Boris

For

Blackjack

Software Operation
Manual
(All Editions)

(Version 4.44)

Table Of Contents
Introduction	-1-

Preface	-3-
Getting the Most 	-3-
The Importance of Setting Learning Goals	-4-

Installing Boris for Blackjack 4	-6-
Uninstalling Boris 4	-8-
Boris’ Container Screen	-9-
Container Screen - Shortcut Keys	-10-
The Various Objects, Screens and Menus	-11-
Blackjack Screen Objects	-11-
Blackjack Table Menu Bar - Summary	-15-
File Menu	-15-
Casino Management	-15-
Options	-16-
Statistics	-16-
Window	-17-

Boris’ Multitude of Screen Layouts	-18-

The Flow of Blackjack	-23-
Event Description	-23-
Utilizing Boris to become a PRO Player	-25-
Loading/Saving the Casino Environment	-28-
Loading a Casino Environment	-28-
Saving a Casino Environment	-30-

How to Wager and Manage Your Bankroll with Boris	-32-
Understanding the Betting Area	-32-
Buying Chips	-33-
Locking-up Chips	-35-
Placing a Bet	-35-
Skipping a Hand and Sitting Out	-36-
Dealing the Cards	-39-
Handling Insurance + Checking for Blackjack	-41-
Playing out the Hands	-43-
Controlling the Display and Casino Environment	-44-
Altering Card Display	-44-
The Casino Management Screen	-46-
(A.k.a. Rules and Settings)	-46-
Shuffle Settings Tab	-48-
Miscellaneous Shuffle Settings	-52-
Card Settings Tab	-53-
Table Settings Tab	-54-
Rule Settings Tab	-56-
Rule Variations	-58-
Casino Options Tab	-59-

The Playing Decision Box	-63-
Decision Box Additions	-66-

The Insurance Box	-68-
Insurance Box Additions	-70-

The Audio/Visual Aids Screen	-72-
Audio Aids	-72-
Signs and Banners	-74-
Other Goodies	-74-

The Display Options Screen	-75-

The Playing Options Screen	-79-

The About Box Screen	-88-

The Casino Information Screen	-90-

The Summary Statistics Screen	-92-
Summary Statistics - Menu Options	-94-

Appendix D
Structure of the Deck/Shoe (.SHO) File	-128-
Appendix F
Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software
(Related Files and Folders)	-130-
Directory Folders	-130-
Files and File Types	-131-
Appendix Q
Boris’ Roots
Extensive and Varied	-133-
Appendix S
Shortcut Control Keys	-136-
Appendix U
The USER.Ini File Settings	-137-
[General]	-138-
[Visual]	-139-
Logistics	-140-
Summary Statistics	-142-
Appendix W
Wash Descriptions	-143-

Introduction

	You have in your hands latest Release of Boris for Blackjack Version 4.  
Boris has been on the Blackjack market since December 1991.
 
	You may already be one of the Boris 2 or Boris 3 users.  If that is the case, you are in for quite a treat.  Boris 4 for Windows incorporates nearly everything you remember from the Boris DOS Editions, coupling it with a state-of-the-art GUI (graphics) interface.  Since Version 3.X, the stat screens have matured immensely and the simulation speed has more than tripled.  Last but not least, you can design your own strategy tables, allowing you to introduce custom A-I (Artificially Intelligent) players “wandering” around the casino.

	To get the most out of this edition of the software, I suggest you skim through this Manual before commencing to install the software.  Once Boris is installed, then move through the manual, step-by-step, to acquaint yourself with all the software features.

	In looking at Boris’s screens, you will notice that I tried to make the menu bars as Windows compatible as possible (Ex: “File” on the left, “Help” on the right, etc.).  So, despite the incomplete documentation, you should find it rather easy to move around to/from the various screens.  For the most part, it doesn’t hurt to try things and see what happens.  If you receive any “blinding flashes” on the screen (just kidding), please, let me know.

	One last point: In February I released a Casino Report Form that you can make copies of, or adaptations from as you see fit.
This reporting form is available on the Boris on Blackjack Internet Website (URL: www.borisbj21.com/support/CasinoReportForm.html).    
The URL to Boris’ Software page is: http://borissoftware.borisbj21.com).  
If you have any suggestions, feel free to pass them along.

	I wish you success with Boris’ Casino Blackjack Simulator.  I trust that you will find Boris an INVALUABLE TOOL, in your Winning Blackjack Arsenal.  To that end, I am pleased to play a small part in assisting you to achieve your Winning Goals.

			 Sincerely,

			  Ron

			Ron a. Fitch

		   Boris Software Designer
	              Casino Gaming Software

Preface
Getting the Most from
Boris’ Simulation Software

	As computer software goes, Boris’ Blackjack simulation software is indeed complex.  However Complex does not necessarily mean complicated.  To say that Boris is complex simply means that there are a lot of features present in the software.  If you Experience this software as “complicated”, it simply means that you are probably lacking appropriate pre-requisite information.

	A similar situation occurred to me when I first attempted to learn Visual Basic 1.0 back in 1991.  Because Visual Basic had just emerged, a number of books immediately hit the market on the subject; one of the best written by the Peter Norton book.  In retrospect, I realize that it was an excellent book on this new language except that it had one drawback: it failed to point out that knowledge of windows fundamentals is a pre-requisite to programming with the VB language.  Not understanding the pre-requisites to learning Visual Basic, I dove head-long into the book, only to become overwhelmed by chapter 2.  

	The same situation exists with Boris’ Blackjack Simulation software.  It is NOT the purpose of this manual to teach you Windows fundamentals.  I have no choice but to make the assumption that you have working knowledge of Windows.  In other words, it is assumed that you understand what a window is, how a menu bar functions and how to manipulate a list box.  However, if you find yourself lacking in windows, a list of helpful books can be found on the Boris Software page of the Boris on Blackjack Website.

	Boris’ Blackjack Simulation software, is an accurate training aid; probably the most accurate computer software of it’s kind in existence.  Boris is NOT a substitute for accurate books and seminars on the strategy of your choice.  Boris is not designed to TEACH you any particular strategy.  However, whatever strategy you endeavor to learn, Boris is equipped to FACILITATE your understanding of that strategy.  In fact, in years past, earlier Versions of Boris Blackjack software have been used in training seminars when an adequate number of “dealers” (i.e. instructors) were not available.

	With Boris, you will be able to more quickly master your strategy of choice.  Or, should your strategy choice turn out to be unworkable (i.e. not a winning strategy), Boris, by way of it’s many statistic screens, can assist you towards recognizing that fact, and make the appropriate changes; or Drop the Strategy altogether.

	Unlike other Blackjack Software, Boris Simulations are complete, thru-and-thru; from the now-famous accurate Shuffle/Wash Simulations, to the wide-range of A-I players (“tourists” as well as system-players) that wander in and out.

The Importance of Setting Learning Goals
	Possessing accurate simulation software (like Boris) is a complete waste, if you do not have a set of pre-defined learning goals.  Because there are so many Blackjack strategies available (some workable, most not), you cannot expect this software to set your goals for you. 

	As a function of goal-setting, you must ALSO devise methods for determining whether you are ACHIEVING those goals.  In most cases, you can probably use data from the various Statistic Screens to accomplish this.  Should you devise some unique methods for Goal-Tracking, with or without the use of Boris, I would appreciate reading your writeups on it.  These ideas might make a nice article addition to the For Boris Users Only Page in the Software Section on Boris Website..

	As a side note: Being the designer of this software, I am well connected in the Blackjack field.  Earlier this year I sent letters to many Blackjack Strategy sellers encouraging them to devise methods to assist you in learning their methods more readily.

	Towards that end, Casino Gaming Software will be releasing plug-in modules for Version 5 of this software; probably sometime in early 2007.  These plug-ins will allow you to implement new Strategies, Drills and Statistics.  Keep your eyes open for these goodies.

	Installing Boris for Blackjack

	Installing Boris for Windows is a simple affair.  All that is necessary is to run the Setup.Exe program.  Other than specifying a directory for the software, everything else is done for you.  Insert Disk #1 to begin the setup.

Because Boris’ Software is now a 32-Bit Product, it will no longer run under Windows 3.X.  If you are committed to running Windows 3.X, you will need to run Boris Version 4.18 (still available), obtainable from C.G.S.S.  In all honesty, the Windows 9X platforms are FAR MORE reliable and user-friendly than Windows 3 could ever hope to be.  I trust that you will find that making the switch is well worth the time/effort involved.

From Windows you can run the setup program by doing one of the following:
•	From Control Panel, Double-Click add/remove programs.  Select the Install/Uninstall Tab. Finally click on the Install Button and follow the install instructions.
•	From File Manager, click on the floppy drive Icon.  Scroll thru the list of files in the right-hand window and double-click on the Setup.Exe file.
•	From Windows Explorer, click on the floppy drive directory entry.  Scroll thru the list of files underneath the drive/directory entry Double-Clicking on the Setup.Exe file.

With .ZIP files Downloaded from the Internet you run the setup program by doing the following:
•	Unzip ALL the files into a dummy directory (Ex. C:\Dummy)
•	From File Manager, Windows Explorer or an Open Folder, Double-Click on the Setup.Exe file.

	Once the setup program is started, follow any directions given on the screen.  For example, Setup may recommend that you closeout any active programs.  This is because it may be attempting to load new versions of various system files in your windows system directory.

	Eventually, you will be asked what directory to install Boris to.  A default directory has already been chosen, however you may wish to install the software elsewhere.  Boris will work well regardless of the directory name chosen.

	Once the software is installed, store the installation disks for safekeeping, in case you need to reinstall the software at a later time.  

	You are now ready to enjoy the benefits of Boris’ accurate Blackjack Simulations.

Uninstalling Boris
	While not ready at the time of publication, an Uninstall facility is in the Final Testing Stages for the Boris 4.xx series of Blackjack Software.  This utility will be made available for Free Download in the Boris Software Section of the Boris on Blackjack Website.

Running Boris for the First Time
	Unless you have a custom-Set Version of Boris, when you run the software for the first time, you will be asked to enter your Serial #.

Boris’ Container Screen

	After Boris’ Banner Screen, the Container Screen (shown above) is the next stop.  From this screen, you can either choose to engage in Practice Drills, or you can make Quick-entry to a select group of casinos, or, you can select a specific casino for actual Blackjack Play.  
This screen is called the “Container Screen” because it CONTAINS all other screens.

