Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Baloot Game
by
Ismail Mohammed Bahkali
M.S., University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 2014BS, <degree> , year Your
previous degree
A project submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
Master of Science
Department of Computer Science
2014
© Copyright By Ismail Mohammed Bahkali 2014All Rights Reserved
This project for the Master of Science degree by
Ismail Mohammed Bahkali
has been approved for the
Department of Computer Science
By
____________________________________Dr. Sudhanshu K. Semwal, Chair
____________________________________Dr. Edward Chow
____________________________________Dr. Kristen Walcott-Justice
__________ Date
Bahkali, Ismail Mohammed (M.S., Computer Science)
Baloot Game
Project directed by Professor Sudhanshu K. Semwal
This paper presents a desktop application project called Baloot. Baloot utilizes a training
method combined with reality one to create an interactive game that is as usable for visually
impaired users as it iswell as for real players. The application implements a popular cards game
in Saudi Arabia. Baloot is a common game played at social gatherings involving , friends and
coworkers. This system allows for the visually impaired user to interact in the social
environment without any additional assistance needed to participate in the group activity. The
project consists of three levels depending on how professional the gamer is. The first level is
"Easy" where the player can see his teammate's and his opponents' cards. The next level is
"Medium". In this level the player has the chance to see only his teammate's cards. Finally, the
last level which is "Hard". iIn the “Hard”is level, the player is not allowed to observe anything
but his/her won cards. The project also includes bonuses and points summation after every
round. Training allows the player to recognize the conditions of each round.
<Some conclusive statement on the effectiveness of the training, the performance of the design.>
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
LIST OF FIGURES........................................................................................................7
1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................8
1.1 Motivation......................................................................................................8
1.2 Purpose of the Game......................................................................................9
1.3 What is Baloot Game?...................................................................................9
2 BALOOT CRITERIA...............................................................................................10
2.1 Number of the Game Cards.............................................................................10
2.2 Classic Baloot Game's.....................................................................................11
2.2.1 Sun Suit (Normal).........................................................................................12
2.2.2 Hokum Suit (Trump)....................................................................................12
2.2.3 Sun Suit Card Values....................................................................................13
2.2.4 Hokum Suit Card Values..............................................................................13
2.3 Baloot Rules.....................................................................................................14
2.3.1 Ashkal...........................................................................................................14
2.3.2 Kawash.........................................................................................................15
2.3.3 Second Round of the Game..........................................................................15
3 PLAYING AND SCORING CRITERIA................................................................16
3.1 Playing.............................................................................................................16
3.2 Scoring Criteria................................................................................................17
3.2.1 Sun Round....................................................................................................17
3.2.2 Hokum Round...............................................................................................17
3.2.3 Regular Cards...............................................................................................18
3.2.4 Judge Cards...................................................................................................18
3.3 Projects Criteria...............................................................................................18
3.3.1 Sira Declarations and Bonus.........................................................................18
3.3.2 50 Declarations and Bonus...........................................................................19
3.3.3 100 Declarations and Bonus.........................................................................19
3.3.4 400 Declarations and Bonus.........................................................................19
3.3.5 Baloot Declarations and Bonus....................................................................20
3.4 Important Points...............................................................................................20
3.4.1 Double...........................................................................................................20
3.4.2 Three.............................................................................................................21
3.4.3 Four...............................................................................................................21
3.4.4 Gahwa...........................................................................................................21
3.4.5 Kaboot...........................................................................................................21
4 BALOOT ALGORITHM.........................................................................................22
5 BALOOT IMPLEMENTATION.............................................................................23
5.1 Implementation Details of a Desktop Application..........................................23
5.2. Supporting Languages....................................................................................25
6 FUTURE WORK......................................................................................................26
7 CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................27
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Game Screen Main Menu
Figure 1-2 All 4 Players Sitting Position
Figure 2-1 8 Cards for Each Player
Figure 2-2 Baloot Forming Team
Figure 2-2-3 Sun Suit Card Values
Figure 2-2-4 Hokum Suit Card Values
Figure 3-2-3 Regular Cards
Figure 3-2-4 Judge Cards
Figure 3-3-1 Sira
Figure 3-3-2 50
Figure 3-3-3-1 100 of 4 Cards
Figure 3-3-3-2 100 of 5 Cards
Figure 3-3-4 400
Figure 3-3-5 Baloot
1 Introduction
1.1 Motivation
Nowadays, with many new ages technologies, consumers are looking to become
professional in games by trying to understand the game very fastquickly. There are many
games around the world that can be understood or not depending on which language they are
using or how the implementation of the game is. One time, one of my friends was looking
for other people to play with him where no response was received resulting to play with
himself which was so boring. He used different rules which was not the game itself but it
was useful for him to improve his knowledge, strategies and tactics to become a professional
in that game. So, it was worth to play it even it was boring on that way.
