			    ++  ULTIMATE GIN  ++
              COPYRIGHT (C) 1995, 1996, 1997 ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
		       "If it's good, it's ACCIDENTAL"

			     TABLE OF CONTENTS 

			       1. Game features
			       2. System requirements
                               3. Registration
                               4. Registration Benefits
                               5. Code Registation
                               6. Installation
                               7. Game start up
                               8. Command line switch
                               9. Menu
                              10. Selecting an Opponent
                              11. Playing the Game
                              12. Game menu
                              13. Game play
                              14. Score Board 
                              15. Trouble shooting windows

                      LATEST GAME INFORMATION                     

1.  Accidental Software has a new internet presence at http://www.accidental.com
2.  Accidental Software's phone numbers have changed......
    Order toll free -- 1 800 771 6746
    Order International -- 1 760 247 2804
    FAX -- 1 760 247 6819
    Tech Support -- 1 760 247 2804
3.  The installation procedure has been designed to streamline installation of 
    this DOS game into the windows 95 environment.
4.  Accidental Software now has a CD-ROM of all 8 of our DOS games available.  
    The CD-ROM comes complete with a Windows installation as well as a DOS installation
    if that is desired.  This CD-ROM contains the complete registered versions of 
    our games (voice packs included) for a total price of $34.00 including shipping 
    and handling.  Call 1 800 771 6746 for the latest information and ordering 
    details or drop us Email at Games@accidental.com.
  
                    GAME FEATURES (Registered Version)

1.  Play GIN RUMMY against one of 8 notorious characters.
2.  Select the GIN RUMMY variation you like to play.
    a. STANDARD 10 KNOCK: The knock value is set to 10.
    b. OKLAHOMA GIN ACE = 1: (knock value based on the value of the first 
       card to be turned face up, if it's an Ace then the knock value is 1).
    c. OKLAHOMA GIN ACE = GIN: (knock value based on the value of the first
       card to be turned face up, if it's an Ace then the knock value is GIN).
    d. HOLLYWOOD SCORING: A scoring device where 3 games are played at once.
3.  Play up to 40 games per match against any one of the 8 computer generated
    players.  
4.  All completed matches against any of the opponents will be saved and 
    recalled each time that opponent is played against.
5.  Start a new match at any time (will delete all matches previously on file 
    for that opponent and start with new data.)
6.  The following items can be set to range of values noted below.
    1. GAME SCORE: Range 100 - 300 (the point count that must be reached or
       exceeded to win the game.)
    2. GAME BONUS: Range 100 - 300 (the amount of bonus points received for
       winning the game.)
    3. SKUNK BONUS: Range 100 - 300 (the amount of bonus points received if
       a player wins the game and his or her opponent has not scored during 
       the game.)
    4. BOX BONUS: Range 0 - 50 (the amount of points received for each hand 
       won by either player during the game.)
    5. GIN BONUS: Range 0 - 50 (the amount of points received for winning a
       hand with GIN.)
    6. UNDER KNOCK BONUS: Range 0 - 50 (the amount of points received for
       winning the hand by having fewer or equal points in deadwood to your
       opponent when he or she knocks.)

			    SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

1.  IBM or 100% compatible computer 
2.  EGA/VGA Video adapter with 256K RAM on video card
3.  Hard disk 
4.  550K free RAM required

RECOMMENDED:

1.  Mouse 
2.  Sound Blaster

                            REGISTRATION 

1. The game supplied is an unregistered version.  This version is
   provided as a demonstration of the game capabilities and provides 
   a fully functioning GIN simulation.  Some game enhancements 
   are reserved for those users who find this game to be a worthwhile 
   investment. Shareware is a try before you buy marketing method. If 
   you make regular use of this software, you are expected to "purchase"
   it by paying the registration fee. As an additional incentive to 
   register this program, all game features are activated immediately
   when the correct REGISTRATION CODE is obtained from Accidental
   Software is entered into the program.  The total registration
   price is $14.95, no shipping or handling fees are encountered.

