Copyright: Shih Dao ® 1993,1994 Digital Empires Inc.


 Help Contents

To learn how to use Help, press F1 or choose Using Help from the help menu.

Menus and game components

Strategy and Rules

How to register ONLINE

Thanks People

Shareware & Legal stuff


Menus and Game components

Click on the part of the Board you want to know more about.


Tile

There are 72 total tiles available for play in each game.  Each tile has a color and a pattern.  There are only six colors and six patterns in each tile set. Thus there are 36 unique tiles, and each tile occurs twice in every tile set.


Board

The Board is rectangular and has 96 playing positions. Its dimensions are eight vertical positions by twelve horizontal positions.


End Game

This command will end your current game. When the game displays a message telling you that the game is over, you must end game in order to start a new one. The reason being (when the undo feature is added) is that if you wish to place your last tile in another position, you may undo your previous move and try again.  Also if you place a tile and  the game alerts you that there are no more possible moves (and you have 10 tiles left), you might wish to undo your previous move and place the tile elsewhere in the hope that you may continue the game to the end.


Score Board

The Score Board displays your current point score ( top),your current number of four way matches (middle),and the number of tiles left for you to play (bottom).


Play Tile

The Play Tile  area displays the next tile for you to play.


Game Menu

New

This command starts a new game.

Open

This command starts an "Shih Dao open file dialog" , which allows you to retrieve and continue playing any previously saved game.  Double-clicking on the name of your saved game in the dialog box will open that game.

Save

This command saves your current game as a file with a name of your choice.  The extension .DAO is automatically attached to your filename for ease in recognition and retrieval.

Exit

This command closes Shih Dao.  If there is an uncompleted game in session you will be asked if you would like to save it before exiting Shih Dao.


Options Menu

Tile

This option command lets you select the tile pattern of your choice.

Board

This option command let you select the playing board design of your choice.

Tile Message

When enabled, this option causes informational error messages to be displayed when tiles are misplaced.  (Without this option enabled, the misplaced tile will simply reappear in the Play Tile area of the board.)

Show Possible Moves

When this option is enabled, stars will be displayed in each position of legal placement for the current tile.  This option is a great help when first learning to play Shih Dao !

Show Tiles

This command shows the remaining tiles in their order of play. Use of this option is sometimes deemed "cheating" !

Oh, Yeah, no high score for those who cheat!


Undo Menu

This command will allow you to take back your last move (or tile placed).


High Score Menu

This command displays the highest scores of the top five Shih Dao masters.


Help Menu

The commands in this menu opens the help file you are now reading.


 Strategy and Rules

How the Game Works

At the start of a game, the computer randomly orders seventy two tiles in a "bag" (which you can look at  by choosing the option "SHOW TILES"). The game then displays six different tiles, representing all six colors and all six patterns, on the board. One tile is placed in each corner and two are placed in the middle.  Another tile will appear in the PLAY TILE area. This is the next tile to be played. You must place this tile according to the Shih Dao rules, explained below.

Rules

1. A tile must be placed next to another tile.

2. A tile can only be placed next to another tile that matches in color or pattern. (One Way match)

3. A tile can only be placed next to two tiles if one matches in color and the other matches in pattern. (Two Way match)

4. A tile can only be placed next to three tiles if one matches in color and the other two match in pattern, or if two match in color and the other matches in pattern.  (Three Way match)

5. A tile can only be placed next to four tiles if two match in color and two match in pattern. (Four Way match)

Scoring and Strategy

Shih Dao is a game of strategy, planning and trying to get the highest score you can ! The basic idea is to make as many 4ways as possible.  It is possible to get 12 4way matches in a single game but it takes much thought, practice and patience !  The more 4ways you make the more points you get for all additional matches. It is actually possible to have only three 4ways and yet have more points than if you had four 4ways.  It all depends on how long it takes you to get your first four way !

The point distribution is as follows:

Placing Tiles - Point Distribution

One tile touching another	10 points

One tile touching two others	20 points

One tile touching three others	30 points

One tile touching four others	100 points (4way)

Every time you make a 4way the point distribution for placing a tile increases.  For Example suppose you have created two 4way matches.  Your points then accumulate as follows:

One tile touching another (with two 4ways)	30 points

One tile touching two others (with two 4ways)	60 points

One tile touching three others (with two 4ways)	90 points

The four way scores increases even more than the one, two or three way scores !

4way Point Distribution

One 	4way	100 	points

Two 	4way	1600 	points

Three 	4way	3100 	points

Four 	4way	4600 	points

Five 	4way	6100 	points

Six 	4way	7600 	points

Seven 	4way	9100 	points

Eight 	4way	10600 	points

Nine 	4way	12100 	points

Ten 	4way	13600 	points

Eleven 	4way	15100 	points

Twelve 	4way	16600 	points

So, now you see that the idea is to create as many four way matches as possible.  How is this done?  Well, now that you've asked, we'll tell you.  It isn't that hard, but it takes practice to get more than just four or five four way matches in one game.  There are different approaches to setting up a four way -- it will depend on where on the board you want to create one...

The first box shows the two tiles that are placed in the center at the start of a new game.  Subsequent boxes show the addition of one tile per box.  Notice you are trying to match the colors on the bottom right tiles and the pattern on the top left tiles.

