterly would have been a better idea. But, then again, there is already this magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics to handle. So, maybe an additional project is not such a good idea. Instead of generating a new magazine, the decision was made to run a special Gamble 'zine issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. Whether this will be a re-occurring theme, say on an annual basis, remains to be seen. We already do a special issue on computer games and anything is a possibility. I have been somewhat fortunate to visit some of the world's gambling meccas in recent months. A trip in December to Paradise Island in the Bahamas and the gorgeous Atlantis Resort and Casino. A week in Las Vegas in May. While not on a par with those locations, we even went out on the local gambling boat here in Port Richey, Florida. As I write this, we are preparing for a cruise to the Bahamas and a return trip to Nassau. I guess all these great vacations helped fuel the fire for this issue. It was never intended for this issue to be controversial, but there is an editorial on gambling leading off this issue. Gambling related articles include Shareware Lottery Programs, How Computers Changed Blackjack, Baccarat - The Most Misunderstood of Casino Games Comes to the PC, Ultimate Software's Casino Game Machines and Some Other Gambling Related Shareware Programs. PBM Flashback looks at an excursion to Cripple Creek, Colorado following ONE BBSCON '93. Our regular features include Ed Garwood's Computer Basics, a couple of reviews and all the latest news. Good luck and thanks for reading! + + + + + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ PASCO BBS MAGAZINE ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Tampa Bay's Oldest Free On-line Magazine! ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Member of the Association of Online Professionals ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ EDITOR: Richard Ziegler ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ HOME BBS: Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772 ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + + + + + First, An Editorial ------------------- I guess by running an issue focusing on gambling, and gambling related computer programs, the Pasco BBS Magazine could open itself up to criticism. Gambling is one of those things that people like to conveniently blame for society's ills. The reality is that gambling has become a great way to raise revenue, as people are more willing to pay taxes through this method than others. Since governments are in a tight fiscal crunch, and are looking for new ways to raise funds, there has been incredible growth in the gaming industry. Yes, there is a small percentage of people who are negatively impacted by gambling. Legalized gambling is no different than any other aspect of society, since almost anything a person can think of has some negative impact. Yes, there are those few who are compulsive gamblers and gamble beyond what they can reasonably afford to lose. It is naive to think that eliminating legalized gambling would help those afflicted with this sickness. If there were not legalized forms of gambling, these types would find plenty of ways to place a bet illegally. Does running this "Gamble 'zine" issue have any negative effect on society? It might help some realize that there are computer programs that will reduce their losses at the casinos. It is a stretch to say this publication could influence people to gamble. Those who have a problem with gambling are encouraged to contact the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling at (800) 426- 7711. If you live in another state, the Florida Council will be able to help you find assistance in your area. Editor's Note: The Pasco BBS Magazine wants your opinion and welcomes opposing viewpoints. Send along your opinions on this, or any other BBS or computer related, issue. + + + + + Shareware Lottery Programs -------------------------- The attraction of the lottery is simple. For an investment of a single dollar, a person can win enough money to retire and live the life of luxury. While raising revenue is the major reason for lotteries, another advantage is that it gives people the chance to dream. Who has not thought about hitting the lotto? With the popularity of state lotteries, there are a growing number of computer programs being written for lottery players. Many of these programs have detailed databases of past drawings, graphs depicting the most frequently drawn numbers and can select lottery numbers for the user. While the lottery is pure random chance, many people are faithfully tracking the drawings in the attempt to identify hot numbers. This article takes a look at some of the lottery programs found in the Shareware market. Florida Lottery - This is a very nice program written by Altamonte Springs, Florida resident Charles A. Hardy. The program displays animated renditions of all three Florida lotteries, CA$H 3, Fantasy 5 and Lotto, with lotto balls rising up the screen. There is the option of having the balls display the most, or least, picked numbers for the five and six number games. The graphs, which display the frequency of number selection in the Fantasy 5 and lotto games, are stacks of lotto balls. The program can also pick numbers and display them on animated play slips. Also included are the rules for the different lottery games. The author asks for a registration fee of $5 to $10, or 2% of your winnings. Florida Lotto Analyzer - This program is written by Tallahassee, Florida resident Ralph B. Davis Sr., and is distributed by C.H.F. Software, Inc. The Florida Lotto Analyzer has everything a person needs to track the results of the Florida lotto drawings. It includes all past results and has many features. Users can find out when certain numbers have been drawn, when the last time a number has been drawn, which are the hot and cold numbers, or the type of numbers drawn (odd-even, high-low). There is a table listing the most and least drawn numbers, and a bar graph showing the frequency of number selection. Also included are wheeling tables and the option of printing out most information. While not graphically intensive, it is an easy to use program. Florida Lotto Analyzer must be registered to add new results to the database, but the program's registration fee is only $10. FLOTTO - This program is written by Tampa, Florida resident Paul Carastro and distributed by PC Light, Inc. FLOTTO calls itself "The Fast Lottery Program." It works with any three, four, five, six or seven number lottery game and will display the odds of hitting all the numbers. Users may generate up to 1,000 tickets, wheel numbers and track statistics. The program does not feature intense graphics and may be registered for $19.95. FLOTTO - This program, which has the same name as the previous program, is written by Lithia, Florida resident Art Hoffman. It has the ability to make selections for the CA$H 3 and lotto drawings. There is also a menu item for past drawing statistics. The program features no graphics and has a $15 registration fee. Grand Prize Winner - This Windows program is distributed by Margate, Florida based Designer Label Software, but the distributed file does not give credit to the program's author. The program allows the user to choose from a list of lotteries in the U.S. and includes Florida's Fantasy 5 and lotto drawings. Numbers can be picked randomly, or all hot, or all cold, numbers. There is an analysis chart for each number, along with several other reports, which can be sent to a printer or file. Grand Prize Winner has a $20 registration fee. KPS Lotto - Since this program was written by Porterville, California resident Richard D. Kelley, and distributed by Kelley Programming System, KPS Lotto comes with information on the California lottery. The program is easily configured for any state lottery drawing and includes an informational file for that particular lottery. This program is designed to be a simple way to keep track of past drawings and to compute statistics for evaluating past drawings. Menu items include: View past drawings, Trends & Patterns, View statistics board, Print statistics sheet, Pick new LOTTO numbers, Compare numbers to drawing and Find winning tickets. The program also features a wheeling system and a $15 registration fee. KPS Lotto does not have much in the way of graphics, but is easy to use. Lotto Buster - This program is written by Edmonton, Alberta, Canada residents Kenneth J. Tetterington and Michael Ingram, and distributed by Distant Markets. Lotto Buster is a full featured program with 60 different lotto drawings to select from, including Florida. The program displays information for three and six number draws, and has various search features. Easy to read graphs display statistics on the frequency of numbers coming up, in-frequency of numbers drawn, dry spells, along with the hot and cold numbers. Drawings are simulated with a graphical rendition of the lotto balls. The program, which has a rather steep $70 (Canadian) registration fee, has the option of