Copyright: Spite and Malice Help v.5.0  Mari JP Söderberg
Citation: SpiteNET: Spite and Malice


QUICK, PLAY!


QUICK, HELP! for Spite & Malice


QUICK, MENU OPTIONS


QInstructions
QUICK, PLAY!

SPITE & MALICE Game Play Overview

SET UP:

2 deck of cards
20 cards each dealt to the players’ SIDE piles
5 cards each dealt to the players’ HAND

OBJECT OF THE GAME:

Be the first player to use all the cards in their SIDE pile.

How is this done?

By playing them to the CENTER piles. Up to 3 CENTER piles can be used.

THE PLAY:

You begin each turn with 5 cards in your HAND. You will always be dealt new cards from the STOCK to replace cards you played from your HAND during your last turn.

How do I play to the CENTER piles?

Build them upwards, from 1/ace to 12/queen. Then they are cleared and eventually become part of the dealing STOCK again.

Wild Card:  13/king. Use it in place of any card you need.

I have no cards to play to the CENTER!

Then your turn is over. You must drop one card from your HAND to a HOLD pile at the end of your turn.

What are the HOLD piles for?

The top card of each HOLD pile is always available for you to play to the CENTER. You can make up to 4 HOLD piles.

These HOLD cards can help you later to build up a CENTER pile so that you can play your SIDE card.

Placing a card on a HOLD pile, automatically ends your turn.

You can’t move the cards around from one HOLD pile to another – once you’ve placed a card on a HOLD pile, it stays there till you can play it to the CENTER.

So what am I trying to do?

Build up a CENTER pile with cards from your HAND or HOLD piles, so that you can play your SIDE card to it. The first player who plays all 20 of the SIDE cards to the CENTER wins!

Ahhh, is it really that easy?

Yes, if you want to lose! Here are two game playing tips to keep in mind if you want to win:

1)  An important part of the game is developing a strategy for how you organize the cards in your HOLD piles. You have to play the top card of a HOLD pile to get at the cards beneath it.

2)  Hold onto cards that would help your opponent (Spite) to play his SIDE cards faster than you. Don’t play a 3 if he’s waiting to play a 4! But of course if you have a 4 and play it to the CENTER, you can block him from playing. That’s why it’s called Spite and Malice!

For complete details see:

Rules and Instructions for Game Play

More Quick, HELP!

Just the facts – Getting Started

Menus in brief


QStart
QUICK, HELP!

for SPITE & MALICE

FIRST GAME:

Press the DEAL button. To play again choose New from the GAME Menu or F2.

GETTING AROUND:

Use the mouse: Double-click a card to play it to a CENTER pile.

Dragging works too.

13's (Kings) are WILD cards and may be played in place of any card you desire.
Dragging a 13/king to a CENTER PILE will change its value to the next card in the sequence.

VIEWING HOLD CARDS:

To view your or Spite's HOLD piles, right click on a HOLD pile and a pop-up window will display the blocked cards. You will only be shown the top 10 cards. Left click on the HOLD card window to save the window position if you moved it. Left click anywhere else to clear the display.

ENDING YOUR TURN:

When you end your turn you must drop (drag actually) one card from your HAND onto one of your HOLD piles.

More Quick, HELP!

Game Play Overview

Menus in brief

For complete details see:

Rules and Instructions for Game Play


QMenu
MENUS – Quick, Help!

GAME MENU:

New – After the first game, begin a new game here.

Save Game – If you get busy, need to stop - just save the game and finish up later!

Restore Game – Select a previously saved game to play. Turn on AutoSave feature for backing up a turn.

Scores – All players' scores are displayed here. Score Maintenance is for clearing scores and deleting players.

Statistics – Displayed by player, shows the conditions under which games were played. Also displays the best run of cards played in one turn.

Customize – Is for personalizing Spite’s comments during game play. Change the setting afterwards under the OPTIONS Menu for “Comments” to Custom for him to begin using them. See below.

OPTIONS MENU:

Speed – How fast he plays his cards.

Noise Control – gives you 3 sound options:  All, Some, None.

Comments – Type of comments Spite makes during game play. Custom uses the comments you add in the GAME/Customize Menu.

Spite Level – There are three levels of Spite’s card playing ability to choose from.

Preferences – Pick a card, Deck Styles, Font Properties, Spiteful Sounds, Personality Adjustment.

Background – Use the up/down arrow key or the space bar to toggle through the available backgrounds.

Display Size – Move the display up to make room during SpiteNET Internet games or make the display smaller for any good reason.

Reset Default Window Size – Resets the window size and position to just around the card playing area.

SpiteNET MENU:

SpiteNET Internet Play – Play Spite & Malice against a person on the Internet.