I decided to implement the same game having both a training session letting him the user
collect <what?> as much as possible to increase his knowledge and to play the game without
looking for others if he wants to play it at any time at any place. Taken together, Tthese
factors makeare goals of the potential applications to be existedthe Baloot game application.
Figure 1-1 Game Screen Main Menu
1.2 Purpose of the Game
The purpose of this project is to create an application that makes you play a multi-persons
game by yourself, anywhere, any time. As we live in the golden age of the software games,
there has been alwaysis a need for desktop applications of the most popular games in your
region and in my case Baloot is one of the most wanted games in Saudi Arabia. The rules of
Baloot require four players otherwise it cannot be played. TEach two players will form a
team. Each team member will set across each other as Figure 1 below.
Figure 1-2 All 4 Players Sitting Position
By the time going on, life becomes harder and every person is busy minding his/her own
businesses and it is sometimes hard to find additional three players and some other times you
don't find the playing cards or you don’t want to spend money on it. It will help to educate
and entertain the players in the same time where while the main point of the game is to
practice interpersonal skills. That's why a software application of Baloot Game is needed.
1.3 What is Baloot Game?
Saudi Arabia is known as a rich country around the world having a lot of money through
the petrol income. Many people do not know what Saudi Arabia as a country is.
The main motivation of this project is to implement an interpretation of the game called
Baloot which is extremely popular in Saudi Arabia.
The Baloot game is played all over in the Arab countries for generations and part of the
fabric of the society. It provides a social weekend activity enjoyed by family and friends.
This game is similar to a French game named as Belote [Mcl95], and was created by an
Indian immigrants during the Ottoman Empire. Belote is a French card game. It was started
in the beginning of the 20th century. This game is basically based on a Dutch game. This
game is just like the game Baloot but major difference lies that this Baloot game is played in
Arab countries while Belote is played all over world in different ways with two, three pairs
[Gre13].So the game has historical and cultural roots.
This game is played according to Saudi rules. The commercial importance of such a
game can be illustrated with the following example. Google Company was reported to be
interested in acquiring an online Saudi Arabian version of Baloot for twenty-five million
dollars, but the owner of that website refused Google’s offer. In our version, the game is
implemented as a desktop application. Using a special keyboard for disable people will be
part of the future work.
2 Baloot Criteria
2.1 Number of the Game Cards
If we assume Player 1 is going to be the dealer so he will disturb the cards beginning with
Player 2, Player 3, Player 4 then himself. In total, we have 32 cards. Each card types (Hearts,
Clubs, Diamonds or Spades) has 8 cards which is "7,8,9,10,J,Q,K and A". So, the dealer will
give Player 2 three cards in the beginning then the same to Player 3,Player 4 and himself.
After that he will give Player 2 two cards then the same to Player 3 then the same to Player 4
then the same to himself. One card after giving 5 cards to each player will be shown in the
ground to manage which player will take that card and what suit of the game will be chosen
such as Sun, Hokum or Ashkal.
Figure 2-1 8 Cards for Each Player
2.2 Classic Baloot Game's
This game has two teams and each team contains two players. Collectively four players
play this game. All sit opposite to one another so that no one can see other player's cards.
Every player is given 8 cards. This shows that total cards are 32 [Jaw13]. There are two suits
to play the game.
Figure 2-2 Baloot Forming Team
2.2.1 Sun Suit (Normal)
Playing Sun or Ashkal is more powerful than Hokum with 26 points of each round. If the
team who picked Sun or Ashkal gains more points than the other team, both team will share
the points but if the other team gains more points than the team who pick Sun or Ashkal, the
opponents will take all 26 points because the other team is losing this round.
