To keep things basic and simple I want to first lay out a scenario that will be similar to your own.  Let us say that your friend has purchased or is considering purchasing this software and has asked you to "join" the team.  He has asked that you download the client version of this software and connect with you online.  I want to take you through step by step and explain how to get started and setup.

Lets first look at what exactly the goal is and some fast and friendly terms.  First of all in order for this software to work your friend is going to need to be running the server program.  If he or she does not know how to run the server program then be so kind as to refer them to the Server Training manual on this website.  You my friend will need to run the client program.  Now take a quick glance at the Visual 1A diagram below.
 

There are few things you will need to use the client version:

Now don't panic... if your friend doesn't know what an IP address is then just send them over to the server training.  I built the software to provide your friend with the IP address at the bottom of the program.  First thing to do is open the Collusion software and click on the evaluate button.  From there you want to click on the Client Version LAUNCH button as seen in the screen shot to the left.

Now That Connected..

If your are not connected... try again.  Once you are connected keep reading and I will teach you how to use the software.  This is the easy part.

Now that you are connected you will see the screen as shown to the left.

Client Software Features To Learn

1 Learn To Send Your Cards 2 Learn To Chat 3 Learn Quick Commands

Learn To Send Your Cards

Now that you are up and running let me teach you how to actually use the core of this program.  The first and most important thing to do is to learn to send your cards to your friend.  That's the entire focus of the software.  First let me explain how that is done.  This software uses hotkeys instead of typing in the card you wish to send or having to choose it from the deck.  This maximizes your speed and keeps other players from wondering what is taking you so long.

First Thing To Learn:  How To Select The Card

As an example.. let us say that your first card is the 2 of Hearts.

As you can see from my screen shot to the left you need to click on the card.  When you click on the card (using the mouse) it will appear with a yellow square around it.  This means that the software is ready to accept commands from your keyword.

Once you see this yellow box I want you to then turn your attention to your keyword (the one that your fingers are on).  Always start with the numeric value of the card.  In this example that means the number 2 (since your 'card' is the 2 of hearts).  On your keyword press the number "2".  You won't notice anything yet... you still need to tell it the suit of the card.  In this case the suit of the card is hearts so naturally the command key for this is "H".  Now press the "H" key on your keyboard. Its Magic! You will see the card change right before your eyes!  The yellow box will disappear!  Well, its not magic but it works pretty good.  You can also do the same to the other card.   Lets say you had the 3 of Diamonds... you would press 3D.  Now if you had the Jack of Spades you would press JS.  If you had the 10 of Hearts (here is the tricky part..).. you would press TH.  The 10 is actually the T and not the 0.  Let me give you a list just to make sure.. Card Value Hotkey Hearts H Spades S Diamonds D Clubs C 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 T T J J Q Q K K A A Always press the card value before you enter in the suit.  Now you don't need to do anything between entering in the value and the suit.  You want to press 8 and then S (spades) .. one after another.  Nothing else to click on or other tasks to be completed.   Tip:  Make sure NUMLOCK is not interfering with your commands. So what will your friend see on his computer?  Let me show you..

The second the change changes on your screen it will also change on his.  If this does not happen instantly then most likely everyone is not properly connected.

Lets Learn About Chatting..

Do you see where it says "Type Here To Chat" on the screen shot to the left.  Sure you do!  Type something in there and press the SEND button or press the "ENTER" key on your keyboard.  That's right -- just like Yahoo Instant Messenger!  You can chat with your friend and he can chat right back at you.

Collusion Tip:  After sending your cards to your friend you might send him a very short and direct note telling him what you possibly have and a hand strength opinion.   For example:   Possible Straight - Long Shot      or      Pair of 2's, Garbage. This will make the game go faster and really help your friend when you are playing with 4-5 partners.

Learn Quick Commands

Now you get to learn quick commands.  This is easy.  Looking at the screen shot above you will see a graphic in the upper right corner that says "THINKING".  This is a quick command.  Your friend has the ability to change this graphic using his server software.  It can say a number of things like "FOLD", "RAISE", and "SIT OUT".  When your friend sends one of these commands you will both see this graphic change on your software and you will also hear the command said.  This will help everyone communicate clearly and quickly.  Its also a good idea to send him a message back via chat.  For example if he tells you to fold then I recommend telling him, "Folding...".  That way communication is clear and effective.

If you are still having trouble or if you have questions then please contact us so we can help.  Chances are that if you have an unanswered question then someone else does as well.  If you are unable to connect to your friend then I would recommend that both of you read our Trouble Shooting guide to help determine and solve any technical issues that might prevent the software from working with your computer and Internet connection.