Making a Center 4-Way

Making a corner 4-Way

In a corner it is a little bit different.  At the start of the game there is a tile in the corner as shown in the first box here.  This strategy involves the color and the symbol of the single tile.  Here the tiles on the left and bottom all have the same color, while the tiles on the top and right match in pattern. Of course the tile placed in the third box here establishes the pattern.

(Question ?  Why couldn't the tile placed in the second box (to the left bottom) be used to establish the pattern instead of the color? -- This IS an advanced question at this point..., Because then the  pattern for the 4way position (center) would be the same as that of the original tile and there are only two of each tile.  There is no third pink stop sign to be placed in the 4way position !


 Shareware and Registration

SHIH DAO

Requires VGA Card, Mouse, and Microsoft Windows 3.1

Copyright 1993, 1994 by Digital Empires Inc.

DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration of SHIH DAO, you get the most recent revision of the program. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.

DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT

Users of SHIH DAO must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "SHIH DAO" is supplied as is.  The authors disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchant ability and of fitness for any purpose. The authors assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of SHIH DAO."

SHIH DAO is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.  If you find this program useful and find that you are using SHIH DAO and continue to use SHIH DAO after a reasonable trial period, one month or 12 games, you must make a registration payment using the order form. The registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another, just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at exactly the same time in different locations.

Commercial users of SHIH DAO must register and pay for their copies of SHIH DAO within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Digital Empires Inc.

Anyone distributing SHIH DAO for any kind of remuneration must first contact Digital Empires, Inc. for authorization.

You are encouraged to pass a copy of SHIH DAO   along to your friends for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they like using it.  All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of SHIH DAO, software support via mail, and free upgrades/fixes for 60 days from date of registration.


BBS
How to Register Online (BBS)

The latest version of Shih Dao, plus many other fine shareware programs can be obtained through the Software Creations BBS. (Type STORE at Main Menu)

The Software Creations BBS is a full 24 hour support system for all  Impulse Software. You may register products on line, talk with the authors or even join our distribution network of BBS systems around the world.

Call Software Creations BBS and get a membership today!

Software Creations BBS

" Home of the Authors "

1200/2400 V.42 MNP - (508) 365-2359

2400-16.8k HST USR Robotics - (508) 368-4137

2400-14.4k V.32/V.32bis Hayes - (508) 368-7036

Dan Linton - Sysop


Order Form

 Send to:	Impulse Software.
P.O. Box 31199
Indianapolis, IN
46231

CALL NOW TOLL FREE
1 800 6-IMPULSE
 (800) 646-7857
(317) 870-9216

Click mouse button here to print an order form.

Name:  _______________________________________________________________

Address:  _____________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip:  _________________________________________________________

Telephone Number ______-______-__________FAX______-______-__________

Shih Dao 3.5	$19.95 US.	x ___ units =	$ ________

5% Tax (Indiana Res. Only)	$ ________

Shipping (In USA)	$3.00	$ ________

Shipping (Outside USA)$5.00	$ ________

Total:	$ ________

Disk Size:  [ ] 5.25"  [ ] 3.5"

Payment:  [ ] Check (U.S. funds only)         [ ] VISA       [ ] MasterCard

Card Number:	_______	_______	_______	_______

Expiration Date:  ________

Signature Required for Credit Card Orders: ______________________________

Or send Check or Money Order to the above address


UK
Order Form

Send to:	Oakley Data Services, 3, Oakley Close, Sandbach,
Cheshire CW11 9RQ.,  England

We can accept your registration by Phone, Fax or Mail

Telephone	(+44) (0)270 759739
Fax	(+44) (0)270 765272
E-Mail CIS	100024,1763

Click mouse button here to print an order form.

NAME:_____________________________________________________

COMPANY:_________________________________________________

STREET:___________________________________________________

CITY:___________________ STATE:__________ ZIP: ______________

COUNTRY:____________TELEPHONE:___________FAX:___________

Shih Dao 3.5	£19.39 (includes V.A.T. @ 17.5%) x ___ units =	$ ________

U.K. and EEC shipping and handling (UK, £2.00)	$ ________

Total:	$ ________

[  ] VISA	[  ] MC

Name on Card:_________________________________________

Credit Card#:___________________________________________

Expiration Date:______________

Signature:_____________________________________________

What size disk?	3.5 _____  5.25 _____

Color version? 16 colors _____  256 colors _____

 Where did you hear about or get a copy of our products?_______________________________

Allow 2 - 5 weeks for delivery.	Requires VGA, Mouse, and Microsoft Windows 3.1


Thanks

Thanks to all those who stayed up long nights and those who complained, critiqued, and showed us the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Big Man: Tres Stewart, never stops to point out the good work and pixel problems (one of the millions of problems)

Beta Testers: Okie, Corey Coolye, Jason Ramos, Micah Brandon, Elliot Werner........

Program Security : Yogi Bear

Thanks to: Tres Stewart, Sysop Computers & Dreams BBS (initial support site)

Thanks to: Tres Stewart, Sysop Computers & Dreams BBS (initial Distribution site)

Programming help: Barb and Okie

Art Helpers : Russias EZ and USAs JJ for there help in the title art, Thanks

Special Thanks to my Wife Barbara for the energy and strength to complete Shih Dao .