   The entire program with voice pack is available on diskette in
   a packette suitable as a gift.  This product is available at a
   moderate additional price.  Call 1 800 771 6746 for details.

                         REGISTRATION BENEFITS

NOTE: When you register, you receive a code number that is entered
into your program to instantly convert it to the registered version.
NO program diskettes will be sent.

1. Your registered version will no longer have registration reminders
   on screen.
2. Your registered version will allow you to play GIN with any of the 8
   opponents.  The non registered version only allows play with the 4
   players at the top of the players screen.
3. Your registered version will allow you to save and recall the previous 
   games against any and all computer players.  This will allow you to 
   continue a previously started match.
4. Sound Blaster voices are supported for all 8 computer generated players.
   The non-registered version plays the voices for TEX and NASTY only as a
   means of insuring the voice portion to this game is compatible with
   your system and to provide a demo of this feature. This feature
   requires a Sound Blaster or 100% compatible sound system.
5. Your registered version will keep your individual preferences (listed 
   below) on file and will restore these as the game default when you
   sign in with this name at a future time.
	a. Game speed
	b. Fan on or off
	c. Talk on or off
	d. The type of Gin being played (Standard, Oklahoma, Hollywood score)
	e. The selected values for the Game Score and Bonus Values
	f. All game scores for all matches against all computer players.

                           CODE REGISTRATION

The CODE REGISTRATION (CR) feature of this software provides instant
access to the full version of this game and saves the user $3.00 since
no shipping and handling charges are incurred.  For fastest registration,
call our toll free order number (1-800-771-6746) with your Visa or
Master Card information.

Ultimate Gin (CR) is designed to allow users of the shareware version of
this software to have instant access to the registered, full version.
This program is registered by obtaining a REGISTRATION CODE number from
Accidental Software.  When the correct REGISTRATION CODE is entered
into the program, it is instantly converted to the the registered, full
version.  Additional information concerning obtaining a REGISTRATION
CODE and entering it into the program is available by selecting one of
the MENU buttons from the game sign in page.  Next, select the
REGISTRATION INFO menu and the sub menu REGISTRATION CODE.

NOTE:  If you register this program, do not erase the gin game directory
from your hard drive or your registration will be lost.  Accidental
Software will issue a new REGISTRATION CODE (no charge) to any
registered user who has lost their game registration for any reason.  

                          INSTALLATION

1.  From disk:  Place disk #1 in your drive and from the run menu 
in Windows, type A:\Setup.  If your disk is in a drive other than 
A:, substitute that drive for A:.

2.  From a self extracting EXE (as in an internet download).  Use My
Computer or the explorer to locate the EXE file.  Double click on the
EXE to start the Winzip self extractor.  The program will extract to 
a temporary directory on your hard drive and then start the install
procedure.  When installation is complete, the temporary directroy is 
erased.

NOTE:  The non registered version of this game will play the voice
files for TEX and NASTY.  This allows you to insure the Voice Pack
for this game is compatible with your sound card and computer set
up.  The Voice Pack for this game requires a Sound Blaster or 100%
compatible sound card to function properly.  The registered version
plays the voices for all players.

=======================================================================

The following information applies to the registered version of this
game.  Some features are not available in the non-registered version.

                           GAME START UP

1.  The executable file is GIN.EXE.  From DOS, type GIN then push 
Enter to start.  From windows, double click on the gin icon the program
installs.
2.  Game credits will show.  Shorten by pressing  ESCAPE.
3.  Sign in with the name you will play under.  Saved game information 
will reference this name. The name may be changed by pushing ESCAPE if 
an opponent has not yet been selected.
4.  Choose an opponent or select MENU for game options.

