MOP README.TXT June 24, 1999 ------------------------------------------------------------- Links LS 2000 MOP Readme June 1999 (c) Copyright 1999 Microsoft Corporation. Developed by Microsoft Corporation. ============================================= This file describes in detail the MOP Game Designer as well as MOP game play issues. If you have comments (both positive and negative), please send them to Linksls@microsoft.com. If there are features that you would like to see added or new events that you think would be cool, those are welcome as well. This email is forwarded to the developer responsible for the MOP code so your suggestions will definitely be considered. It is unlikely that we can respond to each email that we receive, but know that it is certainly being read. ============================================= Contents 1. MOP Game Designer Issues - Notes about Combo Events - Individual Event information - Scoring Events - Other Scoring Events - Driving Events - Putting Events - Bad Shot Events - Misc Events 2. Creating a MOP - Style of Play - Match Play - Playing Formats - Team Formats - MOP Options - Setup Dialog Box - MOP Summary Dialog Box 3. MOP Rules - MOP Rules - Advanced Rules - Course Conditions 4. Scoring - Points - Money - Jackpots - MOP Score Card Dialog Box - Nassau Score Card - Skins Score Card - Wolf Score Card ============================================= 1. MOP GAME DESIGNER ISSUES ---------------------------- - Only stroke-based MOPs can include events - In Bestball MOPs that include events, all players on a team must finish each hole, even if the player can't get a better score than a teammate. This is to ensure that events like "Player hits a 2-putt or worse" are awarded correctly to all players. - There are some events that cannot be included in Bestball or Scramble games, like 2-part or combo events that include both a hole score (like birdie or better) and bad shot events (like hit a tree). This is because the hole score is given to the entire team, not to an individual. Notes about Combo Events ------------------------ - Combo events are always processed separately, you can't have combo events that are based on other combo events. - A maximum of 5 combo events can be defined for a MOP. Individual Event information ---------------------------- The text (Hole Exclusive) means that the event is only awarded once per hole, there are cases where there might be a tie for the event (like hitting the longest drive in the fairway) in which case all players that tied will receive the bonus(There ARE a few exceptions to this rule, as noted below). Scoring Events -------------- Scoring events are fairly straightforward, when creating the event you have 3 options. For example, when selecting a birdie, select whether the player "Hits a birdie exactly", "Hits a birdie or worse" or "Hits a birdie or better." If there are multiple events that could be triggered, the "best" match is awarded. For example if there is an event that is "Hits a birdie or worse" and another event that is "Hits a par exactly" and the player scores a par, the "best" match would be the match with the lowest base, meaning the birdie or worse would occur. Other Scoring Events -------------------- These scoring events include the best score for the hole with and without ties and the worst score for the hole with and without ties. Here is an example of best and worst score WITH ties. Fred (Birdie) Barney (Par) Wilma (Birdie) Betty (Bogie) In this case both Fred and Wilma would win the best score w/ ties event and Betty would win the worst score w/ ties. Here is an example of best and worst score WITHOUT ties. Fred (Birdie) Barney (Par) Wilma (Birdie) Betty (Bogie) The best score without ties would not be awarded because there is a tie, no one won the hole outright. Betty would still win the worst score for the hole because there are no ties. Driving Events -------------- Tee shot hits the fairway - This event will only be triggered on Par 4's and Par 5's. This event just looks at a player's 1st shot from the tee. Tee shot misses the fairway - This event will only be triggered on Par 4's and Par 5's as well. This event just looks at a player's 1st shot from the tee. Longest drive in the fairway - This event can only be won on Par 4's and 5's and is awarded to the player who hits the longest tee shot in the fairway. If no players hit the fairway, this event will not be awarded. (Hole Exclusive) Longest drive overall - This event can only be won on Par 4's and 5's and is awarded to the player who hit the longest tee shot overall. It is NOT who ends up closest to the hole, it's just based on how far the tee shot traveled. (Hole Exclusive) Tee shot lands out of bounds - This event is triggered when a player's first shot off the tee lands out of bounds. Hits tee shot within X feet of the pin on a Par 3 - This is awarded to all players who hit their tee shot on a Par 3 to within X feet of the hole. It doesn't matter what the final lie of the ball is, just that it's within a certain range of the pin. There can be multiple instances of this event, but only the "best" match is triggered. For example if there are events for hitting within 30 feet, within 15 feet and within 5 feet and a player hits to within 8 feet, only