having a subliminal message displayed on the screen. Lotto Challenger - This program is written by Brandon, Florida resident John Lake and is distributed by Data Solutions. There are plenty of statistics on past drawings, including a complete history, number frequency, hot and cold numbers, overdue numbers and a drawing summary. Lotto Challenger has several number systems and wheeling options, along with the ability to make quick picks. It comes setup for the Florida lottery, but can easily be configured for any 5 or 6 number lotto. While there are not any intense graphics, there is a good amount of information displayed. There is a $29.50 registration fee for the program. Lotto Mania - This program is written by Kanata, Ontario, Canada resident R. Leafloor. It uses single key strokes for most operations and is based on six number lotto games. Information displayed includes a list of the past draws and the frequency for each of the numbers. There is the ability to see how numbers have performed in the past and a random number generator that produces quick pick numbers. The Shareware version does not allow data manipulation, however, the program may be registered for $15. LottoMATIC - Panama City, Florida based CTech distributes this program without any mention of the program's author in the distributed file. The program comes ready for the Florida lottery, but can be configured for virtually any lottery. The program features drawing analysis, including tracking patterns and frequencies, and the history of the drawings. While not graphically intense, the program is attractive and easy to use. There are many different setup options and a registration fee of $25.00. Lotto Picker - This lottery number picker was written by Aurora, Colorado resident Jim Turner and is distributed by IN/QUEST, LLC. After selecting a series of lotto numbers, this program constructs sorted lotto number sets from the selections. The "best set of numbers and best set base on best individual numbers" can be displayed. There are not any graphics, but Lotto Picker can be registered for $10. LottoProf - This program is distributed by Waterloo, Ontario, Canada based ColorVision Computing, but the program's author is not credited in the distributed file. LottoProf is designed for any 5 or 6 number lotto game and maintains a detailed history of winning numbers. The program claims to have "sophisticated analysis capabilities" and that it "stands alone amongst lotto programs." However, user friendliness is not one of its strong suits. LottoProf has a registration fee of $49.95. Lottery Professor - This program for Windows is written by Gainsville, Georgia resident Ken Thomson. The Lottery Professor comes setup for the Georgia lottery, including their Cash 3, Fantasy 5 and lotto, but it can be used for any state lottery game. The "pick" button selects numbers based on the user's criterion, such as, select only hot numbers. Selected numbers are color coded when displayed, for example, blue would be a cold number. The history button gives quite a bit of detail at the click of a mouse. The "lotto hit history" shows how many times each number has hit, and ranks the hot and cold numbers. Click on graph and the number frequency is displayed that way, or click on percentage and see the number frequency displayed as a percentage. Users may track their own lottery results, including how much money has been won or lost. There are many features in this program, which has a $30 registration fee. Lotto Prophet - This program is written by Port Charlotte, Florida residents Gene P. Davis and Elizabeth Meneely, and is distributed by DataMicro. When generating random numbers, users are asked for their astrological sign. The program displays hot numbers, cold numbers and "Power/Due" numbers. There are also wheeling systems and a menu item for a "super statistical report." There is also the ability to produce "prophet cards," graphs and trend charts, but this may not be the easiest program to figure out. Lotto Prophet does not have much in the way of graphics and can be registered for $19. Lotto Stat - This program is written by Westerville, Ohio resident Richard J. Jones, who operates his own computer consulting business. The program is not exactly user-friendly and was difficult to review. You have to look at the documentation prior to starting the program, to find the format to enter the desired lotto type, or the user will end up having to re-boot their machine. There was a problem loading the data file, so the menu options were not functional. Lotto Stat has a registration fee of $39.95. Lotto Winner - This program was written by Los Angeles, California resident Konrad Musial and is distributed by ABCA. Lotto Winner is actually an analysis of different methods of playing the lotto, such as betting the least frequent numbers, most frequent numbers or repetitive bets. The program rates the methods and tries to "predict" the next drawing. There is not much in the way of graphics, but it is an easy to use program with a $22 registration fee. PC-LOTTOpro - This program does not give credit to the author, but it is distributed by the Toronto, Canada based The Lottery Exchange. There is a menu item to select from a wide range of international lottery games. The program generates a list of hot numbers, cold numbers and a report known as the "Table of Popularity." Also included are quick picks, wheeling systems, the ability to print out most information and a sample "Group Buying Agreement." The registration fee for this program is $65. Total Lottery System - This program was written by Toronto, Canada resident F. Fowler. Features of this program include a "pick-a-winner" random number generator and a graph displaying number distribution, however, this frequency graph is not the easiest thing to read. The Total Lottery System has a registration fee of $14.95. VIP Lotto - This program is written by Wise, Virginia resident David Allio and is distributed by VIP Software. This is rather basic program to select number for "Pick Lotto" and "Keno Lotto" games. The Keno Lotto game is how most state lotto are based. VIP Lotto does not feature any graphics and can be registered for $20. Windows Lotto - This Windows program is written by Brandon, Florida resident John D. Lake and is distributed by Data Solutions. The program features Quick Picks, 24 wheeling systems, the ability to search past drawings for occurrences of certain numbers and is compatible with lotteries that pick five, six or seven numbers. There is a colorful trend chart, a "Skip and Hit" chart, a sequence chart and a repeating sets chart. The on-line help is quite functional and the main screen has a nice graphic of a sack of money. The basic registration fee is $35.95. WinLotto - This program is written by Toronto, Canada naive Scott Bee and is distributed by MicroChief. This is a Windows program designed for six number lotteries. There are menu options to draw random numbers, the six hottest numbers, the six coldest numbers, or from a range of numbers. WinLotto does not have much in the way of graphics and costs $9.99 to register. Z-Blast Lotto Optimization Tool - This program is written by LaPorte, Texas resident Ted Parker and is distributed by T.M. Parker Software. Using the concepts of "Table Optimization" and "Sum Total Analysis," this program selects a series of tickets to play. It does not feature any analysis, past results, or graphs. The Shareware version defaults to a 35/5 type lotto drawing, but any five or six number game may be defined in the registered version. While not graphically intense, Z-Blast is an attractive and easy to use program. DOS and Windows versions are available with a $39.95 registration fee. + + + + + ÕÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑѸ ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Board of Trade BBS ØØØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØ New Port Richey, Florida ØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØ (813) 862-4772 ØØØØØص ÆØØØØØ FidoNet: 1:3619/10 ØØØص ÆØØØ Øص ÆØ The Hobby BBS for the Entire Family! ص ³ ³ ³ Pasco County's Information Source ³ ³ Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics ³ ³ ³ ³ Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware ³ ³ Official Distribution Site for the Most Popular Authors ³ ÆØ Øµ ÆØØØ Supporting the Local Computer Community ØØص ÆØØØØØ Local Author Support File Directory ØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØ Official Support BBS for Pasco ComPats Computer Club ØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØ ØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Member: AOP and EFF ØØØØØØØØØص ÔÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏϾ + + + + + How Computers Changed Blackjack ------------------------------- Blackjack may be the second most popular gambling card game on Earth, second only to poker. While blackjack has been around for hundreds of years, it took the invention of the computer to discover that this is one game which can be beaten. The game played in American casinos is actually called twenty-one, based on the ancient