XContractBridge 2.00

XContractBridge is a Linux Contract Bridge simulation game.
Main features:
Random deal
- The random deal engine will produce an unlimited variety of hands. The program will bid and play the other three hands with scoring to rubber. Written in the C++ language with direct access to the Xlib primitives for speed and compatibility, the program will also generate specific point count hands in the 0-28 point range.
Animated display
- The program will allow a choice of bidding speed and can also provide simple animation of the play of the cards.
Display options
- All hands may be displayed at any stage, a summary of bids is also available. Additionally each of the other hands may be permanently displayed.
Facilities
- The user may skip to a new deal at any time or replay the existing hand at any stage. The hand may also be revolved.
Deals
- A deal may be quickly saved, with dealer, at any time.
Bidding system
- The program supports the ACOL bidding system with separate toggle settings for conventions for both North South and East West. The settings are retained between sessions.
Conventions
- Stayman, Baron, Jacoby, Gambling, Blackwood and Gerber..
Playing strength
- The program is suitable for casual play and practise. The Bridge engine utilized has been proven on several other platforms (including Colossus Bridge for Windows) and provides a interesting game but is not suitable for strong club players.
Requirements
- A minimum display of 800 by 600 is required. The program has a fixed size window.
Distributions
- The development was aimed at reducing the dependencies and allowing use on the widest variety of Linux platforms. To that end it utilizes the low level Xlib library to directly work with the X Server. It has been tested on Fedora Core, SUSE, Mandrake and others. No installation is required, a single executable file is supplied.