========================================================= Bridge D/A 5 ========================================================= INTRODUCTION ============ Bridge D/A runs in a Windows environment. Bridge D/A 3 introduced the concept of RuleSets, i.e. nine different sets of definitions that at all times may be combined into a superset, for complicated criteria. With Bridge D/A 4 creation of html files was added to the system, both for the Dealer and the Simulator. Bridge D/A 5 includes a manual input tool for Challenge the Champs type deals and a bidding tool for practising bidding over the Internet. RuleSets -------- Bridge D/A RuleSets are just different sets of parameters for the Dealer. At all times you have nine different RuleSets immediately available, which may be combined into "super sets". The Dealer will apply the RuleSets you have selected in the main Dealer window, i.e. the outcome will comply with at least one of the RuleSets. If you run the Dealer without selecting any RuleSets, the program will use only the current RuleSet. Each RuleSet may in itself contain multiple parameters as regards strength and distribution. But use of several RuleSets in a dealing process will enhance the possibilities to produce hands with complex definitions, such as openings hands with multiple meanings. Since the selected RuleSets will be tested in numerical order, their internal order may have some impact on the performance. Hence, it may be sensible to reorganize the order between your RuleSets to put a subset of another RuleSet back in the list. The RuleSets menu offers functions for copying the current RuleSet to another position and for swapping positions between the current RuleSet and another one. To change a RuleSet, just select it from the Current RuleSet drop down list box, and use all the controls to specify your demands. At any time you may save (or reload) your RuleSets from the RuleSets menu. When you restart Bridge D/A, they will automatically be loaded for you. FEATURES ======== Along with the ever occurring small bug corrections version 3.3 includes some enhancements: o Opposing bidding tuned for better performance regarding openings, overcalls, support and responses. LTC is now used to define the opposing biddidng. o Extended manipulation of longest suit. o Zone variable for NS implemented. Within each RuleSet it's possible to define wether the parameters shall apply always, or only non vulnerable or vulnerable. o Test function works on the current RuleSet or on all selected RuleSets. o Simulator output doubled to 12 hands per set. o The user is reminded to save parameters when exiting the simulator. o Simulator bidding controls modified. The different buttons ere disabled when not allowed. Version 3.4 enhancements: o "Specific distributions" function introduced. Users may enter min and max limits for each suit, and get exact distributions by setting theese values alike. o Printout of definitions along with txt- and pbn-files added. o The Total Minumum HCP parameter may be disabled by the user. Version 3.5 enhancements: o HTML option added to the Simulator. o Convert ASCII files to HTML function added to the Dealer. Version 3.7 enhancements: o Exclusion of Notrump openings added to the Simulator. o Some functionality added to the Simulator Main Window. Version 3.8 developements: o Enhancements for competitive bidding, i.e. bettar suit quality requirements for overcalls. o User configuration of defensive levels introduced. Version 4 enhancements: o Html output added. o Manual input of hands introduced. Version 5 enhancements: o A tool for creation of Challenge the Champs type hands introduces. o Bridge D/A Bidding Tool included, where text files can be imported, bid and saved in a reloadable format for bidding practising by e-mail over the Internet. INSTALLATION ============ The installation set contains two files: * Readme.txt (this file) * SetupDA.exe (Demo version downloaded from http://w1.836.telia.com/~u83607584/ Save SetupDA.exe in a temporary folder and double-click the file to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Bridge D/A. Update the Demo version by copying a sharp bridgeda.exe into the install directory. UPDATES ======= An update of Bridge D/A will typically contain the ReadMe.txt file plus the bridgeda.exe and the help file, bridgeda.hlp, together in a zip file. Just unzip the files into the bridgeda directory, normally c:\program\bridgeda. STARTING BRIDGE D/A =================== Click the Start button and select Program/Bridgeda. You will be asked to choose Dealer or Simulator as your starting function. Later it's easy to switch between these two functions through the File menu. MORE INFORMATION ================ Check out the online help for more information. TROUBLE-SHOOTING ================ If you experience any problems that can not be solved, please contact: Sven-Olov Flodqvist tjolpe@telia.com http://w1.836.telia.com/~u83607584/