French game of Vingt-Et-Un. Blackjack is where the deal passes to another player when they get a Blackjack, or a natural two-card twenty-one. In the game of twenty-one, and in the casinos, the house always keeps the deal. If you have been around a casino, or played the dice game craps, you have most likely heard the phase "the dice have no memory." This is true because what happened on the previous rolls has absolutely no effect on what numbers will come up on subsequent rolls. The odds on rolling a seven remain 1 in 6, no matter what has been rolled previously. You will hear gamblers say that a point is due, the odds are in the favor of it, but the fact is that the odds are the same no matter what was rolled before. The same point can made about the lottery, as people chart winning numbers and all that, but the odds are the same every week for any combination of numbers (even if it hit the week before). Craps and the lottery are completely random selection, and as such, what happened before is irrelevant. In twenty-one, however, the cards that have been played do make a difference and this has led many to develop sophisticated card counting systems to track the previously played cards. For example, if all the tens are already used up in the deck, the player is at a disadvantage because the profitability of doubling down and the chance of the dealer busting have been greatly reduced. This article will not go into the details of card counting, but it is a fascinating reality which still frightens the casinos today. Some of the early computer pioneers realized that Blackjack was a game based on the mathematical theory of probably and not pure random chance. Edward O. Thorp wrote "Beat the Dealer" back in 1962 with the help of computer experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an IBM 704 computer. He was not the first to recognize that the game could be beaten. In 1956, Roger R. Baldwin, Wilbur E. Cantey, Herbert Maisel and James P. McDermott wrote an article for the Journal of the American Statistical Association entitled "The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack." Thorp's book refined this strategy and revealed the secrets of blackjack to the general public. Beat the Dealer ended up on the national best sellers list. Edward O. Thorp laid out a "basic strategy" for playing the game based on thousands of computer simulated hands. Players using just this strategy could actually play at a slight advantage, even if they didn't count cards. New concepts like doubling-down on "soft" hands when the dealer had a bad card showing startled the industry, and show dealers today that at least you know the game. The casinos reacted quickly to change some rules, like no more doubling down on eleven or splitting of aces. The problem was even the uninformed players didn't like the changes, so the casinos figured they would make enough off the hack players to cover what the others were winning, and switched back to most of the old rules. Basic Strategy is not a "system," but is based on computer analysis, here are some highlights (soft is when an ace is counted as eleven, hard is when an ace is counted as one or no ace, face cards are considered tens). The priority is spilt, double, soft stand and hard stand. When to Split Pairs When to Soft Double A,A - Always A,7 - Dealer has 3 thru 6 10,10 - Never A,6 - Dealer has 3 thru 6 9,9 - Dealer has 2 thru 6,8,9 A,5 - Dealer has 4 thru 6 8,8 - Always A,4 - Dealer has 4 thru 6 7,7 - Dealer has 2 thru 7 A,3 - Dealer has 5, 6 6,6 - Dealer has 3 thru 6 A,2 - Dealer has 5, 6 5,5 - Never 4,4 - Never 3,3 - Dealer has 4 thru 7 Standing Numbers (Soft) 2,2 - Dealer has 4 thru 7 19 - Dealer has 9,10, A 18 - Dealer has 2 thru 8 When to Hard Double 11 - Always Standing Numbers (Hard) 10 - Dealer has 2 thru 10 9 - Dealer has 2 thru 6 17 - Dealer has 7 thru A 13 - Dealer has 2,3 12 - Dealer has 4 thru 6 Some of the early pioneers really cleaned up before the casinos caught on. It was the computer which lead to the breakthrough. Today there are many excellent computer programs which teach basic strategy and counting, and allow a player to practice without having to suffer the financial sacrifice that comes with learning the game at the casino. One Shareware program, which has been around for at least five years, is Blackjack by Donald L. Granger. This program not only teaches basic strategy, but several popular counting methods as well. Some of today's Shareware programs, such as Accidental Software's Ultimate Blackjack, feature wonderful animation and sound effects. Thanks to the computer, it is inexcusable for a player to learn the game at the casino. + + + + + Baccarat, The Most Mis-Understood of Casino Games, Comes to the PC ------------------------------------------------------------------ If you have been to Las Vegas you have no doubt walked by the baccarat tables and, perhaps, taken one look at the layout on the table and thought to yourself that it looked pretty complicated. That mystique is reenforced by the casinos having the baccarat tables in a secluded roped off section of the casino with tuxedo clad coupdeaires handling the action. The reality is that baccarat is the easiest of the casino table games to learn. It is generally accepted that the card game of baccarat dates back to 15th Century France, but some will argue that it is just a spin-off of blackjack dating back to the mid 1800's. It is thought that the game began during the reign of Charles VIII who was the king of France from 1483 until his death in 1498. Charles VIII was a typical tyrant King who imprisoned his eventual successor, Louis XII, for rebellious behavior. "Charles the Affable" invaded Italy in 1494, occupied Naples in 1495, and was part of the Valois Dynasty which reigned during The Hundred Years' War. Considering the times, maybe a diversion like baccarat was needed. To this day, Baccarat remains the principal gambling card game of France and several other European countries, but the French also play a variation of the game called Baccara-en-Banque. Baccarat is known as Punto Banco in England and some other counties. In recent years, the original game of baccarat has been all but replaced by a speeded-up version, baccarat chemin-de-fer, usually called just chemin-de-fer. The game played in American casinos actually came from Cuban casinos in the early 1950's. Just like the popular card games of blackjack and twenty-one, the differences between baccarat and chemin-de-fer are relatively minor. In twenty-one the house always controls the deal of the cards and the bank, but in blackjack the dealing duties and the responsibility for covering the bets are passed when a player is dealt a two card natural twenty-one. In chemin-de-fer every player has a chance to be the banker and may take over the bank by saying "Banco." In chemin-de-fer, the gamble is limited by the amount the bank is willing to lose and the banker is never liable for the payment in excess of his bank. In the casino version of baccarat, the banker does not lose the bank when he loses a coup. The casino remains the banker, so there is technically no limit and players can play against the casino's entire bankroll. Chemin-de-fer can typically have ten or more players and almost any number can play. Each player is dealt an individual hand, but in the casino version of baccarat, only two hands are dealt, Player and Banker. The shoe does pass from player to player in the casino variation but, as noted early, the casino assumes the permanent responsibility for the bank. In the less formal game of chemin-de-fer the banker plays the Bank's hand and the players play their own hands, but in the casino game the player can select the Bank or Player bet and switch back and forth from bet to bet. Another difference in chemin-de-fer is if a player has a total of five he must decide to ask for a third card, but in the casinos the player must draw a card. For all its mystique, baccarat remains a game anyone can play. There are only two decisions that have to be made: 1) How much to bet, 2) Which side to bet on. Typically eight decks of cards are shuffled together and dealt from a box called a shoe. In front of each player at the table, there is a location where they place their bets. A player can bet on either the Banker, Player or bet on a tie. After the bets are placed, the dealer will deal out two hands. One is called the Player's hand, the other is called the Banker's hand. We will discuss the rules of baccarat, but you do not have any decisions to make. Four cards are dealt face up on the table, two cards for the Player's hand and two for the Banker's hand. The cards retain their face value with aces having a value of one and 10's, and face cards, having a value of 0. If the cards total over ten, the first digit is dropped and only the last digit is used for game play. The object is to get a card count of 9, or as close to 9 as possible. If either the Player or the Banker has a total of 8 or 9 on those first two cards, the hand is over. An 8 or 9 on the initial deal is called a natural and no third cards are dealt. A 9 beats an 8 and ties