Note:	Should DirectCasinoEntry=Yes be set in the User.Ini file (Boris is shipped with this value set to No), this screen is bypassed, taking you DIRECTLY into the casino to a Blackjack table.

Container Screen - Shortcut Keys
	The Container Screen possesses a number of Shortcut Keys, as well as Hot-keys easing transition about the software.  The table (below) details these Key-sequences and their function.

Key Sequence	Description	
Ctrl-A	Brings up Boris’ About Box.	
Ctrl-C	Allows you to Select an Individual Casino.	
Ctrl-X	Closes the Container Screen - Exiting the Software.	
Alt-B	Enters the Casino.	
Alt-P	Invokes Boris’ Practice Drills facility.	

Playing Blackjack
The Various Objects, Screens and Menus

	Before you sit down to play Blackjack with Boris, let me familiarize you with the main Blackjack screen.  Taking the time to understand the screen now will enhance your enjoyment of the software later.

	Entering the casino will bring you to a Blackjack Table (similar to that show in Figure 1).  You will notice a number of objects on the screen as well as a comprehensive menu bar at the top.  Let’s first take a moment and look at the various objects on the screen before taking an overview look at the menu bar.

Blackjack Screen Objects
	The Blackjack Table is modeled after a typical casino Blackjack Table, with everything placed where you would expect it.  To begin with, notice the big gray (“silver”) object at the top center of the screen.  Upon close inspection this will be shown to be a chip tray.  During live Blackjack play this tray will be full of chips and will be accurately updated to reflect the play of the game.  There are Blackjack strategies that cue off of the contents of the chip tray.  It is for this reason the chip tray is present in the Boris software.

	During play of the game, clicking on any column of chips will give you a pop-up information box telling you how many chips (along with their $$ amount) are in that column.  You are free to do with that information as you please.  Because of the way the tray is maintained, occasionally the chip tray contents may erase.  This should cause no alarm, the dealer is probably sorting the chips in the tray (they do that from time to time).  The tray will refresh itself momentarily.

	At the top left of the screen is the discard tray.  This is where the played cards are placed after being picked up off the table.  The discard tray in Boris is accurately kept.  This makes using Boris for Shuffle Tracking practice quite feasible.  During play of the game, if you click on the discard tray (card area), an information box will pop up telling you the Deck/Shoe penetration in % as well as the number of cards, along with the number of cards that have been dealt.

	When the cards are ready to be cut, should the cut card be given to a manual player (you perhaps?), a slider will appear to the right of the discard tray along with a Cut button underneath. This allows you full control of the card-cutting process.

	Between the discard tray and the chip tray is the drop slot.  During play, clicking on the drop slot will give you information regarding how much money has gone “down the chute”.  You can also obtain information about the table drop from the Table Statistics screen (described later).

	Below the chip tray, the casino name is emblazoned on the table felt.  Before a casino is selected for play, it will say “Boris’s Boardwalk”.  Once a casino is selected, its name will appear in place of “Boris’s Boardwalk”.

	During casino operation, clicking on the casino name will popup an information box telling you who the current dealer is.  You can also obtain information about the dealer from the Table Statistics screen.
	Directly beneath the chip tray is the round counter, detailing how many rounds have been played at this table.  This can be turned off from the Audio/Visual Menu.

	To the right of the chip tray is the table ID placard, detailing the BJ table # and the table limits (Min/Max betting limits for that table).  Underneath the placard is a Time-of-day clock and a Casino Time Clock (Student Edition and Higher).  These will be described more fully under the section on casino operation.

	At the bottom of the screen are the betting circles.  When Boris is first started, there will be 7 betting circles.  Later, depending on the casino selected, there will be 5 to 7 circles on the screen.  During casino operation, clicking on a betting circle will pop up a sub-menu giving you detailed information about the player sitting at that seat, or if the seat is empty, menu items allowing you put an A-I player or manual player (such as yourself) at that seat.

Blackjack Table Menu Bar - Summary
	Across the top of the Blackjack table is a comprehensive menu bar.  From the menu bar, casino operations can be started, options can be changed and statistics screens can be brought up for analysis.  The Blackjack Table Menu Bar contains the following entries: File, Casino Management, Options, Statistics and Window.

File Menu
	It is from the File Menu that things are set into motion.  From this menu, you can either load a pre-set Casino Environment (.ENV) file, or you can load a specific casino; and optionally, change the rule or table settings to customize things to fit your individual practice needs.  Once a casino is set up, if necessary, you can save the Casino Environment to a new .ENV file for later use.  Once things are to your liking, you can then Open Casino For Business, entering into live play mode, or you can invoke a Blind Simulation, allowing you to run thousands of rounds per hour; useful for testing new strategy variations.

Casino Management
	The Casino Management Menu gives complete control over the casino environment.  From this menu you can invoke the different screens necessary to customize the casino environment.  On this menu, the following screens are available: Casino Settings, Rule Changes & Table Settings, Shuffle Particulars (located on the Rules and Settings tab-screen) & Player Setup.  From these screens you can make changes to the overall casino environment, creating custom casinos that can be saved in Environment (.ENV) files for later use.

Options
	The Options Menu gives you a wide range of selections to customize the playing environment (as opposed to the casino environment).  From this menu you can access other screens and sub-menus, including: Audio -- Visual, Miscellaneous, Betting Options, Playing Options, Display Options, Vary Playing Speed, Freeze Play.  Altering these options allow you to set the software to your personal playing tastes, enhancing the practice play experience.  For example, some people like to play a “zippy” game; some like it slower.  Some people like sounds; some don’t.  In the section on Option Settings, you will gain tremendous insight into what the Boris software can REALLY do to help you learn your particular strategy.

Statistics
	The Statistics Menu gives you access to a number of different statistic screens to fully analyze your play from a myriad of different angles.  First there is Casino Information telling you some general things about the casino environment you are playing.  Next there is a Time Stamp screen.  This is useful MAINLY for running Blind Simulations, allowing you to keep track of how many rounds have been played and the number of rounds/hour.

	With the Table Statistics screen, you can analyze the game from the casino’s point of view, offering you considerable insight into how/why you are winning/losing so much.  The Player Statistics entry takes you to the first of a series of individual screens offering you considerable analysis into each player’s performance. With Boris’ Statistics Screens you can analyze your play (or the play of the automatic players) from a myriad of different angles.  The Summary Statistics screen collects the most commonly used info from the myriad of stat screens and organizes it into a simple grid, allowing a quick comparison of players.

Window
	This menu entry allows you to select one of the Windows in the software that are open.  The Blackjack Table and the Time-Stamp window are always on this menu.  When you invoke the statistics screens you can then minimize them and access them easily from this menu.

	Now that you have a general idea of what the software can do for you, let’s wind our way toward actual Blackjack play.

Boris’ Multitude of Screen Layouts

	As pointed out in the beginning of this manual, Boris is a complex piece of software.  To insure that Complex does not become Complicated, Boris has been designed as a series of related screens, each focusing on a particular aspect of your play.  This section gives you an overview of these screens, how they can assist you towards your goal of winning play and in what Edition(s) of the software they can be found.  (The Software Edition you are using is detailed on the “Container Screen”.  The Dealer’s eyes are “looking” at the Software Edition.)

Name of Screen	Software Edition(s)	Description of Screen	
Opening Banner	All	The opening “Splash Screen”	
Container Screen	All	The Screen which “contains” other screens (such as the Blackjack Table and Drills Screen).	
Blackjack Table	All	The main screen where most of the Blackjack play occurs.	
About Box	All	A general Information Screen	
Audio Visual Aids	All	A screen allowing you to Enable/Disable various Sound/Visual software features.	
Decision Box	All	The Screen allowing you to make your Hit/Stand Decisions (as well as card predictions in the PBJ+ Editions).	
Side-bet Box	All	Allows you to place an Insurance Bet (and later other side bets).	
Display Options	All	Allows you to alter Display Settings.	
Playing Options	All	Allows you to alter Playing Settings.	
Summary Statistics	All	Statistics detailing overall play results.	

Screens Common to all Editions of Boris’ Blackjack Software

Name of Screen	Software Edition(s)	Description of Screen	
Casino Selection	Gambler+	Allows you to Select which casino to play.	
Practice Drills	Gambler+	Allows conducting Practice Drills for 
Playing Strategy Improvement	
Casino Information      	Student+	Details Information about the Casino	
Card-Count Statistics	Student+	Gives a look at overall Card-count ranges.	
Card count Graphs	Student+	Graphs one or more card-count ranges.	
House Percentage	Student+	Details House Percentage at this Table	
Rules/Settings	Student+	Allows selection of Casino/Shuffles/Options.	
Player Setup	Advanced+	Allows setup of individual player seats.	
Player Statistics Screen#1	Advanced+	Details Money, Streaks & Overall Playing Performance for individual players.	
Player Statistics Screen#2	Advanced+	Details Hand play, BJ’s, Doubles, and Split Performance for individual players.	
Performance Graphs	Advanced+	Comparison-Graphs Player Performance.	
Blackjack 
Table Statistics	Advanced+	Play statistics from the Blackjack
Table point-of-view.	
Statistics Check-boxes	Advanced+	Allows disabling of statistics for speed.	

Screens related to “Intermediate” Boris Software Editions

Name of Screen	Software Edition(s)	Description of Screen	
Clump Statistics	PBJ+	Overview of Card-clumping.	
Mean/Mode Statistics      	PBJ+	Additional details of Money/Performance	
Clump-Track 
Player Statistics	PBJ+	Details Player-related Clump-Track Statistics.	
Shuffle Display	PBJ+	Displays the Shoe and Discard Tray.	
Shuffle 
Display Options	PBJ+	For display of Wash/Plug/Shuffles 	
Shuffle Analysis	PRO+	Detailed Card-clump Statistics.	
Card Associations	PRO+	Details which cards associate together.	
Hand/Result Statistics	PRO+	Advanced Player Hand-play Statistics.	

Screens related to “Advanced” Boris Software Editions

The Flow of Blackjack

	As you probably know, the major advantage of Boris’ Software Simulations, are that they more accurately mirror Blackjack play in the live casino environment than any other software available.  While Boris is renown for it’s accurate Shuffle and Wash simulations, little is said of the rest of its simulation accuracy; which is equally important.