2.2.2 Hokum Suit (Trump)
Playing Hokum is only powerful with the case of which trump the player picked. Even
though the cards of sun are more powerful but if any player plays Hokum card he will take
the four cards. What I mean is any different trump is useless if any Judge card appeared
which allows the player who play it to take the turn and then play. The player is not allowed
to play a Hokum card unless he doesn't have the same suit.
2.2.3 Sun Suit Card Values
Figure 2-2-3 Sun Suit Card Values
It's organized in sequence. So, each type is having 30 points. 30 X 4 = 120 + 10 points for
last round = 130 Points which means 130 X 2 = 260 / 10 = 26 points " Sun or Ashkal game
points"
2.2.4 Hokum Suit Card Values
Let's assume Hearts is the Hokum so:
Figure 2-2-4 Hokum Suit Card Values
It's also organized in sequence. So, each type is having 30 points except the Hokum has
62 points. 30 X 3 = 90 + 10 points for last round = 100 + 62 of the Hokum = 162 Points
which means 162 X 1 = 162 / 10 = 16.2 points ~ = 16 points " Hokum game points"
2.3 Baloot Rules
In this game, first dealer is chosen randomly. It’s up to the player to either take the card
as public card by shuffling it once or have a choice to give bottom three cards to his
teammate. If flipping, which is the card appeared to everyone, occurs mistakenly, the player
cannot refuse to take that card. He can refuse only if that card is Ace. The dealer has 32
cards [Gre13].
2.3.1 Ashkal
The dealer has to give three cards to every player i.e. right player, front player then left
player in a counterclockwise order. One card can be shown to public.
When the dealer has the charge, the right player has the right of taking a public card in
the first round. After, this priority goes to the player on the front then left player and at the
last to the dealer.
Starting counter-clockwise is mandatory as one of the game rules. If the player doesn’t
want to have the public card for him but he needs it for his teammate then he will take three
cards instead of two. This is called Ashkal.
This privilege is given to the dealer and the player at left. The player is forced to take
Sun as a public card if the player calls for Ashkal when the player does not have the
privilege. It is important to note that if the card is an Ace the player cannot say Ashkal but if
he does, and then he will have to buy it as a Sun.
2.3.2 Kawash
If the player has 9,8 or 7 of any suit (color) , he can choose to force every player to leave
their turn and no points are given to each team, it is said Kawesh. Kawash means the dealer
will be the right player next to the previous one. The same will be repeated until the game is
ending by a winner.
2.3.3 Second Round of the Game
If no one chooses in the first round then there is a second one. In the second round if any
player wants to choose Hokum, it is possible only if he wants any different type than the one
taken from public. Buying as the Sun becomes the highest priority so no other player can
buy over him unless he is the one after the dealer which means he has the highest priority
where no one can take the card from him except on Hokum.
However, if no one chooses in the second round which means none chooses to get the
card then the game will be Kawesh, too. The player on the right of the dealer will take the
cards and become the dealer for the new round. If a player takes Hokum, he gets the option
to choose among three suits. But this act must occur before lifting the two cards that the
dealer just gave. If the card is a Sun when the player lifts it up the two cards before naming
suit for Hokum.
Taking card as public card, the dealer continues to give other cards to all players making
a counter-clockwise movement. Two cards for the person who has taken a public card and
three cards for those who have not taken a public card.
3 Playing and Scoring Criteria
3.1 Playing
There must be a dealer to start the game. It doesn't matter who is going to be the dealer
but the game will go counter-clockwise. If we assume Player 1 is going to be the dealer so
he will distribute the cards beginning with Player 2, Player 3, Player 4 then himself. In total,
we have 32 cards. Each card types (Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds or Spades) has 8 cards which
are "7,8,9,10,J,Q,K and A". So, the dealer will give Player 2 three cards in the beginning
then the same to Player 3 then the same to Player 4 then the same to himself. After that he
will give Player 2 two cards then the same to Player 3 then the same to Player 4 then the
same to himself. One card after giving 5 cards to each player will be shown in the ground to
manage which player will take that card and what suit of the game will be chosen such as
Sun, Hokum or Ashkal.