                        COMMAND LINE SWITCHES        
			 
1. "/S" If you have a sound card in your system and you have installed the
Sound Pack for this game.  If this game locks up your computer, the most
likely cause is an incompatiblity with your sound card.  Use the command
line switch "/S" to keep the game from initializing your sound card.  If
the game works without the sound blaster voices, you can be certain that
the problem lies with your sound card.  Reference your sound card manual
to insure that your sound card is set up to work like a Sound Blaster.
Once your sound card configuration has been corrected, you can start the
game without the "/S" switch.  To use the command line switch from windows,
modify the Cmd Line paramater from the properties selection of the shortcut
to Gin in the Accidental program group.
				 
				 MENU

1.  Click on the [MENU] button or push the up arrow key on the keyboard 
to select.

2.  "GAME VARIATIONS": This item will be selected.  Choose one of the 
game variations offered.  This will be the type game that you will play 
anytime you sign in with this name in the future (unless you change this 
selection at a later time).

3.  "SCORE OPTIONS": Select new values for the game and other score/bonus 
amounts here.  To do this, select the item you want to change, then click 
the + or - box with the hand pointer or use the + or - keys on the keyboard.  
Double clicking on the "DEFAULT VALUES" item will change all values back 
to the game default settings. (see help for a summary of these).  If you 
want to play a new match against any opponent double click the "NEW MATCH" 
item.  This will start a new match with all new games.  "HOLLYWOOD" scoring 
may be selected by double clicking on this item.  All of the last 3 items 
on this menu are selected by double clicking the item.  When selected a 
double carat "< >" will show to the right of the item.  To deselect one of 
these items simply double click on it again.  Push the Enter key to produce 
the same results as double clicking an item.

4.  "HELP":  This item will show several screens of information about the 
game.  Information concerning the playing capabilities of each "computer 
player" can be found under "PLAYER INFO".  In general, the better players 
can be found toward the bottom of the sign on screen.  "ESCAPE", push this 
item to exit the menu or click anywhere outside of the active menu that is 
pulled down.

			  SELECTING AN OPPONENT

1.  Push the square button above the player's head to select as an opponent.  
Alternately, you can push the key on the keyboard that corresponds to the 
underlined letter in the opponent's name or cycle through the players by 
pushing the left or right arrow keys. When an opponent is selected, the 
"PLAY GIN" button appears as does information about the number of games and 
scores from your previous match with this opponent.  

2.  You may change your selection as many times as you want.  If you have 
not selected "NEW MATCH" from the Menu as explained in "SCORE OPTIONS" 
above, you will add games to the existing match games (if any).  The game 
will store up to 40 games per match.

3.  To play GIN, push the "PLAY GIN" button or the "A" key on the keyboard 
or push RETURN after a player has been selected.  If you have not selected 
a gin variation from the Menu as explained above, you will play standard 
Gin with the default game scores and bonus values.

				PLAYING THE GAME

1.  The GIN room appears.  After your opponent appears, the hand pointer 
will point to the flashing "DEAL CARDS" button.  Push this button or press 
"ENTER" or "Space Bar" on the keyboard to deal the cards.  An item from the 
menu may be selected at any time.

				    GAME MENU

1.  GAMES HISTORY:  Displays the results of previous games you have played 
against this opponent.

2.  HANDS HISTORY:  Displays the results of previous hands played against 
this opponent during the current game.  The format displayed is (this hand 
points)  --  (total hand points).  Example: You won the first hand with a 
total of 10 points,  the score will be recorded as follows  10 -- 10.  
This shows that your points for this hand were 10 and that you now have a 
total of 10 points.  The Score board at the top right of the screen also 
displays information about the game and hand scores.

3.  NEW DECK:  Use this to request a new deck of cards for the next game.  
There are 3 card decks available that will be rotated with a new selection.

4.  SPEED:  Use this to change the game speed.  Click on this button to 
bring up the speed adjustment window.  To set a faster game speed, press 
and hold the left mouse button while the hand pointer is on the base of 
the speed indicator and move it towards the + sign.  To slow the game 
down, move it towards the - sign.  You may use the + or - keys or the 
arrow keys on the keyboard to accomplish the same result.  Push the SPEED 
button again or push ESCAPE to exit the speed routine.

