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82 KiB
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1400 lines
82 KiB
Plaintext
ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ»
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º º
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ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ º
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ɼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º
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º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û º
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ɼ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÛ Û º
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º ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º
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º º
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º ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º
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Éͼ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º
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º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û º
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ɼ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º
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º º
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ÉÍͼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÉÍÍͼ
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º Û Ü Ü Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ ÜÛ Û ßÛÛ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º
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ɼ Û Û Û Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÜÛßÜÛÛÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ Û ÛÜß Û Û ÜÜÜÛÜ º
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ɼ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º
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ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍ»
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º September 1996 Volume 4 Number 9 º
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ÇÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĶ
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º Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida (813) 862-4772 º
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ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ
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|
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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
|
||
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|
||
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|
||
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
|
||
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|
||
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|
||
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
|
||
|
||
+ + + + + |