are a push, neither side wins. If there are no naturals dealt in the first two cards, then additional cards are dealt. The Player is the first to draw a card and must take a third card if their first two cards have a total of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. If the Player has a total of 6 or 7, they cannot draw another card. The following chart summarizes the rules for the Player's hand. If the first two cards total: 0-1-2-3-4-5 - Draws a card 6-7 - Stands 8-9 - Stands (Natural) The rules for the Banker are bit more complicated and are regulated by the third card drawn by the player. The following chart summarizes the rules for the Banker's hand. Draws when Does not draw when player takes card player takes card First two cards total: 0-1-2 Draws unless player 8-9 8 3 0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 0-1-8-9 4 2-3-4-5-6-7 0-1-2-3-8-9 5 4-5-6-7 0-1-2-3-4-5-8-9 6 6-7 7 Stands 8-9 Banker natural If Player doesn't draw a third card, the Banker draws on 0-1-2-3-4-5 and stands on 6-7-8-9. A five percent commission is charged on any winning bets made on the Banker's hand. Bets on the Banker's hand and Player's hand are paid off at even money, but since the Bank has a slight edge there is the commission. Tie bets are paid off at odds of 8 to 1. The house has an edge of 1.35% over the Player and 1.20% over the Banker. The odds against tie bets is 14.0918%. Overall, the casino has a 1.27% advantage in the baccarat. The only bet in a casino with lower odds are the odds bets, commonly called the back line, in craps. As with roulette, you will see people faithfully tracking the results of the previously played hands. Most casinos are more than happy to provide a baccarat scorecard, technically called a "Table de Banque," for those players who wish to keep track of the previous results. Some may make the argument that, as in blackjack, the previously played cards have some bearing on the future cards. However, just as in roulette, the prevailing wisdom is that the previous results have little significance. But, that does not keep players from writing down the result of every hand in their attempt to identify streaks. Of course, there are people who have made huge sums of money by designing systems to beat casino games. Unfortunately, the profit has come to those writing the books, instead of those buying the books. If this all sounds confusing, it really is not. In the past, the only way to learn the game was to plop a few dollars down at the table and see what happens. It was typically an expensive lesson. Today, with personal computers commonplace, there is no longer an excuse for not thoroughly understanding a game before placing any of your hard earned money on the table. After playing several computer generated baccarat games, you should quickly get a feel for the true simplicity of the game. One of the earliest baccarat games for the PC was written in 1986 by Castro Valley, California resident Raymond M. Buti. It was a text based program with a registration fee of only $3.00, but it gave plenty of information about the game. The screen displays a scorecard for tracking past hands, the Banker's and Player's current hand, statistics on the current session and an options box. One of the options is the ability to display a menu of some of the most popular betting systems for playing the game. Most systems are more of a money management technique, than a way to beat the game, but some people will swear by them. The Martingale system is very well-known, not only for baccarat, but for virtually any casino game. The basics of Martingale are to start with a single betting unit and after a loss to double that betting unit, and continue doubling the bet until you win a hand. The problem with this type of system is the table limit which could be reached after progressing through a handful of doubling your bets. D'Alembert is another old system based on the doubling of bets, so the table limit will eventually catch up with you with that system too. Thirty-One is another double up system but with a limit of 31 units. One system called Best Bet, while not guaranteeing that you will walk away a winner, does make more sense since it involves increasing your bets while you are winning. It uses a progressive betting pattern of 1, 2, 3, 5, 5 and then 8 betting units that are increased only after a win. Start with a betting unit of 1 and keep betting that amount until you win a bet. After a winning bet, jump to the next bet in the series until a bet is lost. The systems are interesting, and are a very nice touch to Mr. Buti's program, but no system should be seriously considered as a way to win at the casinos. In the documentation for his baccarat game, he puts it quite well. "Remember that there aren't any sure fire ways of making money gambling. There are ways of minimizing your loses or methods that can be used to increase your chances of winning the maximum amount during your stay at a table or even methods that allow you to play the best possible bets at any one game. None will guarantee a winning strategy in the long run. Most all gambling systems work for the short play in one way or the other. But to sit and use a system for hours on end will eventually put you in the poor house." The best application of Baccarat for the PC is Ultimate Baccarat by Accidental Software of Apple Valley, California. Terry Hastings has written a true animated, interactive baccarat simulation and the full featured program can be played with up to three computer generated players. A nice touch are the comments, and the expressions on the faces, of the animated players. If you take some time placing your bet, the old man will doze off on you. Accidental Software pokes fun at itself with their motto "If it's good it's accidental," but the reality is that they have an entire line of wonderful Shareware casino games. Ultimate Baccarat includes a comprehensive tutor to help players learn the rules of the game, an option which can be toggled on or off. When using the tutor a large curtain drops down in the center of the game screen and the player will be provided with an explanation of the game as it proceeds. Each step in the game play is explained. There is also a "Baccarat Info" option which provides general information concerning baccarat, commissions, game play, payoffs and a table of rules governing card draws. There are options to display the statistics and results for each player at the table. So, the program does furnish everything needed to learn this mis-understood casino game. The benefits of registering Ultimate Baccarat include the elimination of the on-screen registration reminders, the ability to save all game information, to play with up to six human players at one time, Sound Blaster support is provided and with the optional voice support you can hear digital recordings of the words seen in the talk balloons. The one complaint with the Shareware version, but it is a pretty good incentive to pay the $13.00 registration, is that no sound card support is provided. It would be interesting to hear, rather than read, the sometimes hilarious comments of the computer players. Baccarat has always been the casino's class game with an appeal to the high- rollers. Until recently, the casinos seemed quite satisfied with perpetrating that intrigue. Black-tie baccarat, with casino personnel in formal attire, is intimating to many people. In an effort to entice some to try the fastest game in town, the casinos employ attractive young ladies to sit at the baccarat tables to get the game started. The casinos call them starters, but they are more commonly referred to as shills. While this was the predominant approach in the past, it was not that successful in developing a new generation of baccarat players. Over the last decade, the casinos have taken a different approach by placing some mini-baccarat tables on the casino floor. These tables are slightly larger than a blackjack table and are designed for seven players instead of the more traditional twelve players. Since mini- baccarat tables have lower minimum bets, it does give more people exposure to the "Big Nine Game" of baccarat. The casinos are at a cross-roads and have no choice but to try to generate interest in the traditional casino games. It is getting to the point that it is difficult to distinguish between a major casino and a video arcade. When the trend is trading in gaming tables for video games and trying to turn Las Vegas into kiddie land, you have to wonder just how much longer more traditional casino games like baccarat will be around. The casinos are concerned and do worry about where the next generation of gamers will come from. They are even gambling with their traditional base of support by trying to make an adult playground into a family vacation destination. It may not be realistic to think that this will be the salvation of the gaming industry, but only time will tell how long this diametrical approach will survive. + + + + + ***************************************************************************** ATTENTION to Details BBS Clint Bradford, KE6LCS - Sysop Mira Loma, California BBS (909) 681-6221 BBS Excellence...Across the Board!