
Xblackjack is a MOTIF/OLIT based tool constructed to get you ready for the
casino.  It was inspired by a book called "Beat the Dealer" by Edward O.
Thorp, Ph.D. of UCLA.  A number of important statistics are maintained for
display, and used by the program to implement Thorp's "Complete Point System"
(high-low system).

Beginners can learn a basic strategy which doesn't require counting.  The
best strategy employs a simple card counting technique which can be used to
distinguish favorable situations.  Avid players can learn to compute Thorp's
high-low index, which takes the number of unseen cards into account.

The index is used by the program to suggest a bet, indicate when you should
buy insurance, and whether you should stand or hit, etc.  You can test the
strategy using a slider to control "autoplay mode".  Pressing the message
button below the playing area provides hints; the current count, index
and strategy table are revealed.

To build and run: 

	vi Imakefile
	  <indicate you want OLIT, if you don't want Motif>
	  <identify non-standard install targets, if any>
	xmkmf
	make World
	xrdb -merge XBlackjack.ad
	xblackjack

to install:

	make install install.man

This version allows you to vary the number of decks and starting bankroll
through resources (see XBlackjack.ad).  It's hardcoded to play Reno rules;
you can double down on 10 or 11 only, and dealer hits soft 17.

Thanks to GUX (Guy Renard) grenard@elrond.stg.trw.com, for providing the
OLIT support introduced in this version.

Please direct comments, suggestions, and patches to:
---------------------   o  ---------------------------------------------
Kirk Erickson         <(        Silicon Graphics Inc., Mountain View, CA
kirke@sgi.com          [\.                               uunet!sgi!kirke
