A. - If your version of the HKMJ CD only contains the 800x600 and 1024x768 programs, then check to see if your system is capable of 1280x1024. If so, you will want to get our current CD. To check out the features of the current release, please try the 800x600 "simple" demo.

Q. - I'm having a problem installing an old version of HKMJ onto my Vista computer. Any tips?

A. - If the program will not install, locate the file "hkmj1024_inst.EXE" or "hkmj1280_inst.EXE"on the CD and right-click on it, choose Properties, and click on the Compatibility tab. Check the boxes as shown below.

Q. - I have a "widescreen" display. Which version of HKMJ should I install?

A. - Display sizes are described as "width" times "height". You should install the version of HKMJ that is equal to or smaller than BOTH the width and height of your display. For example, if your display is 1440x900, you cannot run the 1280x1024 version; it is too tall for your screen. You should install the 1024x768 program.

Q. - I bought the "try-and-buy" download version of HKMJ from Trymedia, but now I have bought a new PC. What should I do?

A. - Just download the "try-and-buy" demo again from here. Install it. Run it. Click on the text "Already Paid?" and follow Trymedia's instructions.

Q. - How do I quit the game and retain the ability to resume that particular game at a later date. When I exit, and come back later, I find that I am beginning a brand new game.

A. - It is important that you exit a game by clicking on "Quit" at the end of the hand, or from the Claim menu, or from the Pick menu. Then exit the outer program by selecting File / Exit. If you just click on the red X then your score will be saved but the game status will not be saved.

Q. - When I try to install my old Expert Software version of HKMJ onto my new XP computer, I get a strange message about needing Direct 95. What should I do?

A. - The installation program on that old budget CD cannot run under XP. Use Windows Explorer to copy all the files from the CD folder /Docs/Setup/Data/ProgramFiles to a folder on your computer. Then find HKMJW.EXE on your computer. Create a ShortCut and drag it to your Desktop. Lastly, find HKMJ.INI, right-click on it, choose Properties, then set Read-Only to Off.

Q. - Where's the card of winning hands?

A. - You apparently are familiar with mahjong as it is defined by the National Mah Jongg League. That's great. You know 95% of all there is to know, but first you need to relax. Be calm. Read through the instructions again. Notice where it says that (in order to Win) your hand must contain four sets (Pong, Kong, or Chow) and a Pair. That's it! You don't need to have one of the dozens of exact hands on an NMJL card. Any hand that is complete by the most basic definition can go out (if it meets the minimum point). There's more detail, of course, like there's no such thing as a Charleston.

Since there is no money at risk, and you can't possibly hurt anything, why not just play the game? When it is your turn, throw the least useful tile. When someone throws something that you want (to Chow, Pong, Kong, or Win), then click your Left mouse button (anywhere). If they throw something that you really don't want, then click your Right mouse button to hurry on to the next throw. Watch what the opponents do and learn from it.

Be assured that many, many NMJL (and Wright/Patterson) mahjong players have readily adopted to the Chinese style of play.

Q. - What problems can occur with the video?

A. - There will be no problems if your display setting matches the version of HKMJ which you installed. If the program seems "too big for your screen", then you should install a smaller version (e.g. HKMJ 800) from the CD.

Q. - What problems can occur with the sound?

A. - There should be no problems if your system is set up for both WAV audio and for MIDI music. If you see an error as you start the game (or Demo) that says there was an MCIerror, then you are not set up for one or both of these functions. Refer to your sound card documentation.

You will want to use your system's mixer utility to set WAV and MIDI volume levels. Set the WAV volume to 100%, set MIDI to about 80%, and set the MASTER volume however you prefer.

If you experience any sort of weird behavior of the voices or sound effects, then you will need to get the latest driver updates for your sound card. For example, for any Sound Blaster, the web address is http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/.

Q. - Why is there so much delay between each tile discard?

A. - The delay is adjustable by the Speed control on the Settings screen (click on icon in lower-right corner). The best way to play is to set the Speed control so that the delay is about 5 or 6 seconds. That should be enough time to decide if you want to claim the discarded tile. As you play the hand, use your RIGHT mouse button to cancel the delay as soon as you decide you don't want the tile. This allows you to play very quickly and still have time to make a decision. If you click the LEFT mouse button during the delay, the menu box for Chow, Pong, Kong, and Win pops up. Now you can spend all day deciding what to do. If you decide not to claim the tile, just click your RIGHT mouse button to release the menu and the discarded tile.

Q. - How do I make the program Chow the way that I want?

A. - When you click on the Claim menu to make a Chow, the Chow menu has a button marked "Next". If there is more than one way to arrange the Chow, then this button will be active. Clicking on it will cycle endlessly through the available combinations. You can see the highlighting of the potential tiles in your hand.

Note: If the tile is thrown by Lower or Opposite, you are not able to claim it. That is the rule in all forms of mahjong. Also, for tiles that are already in your hand, you may only make a Kong. There is no need to lay down a Chow. It will be counted if and when you declare Mahjong ("Win").

Q. - Will there ever be a version for the Mac?

A. - Sorry, no. In fact, there has not been a decent mahjong game for the Mac, but now there is one under development called Mahjong Tradition. Check it out.

Q. - What about network play?

A. - There are no plans to release a version with network play.

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