(sm) Voice Support (909) 681-6210 Supporting BBS Member: AOP - Association of Online Professionals ASP - Association of Shareware Professionals EFF - Electronic Frontier Foundation ESC - Educational Software Cooperative NCSA - National Computer Security Association Message Networks: MustangNet USNet CoveNet Internet MysticNet ILink HamRadioNet Official Bulletin Station of the ARRL - American Radio Relay League ATTENTION to Details BBS is managed in compliance with the AOP and NCSA Codes of Professional Standards ***************************************************************************** + + + + + Ultimate Software's Casino Game Machines ---------------------------------------- Game machines are the latest rage in all the gambling establishments. In many cases, casinos are removing gaming tables to put in additional machines. Upon entering a casino, the first thing you notice is the loud noises associated with these game machines. The casinos love the machines, as the noise draws attention to the gaming floor and it also distracts those sitting at the tables. Whether replacing tables with machines will help the industry is not really the scope of this article, but much has been written on how the casinos are losing their traditional support base. The scope of this article is to look at a collection of casino game machine programs for Windows. Ultimate Software, based in Central Point, Oregon, has produced a collection of seven casino game machines. The programs, written by Mike Comish and distributed through the Shareware market, are written for Windows and require the file VBRUN300.DDL to operate. Recently, Windows 95 versions of the games have been released. The collection includes three slot machine games, Cherry Delights Video Slots, Lucky Stars Video Slots and Double Dynamite Video Slots. Real Video Poker, Real Video Blackjack, Noisy Video Poker and Blackjack, and Slots of Trivia round out the collection. The description file for the slot machine programs claim: "This isn't your grandmother's slot machine!" The slot machines each have nine wheels, three row of three, and eight different ways to win. You can win vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Up to eight coins may be bet on each way to win, so a total of 64 coins can be wagered on a single spin. The programs have the option of changing background colors, setting the speed, having all the wheels stop at the same time and you can also borrow credits. The optional sound card support adds the digitized sounds of the coins being feed into the machine and a click when the wheels stop. There is the additional feature of a statistics option in the registered version. The main difference in the three games, other than the colors, are the items found on the wheels. All three have bonus spins and a progressive pool bonus. The wheels on Cherry Delights Video Slots feature cherries, bells, grapes, watermelons, 7's, plums and lemons. Lucky Stars Video Slots' wheels have watermelons, stars, lemons, cherries, grapes, lightning bolts and apples. The wheels on Double Dynamite Video Slots feature sticks of dynamite, happy faces, targets, stop signs, traffic signal walk lights, outlines of the United States with a U.S. flag overlay, outlines of Canada with a Canadian flag overlay and the Earth. The video slot machine programs include a very nice payoff chart, which is a table that shows up as a window to the right of the main window. When you win, another window pops up with a table of your winnings. The registered version has the option of doubling down on winning spins, which is betting your winnings in a hi-lo poker game. All the slot machines have a similar look and feel, however, the movement of the wheels is a bit jerky and does not give a true spinning feeling. The Ultimate Software collection of video slot machines can be registered for $20 each, two for $30, or all three programs for $35. There was a time when casinos only offered the mechanical one arm bandit slot machines, but in this technological age there are a wide range of gaming machines appearing. Traditionally, the most popular are the video poker and video blackjack machines. With a video poker program, a video blackjack program, and a program which has both poker and blackjack, Ultimate Software's collection of gaming machines reflects this trend. Just like the video slot machines, these programs run under Windows and require VBRUN300.DDL to operate. The Shareware version of Real Video Poker is based on the traditional jacks or better video poker machines. Registration adds two new games, Joker's Wild and Deuces Wild poker, along with the ability to use cheat codes to hit hands such as a Royal Flush. You may play up to four coins in the Shareware version and registration allows for playing five coins. Winning hands are highlighted on the payoff table, so the payoff can be determined quickly. This is a nice rendition of the popular casino machine, with an easy to use interface and sound card support. Real Video Blackjack is based on the video blackjack machines found in most casinos, which are based on the popular table game of twenty-one. In the Shareware version you only have the option of betting $1, however, the registered version lets the player wager up to $10. An insurance window is displayed whenever the dealer has an ace showing, but the option of taking insurance is not available in the Shareware version. The Shareware version does not allow the player to spilt cards, or display the current statistics. Registration also adds more sounds to the game, including the shuffling of the cards. The program explains the basic strategy of the game and has an easy to use interface. Noisy Video Poker and Blackjack is basically a combination of the other two video card games, but offers more sound effects. The sound effects include upbeat music when you win a hand, the sound of the cards hitting the table and the clanking of winnings dropping into the metal coin tray. When you lose a hand you will hear, among other effects, pig grunting, gun shots, or breaking glass. The description file distributed with the program rightfully claims: "The included sounds make even losing fun." Ultimate Software's latest release, Slots of Trivia, is a combination slot machine and trivia game, which is not a typical game found in the casinos, but is included here. The program acts very much like a slot machine game, until two of the same objects show up on the wheel. A trivia question is then displayed and a correct answer will earn extra credits. Look for more about Slots of Trivia in a review in this issue. Editor's Note: Those looking for more information about Ultimate Software are encouraged to visit their home page on the World Wide Web at http://softsite.com/util/ultisoft.htm. + + + + + PBM Flashback - November 1993 ----------------------------- This month we cheat a bit. Instead of looking back to a past September issue, this month's PBM Flashback reflects back to the November 1993 issue. An article titled "The BBSCON Day Two" talked about some of the happenings surrounding ONE BBSCON '93. One of the things surrounding that convention, which took place in suburban Colorado Springs, was legalized casino gambling in nearby Cripple Creek. After the on-line show was held, the editor of this publication made a short visit to this historic Colorado town. The following is what was written about that visit three years ago. Many of the BBSCON guests took time to take in the local sights, including sampling limited stakes gambling in nearby Cripple Creek. In November of 1990 Colorado voters authorized limited stakes gambling in several old mining towns. Since October of 1991 Cripple Creek, along with Central City and Black Hawk outside of Denver, now bristle with activity. The effort has not been without it's growing pains. There are strict zoning restrictions in Cripple Creek, primarily to maintain the historic look of the town, and these restrictions are hampering growth. Large casino operators want to move into the area, but locals want to preserve the national historic status of the town. Last year Federal officials threatened to revoke the historic status if new construction started ruining the character of Cripple Creek. There are still some bugs to work out, but Cripple Creek residents feel Governor Roy Romer is the primary problem. Governor Romer is a longtime opponent of legalized gambling and didn't even visit the casinos during their first two years of operation. Driving west out of Colorado Springs on US 24 gives a magnificent view of one of the world's most famous mountains, Pike's Peak. The peak was first sighted by Zebulon Montgomery Pike, an American explorer and army officer, in 1806. The mountain's elevation is not the highest in the state, 14,100 feet, but it is well-known for the annual auto race and an exceptional view. The Pike's Peak Auto Hill Climb dates back to 1916, and it is the second oldest race in the United States after the Indianapolis 500. Spencer Penrose, builder of the Broadmoor Hotel, first