Birdsoft Releases Crazy Bird's All-In Hold 'Em

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.uglybass.com/birdsoft/holdem.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.uglybass.com/birdsoft/holdem.htm</a><br /><br /></div>"Birdsoft is pleased to introduce our new Flagship Card Game in the Crazy Bird Series. All-In Hold'Em is a new breed of Pocket PC poker games, featuring superior AI and Graphics to ensure you the best Poker experience possible. Based on a refined version of the Poker Engine found in our Top Selling PokerHand game, All-In expands on it with totally re-written Artificial Intelligence coded specifically for the game of Texas Hold Em. Not ony that but we've designed a new Poker Graphics Engine, which manages to look superior to any other poker game out there and still allow 7 computer players to compete against you at one time. Add to that our usual array of customization options and REAL Tournament play rules and we think you'll agree that All-In Hold 'Em has raised the bar for Pocket PC Poker. Try it today!"<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ahss2.gif" />

[thanos255]

Excellent Program. I have been using the beta versions and must say that this program blows ANY other program in the market out of the WATER!!!

You MUST buy this software if you are a poker fan!!

Thanks
Thanos

[jt3]

I was also a beta tester, and I gotta say... I was impressed, even with the very first alpha version. The program was rock solid, even then. Some features didn't work, and there were some times that a winning hand would, in fact, lose, but the program itself was extremely stable.

Plus, the developer was VERY good about taking suggestions in stride. For example, I suggested using the d-pad to allow for "stylus-free" play, and he not only put it in there, but spent countless hours troubleshooting it to get it to work just right (which it now does).

The AI is so realistic, it's almost scary, and the graphics are simply outstanding for a Pocket PC poker game. I heartily recommend that you give it a go.

[Birdiestyle]

Thanks guys...

And I have all of the winning hand problems that were reported worked out, and then some... and since its based on well tested PokerHand engine there cant be many if any of these types of errors left....

:D

[Barak]

All right - that's it! Where's my credit card? :devilboy:

This game looks sweeet! :jawdrop:

I'll report back my findings after I've played for a bit 0X

[mandream]

This game is AWESOME!!!!!!

I couldn't put it down.

[JackTheTripper]

This comes just in time. Another board I belong to is putting together a San Francisco Bay Area wide Hold'em tourny. Thanks! :D

[Barak]

OK, I haven't bought it yet, as I saw it had a demo. I loaded the game, thinking that this was probably just another "hyped" up game, as most games seem to be.

I was blown away by the graphics and how life like the computer players are. The game moves quickly and is easy to learn.

Great games for the ppc are so hard to find these days and I would highly recommend this game.

What's that noise... My credit card coming out of my wallet. :lol:

[maximus]

Any discount for PPCT members, mr. birdie ? =)

[JackTheTripper]

Ya, I've been playing the demo all day. I'll keep playing it until it expires on the 25th and decide if I want to buy it.

It got down to 2 of us and the guy actually blufed me! :lol:

[DaleReeck]

For years, I've been waiting for a PocketPC version of the Palm-based Yo's Texas Hold'em Poker. That game had a great tournament feature. It looks like I've finally got a PocketPC version :mrgreen:

[Birdiestyle]

Its a couple notches above Yo isnt it??


Sorry, no discounts quite yet....


Thanks All!!

[lauriesue]

I downloaded the demo (version 1.0) yesterday, and overall it's a very good implementation of a fun game at a surprisingly reasonable price. However, I noted two bugs in the program:

1) If I folded, there were times that the AI players left kept checking (especially if only two were left), resulting in an infinite loop that forced termination of that game. This is a definite "showstopper" bug that needs to be addressed.

2) There were also times where multiple "winner" notifications were displayed, both for the actual winner and for those who lost that hand. It's annoying, but doesn't seem to affect play.

The graphics and sound effects are excellent - I was very impressed with what I saw, including the animation used with the players.

[Birdiestyle]

Thanks Ill get right on that.. Weird, no beta testers or myself who have played it a LOT ever hit that!!

For the 2nd one are you sure its not showing who is winning secondary pots??

Thanks!!!

Brian
Birdsoft

[JackTheTripper]

I downloaded the demo (version 1.0) yesterday, and overall it's a very good implementation of a fun game at a surprisingly reasonable price. However, I noted two bugs in the program:

1) If I folded, there were times that the AI players left kept checking (especially if only two were left), resulting in an infinite loop that forced termination of that game. This is a definite "showstopper" bug that needs to be addressed.