	In early 1991, when I began serious design of Boris (Version 2.X), I spent considerable time analyzing the game of Blackjack thoroughly,  from a number of different angles, including the Dealer’s perspective; not to mention the player’s.  Doing so isolated the fact that the game of Blackjack is cyclic, consisting of a series of Events, often intertwined and/or overlapped.  Some events recurr throughout play, while others happen only once.  When you play Blackjack against Boris (or run a Blind Simulation), these Events influence play of the game.

Event Description	Frequency of the Event	
New cards are brought in 
and “Washed” (i.e. prepared for play).	Once a shift, or once a day.	
The cards are shuffled 
(i.e. inter-mixed)	Every “NN” number of rounds.	
Players sit down or leave the table.	“Randomly” throughout play.	
Dealers change cash/checks into checks, or color up small denomination checks into larger ones.	“Randomly” throughout play.	
Bets are placed.	At the beginning of each round of play.	
Cards are dealt.	After all bets are placed.	
Insurance and/or Side-Bets 
are handled.	Usually after the cards are dealt 
before the hands are played.	
Player hands are played out.	Every round of play.	
Dealer plays his/her hand.	After all player hands are complete.	
Bets remaining on the table 
are settled.	After ALL hands are played.	
Cards are picked up and 
placed in the discard tray.	After ALL bets remaining on the 
table have been settled.	
Misc. Events occur, such as check fills, spilled drinks, and other disruptions.	“Randomly” throughout play.	

	With Boris, each of the above events (except spilled drinks) are precisely executed.  In many cases, you can adjust how these events are carried out.  For example, in some casinos the dealer’s cards are placed on TOP of the player’s cards when they are picked up; while in other casinos they are placed UNDERNEATH.

	Boris duplicates EACH of these steps exactly, not only because it adds realism to the play, but because in many cases it ACTUALLY makes a difference in the quality of the game produced.  For example, we know that "Plugging" the shoe creates a different kind of game than not doing so; the main reason it is probably done in certain games, and not in others.
	Remember this: virtually EVERYTHING the dealer does is done for a reason; not because it looks “pretty”.  Every step, every motion a dealer makes, takes time.  Wasting time translates into lost revenue for the casino.  Therefore if the dealer is doing it, you can be sure that someone, somewhere in the casino hierarchy, has at some point deemed that overall it is good for business.

	During the design of Boris, I could have questioned implementing each of these steps.  However, I am not a casino exec.  Rather than assume that I understand the “whys” behind their activities, I decided to simply duplicate each procedure as accurately as possible.

	Over the years, having developed friendships with dealers and professional-level players I have been privy to a considerable amount of feedback on Boris’ procedural duplication.  For example, it was a dealer at the MGM Grand who informed me that they do not burn a card when a new dealer comes to the table.
Rather than question the logic behind this procedure (I don’t think even he knew), I simply implemented it in the Casino Descriptor (.CDF) file for the MGM.  Factual accuracy counts - why’s are usually worthless; especially since why’s can’t be programmed, while facts usually can.

	To maintain software accuracy, I am constantly imploring people to send me their casino reports (a reporting form is provided on Boris’ Website).  Every once in awhile I receive a report from a player or dealer leading to a change in the software, or at least an update to one of the .CDF files.

Utilizing Boris to become a PRO Player

	To become the best player possible, you should study EACH aspect of the game cycle; incrementally increasing your knowledge, confidence and control.  By examining the major statistics screens in the software you can pinpoint weaknesses in your play, inviting you to take steps necessary to effect the proper remedies.

	It’s no secret that the secret to winning play is:  practice, Practice, PRACTICE!  This of course is what Boris’ Blackjack software is FOR!  
So.... GET TO WORK!

Loading/Saving the Casino Environment

	The (.ENV) Environment File allows you Save (and later reload) the Casino Environment.  This allows you to create custom casino environments and/or save your play for continuation later.  .ENV files are stored in the Envfiles folder underneath Boris’ Casinos folder. 

As shown in the image above, [Single-]Clicking a filename in the list (on the left-hand side of the screen) puts the file name in the box above the list along with its description in the Casino-Description box near the top of this screen.

	Selecting a file and clicking OK, or double-clicking the filename in the list causes the Environment File to be loaded, closing the dialogue box.  If you decide not to load a file, clicking on the [Cancel] button (or pressing the [Esc] Key will close the dialogue box.

Saving a Casino Environment			

Clicking on one of the many File-Save entries (in the Blackjack Table’s Menu Bar) invokes the above screen.  Notice how it is quite similar to the Load Casino Environment Screen.  To save a .ENV file you can type in a file name (Boris supplies the .ENV extension).  Or, you can select an existing file and click OK (or double-click the filename) in the list.  If the file already exists, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite it.  When you are finished, Boris will close the dialogue box.  

	If you decide not to save a file after all, clicking on the [Cancel] button (or pressing the [Esc] Key will simply close the dialogue box.

Playing Blackjack

How to Wager and Manage Your Bankroll with Boris
	This section explains how you can utilize Boris’ Money Management tools at the Blackjack table.  Rather than dragging chips around (which are often confusing, as well as graphics-intensive), with Boris, betting is accomplished by way of a simple Chip Betting panel mechanism (described later in this section) in conjunction with the player’s Betting Area (shown below)

Understanding the Betting Area
The betting circle area (at right) actually contains a lot of useful information that at first may not be obvious.  Let’s examine the betting area from the viewpoint of functionality.

Underneath the betting circle is your Table-Money; the chips you have available on the table.  As in the real world, this will probably be a fraction of your bankroll.  This box is color-coded to indicate your general win/lose state:

  If the number in the box is Black, you are probably about even for that given buy-in; if Red, you are losing money since that buy-in; if Green, you are winning money since the buy-in.  (You can also determine the player win/lose status by single-clicking the wager area inside the betting circle.  This will pop-up the player information menu (described later in this manual) which reports similar information.)

	A similar color-code scheme is used for the betting circle itself.  When it is time for you to bet, your last wager is indicated in the betting circle (although the money is “technically” on the table in front of you).  The color of that bet amount serves as an indicator as to whether or not you won or lost the last hand:

If the amount is shown in Black, this means you pushed the previous hand with the dealer; in Red, you lost the previous hand; in Green you Won the previous hand.

	Once you have taken a seat at the Blackjack table you are ready to play some hands.  Like the real world however, you must first buy-in for some “chips”.  The FIRST buy-in is automatic.  Depending on player settings and the Table’s Betting options (on the Menu Bar), your buy-in amount will on average be anywhere from $100 to $1000.

Buying Chips
	When it is time to buy some chips, if the buy-in menu (at right) is not already shown, select  “Buy-In” on the betting panel drop-down list.  This will change the Wager Button to a BUY Button..  Clicking on the BUY button will produce a pop-up menu (at right) allowing you to check the desired amount. 

With the Use Locked-up Money seat menu option, you can instruct Boris to first subtract your buy-in from any chips you may have locked up.

Locking-up Chips
	Because many strategies recommend locking-up chips as your winnings progress during play, Boris supports a mechanism allowing you to accomplish this.  To lock up a portion of your winnings, first select “Lock-Up” on the drop- down list (at right).  This will change the Wager Button to a LOCK Button..  Click on the panel chips to indicate the amount you wish to lock-up.  Clicking the [Lock] Button accumulates that amount in the Locked-Up Area (subtracting it from the table money underneath the betting circle.

Placing a Bet
	Recognize that (by default) the opportunity to bet does NOT proceed from right to left, or left to right.  Unless you have the Sequential Betting option checked, Boris randomly highlights a betting circle allowing a bet.  In the real world players make their bets randomly.  With Boris we can approximate this condition as close as possible.

	To place a bet before play, wait for the Betting Panel (shown at right) to pop up.  Clicking on the individual chips will Add/Subtract that chip from the Wager amount (depending on the (+) or (-) Button setting.  To use the previous Wager, double-clicking the wager $$-amount box will Add/Subtract the Prev. Wager amount from the current wager.

When you are satisfied with your bet, click the Bet button and play will continue.

Skipping a Hand and Sitting Out 
	From time to time you may want to not play a hand.  Skipping a hand is simply a matter of pressing the [  ESC] Key.  Boris will skip that seat, moving on to the next one.

	To not play many rounds, it is probably more convenient to take what is known as a “marker break” for that seat.  This accomplished by clicking on the betting circle (activating the pop-up menu for that seat) and clicking on Take a Break.  This will put a large “X” in the circle, saving the seat, just as a dealer would in live casino play.

	To continue playing, click on the betting circle (activating the pop-up menu for that seat) and click on Resume Play.  You will then be offered the opportunity to wager in the next round.  Once all bets are placed, the cards are dealt and play continues.
Dealing the Cards

	After all bets are made, the dealer will begin dealing cards from the player’s right to left.  Each player receives one card and the dealer receives a card.  Unless the dealer and/or player’s cards are explicitly specified (on the Playing Options and Player Setup Screens, respectively), they will be dealt from the current deck, double-deck or shoe.

  The dealer’s first card will always be dealt face up UNLESS Flip upcard is set on the Display Options Screen (Alt-O +D + F).  With Flip-up card set, the dealer’s first card is dealt face down, to be flipped over after the second card (the hole card) is dealt.  The cards are dealt face-up or face-down depending on the visibility setting on the Table Settings tab on the Rules/Settings Screen (Alt-C + S.  Then U or D).  In a facedown game, the players cards are initially dealt facedown (except your cards), turned up ONLY when a player breaks, or, finally at the end of the round as the dealer settles each bet.

	After the first “wall” of cards are dealt, a second card will be dealt to each player, followed by the hole card for the dealer (unless you have declared a No Hole card game).  Normally the dealer’s hole card is dealt face down.  However in Double-Exposure games or if you request it (using Alt-O + D + H), the hole card will be displayed face up.  Playing with an exposed hole card during practice sessions is useful for Clump-Track players in the early stages of learning to predict the hole card or for simply studying the game overall.

Note: unless you are playing Double-Exposure, having the hole card dealt face up does NOT show it to the A-I players at the table and has no other effect on play of the game.

Handling Insurance + Checking for Blackjack

	Most casinos offer the Insurance bet because for the average player it is a SUCKER bet.  You can disable the insurance offering using Alt-C + S + I (or uncheck the box).  In this version of Boris, the table felt will STILL indicate the Insurance bet is allowed, but it will actually not be so.

	When the dealer has an ACE up card, with the Insurance Bet enabled the dealer will ask for insurance bets, then proceeding from the player’s right to left, allowing insurance bets to be made.  (Unlike regular betting, with Boris, insurance bets are NOT made randomly.)