staged the international event to publicize the region. Some very big names in the world of auto racing have raced in the Fourth of July event, the likes of Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Rick Mears and Parnelli Jones. There was snow in the higher elevations, which did disappoint some by closing down the Pike's Peak Highway for awhile. The leaves were just barely starting to change color, how wonderful this area must look in the fall. Something I had not personally seen in a while were birch trees. Driving in Colorado can be a bit of an experience. State Road 67, which heads south towards Cripple Creek, is the type of road that one would expect to find in the mountains. It is all two lane paved road, but there are treacherous mountain curves and drop-offs of thousands of feet. The Colorado Department of Transportation doesn't waste any money on things like signage or guard- rail. The road can be dangerous when the locals try to pass the pokey tourists, as there may be a lot of right-of-way, but unfortunately it is straight down. I would also think Colorado's drunk driver problem would correct itself. One tip for those who may be renting a car in the mountains, bring a cassette tape or two. Cripple Creek sits at an elevation of 9,494 feet and has an ice cream parlor advertising "Two Mile High Ice Cones." It is no Las Vegas, and it is hard to call something without a craps table a casino, but Cripple Creek is well worth the trip. The limited stakes, $5 maximum bet, blackjack, poker and various slots, can be frustrating. When you start winning the natural tendency is to start increasing your bets, but the limit makes it hard to win big. If I was in Las Vegas I would have played a few large hands right before leaving town, in an attempt to pay for the trip. However, with the $5 limit, and the fact I had a plane to catch, I just cashed in my pocket full of green $25 chips. It is probably the state's loss, as I would have played green until I had won substantially, or lost all my winnings. Despite paying $90 for a room without air conditioning, and dealing with the frustration of trying to park, Cripple Creek was a great way to relax and forget about bulletin boards for a while. Editor's Note: PBM Flashback will appear on a regular basis in future issues. Each issue will have this brief look back at some of the features which have appeared over the history of the Pasco BBS Magazine. + + + + + ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º ßÛß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ Ûßßß ÛßÛ Ûßßß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßÛßß Û Û ÛßÛßÛ º º Û Û Û Û Û Ûß ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ ÛßßÛ Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û º º ßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ßßßß ß ß º º º º ÛßÛ ÛßÛ Ûßßß º º ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ º º ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß º º º º Since 1985 - Pasco County's Oldest BBS º º º º Sysops - Rob & Carolyn Marlowe º º º º Popular Chat Board, On-Line Games, CD-ROMS, Internet, FidoNet º º º º Ten Lines - (813) 848-6055 Voice - (813) 845-0893 º º º º telenet: sanctum.com º º º º READ THE PASCO BBS MAGAZINE AT: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco º º º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ + + + + + Some Other Gambling Related Shareware Programs ---------------------------------------------- This article takes a look at some of the gambling related Shareware programs not covered in other articles in this issue. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as there are many gambling related programs to be found in the Shareware market. A Day at the Races (Distributed by LatticeWork Software) This is a horse racing game for Windows. The game allows up to four players to make win, place, or show wages on any of the eight horses in the field. The game has sound card support and on-line help. Blackjack for Windows (Written by Elton Shamblen) This variation on the popular casino card game of twenty-one allows up to six people to play against the computer. The Windows game allows numerous configurations to game play. Digital Downs (Written by Terry C. Hastings and distributed by Accidental Software) This is a horse racing simulation with a point and click interface. Review the Daily Racing Form for the latest information prior to placing win, place, show, quinella, exacta, or daily double wagers. Double Down Video Poker (Written by Sam Hazan and distributed by SNR Software) This video poker game features a colorful, and easy to use, mouse driven interface. Double Down Video Poker gives the player the option of doubling down after a winning hand. Dr. Blackjack (Written by E. Perlman and L. Illion) Dr. Blackjack is a single-player rendition of the popular casino card game. While not graphically intensive, the program does supply the true and running card count at the touch of a key. There is also the amount, if any, a wager should be increase based on the current count. FunPok Video Poker Game (Written by Lane Waters and distributed by SoftGAME Company of Vermont) This video poker game for Windows allows the option of choosing any one of eight denominations from a quarter up to a hundred dollar machine. There is also double up and progressive options, along with the ability to change the screen layout to the typical casino video poker machine configuration. Home Stretch (Written by Mike Comish and distributed by Ultimate Software) Take a trip out to Winston Downs in this horse racing game for Windows. Home Stretch features very nice sound card support for one to four players. Read the past results before placing your win, place, show, exacta, or quinella wager. Multiple bets per race, different racing conditions and many other nice features. Keno Master (Written by Paul DeJane and distributed by King's Crown Software) This is a very nice Windows game for keno, lotto and bingo fans. The on-line help explains the rules, and different bets, for the casino game of keno. Features include the ability to play way tickets and display the hit frequency of different numbers. Las Vegas Craps (Written by Kent Myers) This one or two player dice game allows every bet permissible in a real casino. The full featured program includes complete statistical information, including the frequency that numbers have come up and results of all bets placed. Las Vegas EGA Casino (Written by Diana and Ted Gruber) The Las Vegas EGA Casino is a classic Shareware game dating back to 1987. It includes three popular casino games, blackjack, video poker, and a slot machine. Some of the features include sound card support and the blackjack game keeps a running total for those interested in card counting. Las Vegas Slots - PRO (Written by Timothy L. Hirtle) Bet up to 24 coins on a single spin of the wheels in this casino slot machine game for Windows. The program has many features including detailed statistics of game play. Poker Ace (Written by Michael J. Scavezze) Play any one of ten different poker games with up to six computer players. Features include the option of setting the betting personalities of the computer players, anything from scrooge to the big spender. Race the Nags (Written by Dick Olsen) This is a horse racing game for up to six players. Each race has six horses to wager on and each player selects the horse they want to bet on and specifies how much they want to bet on that race. You can bet on a horse to win, place or show. Sage Blackjack Simulator (Distributed by Sage Software) This full featured blackjack program for Windows features extensive on-line help. There are many different configuration options, complete game statistics and up to seven players can play this popular casino game at one time. Ultimate Blackjack (Written by Terry C. Hastings and distributed by Accidental Software) This is a full-featured program based on the popular casino card game of twenty-one. There is a tutor option which explains the basic strategy on a single screen. The program also has the option of displaying the current count on screen, a cards dealt face up option and the ability to track results using the statistics feature. The animated players add to the overall enjoyment of the game. Ultimate Craps (Written by Terry C. Hastings and distributed by Accidental Software) This program is an interactive simulation of the casino dice game of craps. The on-line help explains how to play the game and information on any bet can be displayed by hitting the H key. Almost all bets are implemented including the back line "odds" bets. Features include a statistics option, a history of the numbers rolled and a history for the dollars wagered. The sometimes snide comments of the animated players add to the enjoyment of the game. Ultimate Poker (Written by Terry C. Hastings and distributed by Accidental Software) Play five card, or seven card, stud in the Shareware version of this poker adaptation. On-screen displays track the history of each player in the game and a statistics option shows detailed information on the frequency of a