     Riverboat Blackjack by Steven R. Lorenz (C) Copyright 1994

The object blackjack is to get a total of 21 points or have more points than
the dealer.  If you get over 21 then you automatically lose or 'bust'.  Face
cards and 10s all count 10 points.  Aces count one or 11 (your choice).  All
other cards count their number value.  If you tie with the dealer you get your
money back.  If you win you get double your money back.  If you get a 'blackjack'
that is a 21 with the first two cards dealt you get two and a half times your
money back.

There are 5 player seats at the blackjack table and each may be held by a
different player.  Your cards will be positioned at the center bottom of the
screen. The dealer is at the top center of the screen. The other players cards
are located at the sides of the screen.  Each player will have a number listed
near his name and cards indicating what his playing order is.  Play will proceed
in a clockwise manner starting with player One.

Each new player receives $100 as they board the riverboat.
Play consists of a series of steps or processes.  A clock in the lower left
hand corner shows the amount of time left in each step.  This should allow
enough time for everyone to make their play.  Players must remember that they
are not always the only one playing.  The first step is the shuffle, then the
bet, then the deal, then you are asked if you want to surrender, go on or if
the dealer has an ace showing, if you want insurance.  In this step every one
can respond in what ever order they want.  The next step is the play.  First
player one plays his cards.  When he is done it is the next players turn.
Everyone else can watch what he does or can chat.  When all player have done
their play it is the dealers turn.  He must hit all scores under 17 and must
stand on 17 or more. Then all winners are paid.  Play then cycles back to the
deal unless there are too few cards left in the shoe for another hand.

It is possible to chat or issue brief messages to other players when it is not
your turn to play.  It is also possible to turn the messages of one or all of
the players off so as not to be bothered.

Commands:
X - Exit - Leave the game back to the BBS.
Bet -  You are asked for your bet.  Enter a number from the bet minimum to
       the bet limit. There is no order in betting.  The betting time limit
       is usually 25 seconds.
       In an unregistered game the limit is $100.
       Note - Amounts are rounded off to the nearest $1.

Deal - The Deck is a 4 deck shoe (208 cards).  The standard shuffle is a
       random mixing of the cards.

Help - This option.
Surndr - Surrender.  You may forgo the rest of play by giving up.  You receive
       half of your original bet back if $2 or more.

Insurance - You may wager one half your original bet that the dealer has
       blackjack if an Ace is showing. You lose your original bet but the house
       pays 2:1 on the insurance bet. (True odds are 13:4 or about 3:1)
Go On - Continue playing.  Go on to the next step.
Hit   - Take another card. Normally a player will have about 30 seconds to
        decide if they want another card.
Stand - Player doesn't want anymore cards.
D Down - Double Down  Player doubles his bet and receives a one card hit on his
       two card hand of 10 or 11.  Card is face down until dealer plays his cards.
Split - If the first two cards a player receives are the same denomination the
       player may make an additional wager equal to the first and play two
       hands.  First the upper rank of cards will be played then the lower.
       Play is per normal play except if Aces are split. In that case only one
       card is received per ace.
Chat   Type 'C' or press the Chat button. Then very quickly select the chair
       number of the person you want to communicate with.  Type a brief two
       line message (or press Escape for one line).  The person will receive
       this message in his next step.  If you cannot finish the message
       before it is your turn to play, the message will be saved until you do.
       If it is your turn to play your chat will be interrupted and can resume
       once you are done.
Off    Type 'O' or press the Off button.  The very quickly select the chair
       number of the person you want to stop sending you messages.  This
       remains off for the remainder of your session.

Going Broke - should your bank go to zero and you are unable to bet then you
       are asked to leave the boat.

More Money - Each new day that you play Riverboat Blackjack you will receive
       $100 until you have over $1,000.  Also for each minute of play you will
       receive a bright and shinny $1 piece when you leave the boat.  In an
       unregistered game your bank cannot be saved over $2,000.