the within 15 feet event occurs. Putting Events -------------- Player hits X putts on the green - There are several variations on this event, hits a 1-putt, 2-putt, 3-putt or worse than a 3-putt. This event keeps track of the total number of putts it takes a player to hit into the hole. Any shots that are taken on the green, regardless of what club is used will count towards this total, but any putts taken from off the green do NOT count against the player. If a player chips-in from off the green, the player is considered to have "0-putted." Any gimmies that are taken on the green count as an additional putt. If there are multiple instances of this event that match, the "best" match is found. For example, if there is an event for "Hit a 2-putt or worse" and one for "Hit a 3-putt or worse," and the player hits a 3-putt, the "Hit a 2-putt or worse" event is awarded because it has the lowest "base". Player hits fewest # of putts - This event is awarded only if there are no ties for the fewest number of putts for that hole. Putts left short of the hole - This event is meant to penalize players for not hitting a putt hard enough to at least have a chance to go in the hole. This event is based solely on distance, if the player is 12 feet from the hole and the final distance of the putts/he hit is less than 12 feet, this event is triggered. Player makes a putt over X feet - This is fairly simple, if there is an event for "Making a putt over 8 ft" and the player hits a 12 foot putt, the event is awarded. If the player just misses that putt and takes a gimmie, it is considered to be another putt and the event is NOT awarded. Player misses a putt less than X feet - The inverse of the previous event, if there is an event for "Missing a putt less than 5 feet" and the player has a 3 foot putt that s/he misses, this event is awarded. Even if the player takes a gimmie after missing that putt, the event would still be awarded. Bad Shot Events --------------- Some of these events can be combined with a hole score for a "2-part event." For example, when adding an event for "Player hits a tree", you have the option of creating an event like "Player hits a tree and scores a par or better." Any of these events that can be used as a 2-part event will have (Can be a 2-part event) included. Player hits into the rough - Pretty simple, EVERY time a player hits into the rough, this event will be awarded. (Can be a 2-part event) Player hits into the water - This event is triggered EVERY time a player hits into the water. (Can be a 2-part event) Player hits into the sand - This event is triggered EVERY time a player hits into the sand. (Can be a 2-part event) Player hits from sand into more sand - This event is triggered whenever a player is in the sand and his/her next shot lands in the sand. This includes not hitting a ball out of a bunker or when a player hits the ball out of one bunker and into another bunker. Player hits a tree - This event is triggered EVERY time a player hits into a tree. (This actually includes any static object around the course, including buildings, golf carts etc). (Can be a 2-part event) Player hits a ball out of bounds - This event is triggered EVERY time a player hits a ball out of bounds. (Can be a 2-part event) Player uses a mulligan - This event is triggered EVERY time a player uses a mulligan. Misc Events ----------- First player in the hole - This event is awarded to the first player to hit into the hole, regardless of the number of strokes it took to get there. This event is normally used in games like Bingo, Bango, Bongo. It is recommended that gimmies should NOT be allowed when using this event) (HoleFirst player on the green - This event is awarded to the first player to hit onto the green, regardless of the number of strokes it took to get there. This event is normally used in games like Bingo, Bango, Bongo. (Hole Exclusive) Player chips-in from off the green - This event is given to any player that is chipping from off the green and it goes in the hole. Player was never on the fairway - This event is only awarded on Par 4's and 5's. If a player's tee shot lands in the rough, his next shot goes into the sand, his next shot lands on the green and the player putts in, this event would be triggered. Closest to the hole (Par 3's only) - After each player hits their tee shot, the player who is closest to the hole, regardless of what the lie is, gets this event. (Hole Exclusive) Closest to the hole (all players on the green) - This event is a little strange, it is used primarily in games like Bingo, Bango, Bongo. Once all players have hit their balls onto the green, the player who is closest to the hole wins this event. IMPORTANT: It doesn't matter how many shots it takes to hit onto the green, this is based solely on the distance the ball is from the hole once the ball is on the green. If a player chips-in from off the green, this player instantly wins this event (even if subsequent players also chip-in). This event can be won on a Par 3, 4 or 5. (Hole Exclusive) Player hits Green in Regulation (GIR) - Player misses Green in Regulation (GIR) - A quick explanation of what hitting the green in regulation means. On a Par 3, it is expected that after 1 shot, your ball should be on the