	When it is your turn to make an insurance bet, the Insurance Decision Box (shown below) will pop up, facilitating your response.  

The above Window (described in more in the Screen Section of this manual) contains 4 Command Buttons, although usually only two are enabled.  
•		 Clicking on [Yes] or pressing the letter “Y” will result in an insurance bet equal to HALF of your wager.  
•		Clicking on [No] or pressing the letter “N” ignores the insurance bet.  
•		If you are holding a natural (i.e. a Blackjack), the [Even Money] Command Button will also be enabled.  Clicking this Button or pressing the letter “E” will pay your Blackjack at even money before the dealer checks the hole card.
•		If the Early Surrender rule is enabled (a rare occurrence), the fourth Command Button [Surrender] will be enabled.  Clicking on this Button or pressing the letter “S” will allow you to Surrender BEFORE the dealer checks the hole card.

	Once all insurance bets are made, the dealer checks the hole card for a Blackjack unless the game rules (ex: as often found in Atlantic City) do not allow the dealer to do so.  To check the hole card, a peek device (similar to the one found in many casinos) appears on the screen and the hole card is slid into the device.  If the dealer has a natural (Blackjack) the hole card is turned up and the round ends.

	If the dealer DOESN’T check under the Ace, Insurance bets can still be made, however, the insurance situation won’t be settled until AFTER the dealer turns up the hole card.  Should a player hand break that is also insured, the cards are held on the table in the event the insurance bet might cover the hand.  Except in the case of the dealer not taking a Hole card, in the event of a dealer Natural, all doubles and splits are returned; only the original wager is lost.

Playing out the Hands

	Once insurance and any special bets are settled, it is time to playout the hands.  However, if the dealer checks under ten-valued cards, then at this time if the dealer has a Ten-valued card showing a peek will be made.  Like with an Ace up, if the dealer has a Natural (Blackjack) the holecard is turned up and the round is over.  If the dealer does NOT check under 10's, once the player hands are finished, should the dealer turn up a Natural, the round will end there - all non-Natural hands will lose.

	In all cases, the hands are played from right to left beginning with first-base (Seat #1) and ending with third[-base] (the last seat).  Each player plays their hands, hitting/standing, etc. until all hands are played.  When play comes to a seat with a Manual player, a Decision Box (similar to that below) pops up awaiting a response.  Details on using the Decision Box can be found in the Screen Section.

Controlling the Display and Casino Environment

	Thus far, we have discussed placing bets and playing the hands.  Co-mingled with play is the ability to control the display screen, along with the casino environment itself.  This control insures that you are able customize Boris to meet your specific practice play requirements.

Altering Card Display

	To facilitate studying card-flows and card counting, you can instruct Boris (via the Display Options Screen) to leave Blackjacks and breaking hands on the display screen, even though the cards have actually been properly placed in the discard tray (as is the case in live casino play).  

The Casino Management Screen
(A.k.a. Rules and Settings)

	The “Casino Management” Screen (a.k.a. Rules and Settings) is actually 5 screens in one; thanks to the ingenious Tab-dialogue facility available to Windows. 
In this section of the manual, we will look at each of the tabs individually.  Because many of the controls (check boxes and radio buttons) exist on other screens, you will be referred to those screens for operating specifics.

	The Five (function key selectable) tabs on this screen break the controls down into the following groups:
	•		F1 -Shuffle Settings	(PBJ & PRO Editions)
	•		F2 - Card Settings	(PRO Edition)	
	•		F3 - Table Settings
	•		F4 - Rule Settings
	•		F5 - Casino/Options
	•		F6 - Audio/Visual
	Additionally, a number of entries on the menu give you further control over the Casino Settings.  Because many of these settings affect the house/player advantage, you can bring up a sub-window (shown below) to view the effect of such changes by clicking Player Advantage on the main menu bar.

	The background behind the percentage value displayed in the box is color-coded (Red meaning a house advantage; Green meaning a player advantage).   Clicking on Notes and References gives more information about the displayed value. 

Shuffle Settings Tab

Because card washing and shuffling is a significant and crucial aspect of today’s blackjack games, an entire section has been devoted to it.  Clicking on this tab brings up a screen loaded with different settings.  (Note: Items on the F1-Tab which are greyed out denote future enhancements)

Box-card Order	
	You might not think that the boxed-card order would have any effect on the game of Blackjack because the cards seem so thoroughly mixed up during the wash and shuffle.  However, because most casinos use shuffle methods that do not qualify as random, the box-card order can have QUITE AN IMPACT on the quality of the game.  For example, in November 96 Harrahs Marina in Atlantic City used 2 different boxed-card orders when bringing in new cards.  For this reason, Boris sports a number of different selections in this area.  These variations have all been noted at some time or another in various casinos around the United States and were therefore worthy of inclusion.  For comparison purposes, there is ALSO a Random Order entry in the list.	

Wash Type	
	There are many different ways to Wash the cards (i.e. prepare new decks for play).  With Boris, there are many different wash options, from No Wash to 9 different Wash variations.  These Wash variations are summarized on the drop-down list-box and detailed in Appendix W.  When a specific casino is loaded, the corresponding wash for that casino (if known) is indicated in the Wash-Type list box; otherwise, a default Wash is selected.	

Re-Wash Cards	
	Depending on a given casino’s policies, new cards are brought in to a table (Washed), once a shift, once a day, or even (in rare cases) once a week.  With Boris you can simulate these conditions by clicking the appropriate radio button.  With the exception of Washing at 100 rounds which is available for research purposes only, the remaining options are multiples of 500 rounds (about 8 hours of play), allowing you the flexibility to simulate actual casino conditions.  Also for research purposes are wash options for 1,000 and 2,000 rounds.
	To have cards washed every shift, click the at 500 Rounds button.  To wash cards once a day, click the at 1500 Rounds button.  In order to be compatible with random shuffles there is also an option to NOT Re-wash the cards, meaning that the cards are washed only once, period.  If you desire NO washing of the cards whatsoever, select the first item (No Wash) in the Wash-Type list box.	

Generic Shuffles	
	For research purposes, and to maintain compatibility with other Blackjack software, several check boxes exist for Generic Shuffles (Random #1, Random #2 and Random #3) and two less random (Balanced and Unbalanced).  Clicking on these check boxes places the appropriate code (R1, R2,R3, B or U) in the Shuffle-Type text boxes.	

Shuffle Type	
	Each casino has its own way of shuffling the cards.  Boris remembers these shuffle types with a code consisting of a Letter and a Number inside the text boxes in the Shuffle Type panel.  When a casino .Cdf (or a Casino Environment - .Env) file is loaded, the shuffle code is set.  You can modify these codes using the spin buttons next to each segment of the code.  Typical codes are: C5, D6, F2, J3, etc.  Unless you fully understand these codes, it is probably best to leave them alone.  As a reminder, the codes will be set automatically when a .CDF or .ENV file is loaded.  However, you MIGHT wish to alter these codes when you are creating a custom casino environment.  Because a given casino’s shuffle can change unpredictably, Shuffle Codes and their descriptions can be found on the For Boris Users Only Software page on Boris’ Website.	

Card Pickup Order	
	In order to emulate any possible casino simulation, there are several card-pickup options.  By default, most casinos pickup the cards counter-clockwise; right-to-left (from the dealer’s perspective).  Left-to-right pickup is also an option.  The Hi-Lo Pickup entry means that as the cards are picked up, the dealer deftly sorts each hand into Hi-Lo order, thereby potentially creating stiff hands going into the next shuffle.  Despite the legal questions over this technique, occasionally a casino will be found using such a pickup pattern; which is why it is included.	

Pick-Size 	
	The Pick-Size buttons are for information ONLY and are not currently selectable.  These buttons inform you as to the pick-size selections for the casino selected. There is a direct relationship between Pick-size and the randomness or non-randomness of the cards produced by the shuffle.  This is because there is a DIRECT relationship between Pick-size and the “quality” of the card intertwine during the riffle process.	

Shoe Plugs	
	This set of option buttons documents and allows you to specify the number of “plugs” the un-played cards are broken into for insertion into the discard stack.  If the dealer does NOT plug the un-played cards (meaning they are simply placed on TOP of the discards), it will be listed as: NONE.	

Dealer Cards	
	Depending upon the casino (and sometimes the dealer), after scooping up the player cards the dealer’s cards are either placed on top or underneath the scooped cards.  Dealers are consistent about how the cards are placed, insuring the accuracy of the card order, should a playback of the hand become necessary.  Just as an accurate mimic of the shuffle is essential, some blackjack experts assert that duplicating the dealer card placement is also crucial to the accuracy of any computer blackjack simulation.  Clicking the on Top or on Bottom option buttons allows you to control this aspect of the game.	

Burn Cards	
	After the cards are shuffled, the dealer normally “burns” one or more cards to the discard tray.  Boris offers the most likely burncard options you will encounter in actual play.  You can click an Option Button to burn from 1 to 6 cards, 1 card Per Deck, or Draw Card (meaning that a card is drawn and that number of cards are “burned” off the top).  On the Display Options Screen you can specify that the Burn-card be displayed.	

Deck Penetration	
	Penetration refers to how deep into the deck/shoe the casino is willing to deal.  Most blackjack experts agree that the deeper (larger) the penetration, the more advantageous the game is for the players.  Penetration can be adjusted by clicking on the Spinbox buttons.	

Miscellaneous Shuffle Settings

Checkbox/Setting	Checkbox/Setting Description	
Disable 
Shuffling	To make simulation comparisons, you may want to select Disable Shuffling to ignore any shuffling of the cards.  This setting has NO EFFECT on the Card Wash, Plugging, or the burning of cards.	
Sloppy
Intertwine	Some dealers are instructed to NOT square the picks before riffling them together.  This also happens near the end of a shift, when dealers pay more attention to their quitting time, rather than their dealing duties.  Checking Sloppy Intertwine includes this feature in the shuffle simulation.	
Preferential
Shuffle	Some casino executives believe that if players can count the cards, then the dealer should be allowed to do the same.  Checking Preferential Shuffle will instruct the dealer to count the cards just like a system player does, AND, when the cards favor the players, they will be shuffled up; effectively eliminating ANY player advantage.	
Burn
a Card
Each Round	Occasionally, to deter card-counting players, dealers are instructed to burn a card after each round is played.  Checking Burn a Card Each Round will insure that this step is accomplished.	
Reps	With certain shuffles (specifically the Generic Shuffles), increasing the value in this spinbox will result in a more thorough shuffle.  Then again, when using one of the random shuffles, it is rather difficult to produce cards that are any more random than random.  Essentially, this box is for documentation purposes only.  It is probably best to treat it as such.	

