Producer: Bridgemaster, 16K
£24.95

If Backgammon is a difficult game to explain, then Bridge, the ultimate card game, is impossible. Bridgemaster is a marvellous beginners course in learning how to play the game. The package includes a computer tape, a commentary tape, very well read and which takes you through the early playing stages, and a book Begin Bridge with Reese, which is included for general reference. The demo 'automode' plays through a hand for you in combination with the commentary tape. This is very much a tutorial program - you can play through a hand where the program only allows you to play the card it expects, beeping if you play the wrong one. In this way you become accustomed to the Bridge 'conventions', and it shows you how to take tricks, bid and make contracts and the esoterica of scoring. Uses 55 different deals for teaching. If you want to become proficient in playing Bridge then this is an excellent program, making fine use of the computer and well worth the high price.

A BRIDGE FOR THE NOVICE PLAYER

Memory: 16K
Price: £24.95

Bridgemaster, for the 48K Spectrum, is nothing to do with the programs which claim to play full versions. It fulfils the worthier aim of teaching the player how to play Bridge.

The course is split into a series of lessons using the Acol system, based on hands dealt by the computer. It starts simply by giving the user a chance to see play in action and you can follow play on the screen with an audio cassette which provides background narrative.

When the narrative is finished you have a chance to play the hands discussed in the lesson and the computer will inform you of any mistakes you make. There are 55 deals which you have to run though in that way, although the package makes each interesting in turn.

Also included with the four tapes, two for software and two for commentary, is a short instruction book which is helpful in setting up the course and letting the user know about the standards used, and a book by expert Terence Reese. The book is not related to the software but it shows that an expert has faith in the package.

As well as providing an easy introduction to the subject, Bridgemaster will make people who would not normally be interested in the subject into addicts. It is a product which will make you feel you want to gather some friends and get out the cards. It is a welcome change from programs which would have you play Bridge with them.

Bridgemaster can be obtained from the usual computer outlets, including W H Smith and Boots.

Memory: 16K
Price: £12.95

Expert Bridgemaster combines a computer program with a parallel audio cassette commentary to introduce those who already know a certain amount about the game to more expert play.

Terence Reese, bridge correspondent for The Observer and a player of international standing, acted as consultant in the preparation of the program. The tutor package uses 26 prepared deals which are loaded with the operating program and bases its play on the Acol bidding system.

It is possible to play each hand without the voice-over and then return to it to analyse the hand. Not all the hands are full hands, as some are used to demonstrate more advanced techniques like squeeze-play, cue bids trump coups and the like. The computer will play the card automatically if required or alternatively you may play all the hands yourself.

A display of all hands is possible at any time and the hands can be restarted or re-dealt, though in the original form. There is no bulk-in print-out option. There is a bidding screen and a play screen.

PRICE: £24.95
MEMORY REQUIRED: 16K

Here we come to the only cassette which is not a game, but rather a tutor and opponent.

Calling Bridge Master a cassette can hardly do it justice, rather it is a package containing two computer cassettes, two commentary cassettes, full instructions, and a book written by Terence Reese, a world authority on bridge.

The idea of the package is that the commentary cassettes, which must be over three hours long all told, are played whilst following it on the computer. The computer itself acts as your partner and opponents, and cleverly it often will not allow you to play a poor card. The book itself is designed as background reading and for reference purposes. Overall one gets the impression that a great deal of work has been put into preparing this very professional package.

As a complete novice to the game of bridge I was in the ideal situation to realise just how well orientated it is towards the beginner. The commentary is clear, concise and friendly - quite different from the traditional crash courses in languages available. And that is another point, it is not a crash course, it works steadily and in a logical manner through the important points of bridge.

It is nice to be able to conclude this issue's reviews by recommending Bridge Master to the highest degree - absolutely excellent, and well worth the £24.95 (£19.95 for the ZX81).

Producer: Bridgemaster, 16K
£24.95

If Backgammon is a difficult game to explain, then Bridge, the ultimate card game, is impossible. Bridgemaster is a marvellous beginner's course in learning how to play the game. The package includes a computer tape, a commentary tape, very well read and which takes you through the early playing stages, and a book Begin Bridge with Reese, which is included for general reference. The demo 'automode' plays through a hand for you in combination with the commentary tape. This is very much a tutorial program - you can play through a hand where the program only allows you to play the card it expects, beeping if you play the wrong one. In this way you become accustomed to the Bridge 'conventions', and it shows you how to take tricks, bid and make contracts and the esoterica of scoring. Uses 55 different deals for teaching. If you want to become proficient in playing Bridge then this is an excellent program, making fine use of the computer and well worth the high price.

SOFTWARE SCENE

While some software houses are taking the Spectrum to its limits and beyond others doggedly continue to churn out ever more diabolical pieces of programmed junk. John Gilbert present a personal pick of the bunch, and Chris Bourne take an irreverent look at the dwindling ZX-81 software scene. Their talents are combinedd in listing the Top Ten Turkeys of 1984. Let the reader be warned.

SPECTRUM SOFTWARE

A cynic may argue that development within the software market in 1984 was non-existent. The same type of game appeared as those which took the lead in 1983, the most popular being of the arcade variety. The programs were written in the same style and to please the same type of customers.

That is only a superficial view, however, and if you look at the games market as a whole, dividing it up into sectors such as strategy, arcade and adventure, you will see that substantial and sophisticated changes have taken place. Despite what some pundits have said you will find that the world of computer games is still buzzing with life.

£24.95
Serin

Few traditional mind games packages were produced but the pick of the bunch has to be 3D Strategy, from Quicksilva, and Bridgemaster, from Bridgemaster, a company which has since wisely changed its name to Serin.

Bridgemaster, for the 48K Spectrum, is nothing to do with the programs which claim to play full versions. It fulfils the worthier aim of teaching you how to play Bridge.

The course is split into a series of lessons using the Acol system, based on hands dealt by the computer. It starts simply by giving the user a chance to see play in action and you can follow play on the screen with an audio cassette which provides background narrative.

When the narrative is finished you have a chance to play the hands discussed in the lesson and the computer will inform you of any mistakes you make. There are 55 deals which you have to run through in that way, although the package makes each interesting in turn.