💾 Archived View for mirrors.apple2.org.za › archive › ground.icaen.uiowa.edu › apple16 › Games › Fre… captured on 2023-01-29 at 10:33:15.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
FreeCell v1.0 (A GS/OS application) Copyright (c) 1997 by Jeremy Hack Email: jhack@unixg.ubc.ca Introduction FreeCell is a solitaire-type game based on the Windows version by Jim Horne. The object of the game is simple: to get the cards organized by suit in ascending order in the four stacks at the upper-right of the game window. According to the documentation of the Windows version, �it is believed (although not proven) that every game is winnable.� Window Layout The four rectangles in the upper-left corner are the �cells�. A cell can hold only one card at a time, but cards may be moved from cells whenever it is possible. In the upper-right corner are the �stacks�. Cards must be stacked in ascending order, from aces to kings, following suit. An ace can be placed on any empty stack. Once a card has been added to a stack, it cannot be removed (except by �Undo Last Move�) . Once all 52 cards are placed in the stacks, the game is won. Between the cells and stacks is the score box. This tells you how many cards remain in play. Initially, the score is 52; the game is won when the score reaches 0. Eight columns are found in the lower portion of the screen. Initially, all 52 cards are located here. Please refer to the �Game Play� section for more detailed rules. A scroll bar is located along the right side of the window. This is updated after every move to represent the maximum length of the columns. This allows you to access any cards that are outside of the viewable area. As well, the window can be resized via the grow box (bottom right corner). Game Play The first time FreeCell is run, a window comes up asking for your name. This is so it can keep track of your wins and losses. After the first time, you will not be asked your name again, unless you tell FreeCell to do so (see help for Edit Menu - Preferences). Cards are moved by dragging, or by double-clicking if only a single card is to be moved. The rules are relatively simple. A card can be moved to a column (from a cell or from another column) if it is one lower in denomination (aces low), and the opposite colour. A group of cards can be moved to a column if they are all ordered as above, and the top card is one lower in denomination and the opposite colour. As well, in order to move a group of cards, there must be enough free cells to fit all but the top card. Therefore the maximum number of cards that can be moved is equal to the number of free cells plus one. If you attempt to move more than this amount, the cards will not move. Double-clicking a single card (last in a column, or in a cell) will attempt to add it to a stack. If this is not possible, and it is located in a column, it will be moved to the first available cell. Any card or group of cards can be moved to an empty column. This can be useful for effectively increasing the maximum number of cards you can move at a time. (Unlike the Windows version, FreeCell GS does not automatically make use of empty columns to move large numbers of cards). If you get to the point where there are four ordered columns of the same length, FreeCell will automatically place the cards in their appropriate stacks. Note that you cannot replay a game that you just won. When no more moves remain, FreeCell will present a window letting you know. Clicking �Stop� in this window will leave the game window open, but inactive. To make the game active again, you can choose �Undo Last Move� from the Edit menu. You can then continue from the point before you made the final move. Holding down the command (Apple) key will change the cursor into a question mark. Clicking on a card will then hilight the card(s) that could be placed following it. Of course, unless the card is last, the move is not legal. However, it is useful for locating cards when developing your strategy. Holding down the option key will change the cursor into a magnifying glass. Clicking on a (partially covered) card will reveal it completely, allowing you to check its suit (particularly for aces). Apple Menu This contains two items, in addition to any New Desk Accessories you may have: About FreeCell... Brings up a window with some information about the game and author. Help... Opens up this window. Choose a topic from the pop-up menu at the top of the window to see additional information. You can copy text from this window to the clipboard via the �Copy� command in the Edit menu. File Menu