Let's assume Player 1 is the dealer. After delivering every one 5 cards and public card is
shown to all, the dealer will say "First" which means Player 2 will have priority to take the
public card first either Sun or Hokum. In case he said "Pass", Player 3 will take the priority
next either Sun or Hokum. In case he said "Pass", Player 4 will take the priority next either
Sun or Hokum for himself or saying Ashkal which means Sun but sending the card to Player
2. In case he said "Pass", the dealer "Player 1" will take the priority next either Sun or
Hokum for himself or saying Ashkal which means Sun but sending the card to Player 3. This
is in the first round.
In the second round will be the same but the Hokum case will be different that’s he can
pick any different type of cards except the type in public. That's mean in the first round in
case of Hokum the same type will be the one.
In case no one pick anything in the second round this case called "Kawash".
3.2 Scoring Criteria
In total, the game will end in case any team reach 152 points. If both team reach 152, the
game will continue until one of them is higher than the other.
3.2.1 Sun Round
Playing Sun or Ashkal is more powerful than Hokum with 26 points of each round. If the
team who picked Sun or Ashkal gain more points than the other team, both team will share
the points but if the other team gains more points than the team who picks Sun or Ashkal,
they will take all 26 points because the other team is losing this round.
3.2.2 Hokum Round
Playing Hokum is only powerful with the case of which trump the player picked. Even
though the cards of sun is powerful but if any player play Hokum card he will take the four
cards. What I mean is any different trump is useless if any Judge card appeared which
allows the player who play it to take the turn and then play.
3.2.3 Regular Cards
Figure 3-2-3 Regular Cards
3.2.4 Judge Cards
Figure 3-2-4 Judge Cards
3.3 Projects Criteria
There is extra points will be added to each round in case there is Projects. In the game we
have different kind of projects such as:
3.3.1 Sira Declarations and Bonus
Sira "Consisting of 3 cards of the same type in sequence" gaining 4 points in case of Sun
and 2 points of Hokum.
Figure 3-3-1 Sira
3.3.2 50 Declarations and Bonus
50 "Consisting of 4 cards of the same type in sequence" gaining 10 points in case of Sun
and 5 points of Hokum.
Figure 3-3-2 50
3.3.3 100 Declarations and Bonus
100 "Consisting of 4 cards of 10's, Jacks, Queens or Kings from different types " or
"Consisting of 5 cards of the same type in sequence" gaining 10 points in case of Sun and 5
points of Hokum. Note: 7's , 8's and 9's are not 100.
Figure 3-3-3-1 100 of 4 Cards
Figure 3-3-3-2 100 of 5 Cards
3.3.4 400 Declarations and Bonus
400 "Consisting of 4 cards of Ace from different types" gaining 40 points in case of Sun
only. In case of Hokum it's called 100 gaining 10 points.
Figure 3-3-4 400
3.3.5 Baloot Declarations and Bonus
Baloot "Consisting of 2 cards of the same type" gaining 2 points only in case of Hokum.
It is Queen and King of Hokum that be chosen to be played. There is no Baloot in case of
Sun or Ashkal. Also, the cards must be together with any player saying Baloot before
playing the last card of these 2 cards. If Hokum is being chosen to be Hearts, Baloot will be
as shown below.
Figure 3-3-5 Baloot
3.4 Important Points
3.4.1 Double
In case of Sun or Ashkal:
When one team reach 100 points or greater having the other team below 100, double is
allowed for the team whom below 100 where the other team above or equal 100 choose
either Sun or Hokum. In the other hand, if both teams are 100 or higher, no one can double
in case of Sun or Ashkal. It's restricted. The points will be 26 X 2 = 52 points. That is the
team that gains more points takes the whole 52 points and none for the other team. Bonuses
are doubled as well.
In case of Hokum:
At any time, any team pick Hokum is allowing the other team to double the game before
rising or seeing any cards from the player or the team who asking for double. The team
whom double can let the game being "Open" which allows the Judge cards to be played at
any time or "Closed" which doesn't allow the Judge cards to be played unless the player
doesn't have the same card in public or his teammate doesn't said "Eikah". Eikah means you
give your teammate an option to not play any judge card unless the player before him play
one and he doesn't have any other option. It can be said if all higher cards of the same type
have been played. The points will be 16 X 2 = 32 points. Bonuses are doubled except for
Baloot. Note: Baloot will count only 2 points.