Card Settings Tab
(PRO Edition)

	The Card Settings Tab allows you to declare card-types for use in conjunction with statistic screens related to Clump-Tracking methods.

Radio buttons	Radio Button Description	
Lo/HI/Mid 	These buttons allow you to declare whether a Card is Low, High or Mid (Neutral).	
Switch Holecard	This set of radio buttons allows you to examine the alleged situation of dealers dealing both cards down and then flipping one of them as the UPcard.	
Track Dealer	This is a feature currently in research for possible inclusion in a future version.	

Table Settings Tab

	With the controls on the Table-Settings [TAB], you can customize the overall table layout.  Using a .CDF file (i.e. a loaded casino) as your basis, you can effect changes here resulting in subtle yet not-insignificant changes to the kind and quality of the game.

Radio buttons	Radio Button Description	
Minimum/Maximum Betting Limits 	Changing the Minimum/Maximum betting limits determines the stakes of play.  In general, fewer players will be found at the higher limit tables.  Some experts also feel that the quality of play found at high[er] limit tables also improves, although there is no reliable evidence to support this theory.  Nevertheless, setting the betting limits allows you to play the kind of game you typically find yourself playing in your live casino play.	
Table Seats	This set of buttons allow you set the number of seats at the Blackjack Table.  Tables RARELY sport less than 5 seats.  More than 7 seats will overcrowd the screen.  Allowing 5 to 7 seats tends to match real-world conditions.	
Visibility	Clicking on the Face Up or Face Down option buttons determine how the cards are dealt.  Typically, shoe games are dealt face up and hand-held games are dealt face down; although not always (ex: in Atlantic City, ALL Blackjack games MUST be dealt face up, regardless of the number of decks).	
Split Limits	Some casinos restrict the number of times a player may split pairs in a single hand.  For example, in Atlantic City, most casinos allow only two splits (3 hands total).  Clicking on the No Splits, 2 Splits, 3 Splits or 4 Splits option buttons allow you to control this aspect of the game.
Depending upon the casino, you may or may not be allowed to split face cards (or 10's) that are different.
With All Tens selected, you can split ANY ten value cards (ex: a Jack and a Queen).  With Identical 10's selected, the cards MUST match (e.g. a Queen and a Queen).	
Number of Decks	The most OBVIOUS difference between Blackjack tables/games, is the number of decks that are played together at a time.  (NOT to be confused with two sets of cards, when shuffle machines are used).  Should 10 and 12 deck games be brought back to life (a 12-deck dual shoe game was once dealt in Atlantic City in the early 80's), these options will again be enabled.  
This selection has no bearing on the Box-Card order, 
Card-Wash Procedure, or type of shuffle.	

Rule Settings Tab

	Once you have determined the overall parameters of the game you are going to play (i.e. the casino settings), you can then micro-manage that game by tweaking the individual game rule settings.

	Clicking Player Advantage on the Menu Bar allows you to determine the effect of each rule-variation.  For example, changing the Blackjack payoff from 3:2 to 2:1, shifts the house advantage nearly 2% in favor of the player.

Rule Setting	Setting Description	
Doubling Down	This series of check boxes allow you to customize the double down choices in the game.  Checking one or more of these boxes alters the player advantage percentage.	
Split Options	These Check Boxes allow you to implement the occasionally encountered Re-splitting of Aces and Drawing to Split-Aces (both are player favorable rule variations).	
Blackjack Pays	Although the standard rules for Blackjack require the dealer to pay 1.5 to 1 (3 to 2) for player Blackjacks,  other variations are occasionally found.  Selecting one of the other variations can have a considerable impact on the quality of the game.	
Surrender	These check boxes allow you to implement the Early or Late surrender rule variations at the table.	
Dealer Options	With Draw to Soft-17 set, the dealer will draw to ALL soft-17 hands, rather than stand.  Although this option may be selected, at this time the table felt does NOT reflect that change.   In Double Exposure and many home games, the dealer wins the pushes (ties).  This gives the house a considerable advantage.  You can include this variation by clicking on Takes Pushes check box.	
Dealer Peeks	These buttons implement whether or not the dealer peeks and when.  For visual effect, Boris implements a “peeking device” similar to that found in many casinos.	

Rule Variations

	Rounding out the Rule-Settings is a number of less encountered Game variations.  A couple of these you might not think of as major variations, although they are.

Variation	Variation Description	
Insurance	While Insurance is offered in virtually all Blackjack games, occasionally you will find a game without it.  (Because Insurance is a near-universal rule, this box is checked by default.)	
Early 
Blackjack Pickup	With this option checked, the dealer pays all Blackjacks, removing them from the table (after first determining he/she does not have a Blackjack),  before playing the other hands.	
No 
Mid-Sequence 
Entry	With this option checked, new arrivals to the table are not allowed to place a bet until after the next shuffle.  This restriction applies to manual, as well as A-I, players.	
Double Exposure	Checking this Box switches the game to Double-Exposure (with all its rule variations and restrictions).	
No Holecard	Checking this box implements this (predominately) European game variation wherein the dealer does not receive a Holecard until all player hands are complete.  Should the dealer then receive a Blackjack, all double/split bets are lost (instead of losing JUST the original bet without this option).	

Casino Options Tab

	This section of the Casino Management Screen is actually a composite of several screens.  Because the Playing and Display Options have their own screen, those entries are described elsewhere in the manual under the description for those screens.

	At the bottom of this screen tab we find a number of unique entries, allowing you to affect operations of the overall Casino Environment.

Casino Option	Casino Option Description	
Casino Occupancy	The Casino Occupancy spin-box allows adjustment to the number of A-I player objects allowed in the casino environment.  The default of 25 is usually enough for most purposes. With tight memory constraints, you may wish to reduce this number. 	
Opportunity Frequency	The Opportunity Frequency parameter has an inverse relationship to the frequency of A-I player events happening.  In other words, the larger the number in this box, the less often an A-I player-related event is likely to occur.  A-I player event happenings include players sitting down or leaving a Blackjack table along with certain betting variations.	
High Bet 
(in Units)	In order to create more meaningful player-related money statistics, this option allows you to declare that a bet of so many units constitutes a high bet.  The current default is 2 or more units; the maximum being 10 units.	
Rounds	To more closely control Blind Simulation mode, you may wish to put a number in this box.  If this box is zero or empty, in Blind Simulation mode, play will continue indefinitely until you FREEZE the software or End Casino Operations.  (Ctrl-E or Ctrl-Q)	
Game #
	With Boris, you can play over 32,000 different variations for a given  Casino Descriptor (.CDF) File or Environment (.ENV) File.  Repeating play with the same casino environment and Game # will result in the EXACT SAME cards, players, bets, etc.
If there are one or more manual players in the casino environment, the previous game will be repeated UNTIL one of the manual players makes a play variation DIFFERENT from previous play.  Consult Appendix U for more information on the GameNumber= parameter in the User.Ini file.
Note: An “(R)” next to the game number means it was  randomly generated.  Otherwise it was specifically declared.	

Control   Screens

The Insurance Box

	The Insurance Box pops up on the screen for manual players, when the dealer has an Ace up and Insurance is allowed (usually the case).

	Similar to the Decision Box, the Insurance Box has been designed as a Sub-Window With it’s own Menu-Bar.  The menu entries are detailed in table IB-1 (below).  For the PBJ and PRO Editions the Hole card prediction entries are detailed in table IB-3 (next page).

Menu Entry	Software Edition	Menu Entry Description	
     Hole Card	PBJ+	Allows Prediction of Dealer’s Hole card.	
     Advice	Gambler+	Flashes Icon for “correct” Ins. decision.	

Table IB-1
Insurance Box - Menu Bar Summary

	Because people have different preferences for how they like to use the software, with the Insurance Box, two different methods for indicating your play decision have been implemented: 

•		You can click on the Decision Icons
•		You can indicate your play decisions via the keyboard.  

Depending on my personal practice objectives, I use both approaches.

Ins. Decision	Icon to Click	Key to Press	
   Yes		“Y”	
   No		“N”	
   Even Money		“E”	
   Surrender		“S”	

Table IB-2
Insurance Decisions

	You should realize that the Even-Money button is enabled ONLY if the player hand is a Natural (a Blackjack).  The Surrender button is enabled only when the Early-Surrender rule is in force (a rare occurrence).

	Clicking Advice on the Menu bar will flash the Icon corresponding to the Insurance Recommendation.  Realize that most strategies recommend AGAINST taking Insurance.

The Audio/Visual Aids Screen

	The “Audio/Visual Aids” Screen is designed to give you control over the multi-media aspects of Boris’ Blackjack Software.  Notice that this screen is divided into three sets of check boxes, (detailed in the tables below).
(Note: As of Boris Release 4.44, for MOST Editions, this Screen is now on Tab-F6 of Boris' Casino Management Screen (Ctrl-R) as you can see below:

	Checking a box enables the feature.  Un-checking the box, turns that feature off.  The state of these check boxes is saved in the Settings.Bjf File.

Audio Aids

Checkbox	Purpose/Description	
Beeps	When checked, Boris issues beeps with certain messages.	
Sounds	When checked, Boris uses the speaker to make certain acknowledgment sounds (such as during a player Blackjack).	
Sound Card	When checked, Boris uses the Sound Card to communicate certain events (such as card shuffling).	

Signs and Banners

Checkbox	Purpose/Description	
BJ Table ID 	The Table ID “Plaque” is for display purposes, serving no other useful purpose.	
Casino Clock	The Casino Clock displays the amount of equivalent time that would be spent in the casino during live play.  It is based on the number of rounds played, in conjuction with the number of players at the table and other realistic factors.	
Casino Emblem	The casino emblem (actually the casino name) is for display purposes.  During play, clicking on the casino name tells you “who” the dealer is (even though it doesn’t really matter).	
Table Bet Limits	This is the betting limits for the table.  While this information can be obtained from the Casino Management Screen, displaying it on the table adds to playing realism and serves to remind you of the betting limits; which, as in real casino play, you cannot bet above or below.	