green. On a Par 4, after 2 shots, your ball should be on the green and after 3 shots for a Par 5. If a player is on the green after the specified number of shots, s/he is awarded that they hit GIR, otherwise, the player missed GIR. ============================================= 2. Creating MOP Style of Play -------------------- The first step in the create a MOP Game Designer wizard is to select the style of play that the MOP will be based on: Stroke based, Match / Nassau based, Skins based or Wolf based. Stroke Based -------------------- A stroke based MOP is a game that can be played alongside a normal stroke game. In a normal stroke game, the score is kept relative to par (like +2, -1 etc.) Other games can be played along with a stroke game where either points or money can be won for different events, like first player in the hole or longest drive in the fairway. Stroke based games can be played by individual players or by teams. Examples of stroke based games are Bingo, Bango, Bongo and Hogan Point Game. Bestball Stroke is a team based stroke game. Match / Nassau Based -------------------- In a Match based game, the goal is to win as many holes as possible during the round. A Nassau based game is similar, but scored slightly different. In Nassau, there are three "Matches" to win. The 1st match is the Front 9. The player or team that wins the most holes over the first 9 holes wins the 1st match (either a point value or money.) The second match is the Back 9. Again, worth a set amount of points or money. The 3rd match is all 18 holes. Match based games can be played by individual players or by teams. All games of this type MUST be played by exactly two teams, with one to four players per team. Examples of Match/Nassau based games are 2 Player Match Play, Alternate Shot Match and Scramble Nassau. Skins Based -------------------- In a Skins based game, dollar values are assigned for each hole. Any player that wins the hole outright (has the lowest score for the hole) gets the money for that hole. If there is a tie for the lowest score, the dollar value for the hole is usually carried over to the next hole. Team play is not allowed in a Skins based game. Wolf Based -------------------- In a wolf based game, a player is designated as "the wolf" for each hole. The wolf tees off first, then s/he can select a player as a teammate for that hole, or can decide to play the hole solo against the other 3 players. There are several variations on when the wolf can choose a partner or if the wolf MUST play solo each hole. Once the teams have been decided for the hole, all variations play the same way. There is a hole value associated with each hole, like Skins, that goes to the winner of the hole. All players on the winning team divide the pot evenly. If a wolf wins the hole when they are playing solo, they win double the hole value (If that option is set). After each hole, a new wolf is designated for the new hole. This is on a rotating basis so that each player has an equal number of chances at being the wolf. For 4 players on an 18 hole round each player would be the wolf 4 times. For the extra holes (17 and 18) the player who is in last place is given an extra opportunity as the wolf to help keep the game close. Examples of Wolf based games are The Wolf Challenge and Wolf (Auto Select) Wolf Options -------------------- \*Values are CARRIED OVER to the next hole if tied. In normal Wolf play, all holes that are tied have their values carried over to the next hole, so that the next hole is worth more. If this box is unchecked, any holes that are tied are thrown out and are not awarded. \*Players winning solo win double hole value. If the wolf elects to play solo and wins the hole, the wolf will win double the current hole value. \*Set Hole Values Click this button to set each hole value individually. \*Team Selection There are 4 options available that determine when the teams are determined for each hole. In all cases, the wolf always tees off first. \*Choose after all tee shots. After all players have teed off, the wolf can select a partner or can elect to play the hole solo. \*Choose after EACH tee shot. After each player takes his/her tee shot, the wolf must either select that player as a teammate for the hole or the wolf loses the chance to select this player. This works the same for each player until all players have teed off. If the wolf did not select a teammate, the wolf will play solo for the hole. \*Wolf must always play solo. When a player is the wolf for the hole, s/he MUST play the hole solo against the other 3 players. \*Blind Wolf Selection After the wolf has teed off, s/he must decide on a teammate or to play solo for the hole BEFORE any other player has teed off. Style of Play -------------------- The style of play displayed here is what was selected on the previous screen, either Stroke, Match/Nassau, Skins or Wolf based. Team play or Non-Team play is displayed as well. If Non-Team Play was selected, the number of teams boxes will be disabled. If Match or Nassau Play was selected, there must always be exactly two teams (or two players for Non-Team Play.) In games that use Alternate Shot, each team must consist of exactly two players. Playing Format -------------------- There are two