The following questions and answers are supplied as a result of enquiries made by various users over the past years. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question How do I get a 3/4 Howell with switching into my system for frequest use? Enter the basic 3/4 Howell movement using CONTROL/HOWELL/ADD Then enter the number of tables e.g. 7 and lowest stationary pair e.g. 12 (and hence you have 11 rounds) Enter the first round seating with relays e.g. 14-1 0 4-6 0 9-10 0 7-3 0 12-2 0 11-13 0 5-8 4(note last table relays make up rest of board sets) Press enter and then create a new event using this movement (7 tables 1 winnner) using the default pair numbers (Note only one board per set is necessary for this exercise). User the ENTER option and then on panel 3000 use F9 to switch the pairs as required by your movement. Then use C-MENU/DETAILS/B-SAVE to save this movement (with switching). Then from main menu use CONTROL/USERS/IMPORT to load this movement from file just created (e.g. ase7\text\u07111.mvx i.e. 7 tables 1 winner 11 rounds) and create the movement with 7 tables 11 rounds. In future use this USER movement for this type of event. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question How can I get the list of all players in a team, together with their results? When requesting the results (SCORE) select "N" in the "report in rank order" option. This requests the report to be in number order. The outright totals and results are then printed in number order, and include all players names. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question What is the best way of assigning pair numbers in an event? There are basically three places to assign pair numbers: a) When the section is defined (on panel 2128) b) When the names are entered in the option NAMES/UPDATE c) When new pairs are included in an event using the option NAMES/ADD Which procedure you use will depend on the circumstances. 1) Single section events. Where you are conducting an event where there is only one section you create the event to match the standard movement. e.g. a 13 table section with pair numbers 1 to 13 NS and 1 to 13 EW. Here you have two fields and two winners. You enter the pairs names under NAMES/UPDATE and never report on the outright results, only the session report is produced. When you have a single winner (Howell movement) the procedure is the same. 2) Multi-section, single session events. Single session events where you are conducting more than one section you create the event with each section matching the standard movements. If you require the pairs have the same numbers as their table numbers, the procedure is much the same as a single section, item 1) above. e.g. The first section is set up as a 13 table section with pair numbers 1 to 13 NS and 1 to 13 EW. The second section is added (C-MENU/ADD) and defined in the same way: 1 to 13 NS and 1 to 13 EW. The names are entered under NAMES/UPDATE. The reports show the section number as well as the pair numbers, separated into two fields NS and EW. The event report is neither requested nor produced. If you require the pairs have unique numbers across the field then the procedure is slightly different. When defining the sections assign the pair numbers (as they are required) in panel 2128. e.g. The first section is set up as a 13 table section with pair numbers 1 to 13 NS and 14 to 26 EW. The second section is added (C-MENU/ADD) and the pair numbers are defined as: 27 to 39 NS and 40 to 52 EW. The names are entered under NAMES/UPDATE. The reports do NOT show the section number but only the pair numbers, separated into two fields NS and EW. The event report is neither requested nor produced. Where the movements are originally defined as having 1 field (e.g. switch Mitchells) then the session report only shows one field and one winner. 3) Multi-session events, with the pairs having unique numbers. One winner. The first session. When defining the sections assign the pair numbers (as they are required) in panel 2128. e.g. The first section is set up as a 13 table section with pair numbers 1 to 13 NS and 14 to 26 EW. The second section is added (C-MENU/ADD) and the pair numbers are defined as: 27 to 39 NS and 40 to 52 EW. The names are entered under NAMES/UPDATE. The reports do NOT show the section number but only the pair numbers. The event report is requested and produced. The event and session reports only show one field and one winner. Second and subsequent sessions (B-MENU/ADD). Define the sections using the pair numbers identical to those used in the first session (on panel 2128). ALL PAIR NAMES ARE AUTOMATICALLY LINKED TO THE PREVIOUS NAMES via the unique pair numbers. Only substitutes in the second session will need to be entered in NAMES/UPDATE for this session. Two winners. Define two fields in the sections and request two winners in the event report. It is the responsibilty of the organisers to make sure the NS and EW fields do not play in the opposing field. 