5.  TALK:  Use this button to open a sub menu with the following two
items.  To exit this sub menu push the TALK button again or push ESCAPE.

	a.  Comments:  This is used to turn on or off the comments made by 
the opponent when he or she picks up the card you just discarded.  These
comments will slow the game down, and some may consider them to be too much.
When the button is up, these comments are eliminated.  All other game 
information will be displayed and voices will be heard for talk balloons
if the Sound Blaster is selected and the optional voice pack has been 
purchased.

	b.  Sound Blaster:  This is used to turn on or off the Sound Blaster 
voices if a Sound Blaster or 100% compatible card is found on the system.  
If no card is found the button cannot be activated.  Down is Sound Blaster 
on, up is Sound Blaster deselected.

6.  FAN:  Use this to turn the fan off or on.  Some opponents will not 
think quite as well when the fan is turned off.  Those that the fan 
effects will say so if the Comments button is selected.  The default 
selection is Fan on.  The spider crawling on the window will hide when the
fan is off.

7.  MAIN MENU:  Use this to return to the Main sign on screen to select 
a different opponent or game variation or possibly change the values for
game scores, etc.  NOTE: When this item is selected before a game is 
complete (if one has been started), the hands played so far in this 
game are lost.  All completed games will be saved and added to those 
that may exist from a previous match.

8.  QUIT:  Self Explanatory.

				GAME PLAY

1.  Push the button by the flashing Deal Cards message or push SPACE BAR 
or ENTER.

2.  The cards will be dealt by your opponent first.  Once the cards are 
dealt,  You must either take the show card or pass.  To pass, move the 
hand pointer to the pass button and push the left or right mouse key or 
push the "P" key on the keyboard.  Move the hand pointer to the show 
card and push either mouse key if you want to add this card to your hand.
Alternately you may use the keyboard left and right arrow keys to select 
the card.  Once selected with the keyboard, you may move the card to your 
hand by pushing "ENTER".  The card will automatically move to your hand.

3.  After the initial card is played or passed, you may select a card 
from the STOCK pile or the DISCARD pile when it is your turn.  This is 
done in the manner just explained in #2 above.

4. CHOOSING A DISCARD:  Select a card in your hand to discard by moving 
the hand pointer to the card you want to discard then push the LEFT MOUSE 
BUTTON or move the hand pointer with the arrow keys.  The card that is 
gray is selected as the potential discard.  To perform the DISCARD, move 
the hand pointer to the discard stack (up turned cards or the position just
to the right of the stock card pile) then push the left mouse key or 
Enter on the keyboard.

5.  KNOCKING:  You can request a KNOCK at any time after you have selected 
a card from the discard or stock pile and before you discard a card.  Select 
the card you will be discarding (highlight it gray as indicated above) but 
do not discard it yet.  Move the hand pointer to the KNOCK button or push 
"K" on the keyboard.  Your cards will be separated into melds and deadwood 
at the bottom of the screen, with the discard you selected to the far left 
and colored gray.  If your total deadwood count exceeds the KNOCK VALUE 
(usually 10 unless playing Oklahoma Gin) a panel with your deadwood count 
will appear with the following selections....

		     CURRENT DEADWOOD:  (Number)
		     1. KNOCK AT: (Knock Value)    OK
		     2. PICK MELDS                 OK

Push the OK button next to selection number 1 to resume the game.  If you
want to manually select the melds for a different deadwood count, push the 
the button next to selection number 2.  See PICK MELDS else where in this
manual for details about using selection number 2.  Items may be selected
by using the appropriate number key on your keyboard.

If your total deadwood count is less than or equal to the KNOCK VALUE                     
(usually 10 unless playing Oklahoma Gin) the following panel will appear...
		    