Other Goodies

Checkbox	Purpose/Description	
Discard Tray 	Un-checking this box hides the discard tray to simulate tables where the tray is not visible.	
Rounds Counter	Displays the current round in progress during play.	
w/Progression Bar	When checked while running a fixed number of rounds, the round counter background is progressively filled with color as the play approaches the “Stop at Round” point.	

The Display Options Screen

	The “Display Options” Screen is designed to give you control over visual display or the Blackjack table.  For your convenience, the options on this screen have also been incorporated into the Casino Management Screen.

	The check boxes and radio buttons on the Display Options Screen have been divided into two groups: Card Display and Message Display.

Checkbox	Checkbox Description	
Display
Auto-player Dialogue 	When checked, every aspect of play is annotated with descriptive (but often distractive) messages.	
Wait on 
Important Messages	When checked, important messages are displayed with an OK Dialogue box requiring a response.	
Erase Count 
Values Afterwards	When checked, count values associated with the player seat are erased after play of the hand has concluded.	

Checkbox and          Radio Button	Checkbox and 
Radio Button Description	
Flip Up card 	When checked, the dealer’s Up card is first dealt facedown, then flipped over as the last step in dealing the hand.	
Turn-up Hole card	When UN-checked the dealer does not display the hole card unless there is one or more active hands still on the table.	
Display Hole card	The Hole card is displayed face-up, facilitating game study.	
Show Burncard	The burn-card is dealt face-up, similar to Atlantic City.	
Slide Display Cards	When checked, cards slide from the shoe to the players.	
Erase Break-cards	When unchecked, breaking hands are left on the table to facilitate studying card-flows.	
Show Discard Tray	When checked, the Discard Tray is visible.	
Show Last Cards	Checking the appropriate Radio Button instructs Boris to show that number of cards before shuffling.  This is useful for “what if” studies.	

The Playing Options Screen

	The “Playing Options” Screen is designed to give you control over play at the Blackjack table.  For your convenience, the options on this screen have also been incorporated into the Casino Management Screen.

	Because the check boxes and radio buttons on the Playing Options Screen cover a number of different operations, they are logically grouped for examination in this manual.

Checkbox	Checkbox Description	
Casino Mode 	With Casino Mode enabled, A-I (computer-generated) players are free to come and go, based upon their programmed algorithms.	
No 
Mid-Sequence Entry	When checked, newly arriving players are not allowed to wager until AFTER the next shuffle..	
Sequential Betting	In live play, players make their bets more-or-less at random.  With this box checked, betting is sequential, beginning with Seat #1.  This is useful for studying betting strategies, or playing multiple hands manually.	
Auto-Stand	With Auto-Stand checked, players are skipped over for playing decisions when their hand totals Hard-17 or greater (except 9-9 and 10-10 value hands, which are candidates for pair splitting).	
Critique Mode	With Critique Mode checked, playing decisions are evaluated (compared to Basic Strategy) with audible feedback given.	
Blind Simulation	When checked, play switches to/from visual mode and high-speed Blind-Simulation.	

Checkbox and Radio Button	Checkbox and 
Radio Button Description	
Immediate Shuffle	Checking this box causes cards to be shuffled after the current round of play.  The box is automatically reset after that shuffle.	
Disable
Card Shuffling	With this box checked, cards are never shuffled, They are moved directly from the discard tray to the shoe (after being cut).	
Use
Random Shuffle	Checking this box overrides the conventional shuffle for this table, producing “randomly” shuffled cards instead.	
Preferential Strip	When checked, cards are stripped preferentially (i.e. when players are winning an “unusually” large number of hands.	
Dealer’s Up card	This set of Buttons allows specifying the up card used for EVERY hand.  This is useful for studying and practicing playing strategies.	
Burn card 
New Dealer	With this box checked, a card is burned when a new dealer comes in to the table.	

Checkbox	Checkbox Description	
Fast Deal 	This checkbox eliminates any card-sliding (regardless of the “Slide Display Card” setting on the Display Options Screen).	
Fast Pickup	With Fast Pickup checked, the cards are quickly swept from the screen at the end of round, rather than being scooped up hand by hand.	
Quick Payoffs	With Quick Payoffs checked, hands are paid without comment (which simulates real world play), instead of being annotated during payoff.	
Erase Payoffs	With this box unchecked, the previous bet (and payoff) is not erased from the betting circle, in case you (as a manual player) wish to remember the money involved in that round.	
Pause Mode	With Pause Mode set, play is paused at the end of the round, before the cards are scooped from the table, allowing you to study the hand.	

STATISTICS   SCREENS

	The “About Box” Screen is designed to give you overall information about Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software.  With this software properly licensed and installed, your name should appear in the “Licensed To:” Box at the bottom of the screen.  For your convenience, an analog clock has been placed on this screen.

	Each tab of the Dialogue Box brings information related to the software.

TAB	Tab Description	
Copyright 	The “Boris on Blackjack” Software Copyright Message	
Web Pages*	A list of web sites relevant to Boris’ Blackjack Software	
Boris Editions	A list of Boris Software Editions	
Software Support*	Where to write/call for Boris Software Support	

	* Because this information is actually obtained from the Boris.Ini file, receipt of software upgrades will sometimes result in changes to this data.

The Casino Information Screen

	The Casino Information Screen is designed to give you generic information regarding the current Casino being played.  You can also set this information at tab-F6 on the Casino Management Screen (Ctrl-R).
							
Screen Item	Item Description	
Casino Name 	Details the Name of the Casino	
Casino Description	Describes casino specifics.	
Casino Occupancy	The Number of players currently in the Casino	
Max. Occupancy	The Maximum # of players this casino can support	
Game Number	Current Game # (clicking this button closes the screen)	

The Summary Statistics Screen
(All Editions)

	The Summary Statistics Screen is designed to give you a comparative look at game statistics from the player's standpoint as well as the table’s.  This allows you to pinpoint player and table trends.  Then, to examine a particular player (or the table) in more detail, you can switch to the detailed statistics screens (Advanced Editions and higher).

	Due to the abundance of data on this screen, it includes scroll bars.  Since the data on the Summary Statistics Screen appears on other screens, it will not be repeated here.  You can look up specific data in the descriptions for other stat screens in this manual.  While the data may look a little different than on those screens, it is in fact the same information; only consolidated, for easy access.

Summary Statistics - Menu Options

	One of the most useful aspects of the Summary Statistics Screen is to display data during Blind Simulation runs.  Pressing Alt-R (Refresh) or F5 allows you to refresh the Summary Statistics during, for example, a Blind Simulation run.

	Clicking Options on the menu allows you to modify the display of individual statistics.  Clicking on Refresh during simulation runs refreshes the statistics at that point during the simulation.  Clicking on Freeze pauses the Simulation, automatically refreshing the statistics allowing you to examine the results thus far.  Clicking Unfreeze resumes the simulation.

	Clicking on Spreadsheet (PRO Edition Only) outputs the Summary Statistics data to the /Sheets folder allowing import into a spreadsheet program.

The Card Count Evaluation Statistics Screen

	The Card Count Evaluation Statistics Screen provides a Summary account of your play, allowing you to study the Positive/Negative  - Running/True Count data.  The screen is similar to the Summary Statistics Screen.

Radio Button	Radio Button  Description	
Positive Counts	Details Player’s Win/Loss/Etc.  rate during Plus Counts	
Negative Counts	Details Player’s Win/Loss/Etc. rate during Minus Counts	
Running Count	Details data from the Running Count Viewpoint	
True Count	Details data from the True Count Viewpoint.	

	As you can see in the above table, clicking the Radio Buttons along the screen bottom redisplays the data grid from the Running/True and/or  Positive/Negative Card-count Viewpoint.  This data enables you to more closely determine your card-count play inadequacies, making the required corrections to your play as appropriate.

Appendices

Appendix D
Structure of the Deck/Shoe (.SHO) File
(PBJ and Professional Editions only)

	Deck/Shoe files (hereby known as .SHO files) live in a special directory folder by the name of Deck Shoe, subordinate to Boris’s Root directory folder.  With the PBJ (and higher) editions of the software, you can Save a shoe (using the Ctrl-J key sequence on the Blackjack Table Screen), or reload an existing shoe (using the Ctrl-I key sequence on the Blackjack Table Screen).  You can save a shoe for reuse with the same or different casino as well as different Casino Environment (.ENV) files.  This allows you to replay shoes or apply specific shoes to different casino environments, for practice and/or statistics keeping.

	In the Version 4 Editions of Boris, the shoe is saved and reloaded using the filename UserShoe.Sho.  (The provision to choose different names for .Sho files is slated to appear in Version 5).  If you wish, you can create sub-folders under DeckShoe to store saved .Sho files.  However to use one of those files, it (or a copy) must reside in the DeckShoe sub-folder with the name of UserShoe.Sho.

	UserShoe.Sho is essentially an ascii text file, with one entry per line.  This allows you to open and edit the file with simple text editor programs, or import it into a Spreadsheet program.

•	The first 4 entries in the .SHO are control values.
	- The 1st entry is Reserved and is currently always 0 (Zero).
	- The 2nd entry is no. of cards in the shoe (52, 104, 208, 260, 312 or 416)
	- The 3rd entry indicates how many cards have been dealt.
	- The 4th entry indicates how many cards are in the discard tray.
•	The control values are followed by pairs of entries, known as Index entries (one pair for every card in the shoe).  These entries are actually card offsets into the Static-Shoe which follows the Index Entries.
	-	The entries alternate: one for the Shoe; one for the Discard-Tray.
	-	If the entry has a 0 (Zero) value, no card is present at that offset.
	-	If the entry is non-zero, it represents an Index to an actual card in the Static-Shoe.

•	Following the Index Entries is the “Static-Shoe”, organized using the Box-Card order that was in effect when the shoe was saved.  The Box-card order can be found on the Shuffles-tab of the Casino Management Screen (Ctrl-R)
	Cards in the Static-Shoe are made up of 8 pieces of data:

Raw Card-value	  Suit   	Actual card-value   	  Card-type	
Deck number	  Card-number   	Shoe Card-number 	Shoe 
Round-number	

The current shoe and discard tray can be viewed graphically at anytime with the Shuffle Display Screen.  Remember: unless you are at the beginning or end of shoe play, the cards will be divided up between the shoe and the discard tray, as well as any cards actually in play on the table.