2) There were also times where multiple "winner" notifications were displayed, both for the actual winner and for those who lost that hand. It's annoying, but doesn't seem to affect play.

The graphics and sound effects are excellent - I was very impressed with what I saw, including the animation used with the players.

I also had both these things happen, but as Birdie points out, I believe there are multiple winners because one or more players went "all in" and so there was more than one pot.

I'm trying to remember if there were just 2 players left when the "check loop" occured and can't remember, sorry. But I can back up lauriesue's comment.

Overall, nice game!

[Birdiestyle]

wow, ok do you know if it was pre or post flop by chance for the loop?

[JackTheTripper]

Sorry, don't understand.... Pre or post flop?

[Birdiestyle]

are any middle cards showing when it happens?

[Steven Cedrone]

Sorry, don't understand.... Pre or post flop?

Flop: The first three community cards, put out face up, all together.

Steve

[JackTheTripper]

Right, sorry. :oops: Think it was pre.


I'm trying to duplicate it but I keep running out of money. If ya send me a full copy I'll try to help ya fix it. ;)


(j/k (Mostly)) :D

[tsb_hcy]

Does it run in VGA?

[Birdiestyle]

I think I found it, and may have found why I wouldnt have hit it... Would you ever fold(instead of checking) with no bet to you, right after the flop....

Anyway, if thats it, I should have a new release out shortly....

Thanks

B

[mandream]

Would you ever fold(instead of checking) with no bet to you, right after the flop....


If so, how'd you like to join a nice friendly game..... :lol:

[bblock]

What are the limitations/restrictions on the trial version? I'd like to buy it, but can't until next month, and I've got my first ever poker game (Texas Hold'em) on Jan. 31. I need to learn the hands & rules and get some practice in - will I be able to do that with the trial version?

I *am* looking forward to buying it - price is right, and the reviews are fantastic. Besides, it never hurts to play a good game of poker...now we just need a version for PPCs with built-in cameras so the virtual players can read your expression to tell if you're bluffing. Isn't that the real key to winning this game?

Way to be responsive to the newsgroup, Birdiestyle - that makes me want to buy it even more! Keep it up!

-Bryan

[Birdiestyle]

I have released Version 1.0a that should fix the infamous "Check" infinite loop, and fixes a couple of stat inconsistencies.... You can just install over your demo or registered version to apply the "patch".

The limitations of the demo are that it only allows play for 10 days and only allows $50 for the starting money. Other than that, it should be a great way to practice for a tourney(although you'll probably have to wait until its closer if you want to practice right up until the 31st).

Built In cameras.... wow... that'd be over my head even... Or wait, hmmmm..... :) Yeah, tells are part of the game, but Id learn the starting hands, etc... first before ever worrying about tells, except of course minimizing your own....


Thanks

B

Oh, sorry dont know anything about VGA....so nope, it wasnt coded too...

If so, how'd you like to join a nice friendly game.....

That was exactly my first thought...!!! :twisted:

[tsb_hcy]

I tested the demo as well. 1/4 screen action in VGA. :(

I'd think new games would support VGA. VGA is the future, why not get the experience? All you have to do is stop using fixed bitmaps.

[JayM]

I spent a few hours playing this in the car the other day and decided to write a review (http://www.pocketpcedge.com/viewtopic.php?t=78). I think it’s a great game and it kept me busy for hours.

[BadgerSoft]

I bought the game and really like it. Though I do have a comment and a suggestion:

- The AI seems is a bit easy. I'd consider myself a better than average player (only started playing a few months ago on-line). But I've played 5 games through and won 4 of them so far. I don't think it's enough of a sample yet, but my success feels more than luck.
- I'd like the option turn mucking cards on/off. Showing cards is great for those learning the game, but seeing what the CPU is betting with when they have won the pot when everyone else folds gives me an advantage. It could be why I've been fairly successful against it so far.

More time will tell about the AI. But this is a first rate program. I'm very impressed, good job!

[Birdiestyle]

Thanks,

Were the wins at the $50 starting level? At this level it obviously is more about luck, and is also easier if a few players get cards to wait out people being eliminated. Obviously at higher levels the AI should catch up with you!?!? I consider myself an above average player as well, but am still surprised at how tuned I got the AI to play, and it actually still surprises me on occasion.... Im sure I will tweak the AI more in future versions, and add more player types, and allow you to choose who you are playing and how they play, as some of the player types are better than others......
More mucking will be coming as well...

