Jack 3 service page

From within Jack 3.0 you can use Help->Search for updates, to contact the JackBridge website and install the updates.
If you don't use this program feature, for instance if you're running Jack on a computer that has no connection to the internet, this is where you find the updates as a service pack.

For all downloads: after downloading simply run the file and follow the instructions.

On this page: [ Jack 3.0 updates | Changes Jack 3.0 vs Jack 2.03 | Service Packs | Documents ]

Jack 3.0 updates

Jack 3.01 - 15 june 2005 (version 3.0 users only)

General

• We have rewritten the language support and made all the languages available at all time. Jack starts up quicker. Note: playing cards and tips still need to be installed per language.
• You can translate the interface into your own language. To find out how, inquire at support@jackbridge.com.

Interface

• Jack provides two new methods for scoring random deals
  • Against par (at IMPs or total points)
  • Against Jack's own results
• When playing over a network, Jack's human partner is allowed to play the hand even when Jack is declarer. Network play requires version 3.01 on both host and client.

Bidding and play

• Jack's play is stronger by about 0.1 IMPs per deal. In some 2300 deals that we used to test him, Jack 3.01 won 230 IMPs against Jack 3.0.
• We added the Heeman complex (an elaborate and comprehensive system of responses to 1NT).
• We added new two opening-bid complexes: Chameleon.
• We added a new convention card: Dutch Doubleton: 5 card majors, 4 card , 1 (possibly only two).
• We provided options for customizing the Multi 2.
• We provided options to deactivate certain conventions and treatments:.
  • constructive raises
  • unassuming cuebids
  • super-accepts of Jacoby transfers
  • splinter bids in specified auctions
• We added new conventions:
  • Lionel (a version of the Grano-ASTRO defense over 1NT)
  • A 2 opening that shows either a Weak 2 Bid or a powerhouse with any shape.
  • Garozzo Splinters
  • Rosenkranz Redoubles
  • A natural and forcing 2 response to a 1 opening that may be shorter than three
• We provide for storing the bidding and play when creating tournaments for later reference
• We calculate and display par scores in PBN file overview
• We started to align the Moscito system to conform strictly to Australian expert Paul Marston's latest specifications. Currently, Jack's version uses the same framework but differs in many details. The revision will be completed in the next version of Jack (3.02).
  Check out the Moscito webpages on our site.

Download: Update Jack 3.0 to Jack 3.01 (1.716.224 bytes)
PLEASE NOTE: the update is a valid Win32 application. It is however possible a problem occurs while downloading (see FAQ). If you run into problems we kindly request you to report this.

Changes Jack 3.0 vs Jack 2.03

• Completely rewritten bidding and playing engine, used at the World Championship Computer Bridge in New York 2004. More options to control Jack's bidding and play and his thinking time. Jack 3.0 is considerably stronger than 2.03.
• New method of scoring when playing random deals: Compensation scoring (also known as Russian Scoring). The stronger side gets penalty points depending on their combined HCP strength. Penalties are user adjustable.
• New convention cards. Amongst others: Bridge World Standard, Jack New York (the exact card that was used in New York 2004) and Moscito: a strong club system developed by the Australian international Paul Marston.
• New bidding conventions. Amongst others: Variable 1NT, additional defences against 1NT, Puppet Stayman after 1NT. Many other bidding additions as well, e.g. you can specify the style of overcalling you would like Jack to use and it is possible to count an extra trump when using RKC Blackwood.
• Fit points. After discovering a fit it is good practise to re-evaluate your hand. Jack does this by using fit points. It is based on Berry Westra's teaching methods of adding and subtracting points in fit situation. You will quickly learn to correctly re-evaluate your hand in fit situations. The fit points are entirely user adjustable.
• Deal annotations. You can add comments to a deal (and store them). Printing is possible but you can also redirect the output to HTML. This is the internet file format and allows you to directly bring the information online, look at it in your favorite browser, email it to your partner or edit it with a word processor.
• Deal profile. The powerful deal profile in Jack 2.0 is made even more flexible. By adding distributions, combined values for North and South, and playing tricks it is possible to specify almost any situation. Export to PBN has been improved.
• PBN file maintenance. It is possible to copy deals from one PBN to another and delete deals from a PBN.
• Creating tournaments. Almost any PBN can be converted to a tournament in Jack 3.0. The tournament environment has a new file format and it can easily support hundreds of tournament sessions.
• Printing. Deals can be printed directly to the printer or exported to HTML files. You can specify in detail what to print (diagram, auction, play, footnotes, alerts, annotations)
• Fun and games. A completely new and interactive environment. You will find interesting and amusing facts, teaching material and puzzles like Double Dummy problems. A lot of content available already.
• Search for updates. From inside Jack you can search for updates and install them directly. No need for visiting the website and look whether there is new material.
• Tournaments. All tournaments available in Jack 2.0 and on our website have been converted to the new format. All the Computer Bridge finals have been added.
• New set of Playing cards. New and very nice Germans cards provided by Carta Mundi, the well-known playing cards manufactor.
• Lots of changes that enhance the current options, like replaying a deal in four different ways but also: deals from a PBN can be used for network play.

Service Packs

Documents