BlackJack Solitaire, Version 4.0
Price: US$5.00
Seahorse Software
http://www.seahorsesoft.com/
 
How To Play     Support     Disclaimer

This Program is Shareware
This program is shareware. In shareware mode, all of the features of the program are enabled. The only item disabled is the saving of the game when you exit. This means when you restart the game, you are forced to start a new game. Also, all of your settings and statistics are reset.

You are free to evaluate the program for as long as you like. But, if you enjoy the program, you are encouraged to register it.

Please visit http://www.seahorsesoft.com/register.html to find out how to register this program. There are a variety of ways it can be accomplished. Once registered, you are entitled to free updates of the product for it's life.


How To Play
The object is to get the highest score for each row, without busting (going over 21 points for a row), before the time runs out for the round.

The Level will determine how much time each round has, and whether the row points are totaled for you. Level 1 and 2 have 30 second rounds. Level 3 and 4 have 20 second rounds. Level 1 and 3 the rows are totaled. Level 2 and 4 the rows are not totaled. Ultimate Level has 30 second rounds and the rows are totaled. The Practice round is not timed, and the rows are totaled.

The Difficulty sets how the game begins. In Easy mode, the game starts when you place the first card in a row. In Hard mode, the game starts when you press the Start button. But, before you can play, one card is dealt into each row.

If you bust a row (go over 21 points), you get 0 points for the round, regardless of bonuses. Also, you need a minimum of 95 base points for that round to have any points.

If Level is 1-4, the game consists of 3 rounds.

If in Ultimate Level, the game continues until you either bust a row, or do not get at least 95 points in a round.

Aces are automagically set to 1 or 11 depending on how that would affect the row.

Skip button skips the top card on the draw pile (this can only be done once per round).

Done button ends the round (to collect points before the timer reaches 0).

Scoring:
If you reach a base score of at least 95 points, then your score and bonuses will count for that round.

  • BlackJack Bonus:
    Only "natural" blackjacks are counted. A natural blackjack is one that is only two cards (ace + ten/face card).

  • 21 Point Row Bonus:
    Any row that totals 21 points and is not a natural BlackJack.

  • All Rows 21 Pts Bonus:
    If all rows are each 21 points (natural/non-natural), then there is an extra 200 point bonus.

  • Time Left Bonus:
    Points for each second left in the round (by hitting the done button).
HandEra 330 Users:
This program has been enhanced to take advantage of the high resolution screen and Jog Wheel features of the HandEra 330.

On the main playing screen, when you "minimize" the SilkScreen, the Best Scores for the current Difficulty Level are displayed in the extra area. Also displayed in this area is your Total Game Score.

In the Best Scores screen, you can use the Jog Wheel up/down to toggle between the various Best Score Levels. Pressing the Jog Wheel in will return you to the playing screen.

You can also use the Jog Wheel up/down in any of the on-line help screens. Pressing the Jog Wheel will exit the help system.

Sony Clié Users:
This program has also been enhanced to take advantage of the Sony Clié Jog Dial.

In the Best Scores screen, you can use the Jog Dial up/down to toggle between the various Best Score Levels. Pressing the Jog Dial in will return you to the playing screen.

You can also use the Jog Dial up/down in any of the on-line help screens. Pressing the Jog Dial will exit the help system.

Settings Help

  • Row Totals
    Sets on what side of the playing boxes the Row Totals are shown.

  • Difficulty:
    • Easy: Game starts when you place the first card in a row.
    • Hard: Game starts when you press the Start button. One card is dealt into each row before play begins, but after the Start button is pressed.

  • Level:
    • Level 1: 30 second timer, rows are totaled, 3 rounds.
    • Level 2: 30 second timer, rows are not totaled, 3 rounds.
    • Level 3: 20 second timer, rows are totaled, 3 rounds.
    • Level 4: 20 second timer, rows are not totaled, 3 rounds.
    • Level UL: Ultimate Level, 30 second timer per round, rows are totaled, single best score kept, if you get >95 points for a round, you keep going!
    • Level P: Practice Level, not timed, rows are totaled, no best score entries, 3 rounds.

  • Round Review
    After the "Done" button is pressed, the game pauses so you may review the cards played in that round. Pressing the "Score Sheet" button continues the game.

  • Total Score Shown
    When turned on, replaces the Level text in the upper right hand corner with the Total Score for the game.
Color Settings (If using a color enabled device)
  • Box Area:
    The color inside the rows the cards are played in.

  • Background:
    The background color.

  • Default Colors:
    Sets the Box Area and Background to known colors.
Best Score Code Submission
Visit the BlackJack Solitaire Champions list at http://www.seahorsesoft.com/bjchamp.html and see if your #1 score makes it onto the Top 10 lists there. If so, then use the provided form on the web site to submit your Best Score Code.

The Best Score Code is generated for each #1 spot in your Best Scores list and is displayed on the Best Scores form (your copy of BlackJack Solitaire must be registered in order for a Best Score Code to be generated). See the web page for more details.


Support


Disclaimer
All attempts were made to make a quality program that runs without glitches. But from time to time glitches (or bugs) do inadvertently appear in the program. You are encouraged to make frequent backups of your data to prevent loss. As such, Seahorse Software can not be held responsible for any data loss experienced by use of this program.

Also, Seahorse Software can not be held accountable for any addictions formed to our software. If your boss catches you playing this game at work, we also claim lack of knowledge ;)


Copyright ©2001 by James Lee, jlee@seahorsesoft.com