Help Topics

	Introduction
	The Interface (GUI)
	Menu Options (Options, Rooms, Help)
	How To Use
	Optimizing Performance
	HELP!
	Registering your software

Introduction

Pinochle is a card game typically played by 4 players. This two-team game is also known as "Double Deck Pinochle." Though the game itself may seem simple, it requires a good memory, the ability to make strategic maneuvers, and a bit of speed. Enter Pinochle Buddy - this card counting helper is the answer to many a Pinochle players prayer.

Pinochle Buddy allows you to focus on the gameplay itself, instead of trying to recall (or jot down) who played what. The program scans the Pinochle game, and automatically begins counting the cards hand-by-hand thus eliminating the guessing game.

Menu Options

	The Options menu allows you to access Pinochle Buddy's settings and change them to suit your needs (see below). It also offers an opportunity to refer a buddy (tell a friend) about Pinochle Buddy and/or request a new feature.
	The View menu is similar to the Shrink option. Here you may choose to hide the History of hands and/or the Out of suit sections.
	The Rooms menu has one of most valuable features of Pinochle Buddy. It contains backdoors to each of Hoyle's Pinochle rooms. This feature lets you enter a room even if its full. Note: If the room does not load, login to any Hoyle Pinochle game with your username and password first then select the desired room from the list.
	The Help menu provides instructions on how to use Pinochle Buddy, a link to the Play Buddy Help Center, shortcuts to buy and register your copy, and a valuable Bug Report feature to use when Pinochle Buddy isn't working. But perhaps the most valuable feature here is the auto check at startup which automatically checks for any updates.

How To Use

• Log on to Hoyle games with your username and password.
• Launch Pinochle Buddy and use the ROOMS option to quickly enter a game room OR manually enter a game room.
• When your game opens, Pinochle Buddy automatically recognizes it and is ready to work. The interface has two prominent elements: The deck illustrates the status of each card (whether or not it has been played), while the History of hands shows which cards were played by whom during which hand.

Optimizing Performance

• Versatility: You can play manually or while watching another game via marking the cards. When clicked on in the interface, the cards change to a teal color. Click on it again and they return to being white.
• Shrink / Expand: If you don't care about watching the History of hands or Out of suit, use this handy-dandy feature to save space.
• Switching rooms: Pay attention if you switch to another room or game during play, because the Buddy may not automatically reset.

HELP!

It won't recognize the game window

Double-check that you have the newest version available. Do this by using the check for update feature under the Help menu on the Buddy. Also, the "News" section at the top of this page has a link to "Updated Buddies." Here you can see if the Buddy has been recently updated and why. 

Now make sure that all the system requirements for the Buddy are met. These include Windows XP or Vista, Internet Explorer, Sun Java, and appropriate display settings.

It won't work

First, go to the Help menu on the Buddy and visit the Troubleshoot page to see if your solution is there. No luck? Select the Bug Report feature under the HELP tab on the Buddy. Fill in the required fields, capture the screen, and then send it. Play Buddy Support will receive it and respond to you via e-mail.

Miscellaneous / Other

Don't see an answer to your question, or do you think something else needs to be added to this help file? If so, e-mail support@playbuddy.com with your suggestion. 

Registering your software

Pinochle Buddy is trialware and it cannot be used once the seven day trial period has expired. To avoid losing a great buddy, buy your copy by using the Buy Now option in the HELP menu or use the link given below. If you have already purchased and need help registering, please click here.