4) Multi-session events, where the pairs do NOT have unique numbers. The first session. When defining the sections assign the pair numbers (as they are required) in panel 2128. e.g. The first section is set up as a 13 table section with pair numbers 1 to 13 NS and 1 to 13 EW. The second section is added (C-MENU/ADD) and defined in the same way: 1 to 13 NS and 1 to 13 EW. The names are entered under NAMES/UPDATE. The event numbers are also entered at this point (use F2 to switch to event numbers). Use unique numbers here so that all the pairs can be separately identified. The session report shows the section numberas well as the pair numbers. The event report is requested and produced. Second and subsequent sessions (B-MENU/ADD). When defining the sections assign the pair numbers (as they are required) in panel 2128 and in a similar way to session 1. Use option NAMES/UPDATE to enter only the event numbers (F2). The link to the event pairs is made at this point. Only substitutes in the second session will need to be entered in NAMES/UPDATE for this session. 5) Swiss pairs events. These events are similar to item 3 above: Multi-session with unique pair numbers. Use NAMES/ADD to introduce new pairs into the event. To withdraw pairs from the event use NAMES/MODIFY F10 (in/out). Once a pair has played in the event it is not possible to delete them. Various permutations of the above procedures may be used as required. See the next question. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Is it possible to enter the pairs while they arrive at an event? I don't know how to arrange the registration of the pairs before I know the complete number of tables. At the moment I have to write down the pairs' names on a sheet of paper and I transfer them into your program when I know the exact number of tables, i.e. when the tournament has begun. It would be more comfortable to register them when they come in dribs and drabs before the tournament begins, so I could spend more time on the bridge table. Is there perhaps a trick I didn't figure out? Yes, there is a trick. Set up the event with a trivial movement (e.g. 5 table Mitchell), then enter the pairs in NAMES/ADD, assigning the numbers as they arrive. When the movement(s) are known use C-MENU/MODIFY to change the movement and add any other sections you like. Use the pair numbers assigned as the pairs arrived to simplify the link between pairs and seats (in Panel 2128). Use NAMES/LIST to get a report showing the correct pair numbers, when they are required. Use B-MENU/PLACES and B-MENU/TABLES to produce reports showing where the pairs are to sit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Why are IMP results shown without decimals in some reports? The IMP results are not shown with a decimal point when the scoring is in VPs, as there is a shortage of space on the line (80 characters so as to satisfy all printers). Where you score in IMPs only indicate this in B-MENU/MODIFY with "Y" to IMPs only. The results then includes the decimals. All the decimals are retained internally whatever the report says. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Which SCRNIO module should I use? There are 4 module included in the standard release: SCRNIO.DLL SCRNIO.SML SCRNIO.CMA SCRNIO.CMS They all perform the same task: driving the screen display. The module called scrnio.dll is the only one used by the software when it is being used. You have the option of changing the others to this name. As supplied, the module scrnio.dll is the standard module and is used in countries where the decimals in numbers are entered with a stop character, that is: '.' for example 20.15. Also this module allows you to access all the help information via the F1 key. scrnio.sml is the same as scrnio.dll except that it does not have any help available when F1 is pressed but it uses far less memory. This is only needed when you are short of memory (the application does not run properly, giving error messages about "out of memory"). scrnio.cma is the same as scrnio.dll except it is used in countries where the comma is used in decimals, for example 20,15. scrnio.cms is the same as scrnio.cma except that it is smaller and does not have any help available. Therefore using scrnio.cma as scrnio.dll in a country where the comma is used in decimals (the country code in the config.sys is used by the software) will produce correct results, so long as you do not run out of memory, and then use scrnio.cms as scrnio.dll. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Will the program support individual competitions ? Individuals movements are not available in the current version. It is possible to score such events in the current version using the pairs module. Set up a "user" movement with each "pair" of tables sharing boards. The 4 pairs at these two tables become 4 individuals). During data entry of the scores hit [enter] or the [space bar] after each score to repeat the result for the 2nd table. Each normal pair in the movement would have only one name entered during NAMES/UPDATE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question What is the best form of payment for the registered version ? A cheque through the mail to ASE Computing, P.O. Box 259 Ourimbah NSW 2258 Australia is the best form. A cheque for Australian dollars $85 reduces the currency conversion costs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question (a) How does ASE7 handle averages? It is important to realize that the ASE Scorer uses the WBF formula for fouled boards and adjusted scores. There have been some enquiries regarding the results produced in these situations. The rules are reported in the ACBL Bulletin June 1991 pages 15 and 16. The basic formula is: M = (N x S)/n + (N - n)/2n Where: M=final matchpoints on board N=Number of scores on the board S=matchpoint score in group n=number of scores in group Applies to groups of 4 or more scores Applies to group of 3 if largest group (else 70%,60%,50%) Group of 2 gets 65% and 55% Equal scores share arbitrary scores Single score gets 60% Rounded to nearest 10th. Where averages are awarded, the other pairs in the field have this formula applied. When scores are missing from the results the ASE Scorer does adjust for them. The scores other than the missing scores are factored to the correct TOP (the WBF formula is not used) and the pairs results are factored up to the equivalent result on a pro-rata basis. When scores are missing the results can only be viewed as an estimate until a decision is made by the tournament director as to what the scores should be. