Blackjack 6�7�8 software Version 2003 is now available. It can be purchased thru this site for only $39.95 (the prior price of 59.95 is still shown in the Pi Yee Press catalog).
The software contains improvements in both ease-of-use and functionality. New features are shown below. The new features, in addition to the features that are carried over from the prior version, can be viewed at http://www.blackjack678.com/partial_features_list.htm.
New Features
1. Animated, snowflake, casino photo, cocktail waitress, and slot machine distractions to test your ability to concentrate
2. Unique "Using This Window" feature throughout the software that provides easy-to-understand information on using the particular module with which you are working. An example of this is in the Simulation window. If the size of the window is at least 800x600, information about using the Simulation window appears in a box titled Using This Window. This information doesn't obscure from view any of the controls in the window. You can scroll thru the information in Using This Window and then use the controls without losing your place in Using This Window. It's easier to use than it is to explain. For resolutions lower than 800x600, you can click the Using This Window button to see the information in a separate window.
3. 21 Wizards to guide you step by step through such functions as setting the parameters for playing blackjack, the basics for novices and beginners, selecting a Playing Strategy for each player, Running A Simulation, and Develop A Playing Strategy
4. Player Advantage module shows the result from a blackjack payoff of 6 to 5; value of blackjack coupons; and value of comps (complimentary gifts)
5. Run simulations twice as fast
6. Casino comportment � there are 52 tips (up from 29)
7. 1,200 long and short pop-up hints (up from 1,000)
8. Up to 6 players in Play Blackjack can be computer players (had been 3 players)
9. In the Training module, practice adding the values of the cards; range of Counts on the Counting tab has been expanded to -42 to 41 from -10 to 10; photo-realistic cards in the discard tray
10. Larger cards when playing blackjack (the smaller cards are still available)
11. Photo-realistic looking cards in the discard tray (artificial cards from the prior version can still be chosen)
12. Creating new Betting and Playing Strategies is easier
13. Can shuffle to simulate leaving the table when the count drops below a specified value (this is set in the Betting Strategy window)
14. From within the Playing Strategy window, the standard rules can be conveniently changed to see the effect on Basic Strategy or Counter Basic Strategy
15. For betting strategies, bet amounts can be specified for Counts ranging from -120 to 120 (previously the range was -5 to 20)
16. The Play Blackjack window expands as the size of the window increases, providing more room between players and room for more statistics
17. Many additional statistics are available in the Play Blackjack window, including Win Rate, the Count, and bankroll � for each player
18. Videos that demonstrate how to buy-in and how to signal the playing decisions at a table in a casino
19. Videos that illustrate card counting and how to place a bet for the dealer (21 videos in total in the software)
20. A bankroll can be chosen for each player; the bankroll statistics include initial bankroll, current bankroll, and gain as a % of bankroll
21. When the Playing Strategy window is sized to a resolution of 1280x1024 or higher, the entire Playing Strategy can be seen without having to scroll
22. Each player can have a different Playing Strategy, Betting Strategy, and Set Of Point Count Values � this can be used for simulations in addition to playing in Play Blackjack
23. Playing Strategy shortcut � on the Main Menu, select from a list of favorite playing strategies (you choose the favorites)
24. 65 Playing Strategies are included (up from 37)
25. Store up to 1,000,000 different tables each for Playing Strategy, Betting Strategy, and Sets Of Point Count Values (up from 10,000)
26. New options for setting deck penetration: Rule Of 6, Rule Of 7, and Rule Of 8
27. Getting Started module � includes the rules of blackjack, blackjack myths, examples of blackjack payoffs, why card counting works, how much money people win/lose, and information about your computer's colors & resolution.
28. A Default Size button is available in most windows. This allows you to set a window size that you can always come back to when experimenting with different sizes. Each of these windows can have a default size that differs from the default sizes of other windows.
29. Most windows can be resized to take advantage of the larger monitors and resolutions now commonly available. A button next to the Default Size button allows you to quickly resize a page to a variety of standard resolutions.
30. Printing a Playing Strategy. Can print the Playing Strategies for all players at the same time. Additional formatting includes choice of 3 sizes for the printout, printing the dealer's upcard at the bottom of the table in addition to the top, and printing the player's hand on the right side of the table in addition to the left side.
31. SCORE, developed by Don Schlesinger and discussed in his book Blackjack Attack, combines the expected win rate and the risk associated with the bet spread; it can be computed when running simulations to facilitate comparing one casino's game with another, or one strategy with another strategy
32. Counter Basic Strategy � this modified Basic Strategy reflects your particular bet spread and provides some deviations from Basic Strategy which you do every time, independent of the count. This provides camouflage by encouraging the casino to think that you are making incorrect decisions and are therefore not a good player. In addition, Counter Basic Strategy results in an increased win rate over Basic Strategy. Counter Basic Strategy was developed by Hal Marcus, who also developed the Blackjack 6�7�8 software.
-Hal