Appendix F
Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software
(Related Files and Folders)

	Boris’ Blackjack Simulations require a number of different files, each playing a significant role in the software’s operation.  While understanding what these files do is not necessary to benefit from the software’s features, such knowledge can breed greater confidence in running the program.  The table below lists the files, with a brief description of their use.  (For this appendix, references to Boris’ Root directory folder assume a path of: C:\Boris)

Directory Folders
Folder Name	Folder Description	
Casinos	Contains Sub Folders for each major casino area.  Each Sub Folder contains Casino Descriptor (.CDF) Files.  The [Env Files] Sub Folder contains Environment Descriptor (.ENV) Files.	
Deck Shoe	Contains Deck Shoe (.SHO) Files	
Players	Contains Player Save (.PLA) Files	
Sheets	Contains Data Spreadsheets (PRO Edition Only)	
Sound	Contains .WAV Sound files.	
Strategy	Contains Strategy Table (.STF) and 
Strategy Definition (.SDF) Files.	
Stuff	Contains Image (.BMP) and Icon (.ICO) Files.	

Files and FileTypes

File Name	Location	Description	
Bj_Pipe.Bjf	C:\Boris	A synchronization file.	
Boris.Ini	C:\Boris	Contains software control data.	
BorisXXX.Exe	C:\Boris	The actual Boris program file.   XXX refers to the Edition of the software.  (Ex.: BorisPBJ.Exe, BorisPRO.Exe, etc.)	
Messages.Bjf	C:\Boris	Contains messages needed by the software.	
Names.Bjf	C:\Boris	Contains Player and Dealer names.	
Settings.Bjf	C:\Boris	Saves Boris’ Software Settings.	
Strategy.Ini	C:\Boris	Contains Strategy-related Information	
User.Ini	C:\Boris	Contains user-modifiable control settings and other pertinent data.	
			
*.CDF	C:\Boris\Casinos...	Casino Descriptor Files	
*.ENV	C:\Boris\Casinos\EnvFiles	Casino Environment Files	
*.PLA	C:\Boris\Players	Individual Player Save Files.	
*.SDF	C:\Boris\Strategy	User-defined Strategy Definition Files.	
*.STF	C:\Boris\Strategy
	Pre-defined Strategy Table Files	

Appendix Q
Boris’ Roots
Extensive and Varied

	Unlike other Blackjack software programs that tend to be written by “professional programmers” with little/no actual experience in playing Blackjack, Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software is rooted in an extensive professional and playing background.

•	25+ Years of Software Development Background

•	Languages and paradigms used to reearch, design and develop Boris software products include: QuickBasic, Professional Basic, Visual Basic, Prolog, Borland’s C++ Builder J-Builder, ActiveX and ASP.

•	Over 20 years work with and research into 2-dozen+ card-counting/strategy systems, including semi-professional play throughout that period.

•	Extensive study and research into Shuffles/Washes and Shuffle Machines since 
November 1990.

•	Research into, and play of, Advanced Card-Count strategies since 1988.

•	Research into, and play of, Clump-Track strategies since September 1991.

•	Dialogue/playing sessions with professional players, including: Bob Bowser, E.C. Davis, Ron DiBenedetto, Russ Hall, Steve Heller and Jerry Patterson.

•	Have been directing and hosting Clump-card Blackjack Team Practice via the Internet for over three years.

Appendix S
Shortcut Control Keys	

	To enhance your use of Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software, a series of “shortcut” Control keys have been implemented on the main Blackjack Screen.  Many of the Statistic Screens also have Ctrl-Keys (described separately in the appropriate section of the manual) However, because most of your time is spent at the Blackjack Table, it makes sense to have a special write-up of these most often-used keys.

Control Key	Description	Control Key	Description	
Ctrl-A	Save .ENV As	Ctrl-N	Reno Casinos	
Ctrl-B	Blind Simulation	Ctrl-O	Open Casino	
Ctrl-C	Playing Options	Ctrl-P	Player Settings	
Ctrl-D	Display Options	Ctrl-Q	Quick Exit	
Ctrl-E	End Casino 	Ctrl-R	Rules/Settings	
Ctrl-F	Freeze/Unfreeze	Ctrl-S	Save .ENV	
Ctrl-G	Load Settings	Ctrl-T	N. East Casinos 	
Ctrl-H	Tahoe Casinos	Ctrl-U	Laughlin Casinos	
Ctrl-I	Input the Shoe	Ctrl-V	Vegas Casinos	
Ctrl-J	Save the Shoe	Ctrl-W	Midwest Casinos	
Ctrl-K	Quick Save .ENV	Ctrl-X	Exit the Casino	
Ctrl-L	Load Casino .ENV	Ctrl-Y	Atlantic City Casinos	
Ctrl-M	Misc. Casinos	Ctrl-Z	Save Settings	

Appendix U
The USER.Ini File Settings:
What they mean

	Boris’ Blackjack Simulation Software comes with 2 Initialization (.INI) files.  Settings in the first of these files (Boris.Ini) have been determined by Casino Gaming Software Systems.  Unless otherwise directed by a tech-support person at C.G.S.S., you should leave this file alone.  Inappropriate alterations to this file may necessitate reinstallation of the software.

	On the other hand, there is a user-configurable .INI file: User.Ini.  If you are careful, changes can be made to the setting of this file, allowing you to tweak software performance and/or otherwise make operational changes to the software, customizing it to your unique environment.  In this appendix, we shall take a look at these settings and if necessary, how they can be changed.

	The User.Ini File is divided into several SECTIONS.  Per the Windows standard, Section names must ALWAYS appear in Brackets.  The layout of each individual line with a section was determined by software designer(s) at C.G.S.S.  Do NOT change the line layout.  However, where allowed, the parameters for a given line may be changed.

[General]

Parameter Name	Parameter Description	
BorisBanner=	This entry allows you to control whether or not you see the openning banner screen when Boris starts up.  Allowable entries are: Yes/No.	
RandomNames=	This entry instructs Boris to generate dealer and A-I Player names randomly even though you are using the same game number and/or Environment (.ENV) File.  Doing this allows for a little more variety to the play of the game; thereby, enhancing the realism.	
GameNumber=	The Game Number allows us to control the repeatability of certain casino situations.  If you are testing a strategy or want to continuously replay a specific game, you can set this entry to always default to that game number.  This default game # can be overridden by loading a .ENV file (which contains its OWN Game# setting), or by changing it manually.
It is important to remember that you have made this setting.  Otherwise, you may discover you have been playing the same game for weeks or months.  For this reason, the User.Ini file is delivered with this parameter made into a comment.  To make this statement active, simply delete the semi-colon (“;”) in front of that line.  (Also see: PromptUserIniGameNo= in the Logistics section of the User.Ini file)	
InitialBankRoll=	This entry dictates the amount of money a player should begin with, if not otherwise specified on the Player Setup Screen.  Allowable values are: 100 to 100,000	
UnlimitedBankRoll=	With an Unlimited Bankroll, A-I players will always be advanced more money when they run out.  Otherwise, when broke, their play is terminated.
Allowable values are: Yes/No.	

[Visual]

Parameter Name	Parameter Description	
CasinoClock=	The Casino Clock keeps track of how much equivalent casino (clock) time has been spent since the Blackjack Table opened.  This clock can be disabled via the Audio/Visual screen under Options on the Blackjack Table.  It is conceivable that your play sessions could result in play over 12 hours.  Using a 24hr. Clock will help reduce the confusion.
Allowable entries are: 12/24.	
ErasePayoffs=	This entry allows you to control whether or not the payoff and the bet are removed from the square after each hand is played.  Some players like the value left there as a reminder of their previous bet.  Then again, it could be argued that if you cannot remember your previous bet, you need to work on memory and concentration as part of your practice play.  Whichever you choose, this option is designed to accommodate that.
Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
ColorCodeStats=	By default, most of the statistics screen entries are color-coded using various shades of red and green.  Some people with vision color problems find this hard to read.  Changing the color-coding (to black on white) makes it easier to read.  The tradeoff is of course that you do not gain the benefits color coding provides.
Allowable entries are: Yes/No.	
MultiResolution=	When set, Boris will adapt itself to the screen resolution in use on your system (up to a max of 1024 x 768).  Otherwise, it will assume a default resolution of 800 x 600.  Allowable values are Yes/No.	
MessageBoxYPosition=	This entry allows you to position the Message Box across the top of the screen (=1), in the middle (=0) or near the bottom (=-1) - the default.	

Logistics

Parameter Name	Parameter Description	
OnIllegalPlay=	This particular setting is of use to people who are designing their own strategy tables.  This setting declares what Hit/Stand option Boris should assume for an A-I player when it’s strategy table entry has invalid data in it, or dictates a play not available for that casino; such as surrender.  Allowable entries are Hit/Stand.	
MidcardsAre=	Clump-tracking players (depending on their method) use two terms to represent 6's, 7's & 8's.  This parameter allows you to customize menu entries to your way of thinking.  Allowable values are: Neutral and Mid.	
SequentialBetting=	With this entry set to yes, players are asked for their bet sequentially, beginning with seat #1.  However in the real world, players don’t make their bets in sequential fashion; they bet when they think of it or feel like it.  To simulate the real world, be sure this entry is set to no (which is the default).  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
PlayButtonPrompts=	During a manual play decision, you might forget what one of the icons mean.  With this option set, a little description box pops up when the mouse is moved over one of the decision buttons.
Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
SlideDisplayCards=	With this entry set to yes (the default), during visual play mode, the cards are slid across the table to each player position.  While this looks nice, it slows play down ever so slightly.  On older and/or slower computers [with slow graphics cards], this can make play agonizingly slow.  While you can turn this off via the options menu(s), if you have one of these slower computers, it is recommended that you set this entry to no. This will insure you won’t have to uncheck it every time you play.
Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
DirectCasinoEntry=	If your main mode of operation is to immediately enter the casino and play, setting this parameter to YES will take you directly there.  Be warned however that direct casino entry bypasses the stop at the Container screen.  In order to perform drills (or other functions available only from the Container screen) you will need to disable this setting. 	
PromptUserIniGameNo=	When set to YES, you are reminded by a dialogue box that you are using a preset game number.  This is useful in case you do not desire to replay the same cards, over and over.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
ToggleAutoManualBet=	If you use the AutoManualBet feature (on the Blackjack Table’s Options Menu), setting this parameter resets the check box at the end of every round, giving you the option to enable it ONLY when specifically desired.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
PlayerStatRadioButtons=	This setting allows you to switch between using radio buttons (the default) or using spin buttons to switch from player to player on the Detailed Player Statistics Screens.  Because most people prefer using radio buttons, it has been made the default.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
ManualPlayerRestrictions=	This setting controls the display of the playing option buttons during manual play.  With a yes setting (the default), only option buttons for the allowable plays in that hand will be displayed. Otherwise, ALL the buttons will display, regardless of whether such a play is “legal” at that time.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
RoundsCounterProgressBar=	When set to YES, this parameter converts the Round Counter (on the Blackjack Table Screen) to a Progress Box when Stop-At-Round is set on the Options Menu.  This gives you a visual cue to how far you have progressed in the current simulation run.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
ShowOriginalBetAfterwards=	With this parameter set to YES, previous bet information is left visible to aid you in remembering it.  Otherwise, it is erased after each round of play.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	

Summary Statistics

Parameter Name	Parameter Description	
FirstBaseOpportunities=	This value is unique to various styles of Clump-Tracking play.  Contact C.G.S.S. for more information.	
IncludeSurrendersAsLosses=	Some players prefer to count Surrenders as losses in their statistical evaluation of play.  Setting this parameter to YES makes that possible.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	
DisplayTheModeOnDealerBreaks=	Some players prefer to use the Mode (instead of the Mean) when analyzing the dealer break-ratio.  Setting this parameter to YES, enables the Mode.  Allowable values are: Yes/No.	