Thanks, I'm glad it is getting such positive reviews from everyone!

B

[BadgerSoft]

Those were at the $500 level. At the $1500 level (which I moved to) I've played 3 more games, won 2 of them, in the final 3 on the other one. I think it's a matter of being able to steal pots: teaching the AI to recognize a bluff probably is a bit tricky. I've bluffed a couple of times where the AI probably should have called me: the community card which lead me to make the bluff could not have helped, but I bet like it did. If I remember, I'll send you an example where I really don't think the AI did the right thing.

Of course, it could be my style of play. I'm self-taught and haven't read any books on Hold 'Em. Might make my style a bit harder for the AI to get used to. I've paid attention to the AI playing itself and do think it is a strong player.

And hey, this is poker. It very well could just be my lucky weekend. :D

Again, excellent game and I look forward to the the tweaking to come.
Keep up the good work.

Tony

[lauriesue]

Apparently the program isn't following traditional hold 'em rules for hand evaluations; the following is from the US Playing Card Company's web site:

"Each player receives two cards face down, and five cards are dealt face down to the center of the table. After the first betting interval, three of the five center cards are turned face up in the center. Then there is a second betting interval, followed by one more center card being turned up. Then there is a third betting interval, and the last center card is turned up. Then there is a final betting round. The player must use his best five cards, taken from the two in his hand (emphasis added) and the five turned up in the center of the table."

When playing last night, my cards were the 2 of Clubs and the Jack of Diamonds. The five center cards were the 10 of Clubs, Queen of Clubs, King of Clubs, 4 of Hearts, and 9 of Spades.

I won the pot with a straight, even though I'm holding a 2 and a Jack!

[Steven Cedrone]

Apparently the program isn't following traditional hold 'em rules for hand evaluations; the following is from the US Playing Card Company's web site:

"Each player receives two cards face down, and five cards are dealt face down to the center of the table. After the first betting interval, three of the five center cards are turned face up in the center. Then there is a second betting interval, followed by one more center card being turned up. Then there is a third betting interval, and the last center card is turned up. Then there is a final betting round. The player must use his best five cards, taken from the two in his hand (emphasis added) and the five turned up in the center of the table."

When playing last night, my cards were the 2 of Clubs and the Jack of Diamonds. The five center cards were the 10 of Clubs, Queen of Clubs, King of Clubs, 4 of Hearts, and 9 of Spades.

I won the pot with a straight, even though I'm holding a 2 and a Jack!
According to this site, (http://boardgames.about.com/cs/poker/a/texas_rules.htm) only after the flop does the player have to use his two cards. When all cards are dealt the player can use the best of the seven cards (he doesn't have to use the two he is holding)...

Take a look at this site (http://www.thepokerforum.com/texasholdem.htm) as well...

Steve

[Birdiestyle]

Yes the "taken from the two in his hand" does not mean you have to use both the two in your hand, although by their wording it sort of sounds like it. You make your best five card hand no matter how you can make it, which is exactly what this is stating.. You had a 9-10-J-Q-K straight which is your best possible hand.

Sometimes hands will be split with a straight coming up all in the middle.


I guarantee that the program plays just fine....!


Thanks!


(Now in Omaha Hold'Em......)

[Birdiestyle]

Just to let everyone know, I have released another small version upgrade,
which fixes a couple of very obscure hand calculation problems. 1.0b is
available now at the major download sites..

Thank you all for such a great response to the game, and definitely watch for more significant updates soon!!

Brian
Birdsoft.net

[Birdiestyle]

And yet another version has been released.

It adds the most asked for feature, saving/loading of last game on exit. It also adds a $3000 starting choice, and a choice of instant play for the computer players... It doesnt show "winner" for players in their own secondary pots. Several other fixes and enhancments were added as well.. Check out version 1.01!!


http://www.birdsoft.net

[Birdiestyle]

Just released a new version, with the much asked for option of allowing the computer players to muck unchallenged hands..

Check out version 1.02....

http://www.birdsoft.net

[Birdiestyle]

We have released a new version of All-In Hold'Em (Version 1.1). It further enhances the already solid AI, as well as adding a Player Setup Screen. Now you can setup who you are playing, and at what AI setting each plays at... Wanted to play a table full of Loose Players.. Here's your chance...


http://www.birdsoft.net/images/aiplsetup.gif


If you were one of the few who thought the AI opponents were weak, try Version 1.1.!!!!


http://www.birdsoft.net