3.4.2 Three
When the team who choose either Sun, Ashkal or Hokum then the other team Double the
game, the team who pick either Sun, Ashkal or Hokum has an authority to rise the game by
saying "Three". In case of Sun, the points will be 26 X 3 = 78 points. In case of Hokum, the
points will be 16 X 3 = 48 points.
3.4.3 Four
The same for double but in Hokum the game is always "Open". In case of Sun, the points
will be 26 X 4 = 104 points. In case of Hokum, the points will be 16 X 4 = 64 points.
3.4.4 Gahwa
It means the team who win this round will win the game. It doesn't matter the points that
gain before.
3.4.5 Kaboot
In case of Sun or Ashkal:
When a team collecting all 32 cards in Sun or Ashkal, the team will gain 44 points and
the other will be 0.
In case of Hokum:
When a team collecting all 32 cards in Hokum, the team will gain 25 points and the other will be 0.
4 Baloot Algorithm
As the game consists of two teams and each team have two players. 32 Cards are used to
play in Baloot, 8 cards to each player. Game is played in either SUN or HOKUM mode.
Each mode has different scoring point’s technique. This all criteria are described in
algorithm programming.
Here is the algorithm of the programming:
1. First of all, when the user clicks on the card, the selected card is placed at the specific
location on the deck as depicted in the following code:
if (currentPlayer == 1){
// place at the bottom of the deckc.Location = new Point((DeckPanel.Width / 2) - (c.Width / 2), (DeckPanel.Height - c.Height) - 30);
}else if (currentPlayer == 2){
// place on the right of the deckc.Location = new Point((DeckPanel.Width - c.Width) - 30, (DeckPanel.Height / 2) - (c.Height / 2));
}else if (currentPlayer == 3){
// place at the top of the deckc.Location = new Point((DeckPanel.Width / 2) - (c.Width / 2), DeckPanel.Top + 20);
}else if (currentPlayer == 4){
// place on the left of the deckc.Location = new Point(30, (DeckPanel.Height / 2) - (c.Height / 2));
}
roundScore += crd.card.score;
// find bigger cardif (highestCard != null){
if (crd.card.type == highestCard.type) { if (crd.card.IsHigher(highestCard)) { highestCard = crd.card; winnerPlayer = currentPlayer; } }}else{
highestCard = crd.card; winnerPlayer = currentPlayer;}
2. When all the players played their moves, the score is summed and winner of that round
is given a total round score
if (DeckPanel.Controls.Count >= 4){
roundNo++;lblRound.Text = "[Round:" + roundNo.ToString() + "]";
// add score in tricksif (winnerPlayer == 1 || winnerPlayer == 3) {
// team A winslblTeamATricks.Text = Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamATricks.Text) +
roundScore).ToString(); lblTeamAProjects.Text = WinnerPlayer._projects.GetTotalProjects().ToString(); lblMode.Text = "Team A Wins the Round";
}else if (winnerPlayer == 2 || winnerPlayer == 4){
// team B winslblTeamBTricks.Text = (Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamBTricks.Text) + roundScore).ToString();lblTeamAProjects.Text = winnerPlayer.player._projects.GetTotalProjects().ToString();lblMode.Text = "Team B Wins the Round";
}
3. When all the rounds are finished, the scores are calculated for the game and allocated to
the winner of that game
if (roundNo > 8){
// add 10 to team that take the last trick and won int teamATotal = Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamATricks.Text); int teamBTotal = Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamBTricks.Text);
if (winnerPlayer == 1 || winnerPlayer == 3)teamATotal = Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamATricks.Text) + 10;
else teamBTotal = Convert.ToInt32(lblTeamBTricks.Text) + 10;
if (lblTeamATricks.Text.Length >= 2) { if (lblTeamATricks.Text.Substring(lblTeamATricks.Text.Length - 1, 1) != "5") {
teamATotal = Convert.ToInt32(Math.Round(Convert.ToDouble(teamATotal) / 10, MidpointRounding.AwayFromZero));
teamATotal *= 10; } } else { if (teamATotal / 5 != 1) {
teamATotal = Convert.ToInt32(Math.Round(Convert.ToDouble(teamATotal) / 10, MidpointRounding.AwayFromZero));
teamATotal *= 10; } }
if (lblTeamBTricks.Text.Length >= 2) {
if (lblTeamBTricks.Text.Substring(lblTeamBTricks.Text.Length - 1, 1) != "5") {
teamBTotal = Convert.ToInt32(Math.Round(Convert.ToDouble(teamBTotal) / 10, MidpointRounding.AwayFromZero));
teamBTotal *= 10; }
}
else { if (teamBTotal / 5 != 1) {
teamBTotal = Convert.ToInt32(Math.Round(Convert.ToDouble(teamBTotal) / 10, MidpointRounding.AwayFromZero));
teamBTotal *= 10; } }
teamATotal = (teamATotal * 2) / 10; teamBTotal = (teamBTotal * 2) / 10;