 Appendix W
Wash Descriptions

	Boris for Windows is replete with a considerable variety of card washes.  This appendix describes available washes in Boris Version 4.

Wash Types available with the Boris Blackjack Simulator	
Wash #1	Each deck is riffled once.  Then, 2, 4 or 8 decks are Swirled together.	
Wash #2	Each deck is given the following action: Riffle - Strip - Riffle.	
Wash #3	Each deck is riffled twice.  Pairs of 2-decks are then swirled together.	
Wash #4	Each deck is 3-riffled and then swirled.	
Wash #5	Each deck is riffled ONCE ONLY.  (This is essentially no wash.)	
Wash #6	Swirl Wash ONLY, no riffle (2, 4 or 8 decks).	
Wash #7	Each deck is given the following action: Strip - Riffle - Riffle	
Wash #8	2-Deck pairs are “crimped” together and then swirled.	
Wash #9	Triple Deck Wash: Wash Deck-2 into Deck-1 and then Deck-3 into BOTH	
Wash #10	Swirl Wash + BIG Riffle	
Wash #11	This is a Vegas Wash being studied which will be released at a future date.	

INDEX

Audio Aids
Beeps	-72-
Sounds	-72-
Blackjack Play
Advice	-69-
Decision Box	-65-, -69-
Early-Surrender	-69-
Even-Money	-69-
Hit card Prediction	-66-, -70-
Hole card and Hit card Predictions	-67-, -70-
Hole card Prediction	-66-, -70-
Play decisions	-63-
Surrender	-69-
Tens-Ratio Prediction	-66-
Blackjack Screen Objects
Betting circles	-14-
Boris’s Boardwalk	-12-
Casino Time Clock	-14-
Chip tray	-11-
Discard tray	-12-
Drop slot	-12-
Round counter	-13-
Shoe	-12-
Table ID placard	-14-
Blackjack Table Menu Bar - Summary
Casino Management	-15-
File Menu	-15-
Options	-16-
Statistics	-16-
Window	-17-
Boris Files
.ENV Files	-128-
.SHO files	-128-
* .CDF	-50-
*.CDF	-131-
*.Env	-50-, -131-
*.PLA	-131-
*.SDF	-132-
*.STF	-132-
Bj_Pipe.Bjf	-131-
Boris.Ini	-131-, -137-
BorisXXX.Exe	-131-
Messages.Bjf	-131-
Names.Bjf	-131-
Settings.Bjf	-72-, -131-
Strategy.Ini	-131-
User.Ini	-131-, -137-
Boris Folders
Casinos	-130-
Deck Shoe	-128-
Players	-130-
Sound	-130-
Stuff	-130-
Container Screen
Enter the casino	-9-
Practice Drills	-9-
Control Keys
Alt-PrtScn	-126-
Ctrl-A	-136-
Ctrl-B	-136-
Ctrl-C	-136-
Ctrl-D	-136-
Ctrl-E	-136-
Ctrl-F	-136-
Ctrl-H	-136-
Ctrl-I	-128-, -136-
Ctrl-J	-128-, -136-
Ctrl-K	-136-
Ctrl-L	-136-
Ctrl-M	-136-
Ctrl-N	-136-
Ctrl-O	-136-
Ctrl-P	-136-
Ctrl-Q	-136-
Ctrl-R	-129-, -136-
Ctrl-S	-136-
Ctrl-T	-136-
Ctrl-U	-136-
Ctrl-V	-136-
Ctrl-W	-136-
Ctrl-X	-136-
Ctrl-Y	-136-
Ctrl-Z	-136-
Display Options
Display Autoplayer Dialogue	-75-
Display Hole card	-77-, -81-
Erase Break cards	-77-, -81-
Erase Count Values Afterwards	-76-
Flip Upward	-77-
Show Burn card	-77-, -81-
Show Discard Tray	-78-
Show Last Cards	-78-, -81-
Slide Display Cards	-77-, -81-
Wait on Important Messages	-75-
Folders
Casinos	-130-
Deck Shoe	-130-
Players	-130-
Sheets	-130-
Sound	-130-
Strategy	-130-
Stuff	-130-
Game Number
GameNumber= in User.Ini	-60-, -138-
Installing Boris 4.X
From Windows 95/98	-6-
Installing Boris for Windows 4.1
From Windows 3.X	-6-
Setup.Exe program	-6-, -7-
Key Sequences
Alt-C + S + D	-39-
Alt-C + S + I	-41-
Alt-C + S + U	-39-
Alt-O + B	-33-, -35-
Alt-O + B + U	-33-, -35-
Alt-O + D + H	-39-
Alt-O +D + F	-39-
ESC	-36-
Escape Key	-36-
F1	-35-
Logistics
Stop at Round	-74-
Playing Options
Auto Stand	-65-, -80-
Blind Simulation	-80-
Burn Card  New Dealer	-81-
Casino Mode	-80-
Critique Mode	-80-
Dealers Up card	-81-
Disable Card Shuffling	-81-
Erase Payoffs	-81-
Fast Deal 	-81-
Fast Pickup	-81-
Immediate Shuffle	-81-
No Mid-Sequence Entry	-80-
Pause Mode	-77-, -82-
Preferential Strip	-81-
Quick Payoffs	-81-
Sequential Betting	-80-
Use Random Shuffle	-81-
Practice Drills
From Container Screen	-9-
Screens
 Blackjack Table Statistics	-111-
 Casino Management Screen	-129-
 Clump-Track Player Statistics	-66-, -70-
 Player’s Detailed Statistics Screen #1	-95-
 Player’s Detailed Statistics Screen #2	-100-
About Box	-18-, -46-, -75-, -82-, -88-, -90-
Audio Visual Aids	-18-, -72-
Blackjack Table	-18-
Card Associations	-21-
Card Count Statistics	-19-, -21-, -66-, -70-, -116-, -118-
Card-Association Screen	-120-
Card-count Graphs	-19-, -21-
Casino Information	-19-
Casino Management Screen	-74-, -75-, -79-, -112-, -120-
Casino Selection	-19-
Clump Statistics	-21-, -120-
Clump-Track Player Statistics	-21-
Clump-Track Statistics	-121-
Container Screen	-9-, -10-, -18-
Decision Box	-18-, -63-, -65-, -68-, -69-
Display Options	-19-, -59-
Hand-play statistics screen	-109-
Hand/Result Statistics	-21-, -106-
House Percentage	-19-, -21-
Mean/Mode Statistics	-21-
Opening Banner	-18-
Performance Graphs	-20-
Player Setup	-20-
Player Setup Screen	-39-
Player Statistics Screen #1	-20-
Player Statistics Screen #2	-20-
Player-clump Statistics	-21-, -66-, -70-
Playing Options	-59-, -79-
Playing Options Screen	-35-
Playing Options	-19-
Practice Drills	-9-, -10-, -19-, -63-
Rules/Settings	-19-, -21-
Shuffle Analysis	-21-
Shuffle Display Options	-21-, -84-, -126-
Shuffle Display Screen	-124-, -129-
Side Bet Box	-19-
Statistics Check-boxes	-20-
Summary Statistics	-19-, -96-, -100-
Summary Statistics Screen	-92-, -94-
Table Statistics	-20-
Time Stamp	-74-
Software Support
How to obtain	-89-
Statistics
Hand Results Statistics	-106-
Hand-Size Statistics	-107-, -109-
Low-Ratio Hand Results	-107-
Summary Statistics	-96-, -100-
Statistics Screens	-20-
Card Count Statistics	-116-, -118-
Card-Association Screen	-21-, -120-
Clump Statistics	-21-, -120-
Hand/Result Statistics	-21-
Mean/Mode Statistics	-21-
Performance Graphs	-20-
Player Statistics Screen #1	-20-
Player-clump Statistics	-66-, -70-
Player’s Detailed Statistics Screen #1	-95-
Player’s Detailed Statistics Screen #2	-100-
Shuffle Analysis	-21-
Summary Statistics	-19-
Summary Statistics Screen	-92-, -94-
Table Statistics	-20-, -111-
USER.Ini	-65-
BorisBanner=	-138-
CasinoClock=	-139-
ColorCodeStats=	-139-
DirectCasinoEntry=	-9-, -141-
DisplayTheModeOnDealerBreaks=	-142-
ErasePayoffs=	-139-
FirstBaseOpportunities=	-142-
GameNumber=	-138-
IncludeSurrendersAsLosses=	-142-
InitialBankRoll=	-138-
ManualPlayerRestrictions=	-141-
MidcardsAre=	-140-
MultiResolution=	-139-
OnIllegalPlay=	-140-
PlayButtonPrompts=	-140-
PlayerStatRadioButtons=	-141-
PromptUserIniGameNo=	-141-
RandomNames=	-138-
RoundsCounterProgressBar=	-141-
SequentialBetting=	-140-
ShowOriginalBetAfterwards=	-141-
ToggleAutoManualBet=	-141-
UnlimitedBankRoll=	-138-
Visual Aids
BJ Table ID	-74-
Casino Clock	-74-
Casino Emblem	-74-
Discard Tray 	-74-
Rounds Counter	-74-
Table Bet Limits	-74-
w/Progression Bar	-74-
Audio Aids
Sounds	-73-