types of Match play: Straight Match and Nassau. In Straight Match each team tries to win as many holes as possible by getting the lowest hole score. Any hole that is tied is thrown out. Nassau is played similarly, but scored differently. The number of holes that each team has won is the same as Match play, but there are three different "matches" to win. The first match is awarded to the team that wins the most holes on the Front 9. The second match is awarded to the team that wins the most holes on the Back 9 and the third match is for all 18 Holes. Usually a point or money value is given to the winner of each match. For Nassau play, click the Set Nassau Values button to setup either point or money values for each match. Team Formats -------------------- Bestball All players play each hole with their own ball. At the end of the hole, the team will use the best score of any team member. \*Alternate Shot (Ryder Cup Style) Two player teams. On each team, players alternate taking shots until the ball is in the hole. The tee off order is determined on the 1st hole. One player tees off on the odd holes while the other player tees off on the even holes. \*Alternate Shot (Scotch Style) Two player teams. On each team, players alternate taking shots throughout the entire round. \*Scramble Two to four players per team. All players on a team take a shot from the current position. The team then decides which ball to play and all team members play from that position, repeating this process until the ball is in the hole. \*Stroke Stroke based games keep track of the total number of strokes a player has taken throughout the round. The score is calculated relative to par, a player's score is under par, even par, or over par. \*Match Play The goal in match play is to win as many holes as possible. A player or team with the lowest score wins the hole. Any holes that are tied are thrown out. \*Nassau Scored similarly to straight match except that three "matches" are played. The player with the most holes won on the Front 9 wins the first match. The second match is the Back 9. The third match is the total for all 18 holes. \*Skins Each hole is worth a set amount. Any holes that are tied carry over their value to the next hole. \*Wolf A wolf is designated for each hole and the wolf decides on the teams for the hole. The 2 teams then play Bestball to determine the winner of the hole. Mop Options -------------------- This dialog contains additional options that can be set depending on the type of MOP that is played. The two lines at the top of this dialog indicate whether team play is used as well as the number of players that are required. \*Team Size If you are playing a team-based MOP, you can select the number of players in each team (2, 3, or 4-player teams.) When playing an Alternate Shot based MOP, the team size must be EXACTLY two players. \*Match Play Options \*Move to next hole once hole is decided. In Match, Nassau and Skins based MOPs, when the winner of the hole has been determined, if there are other players who have not yet completed the hole, their ball will be forced in the hole. \*Quit match when a winner has been determined. In Match play, if the winner of the entire match has already been decided, the match will end early. \*Have a playoff if round ends in a tie. In Skins and Match play, if the round ends in a tie, a playoff will occur on the 18th hole. It will be replayed until a winner has been determined. \*Set Values This button changes based on the type of MOP that is being played. There are three different variations. \*Set Point/Money Values Click this button to customize point or money values for events in this MOP. You will also be able to change dollar per point values and/or jackpot values, if the MOP includes them. \*Set Skins Values Click this button to change the Skins value for each hole. \*Set Nassau Values Click this button to change the Nassau values for each of the three Nassau "Matches." Setup -------------------- There are two options for player setup: all players play individually in Non-Team play or all players are organized into evenly matched teams. When playing as teams, there are four different formats to choose from: Bestball, Alternate Shot (Ryder Cup Style), Alternate Shot (Scotch Style) and Scramble. MOP Summary Dialog Box ---------------------------- This dialog displays a summary of all of the options that have been selected in previous screens. You will need to type a MOP Name, filename, author and description. \*Information \*MOP Name Enter a name that will be displayed for this MOP. \*Filename Enter a filename for this MOP. A default filename will be automatically entered after typing in the MOP Name; it can be changed if desired. \*Author Type your name as the author of this MOP. \*Description Type in a detailed description of the MOP so that other players will know what the MOP is like and how to play it. \*Options \*Totals displayed on screen. \*Stroke Totals When playing a stroke game, the player's score (over/under) will be displayed in the top left corner of the screen. Point/money totals can be viewed by displaying the scorecard. \*Point / Money Totals When playing a stroke game, the player's total number of points or money will be displayed in the top left corner of the screen. The stroke (over/under) totals can be viewed by displaying the scorecard. \*Display scorecard between holes. Check this box if you would like the scorecard to automatically appear at the end of each hole. \*Preferred Sound Script If you have a Sound Script that you would like to use when playing this MOP, select it from the list box. \*Rules Summary This is a summary of the options that were defined on previous screens. Check the summary to make sure that all of the settings are correct. \*Print Click the Print button to print a detailed description of the options that have been selected. When these fields have been completed, click Finish to save the MOP or click Back to change previous settings. 