// show in totals if (teamATotal > teamBTotal) { lblTeamATotal.Text = (teamATotal + teamBTotal).ToString(); lblTeamBTotal.Text = "0"; } else if (teamBTotal > teamATotal) { lblTeamBTotal.Text = (teamATotal + teamBTotal).ToString(); lblTeamATotal.Text = "0"; } else if (teamATotal == teamBTotal) { lblTeamATotal.Text = teamATotal.ToString(); lblTeamBTotal.Text = teamBTotal.ToString(); }
scoreboard.ShowScore(Convert.ToInt32(lblGameNo.Text), teamATotal, teamBTotal); scoreboard.ShowDialog(); RestartGame(false);}
4. The new game is started with the new cards given to each player
// shuffle cardsGlobals.Shuffle(Globals.PlayingCards);Card[] myCards = new Card[32];Globals.PlayingCards.CopyTo(myCards);Globals.deck = myCards.ToList<Card>();
// initialize all players and start gamecurrentGame.players[0].AddCards(5);currentGame.players[1].AddCards(5);currentGame.players[2].AddCards(5);currentGame.players[3].AddCards(5);
// place firt card in center of deck paneldealerNo++;if (dealerNo >= 4) dealerNo = 0;
Globals.currentDealer = dealerNo;Globals.center_card = Globals.deck[0];Globals.deck.RemoveAt(0);
// place first card in the center ctlCard crd = new ctlCard(); crd.card = Globals.center_card; crd.showCard = true; crd.Size = new Size(Globals.CardWidth, Globals.CardHeight); crd.Location = new Point((DeckPanel.Width - crd.Width) / 2, (DeckPanel.Height - crd.Height) / 2);
At the end of any round in the game, the score is calculated in the above depicted fashion.
Each team score is added to their projects and then showed on another control in the form.
Then their projects and round scores are initialized again for next round. At the end, the
winner is declared.
5 Baloot Implementation
5.1 Implementation Details of a Desktop Application
The game is implemented as a desktop application because the desktop is a computing
resource that is available freely. Also, both mobile and online versions are commercially
available. Desktop applications have wide range of advantages [Rtt11], such as:
1. It does not require any updating.
2. It has the best user experience because it has no performance problems. It is
usually faster when compared to performance with browser applications.
3. The desktop application does not require any internet-connection. This shows
desktop applications have no limitations just like web applications.
4. The application can be run easily on a single machine after installation.
Most of the users don’t want to update their applications because they find the older
version attractive and interesting. In mobile applications the versions keep coming
continuously so the developers have to make the updates for their application for the
respective version of android but, in desktop applications users don’t have to update their
applications because it is does not require any updates. So, in this Baloot application we
prefer the desktop application instead of mobile application because it would be easy to use
and does not require any updates. In mobile applications when the update is available for the
particular game then most of the updates are not compatible with the person’s mobile so
desktop application is better to use because it’s simple. In this project desktop application is
preferable because it is use friendly as compared to the mobile application.
The world is changing because of the rise of technology. A lot of people are using smart
phones but there is vast majority of people who are not using smart phones and are still
working on desktops. So, this application will help those people and they will get relaxed by
playing Baloot game on their desktops. Like if they are exhausted by doing a lot of office
work then they can play Baloot game to refresh their minds in order to continue their office
work. This game is a simple one; even kids can play this game by reading the instructions. So
this is the game which is user friendly and can be easy to play.
This game is better in performance as compared to other applications. This is because
there is no performance problems in this application and it gives the user a faster
environment to play the game. Most of the application didn’t give fast experience and they
usually hangs while running the application and this is the result of performance problems.
This application didn’t consume much of your desktop RAM which gives the user the
efficient environment to use other desktop application and browsing application. So, there is
no chance that user’s system get hang by using this game application.
