From: mclegg@cs.ucsd.edu (Matthew Clegg)
Newsgroups: rec.games.bridge
Subject: OKbridge 1.7 now available
Date: 14 Aug 92 19:59:05 GMT
Article-I.D.: sdcc12.36845

I am now releasing version 1.7 of OKbridge.  For those of you who are
already familiar with the program, here is a list of the significant
improvements.  At the end of this message, I am including the OKbridge
FAQ which gives further information about how to get the program.

Please report any bugs or questions to me.

Best wishes,

Matthew Clegg.
mclegg@cs.ucsd.edu


------------------------------------------------------------------------

What's New in Okbridge version 1.7
------ --- -- -------- ------- ---

1. GPS Duplicate Play

The GPS now supports duplicate play.  The /DUP command can be used
to download duplicate boards from the GPS.  After each board is played,
the results of play by other tables are displayed.  The /RESULTS
command can be used to find out how well other tables have done at
boards you have already played.


2. Improved Scoring Modes

OKbridge 1.7 now contains only four scoring modes: Rubber, Duplicate,
IMP and MP.  The Rubber and Duplicate modes are the same as before.
The IMP mode scores Mono-IMP points for boards which have only been
played by one table and scores true IMP points for boards which have 
been played by multiple tables.  Similarly, the MP mode scores
simulated match points for boards which have only been played by
one table and true match points for boards which have been played
by multiple tables.

All players now see the same scores, regardless of when they join.


3. A Two-player Practice Mode has been added.

Following a suggestion of Alan Truscott, a "practice" mode has been
added whereby two (or more) players may practice bidding together.
OKbridge supplies PASS bids for absent players, and after the bidding
is completed, the hand has is displayed so that the partnership may
discuss the bidding and plan the play.


4. User Interface Improvements

Switching between bidding/playing and talking is now completely 
under user control.  OKbridge never switches into bidding/playing
mode on its own.  Instead the <TAB> key is used to switch between
bidding/playing and talking.  

Most of those annoying "PRESS RETURN TO CONTINUE" messages have
been replaced by "PRESS ESC TO CONTINUE" messages.  This will
substantially reduce the chance that pressing return will have
an unintended effect.


5. Increased Fault Tolerance

If your connection to the server is temporarily lost, it is possible
to rejoin the game and continue playing from exactly where you left off.
It is possible to save a board which has been partially played and to
resume playing it at a later date.  Observers can take over in the
middle of a hand.


6. Defaults can be saved and restored

Many of the program's settings, such as the player name, email address,
bell and prompt toggles, etc., are now saved automatically to the
file ".okdefaults" when the program terminates.  This file is then
read at startup time, restoring the prior settings.


6. Spectators can now talk to each other.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Frequently Asked Questions about OkBridge
---------- ----- --------- ----- --------

1. What is OkBridge?

   OkBridge is a unix program which allows four people at different
   locations on the internet to play the game of bridge together.
   It has Rubber, Duplicate, Match Point and IMP scoring modes.
   It allows kibitzers to join a table and watch play, it provides
   a practice mode whereby a partnership can practice bidding,
   and it provides support for duplicate play.

2. How can I get OkBridge?

   OkBridge can be obtained using anonymous ftp.  It is currently
   available at the following locations:

                     North America             Europe
                     ----- -------             ------
   Machine Name      suned.cs.yale.edu         nic.funet.fi
   IP Number         128.36.21.1               128.214.6.100
   Directory         pub/okbridge              pub/unix/games
   Filename          okbridge.tar.Z            okbridge-1.7A.tar.Z

   [NOTE: OKbridge 1.7 has not yet been uploaded nic.funet.fi.]
   For information about how to use anonymous ftp, ask any local guru or
   send email to me.
   
3. How can I subscribe to the OkBridge mailing list?

   There are two mailing lists pertaining to okbridge:

     okbridge@cs.ucsd.edu
       This list is intended for arranging bridge games.
                                                                              
     okbridge-pgm@cs.ucsd.edu
       This list is intended for announcing new bridge playing software and
       updates to old bridge software and for discussing issues in computer
       moderated bridge.

   To subsribe to either list, send a message to 
     listserv@cs.ucsd.edu 
   containing the single line
     ADD listname
   where listname is okbridge or okbridge-pgm, as appropriate.

4. If I already have a copy of OkBridge, do I need to get a new copy?

   If you have version 1.7 of OkBridge, then it is not necessary to
   obtain a new copy.  The current update level for version 1.7
   is 1.7A.
   
5. What are some of the recent improvements to OkBridge?

   A few of the features added in the last few revisions are:

   * OKbridge now supports duplicate play.  Hands can be downloaded and
     played with the /DUP command.
   * The scoring modes of OKbridge have been revised and improved.
   * Partnerships may practice their bidding together now.
   * The user interface has been substantially cleaned up and improved.
   * OKbridge now provides increased fault tolerance -- if you are
     disconnected, you may rejoin the game from exactly where you left off.
   * Many of the program settings are now automatically saved to a defaults
     file which is restored on program start up.
   * Spectators (kibitzers who have been shown the cards) may now talk
     to each other.


6. Can OkBridge be used to play duplicate games?

   OKbridge 1.7 now provides a mode for duplicate play.  A set of boards
   is maintained in a central database which can be accessed with the
   /DUP command.  When a table downloads and plays one of these boards,
   the players are shown the results of play by other tables at the end
   of the hand.


7. Are there any organized competitions?

   Yes, there are weekly OKbridge tournaments.  They are currently being
   organized by Shangyou Zhang (szhang@math.udel.edu).


--------------------END OF Okbridge.faq -------------------------------------
-- 
Matthew Clegg, Gradual Student  (619) 558-3408            mclegg@cs.ucsd.edu
UCSD, Computer Science                             Jettison the Afterburners!