3. MOP Rules ---------------------------- The "User Can Select" option means that the user has the option to change that setting when starting a game. Otherwise, the user MUST play using the selected condition. \*Mulligans Set the number of mulligans that are available for the entire round. The options are User Can Select, Not Allowed, 1, 2, 5, 10 or an unlimited number of mulligans for the round. \*Gimmies Set whether gimmies are allowed and if allowed, the range where a gimmie can be taken. The options are User Can Select, Not Allowed, within 6 inches, 1, 2, or 4 feet. \*Allow Computer Players Check this box if you want to allow computer players to be used in this MOP. If this box is cleared, no computer players will be allowed to play. \*Advanced Rules Click this button to configure several advanced rules such as course conditions, wind and green conditions, which tees are used, etc. \*Available Clubs \*Players use their own clubs This is the default option, meaning that whatever clubs the player has selected when creating the player are used. \*Players must use defined set of clubs If you would like to define exactly which clubs will be available for all players, click Define Set. For example, you could set that all players will have a 1 Wood, 3 Iron, Sand Wedge and a putter. \*Players limited to only X clubs selected at startup When creating the MOP you set the total number of clubs available for each player. When actually playing the game, each player will have a chance to choose which clubs will be in their bag. For example, you could set that each player can select 5 clubs at game startup. IMPORTANT: Computers players always carry their normal, full bag of clubs regardless of the above settings. Advanced Rules -------------------- \*Startup Conditions The "User Can Select" option means that the user has the option to change that setting when starting a game. Otherwise, the user MUST play using the selected condition. \*# of Holes to Play If not set to user can select, the user must play all 18 Holes, just the Front 9 or just the Back 9. \*Tees If not set to user can select, all players must hit from the Championship, Pro, Amateur, Junior, or Ladies tee selected. If a course does not have a tee box for the selected tee, the closest tee box will be used. \*Skill Level With this option set to Amateur, Pro or Championship, all players must play at the selected skill level. Any player which is not at that skill level will be given the option of temporarily changing his skill level to match the MOP requirement. \*All Players MUST use the PowerStroke swing With this option set, all players will be forced to use the new PowerStroke swing. Any player that is setup with either the 2 or 3 click swing will be given the option of temporarily switching to use the PowerStroke. Course Conditions -------------------- \*Wind If not set to user can select, the user will be forced to play under the set condition, Windy, Breezy or No Wind. \*Greens If not set to user can select, the user will be forced to play with the green firmness set to Hard, Normal or Soft. \*Green Speed If not set to user can select, the user will be forced to play with the green speed set to Fast, Medium, or Slow. ============================================= 5. SCORING ---------------------------- A variety of scoring options are available. All fall under the category of either points or money. Points ---------------------------- When playing for points, select whether a higher or lower total is better. \*Point Options \*Keep track of point totals only This is the simplest option where any totals that are accumulated throughout the round are displayed at the end of the round. No totaling occurs, no distributing of points, just the final totals are displayed. \*Assign dollar value per point With this option, point totals are displayed throughout the round. At the end of the round, each player's point total is multiplied by the dollar value per point to get a total dollar amount won. \*Play for a jackpot worth $X There are two variations available when playing for a jackpot. In both cases, the total jackpot is decided beforehand. \* Divide pot based on point totals At the end of the round the total number of points won are calculated. The jackpot is then divided by the number of points awarded, to generate a dollar per point value. Then each player's point total is multiplied by the dollar value per point to get the total dollar amount won. \* Winner takes all For this option, the player with the most points