		    KNOCKING WITH (value of your deadwood)
		       1.  REJECT          OK
		       2.  ACCEPT          OK
		       3.  PICK MELDS      OK

Select REJECT if you want to continue playing without KNOCKING or ACCEPT 
to take the KNOCK and end the hand.  Use PICK MELDS to manually select the
melds you want to use.  The computer will attempt to set up your hand with
the least possible deadwood.  If you have a hand with many overlapping meld
possibilities, you may want to use a different set of melds than those the
computer builds.  In this case select number 3 to choose your own melds. 
See PICK MELDS else where in this manual for details about using this
selection.

6.  CARD LAYOFF:  The non knocking player will layoff any cards he/she can 
against the knocker's melds (providing the knocker did not knock with gin).  
The cards laid off will be gray in color.

7.  LAYOFF DECISION:  If your opponent knocks first, the computer will 
arrange your hand into melds and layoff any cards it can based on the 
deadwood remaining in your hand.  You have the opportunity to rearrange
the way your hand melds are arranged if desired.  You may see a way to 
reduce your hand points that the computer arrangement doesn't take 
advantage of.  Select one of the items in the panel presented.....

		    YOUR HAND POINTS (*Amount)
		    1.  ACCEPT      OK
		    2.  PICK MELDS  OK

*Amount: Equals your deadwood value after layoff and after subtracting 
your opponent's deadwood. If this value is less than or equal to your 
opponents deadwood, you have under cut your opponent and the words
"UNDER CUT" will appear here.  If a number appears, this is the point 
value your opponent will gain on this hand.  He or she will also be  
awarded bonus points if his or her hand is GIN.

	1.  ACCEPT -- Choose this item to accept the computer arrangement
	of your hand and take the points indicated.

	2.  PICK MELDS -- Choose this item to enter the SELECT MELD 
	CARDS process.  See pick melds below for details.  NOTE: If you
	select at least one valid meld then select DONE from the PICK MELDS
	process, you will be presented with the following panel.
	
		    YOUR HAND HAS CHANGED
		    1.  ACCEPT      OK
		    2.  PICK MELDS  OK

	   1.  ACCEPT -- Choose this item to accept your meld arrangement.
	   The hand will be layed out again with this new arrangement and
	   your score will be recomputed based on the new melds you have 
	   built and susequent layoff.  This will be you final card  
	   arrangement for this hand.

	   2.  PICK MELDS -- Choose this item to re-enter the PICK MELDS 
	   process.  NOTE: You can select DONE without any valid melds 
	   displayed or select NEW then DONE to return to the game with 
	   the original computer selected meld arrangement. If this is 
	   the case, you will be again presented with the first message
	   explained under LAYOFF DECISION above.

	   NOTE:  You may select and reselect the PICK MELDS choice as many
	   times as you desire.  No action will be finalized until you
	   choose ACCEPT from a game query.

8.  SAVED GAME INFORMATION:  The following game information is saved when 
the game is quit.

		1.  Game Speed
		2.  Fan on or off
		3.  Talk on or off
		4.  The type of Gin being played
		5.  Game score value and bonus values
		6.  All game scores for any match against a computer player.

This information loaded for each game you play and will become the default 
settings for your gin matches.
			  
				PICK MELDS

This process is carried out on the game board where your hand cards are
arranged in order by ranks.  The SELECT MELD CARDS control panel will 
appear to the left and above the game board.  Up to 3 melds may be selected,
each will be identified by a different highlight color.  When this process
is entered or START OVER is selected, the initial meld color is yellow. The 
meld color you are currently working on is shown in the box below the 
BUILDING MELD caption.  Select the cards you want to include in this meld 
by moving the hand pointer to each card with your mouse, then push either 
mouse button.  If using the keyboard, the hand pointer will be "hot" for
the current meld color. move the hand pointer with the arrow keys and drag 
it over the cards you want to include in this meld.  

			   [  ]   NEXT MELD

Select NEXT MELD by moving the hand pointer to the button next to this item 
on the SELECT MELD CARDS control panel, push either mouse button to activate 
the next meld.  Up to three seperate melds can be selected in this manner.
Each meld will be indicated by it's own highlight color. You will not be able 
to select the NEXT MELD function until your current meld is valid.  I.E. if 
the current meld has less than three cards highlighted it is not a valid meld.  