Another important factor is the internet connection; this game application does not
require internet connection for using the application. Almost all the web applications require
the internet connection in order to use them. So, this is the main advantage of desktop
applications and user can use this Baloot desktop application without internet connection.
There are some web applications for Baloot game but many users cannot play the Baloot
game because it requires the internet connection. So, this desktop Baloot game application is
for those people who didn’t have internet connection most of the time but they want to play
the Baloot game. Mostly, people in remote areas cannot access the internet most of the time
using the desktop applications. This Baloot game application is the nice addition for these
people and they can enjoy this game in the spare time without the internet connection. So, the
main purpose to make a Baloot game as a desktop application is to make sure that majority of
the people have an access to this game and that is why desktop application is preferable over
web application.
To play this game user just have to install the desktop application on the system and can
easily run the game on the desktop. This is the simplest way and we can call this a user
friendly application because user doesn’t have to follow the difficult steps. This actually
looks very simple as compared to the web applications. User has to follow easy steps of
installation and the application is ready to use. User can play the game after an easy
installation is done.
So, these are some of the advantages of the desktop application and with this reason,
desktop application of Baloot game is preferred instead of web or mobile application.
5.2. Supporting Languages
This project uses two languages
1. English for main interface.
2. Arabic by adding an icon in the main interface to change the display option.
Language is an important factor in order to understand the game. English is basically the
international language so most of the people in this world understand English. So, the main
interface of this game is in English. The instructions are also in English language so that it
would be easy for the users to understand the game properly and then they can enjoy by
playing the Baloot game. Another important reason to add the English language is to ensure
that most of the people can understand the game. Basically this Baloot game is mostly
played in Arab countries. So, in order to introduce this entertaining game to the western
people English language is used in the main interface. The other part of the world where
English is the second language can also understand and play this game.
Arabic language is also included in the main interface. Most of the people of Arab use to
play the Baloot game in their spare time with their friends and family. So, this project can
cater those Arab peoples who want to play the Baloot game on their desktop computer. In
the main interface an icon is added for the Arabic language, user can switch from English to
Arabic language by this icon. After changing from English to Arabic user can see all the
information written in Arabic language and this is very helpful for the Arabic people
because most of the Arabic people don’t understand English. So this Arabic display gives
the Arabic users an easy environment to play their favorite Baloot game. Users can see all
the tutorials in Arabic language and they can understand the game very easily.
So, the main reason to include both languages is to make this desktop application more
users friendly. This project is catering most of the people of the word due to the inclusion of
two main languages English and Arabic.
6 Future work
The work performed in this project provides the basis for the future work. Once
implemented as desktop application, the game would be extended to include specific
interaction for the disability community. It's going to equalize people whom interesting to
play any type of card games. A disable keyboard will be made so that disabilities can easily
access this game. This keyboard will have the ability to make disable people playing the
game normally.
7 Conclusion
This paper has presented the Baloot Game. Baloot game is a card game having 4 players
and 32 cards where every player has to have 8 cards in total having 3 different types where
is Sun, Ashkal or Hokum. Reaching 152 points for any of the teams will be announced as
winner and the other team will be loser. Implementing a desktop application to teach and
give instruction of the game can be shown in the .exe file of the game after installing.
Searching for other 3 players is not mandatory due to availability of automated one's. Also,
understanding the game after the training will improve and gain skills to play without
difficulty. Having different mode such as Easy, Medium and Hard will train the player as a
realistic game. The more you play, the more you learn strategies and tactics of playing the
game.
Works Cited
[Mcl95] © John McLeod, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010. http://www.pagat.com/jass/belote.html
[Jaw13] Jawker, 2013. Rules of Baloot. http://www.jawaker.com/en/rules/baloot
[Rtt11] R tools technology Inc, 2011. Difference between Web and desktop application, technology article. http://web-desktop-application.articles.r-tt.com/
[Gre13] Greentube, 2013.Game twist. http://www.gametwist.com/Card-Games/Baloot/Rules.html
[Qui13] The picture of the game. http://www.quirkat.com/site/our-games/basha-card-games/
[Kam14] Kammelna, official website of Baloot Game. http://www.kammelna.com/
[Ibt14] Ibtikar Company. Available at: http://ibaloot.net/