particular hand winning the pot. A point and click interface, along with seeing the sometimes hilarious comments of your fellow players, make this a nice rendition of the popular card game. Ultimate Roulette (Written by Terry C. Hastings and distributed by Accidental Software) This is a faithful rendition of the casino game. The program gives the player the option of using either the American wheel, with both the 0 and 00, or the European wheel, with just the 0. All the various bets are implemented and the on-line help explains each one. There is an option to run a simulation, with or without bets, for up to 30,000 spins. Vegas Poker and Blackjack (Distributed by Galt Technology) This game for Windows features a video blackjack machine and a video poker machine. Five units must be in the Shareware version and the player cannot spilt pairs or double down in the blackjack mode. Vegas Slots (Written by Jeff Blanchard) Play up to three quarters in this casino-style slot machine game. Choose any one of three different slot machine themes, Lightning Luck, Aloha Adventure or Vegas Valor. + + + + + ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛßß ßßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛß ßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛ The ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÜÜ ßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÜ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛ Electronic ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ Û ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛ Frontier ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ Ûß ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ Ûß ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛ Foundation ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ß ÜÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÜ ÜÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÜÜ ÜÜÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ Fighting for our on-line rights! ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ 1001 G Street NW, Suite 950 East, Washington, DC 20001 ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ (202) 347-5400 (Voice), (202) 638-6120 (BBS), eff@eff.org (Internet) ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ + + + + + EFF Quote of the Month ---------------------- "There happened in the Middle Ages what has happened so often since then. Those who were the beneficiaries of the established order were bent on defending it, not so much, perhaps, because it guaranteed their interests, as because it seemed to them indispensable to the preservation of society." - Henri Pirenne, _Medieval_Cities, _Their_Origins_and_the_Revival_of_Trade_, 1925 Editor's Note: The Electronic Frontier Foundation Quote of the Month is a collection of the wittiest and stupidest, most sublime and most inane comments ever said about cryptography, civil liberties, networking, government, privacy, and more. For more information on the Electronic Frontier Foundation, contact the EFF via the Internet, phone, fax, or US Mail. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, 1001 G Street NW, Suite 950 E, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 347-5400 (voice), (202) 393-5509 (fax), (202) 638-6119 (BBS), Internet: ask@eff.org. + + + + + ²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± THE NEWS ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± DIRECTORY ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²±²²± ²²±²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²±²²²²± ²²²²± ²²±²±²²± ²²²± A brief look ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²±²± ²²²²²²²± ²²²± at some of ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²²±²²²± ²²± ²²± the news of ²²²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± the month After six years in print, "BBS Magazine" ceased publication with the June 1996 issue. The publication was known as BBS Caller's Digest from its inception in 1988, as an on-line magazine for Sysops to put on their bulletin boards, until being renamed in 1994. The first printed issue came out in September 1990 and the first six issues were created on Word Perfect at the publisher's house. The publisher of BBS Magazine was Richard Paquette, who is the Sysop of the Livewire BBS and the author of the Livewire Collection of BBS door programs. At its peak, BBS Magazine has a paid circulation in excess of 40,000. An exclusive interview with Richard Paquette appeared in the March 1994 issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) will permit candidates and political action committees to use the Internet for fund raising and information gathering. The FEC has issued several advisory opinions and state that this is the first election cycle in which the Internet question has been raised. The World Wide Web has become a popular means of communication for political candidates. Last month some details were published on the Software Publishers Association's (SPA) 12th Annual Conference, which is being held October 5-9, 1996 at the Atlanta Hilton and Towers Hotel in downtown Atlanta. The future dates for SPA conferences have recently been announced. The 1997 Spring Symposium will be held from March 1-5, 1997 at the San Diego Marriott & Marina; the 13th Annual Conference will take place September 6-10, 1997 at the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington D.C.; the 1998 Spring Symposium will be held from March 21-25, 1998 at the San Jose (California) Convention Center; and the 14th Annual Conference will take place September 12-16, 1998 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. For additional information, contact the SPA at (202) 452-1600. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Deutch told a Senate subcommittee that the government and industry should prepare for "cyber- warfare" attacks on their computers by other countries. It is felt that systems are very vulnerable and that security controls cannot prevent hackers from accessing systems. At a recent campaign stop President Bill Clinton proposed putting the names of "deadbeat" parents on the Internet. About twenty states currently have Web sites dealing with the child-support delinquency problem. The Florida Division of Elections has made it possible for people to register to vote on the Internet's World Wide Web. Those who register on-line will be sent an official form to sign in the mail. The site, which was setup in an attempt to get more younger voters registered, may be accessed at http://elections.dos.state.fl.us. On August 7, 1996, Microsoft released version 4.0 of Windows NT. Three years ago Windows NT 3.1 debuted, as an operating system for networks, databases and specialized applications. NT meant "New Technology" and the first version spent four years in development with costs nearing $500 million. The initial release did not fair too well, but eventually the program did gain some level of acceptance and is currently installed on almost a fifth of the computers acting as "servers." This new version takes on more of a Windows 95 appearance. + + + + + S H A R E W A R E R E V I E W ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÂÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ Program ³ Blackjack for Professionals ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Author/Vendor ³ Larry Brenner ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Special Requirements ³ None ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÁÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Blackjack for Professionals Review ---------------------------------- Larry Brenner is a New Port Richey, Florida resident who has written a blackjack simulation, which he calls "an analysis, practice and learning tool." Blackjack for Professionals features no graphics, but is designed to analyze and summarize the users style of play. The program is not a tutorial on blackjack and assumes a basic understanding of the popular casino card game, however, there is much flexibility in the program. There are a wide range of configuration options available, such as, the number of decks to use and the percentage of the deck to penetrate prior to shuffling. The play options allow the program to be setup like any casino, as it is possible to change the options for doubling down, splits, doubling after splits, surrender, insurance and when the dealer checks his hole card. The starting bankroll for the player and house, betting units, speed and sound can also be configured to personal preference. There is also the option of using the built-in card counting methods, Plus-Minus and Hi-Opt, or to use your own custom method. While the beta version 1.00 was used for this review, Blackjack for Professionals seems to be well on the way to reaching the stated objectives. + + + + + Computer Basics --------------- Written by Ed Garwood, Hudson, FL Reading Text Files We've all seen those files that with funny titles like README, or READ.ME or README.1ST. Did you ever wonder about them? Of course you did. And well you should. Such files have a lot of information in them. Sometimes