			   [  ]  START OVER

Select the START OVER item by moving the hand pointer to the button next
to this item on the SELECT MELD CARDS control panel, then push either mouse
button to activate it.  Use this fuction if you have made a mistake while
selecting the cards for your meld or you want to rearrange the melds you 
have already highlighted.  This will reinitialize all melds and return all
cards to white (except the card you selected as a discard which will remain
gray and cannot be included in any meld).  You may now restart the meld 
building process or select DONE to re-enter the gin game with your hand as 
you left it.  

			   [  ]  DONE 
			   
Select DONE by moving the hand pointer to the button next to this item on 
the SELECT MELD CARDS control panel, then push either mouse button to 
activate it.  Use this function to exit the SELECT MELD CARDS process.
If the deadwood value on exit from this routine is less than or equal to the 
knock value, you will be presented with the following panel.  
(See 5. KNOCKING: above for details on using this panel.)
		    
		    KNOCKING WITH (value of your deadwood)
		       1.  REJECT          OK
		       2.  ACCEPT          OK
		       3.  PICK MELDS      OK

If you want to leave the PICK MELD CARDS process and re-enter the game 
as you left it with your hand unaltered, you must first select START OVER
so that no melds are highlighted (only required if the meld(s) you have 
highlighted are valid.)

The melds you indicated with this process must be valid before the game 
will accept them.  If your meld is not valid, you will be notified with 
a message in the message box at the bottom of the SELECT MELD CARDS panel.  
If you have selected done with an invalid meld the DEADWOOD amount will 
be recalculated before the this function returns you to the gin game.
If you have attempted to select only one meld and it is invalid, you will
be returned to the gin game with your hand unaltered.
				
NOTE:  Pushing the keyboard key corresponding to the underlined letter
of the selection you desire will activate that function.  Escape is 
equivalent to selecting DONE.
				
				SCORE BOARD      

The score board located on the top right side of the main game screen con-
sists of the following areas. 

			   NAME              NAME   
	     PREV    |                 |                 |  
	     THIS    |                 |                 |     
	     BONUS   |                 |                 |
	     TOTAL   |                 |                 |
	     WON     |                 |                 |

			    STANDARD GIN SCORING

      1. PREV: Shows the previous total score accomplished by each player 
	 during this game.  
      2. THIS: Shows the score achieved by each player for this hand.
      3. BONUS: Shows the bonus score awarded for this hand (if any).
      4. TOTAL: Shows the total score (bonus + this + prev) awarded so far  
	 for the current game.
      5. WON: Shows the number of hands won by each player during this
	 game so far.

			     HOLLYWOOD SCORING

      1. PREV: This item is N/A for Hollywood since 3 games are played 
	 simultaneously.
      2. THIS: Shows the score achieved by each player for this hand.
      3. BONUS: Shows the bonus score awarded for this hand (if any).
      4. TOTAL: Shows the total score (bonus + this) awarded for this
	 hand only. Select HANDS SUMMARY for a review of each hand so
	 far during the game.
      5. WON: Shows the number of hands won by each player during this 
	 game so far.

                             TROUBLE SHOOTING 

2.  Trouble shooting:  If this game fails to run or provides an error
message that there is unsuffecient RAM to run the program, proceed as
follows.

        a. Right click the short cut to the gin game.
        b. Select Properties from the menu that presents.
        c. Select the Program Tab.
        d. Select the Advanced command button.
        e. Insure the [x] Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary check box
        is selected.

Some installations will provide a warning that the sound card is already
in use when the game is run from windows.  You will need to remove any
sound that you have associated with clicking an Icon to open an
application from windows.  Since this is a DOS game, the DOS operating
system attempts to use the sound card while it is still in use by
windows as it plays the sound associated with opening an application.
Removing the sound for opening an application in windows should solve
the problem.  If nothing seems to work, you may have to play the game
from DOS.