at the end of the round is awarded the entire jackpot. If there is a tie for the highest total, the money is split among the tied players. Jackpots ---------------------------- There are a variety of jackpot options available. \*Points \*Assign dollar value per point With this option, point totals are displayed throughout the round. At the end of the round, each player's point total is multiplied by the dollar value per point to get a total dollar amount won. \*Play for a jackpot worth $X There are two variations available when playing for a jackpot, in both cases, the total jackpot is decided beforehand. \* Divide pot based on point totals At the end of the round the total number of points won are calculated. The jackpot is then divided by the number of points awarded, to generate a dollar per point value. Then each player's point total is multiplied by the dollar value per point to get the total dollar amount won. \* Winner takes all For this option, the player with the most points at the end of the round is awarded the entire jackpot. If there is a tie for the highest total, the money is split among the tied players. Money -------------------- When playing for money, each player's total is calculated independently. For example, if Player A wins $2 for the longest drive in the fairway, that money is added to his total but is NOT subtracted from any other players. The balance of how much each player owes the other players is determined at the end of the round. There are three options, the differences between them occur only at the end of the round. Here is an example: Fred $36 Wilma $27 Barney $6 Betty -$9 Each player is paid by the Bank, not by other players. The money does not get subtracted out of other players' totals. It's as if a "Bank" is awarding the money out of a pot. The final scorecard will just show the totals that have been displayed throughout the round. Fred $36 Wilma $27 Barney $6 Betty -$9 Each losing player pays the winner.(Money Paid = Winner Money - Player Money). At the end of the round, the player who has the most money will get paid by all other players the difference between their total and the winner. In the above example: Wilma pays Fred $9 (36 - 27) Barney pays Fred $30 (36 - 6) Betty pays Fred $45 (36 - -9) As a result, the final scorecard would look like this: Fred +$84 Wilma -$9 Barney -$30 Betty -$45 Each player pays ALL players with a higher total. (Money Paid = Higher Player Money - Player Money). At the end of the round, each player pays ALL players with a higher total the difference between their scores. As a result, the players who took last will end up paying out a LOT more money. In the above example: Betty pays Barney $15 (6 - -9) Betty pays Wilma $36 (27 - -9) Betty pays Fred $45 (36 - -9) Barney pays Wilma $21 (27 - 6) Barney pays Fred $30 (36 - 6) Wilma pays Fred $9 (36 - 27) As a result, the final scorecard would look like this: Fred $84 (45 + 30 + 9) Wilma $48 (36 + 21 - 9) Barney -$36 (15 - 21 - 30) Betty -$96 (-15 -36 -45) MOP SCORE CARD ---------------------------- This score card displays information about the state of the current game. All players and teams are displayed along with their score for the current hole and the entire round. Any events that have occurred are displayed in the list box. The name of the event, the player who triggered the event and the value associated with the event are also displayed. \*Sort Events by: \* Player Name To sort the events so that all events triggered by each player are sorted together, click this option. \* Event Type To sort the events by event type, click this option. \*Print Click Print to print a summary of the scores of each player. \*Stroke Card Click this button to display the standard stroke scorecard. \*Rules Click this button to see a summary of this MOP's rules. Nassau Score Card ---------------------------- The Nassau score card displays a summary of what each of the three Nassau "Matches" are worth as well as the score for each match. After the winner of a match has been determined, his name will appear in the Winner row. \*Print Click Print to print out a summary of the scores for each player or team. \*Stroke Card Click this button to display the stroke scorecard. \*Rules Click this button to see a summary of the rules used with this MOP. Skins Score Card ---------------------------- The Skins score card displays a summary of each player's earnings and the number of skins won. It also displays a hole by hole summary of the hole winner and the value of the hole. Any bonus skins that have been awarded are not included in the column for Skins Won. \*Print Click Print to print a summary of the scores for each player or team. \*Stroke Card Click this button to display the stroke scorecard. \*Rules Click this button to see a summary of the rules used with this MOP. Wolf Score Card ---------------------------- The Wolf score card displays a summary of each player's earnings and the number of holes won. It also displays a hole by hole summary of the hole winner and the value of the hole. \*Print Click Print to print a summary of the scores for each player. \*Stroke Card Click this button to display the stroke scorecard. \*Rules Click this button to see a summary of the rules used with this MOP.