Bridge is a card game, where bidding for a contract at the beginning of each hand forms a major part of the game.

In Grand Slam the computer deals the hands, displaying only yours, and then gives its bid on the contract.

You then have the option to overbid or play the proposed contract, with the computer giving the points score at the end of each game.

Having played the hand you are given, the option of replaying it and either changing your own bid or the manner in which you play your cards.

You should be able to do better second time around, having had the benefit of seeing where all the cards are.

The points score is then added to the original score and a running total kept. You can replay a game as many times as you wish or proceed onto another game - there is no set limit.

The calculation of points is basic, the most useful part of the program being the playing of the cards.

Grand Slam is, therefore, a long way from the original concept of the game and is of little value to the good player or complete novice.

J.W.