it's about how to run the program or how to use it. In some cases, they have up-to-date information not included in the manual. So, it behooves one to read those files. How?? There are a few ways. The first, and the easiest is to the DOS TYPE command. To use this command assuming we have a filename such as READ.ME, simply type: TYPE READ.ME Unfortunately, if the text is a long one, it will scroll past you too fast to read. TYPE is a good command for short texts, but not for long ones. For a longer text, we must use the "pipe". If you look on your keyboard at the key with the back-slash symbol (\) you will see a symbol like this |. That is the pipe symbol. One of the many things a pipe does is interrupt action. In this case, it interrupts the scrolling. To use it, type: TYPE READ.ME | MORE Now, you will see just one screenful of text. To see the next screenful, press the PAGE DOWN key, and so on. There's another easy way. Just type: MORE < READ.ME This does the same thing as above, one screenful at a time. (You'll find the < symbol on the key with the comma (,)) So much for the DOS commands. There is an excellent shareware program that works even better, called LIST, which you can find in computer club libraries, or download it from a bulletin board. If you have downloaded it from a Bulletin Board, you will have to Unzip it. You will find a document file, which tells you how to use LIST, plus 3 files called LIST, LISTR, & LISTS. For the time being, it is best to use LISTS (short version). To read the LIST.DOC file, type LISTS LIST.DOC. This will give you the documentation, one screenful at a time. When finished, just press ESC to get back to DOS. In reading the documentation, you will find a number of uses for LIST. Experiment later. For now, just use it to read text files. Editor's Note: Look for another installment of Computer Basics in next month's issue. Ed Garwood may be contacted by leaving a message on the Board of Trade BBS at (813) 862-4772. He is also active in the Pasco ComPats Computer Club. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the New Port Richey City Council Chambers at the intersection of Main and Madison Streets in New Port Richey, Florida. For more information about the Pasco ComPats Computer Club, contact club President Robert Donbar at (813) 863-3963. + + + + + ROTFL! ------ Computer humor courtesy of Sandy Illes The Personalized Flame (c)1996 Sandy Illes This flame was create exclusively for ______________________. Dear ________________________, 1. moron 2. retard 3. mommy's boy 4. he who must die The pleasure of receiving your mail has ____________________ 1. made me a firm believer in euthanasia for the IQ-impaired. 2. proven my theory that only idiots post from AOL. 3. caused me to pray to God for your slow, horrible demise. 4. inspired me with thoughts of new, slow, satisfying methods of how I could torture you. While I initially felt ____________________________ for you, 1. contempt 2. pity 3. a Kevorkian kind of love 4. pure hate I tried to temper it with __________________________________ 1. a mail bomb that for some reason you didn't open. 2. the knowledge that people as dumb as you don't usually live very long. 3. a Mafia hitman. 4. a Satanic ceremony with you as the sacrifice. Editor's Note: Thank you to ROTFL Digest!, and its editor Sandy Illes for allowing the above to be reprinted from a prior issue of the on-line humor magazine. ROTFL Digest! is published by Access Media Systems, which may be contacted at (905) 847-7143, or (905) 847-7362. You may also email Sandy Illes at sandyi@pathcom.com, or visit their home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.pathcom.com/~sandyi. + + + + + S H A R E W A R E R E V I E W ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÂÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ Program ³ Slots of Trivia ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Author/Vendor ³ Ultimate Software ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Special Requirements ³ Windows ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÁÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Slots of Trivia Review ---------------------- Slots of Trivia is a game for Windows, which is a combination slot machine and trivia game. The program is written by Mike Comish and distributed by Central Point, Oregon based Ultimate Software. There are several different Slots of Trivia versions available, including Sport Trivia, General Knowledge Trivia, Baseball Trivia and Movie Trivia. The program does require that the readily available VBRUN300.DLL file be placed in the Windows's system directory. The Sport Trivia version of Slots of Trivia was used for this review. The objects displayed on the wheels reflect this version, as you watch golf balls, footballs, basketballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks and trophies spin. This program acts very much like a slot machine game, until two of the same objects show up on the wheel. A trivia question is then displayed and a correct answer will earn extra credits. While there is the option of a slot-only mode without trivia questions, the questions do add more challenge to the game. One nice feature is a bonus pool, which increases with each bet. Correctly answer one question from each category to win the bonus pool. Other options include borrowing from the bank, setting the speed of the game, changing the color scheme and switching the level of difficulty. As with the other programs in the Ultimate Software library, Slots of Trivia is very well done. + + + + + °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° ² ² ² Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida ² ² ² ² (813) 862-4772 12/24/48/96/144/28800 baud ² ² ² ² The Hobby BBS for the Entire Family! ² ² ² ² Pasco County's Information Source ² ² Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics ² ² ² ² Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware ² ² Official Distribution Site: ² ² Alive Software, Apogee Software, Epic MegaGames, Gamer's Edge, ² ² Id Software, Impulse Software, MVP Software, Safari Software, ² ² Software Creations, Soleau Software and Union Logic Software ² ² ² ² Supporting the Local Computer Community ² ² Local Author Support File Directory ² ² Official Support BBS for Pasco ComPats Computer Club ² ² ² °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° + + + + + Next Month ---------- While we are not sure of everything that will appear in the October issue, several things are in the works. Next month's issue will have coverage of CyberSurfari '96, which will be put on by the Software Publishers Association in October. Another October event is national "NetDay" on October 26, so we will have something on that too. Also planned is another extraction from June's highly publicized ruling in the case against the Communications Decency Act. Look for Computer Basics, Shareware reviews, all the latest news and our other regular features. The October issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine will be available on, or before, September 22. Make sure you do not miss a single issue of Tampa Bay's oldest free on-line magazine! + + + + + Important Information --------------------- The Pasco BBS Magazine is distributed free of charge, as long as it is unaltered and complete. When uploading make sure the original archive is intact with all files included. The Pasco BBS Magazine is the sole property of the Board of Trade BBS and Richard Ziegler. It is legally copyrighted material and all rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be used without permission. No compensation of any kind may be received for the viewing, distribution, or for any other use of the magazine files. By submitting something, you are agreeing to allow publication of the material in the magazine. Articles reprinted with permission remain the property of the cited source. Guest contributions may not necessarily reflect the views of the Pasco BBS Magazine. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions, however, this is normally only done to correct spelling or grammatical errors. The editor makes all determinations on what and when articles will run. Every effort is made to insure that all information contained within the Pasco BBS Magazine is accurate, but inadvertently mistakes can appear. The Pasco BBS Magazine, Board of Trade BBS or Richard Ziegler cannot be held liable for information contained within this document. It is intended that this magazine exists for the personal enjoyment of the readers. Rather than place a trademark symbol at every occurrence of a trademarked name, it is stated that trademarks are only being used in an editorial fashion with no intention of any infringement of the trademark itself. More information can be found in the other files distributed with the magazine's archive. Comments, questions, suggestions and submissions can be left on the Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772, or mailed to Board of Trade BBS, P.O. Box 1853, New Port Richey, FL 34656. + + + + + (C)Copyright 1996 Richard Ziegler - All Rights Reserved + + + + +