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Can I have one winner in an event when each section has a NS and EW winner? Yes it is possible, though not necessarily desirable. Score each session (section) with two winners. Then by using unique paiur numbers across the field or assigning event pair numbers in NAMES/UPDATE you may then report the everall event results with one winner (an option on the event report). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Last night the ourClub played a 4 table Howell and a 7 table Mitchell, sharing Boards (it was the first of a 3 night event). We would treat the results like an 11 T Howell. Am I right in deciding that the only way to do this with ASE7 is with a User Defined Movement? You can do it one of two ways. Set up one section using a user defined Movement. OR Set up one session with two sections. The 1st section a Howell and the second a Mitchell (or vice versa) Use unique pair numbers across the field (in panel 2128) Factor to 11 tables in the Matchpointing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question I tried entering this as: Lowest stationary pair 10 12v 1 (0) 11v 4 (0) 10v 8 (0) 2v 7 (0) 9v 6 (0) 5v 3 (3) but got the following score sheet for Board 1: 5 3v 11 3 6v 4 4 8v 2 2 8v 1 6 9v 7 1 12v 1 (with pairs 1 & 8 twice, 5 & 10 missing, and 11 not stationary). Have I done something wrong, or have I exposed a bug, associated with the bye tables being after the top numbered table? The movement is valid and when I used it the movement was correct. The way to produce your results is to use the movement as a Howell It is a 3/4 Howell (Q: 3/4 Howell) not a Howell! 9 rounds, 9 board sets, board set 1 on table 1. Try this and all is well ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question We have acquired a HP540 inkjet printer, with sheet feed. When I printed the board by board report, each ASE7 page would not quite fit on an HP page, so we got sheets with 3 lines or less completing an ASE7 page. Is there a Parameter which controls printer page length? Yes: see CONTROL/SYSTEM there is "number of lines per page" there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question I tried in vain to enter our Howell movements. Please tell me how. (is it easier to treat them as user defined movements?) Howells are very easy: enter the first round seating and no. of board sets on each relay between the tables. e.g. a five table Howell could be 10v1 0 8v9 0 6v4 4 7v3 0 2v5 0 note 4 board sets between tables 3 & 4 and one board set on each table. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question When I tried to use the ase.bat file in the root directory I had no help. Why is this so? There are a couple of mistakes in the ASE.BAT file: (a) the 7 is missing from ASE7.HLP file name. (b) there is a spurious M at the end of the final line Sorry this is a problem with the release of the compiler I use. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Why do I occasionally get a message saying the board limit is exceeded? Board limits are set in the 1st screen of a new event - see help for more details on why these need to be set. The defaults of 45 tables and 90 boards are sufficient for all situations except where a session has more than 8 sections. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Am I right in observing that ASE7 has no pre-defined Howell movements? Correct. Most clubs use different HOWELL movements. Perhaps it would be possible for users to exchange Howell movement libraries. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Our Club's travelling score sheets have the NS player numbers printed in order down the sheet. I can score Mitchell movements by selecting Table # order from the MENU-B/CONTROL options. Will I be able to score a Howell, which uses such travelling sheets, with ASE7? Yes, no problems. Use the same option. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Question Due to the number of tables at our bridge club, the 3/4 Howell movement is the likeliest movement to be arranged. So I took our "guide cards" and defined the movement. Everything worked fine except when a 3/4 Howell with 8 or more table is defined. There I find the pairs are frequently switched from the normal movement. Can I do something about that without entering the whole matrix (user movement)? Yes. Define the basic 3/4 Howell movement as mentioned above. You can then switch pairs in the ENTER scores panel using F9. This movement can be saved using C-MENU/DETAILS/B-SAVE. Then use option CONTROL/USERS/IMPORT to place the saved movement in the USER library for later use. ----------------------------------------------------------------------