SpiteNET Scores – SpiteNET scores are kept separate from your games against Spite.

SpiteNET Send Game – For resuming a saved SpiteNET Internet game.

Show Avatar – An Avatar is a photo or graphic representation of your Internet opponent. Note: You do not need to be playing a SpiteNET game to view an Avatar while playing.

Change Avatar Picture – You can store the Avatars you collect in Spite’s subfolder (Avatars) for easy retrieval and change the picture shown to whoever’s picture you want to view during the game.

SPITEful Thoughts Always on Top – For the SPITEful Thoughts Message/Chat Window.

HELP MENU:

Help - User's Manual  –  This manual.

Peek – For viewing Spite's hand and is only for cheaters or new players. [F7]

Card Counter – Displays all cards that have been shown thus far. [F8]

Wild Card Summary – For viewing how many Wild cards have been played during the game. [F9]

Register – This is shareware NOT freeware. That means if you enjoy this game you should pay for it. It's not much to pay to keep Spite as an opponent!

Visit Spite on the Internet… – If you are online, it will open your web browser and take you to Spite’s Site at www.spitenet.com!

About Spite… – Version Number, Author, and Spite’s Internet site address.

For complete details on the menu options see:

Game Menu

Options Menu

SpiteNET Menu

Help Menu

More Quick, HELP!

Game Play Overview

Just the facts – Getting Started


HOW TO START A SpiteNET GAME


SPITEful Thoughts Message Window


SpiteNET Game Play Features


Additional Information about SpiteNET


SpiteNET Game
On the SpiteNET

How to Start a SpiteNET Game!

Spite and Malice can by played by 2 players through the Internet or a network/LAN connection (TCP/IP protocol). It’s easy to connect, just use your normal way of getting online and start up the game!

To play Spite and Malice over the Internet, the two players only need to know what the HOST’s IP ADDRESS is so that you can connect your games, and Spite will give the Host that information.

One player must act as the HOST and the other as the REMOTE. It doesn’t matter who is which, just as long as you decide ahead of time.

To begin an Internet game both players only need to establish initial contact. You can use AOL, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, PowWow, IRC, etc., any “Chat” application, or if absolutely necessary – use email or even a second phone line! This contact is only for the purpose of passing along the Host’s IP ADDRESS to the Remote player.

Start up the communication program you’ll be using to make the initial contact with each other and decide on who is the HOST. Each player should then start up their Spite and Malice games if they haven’t already, then select SpiteNET Internet Play from the SpiteNET Menu.

The name you were using to play against Spite is displayed in the SpiteNET Player box. You have the option of changing your name now if you need to.

The name in the SpiteNET Opponent box is blank and you can leave it blank if you want to use whatever name your opponent wants to call him or herself. But you do have the option here of typing in a name for your opponent in case you have several opponents with the same name. If you play SpiteNET games against opponents with the same name, their score files will be combined. You can keep them separated by giving them unique names of your choice. So if you have 2 different SpiteNET opponents named “Vicki,” you should fill in this box with a name that distinguishes them, i.e., “VickiS,” “VickiD.”

The HOST:

From the SpiteNET Internet Play window, the HOST simply presses the CONNECT button and Spite will display the Host’s IP ADDRESS.

The HOST should then tell/type the waiting player what that number is.
The SPITEful Thoughts Message Window will also display the IP ADDRESS so that you can easily select and copy the number, then paste it into your communication program for the waiting player. This leaves little room for error!

[If you want to play over the Internet from a networked computer (LAN), please read “Playing Through a Networked Computer” below for additional connect information.]

The REMOTE:

From the SpiteNET Internet Play window, the REMOTE player can now select the REMOTE Player option.

A text window will then be displayed asking for the HOST’s IP ADDRESS.

Type it in exactly as you were given by the Host and then press the CONNECT button.
(Copy & Paste from the communication program window you’re using is probably the easiest and safest way to avoid a typo!)

It may take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute for the two programs to connect to each other (depending on Internet traffic, etc.).

Then the game begins!

What’s an IP ADDRESS???

Every time you go online you are assigned a temporary (dynamic) IP ADDRESS by your Internet service provider. This in effect acts as your identification number during that session, and that number changes each time you connect.

A typical IP ADDRESS looks like this:  195.100.244.12

It always has 4 sets of numbers separated by decimal points (.) [a.k.a. dot notation]

Think of it as having a temporary phone number and the Remote player needs to know that number in order to connect to the Host.

If you are playing from a computer that is part of a LAN, a network of local computers (i.e. you are at work, university, etc.), you will have 2 or more IP ADDRESSes, one for the LAN and one for when you are connected to the Internet. See “Playing through a Networked Computer” below for how to select the correct IP ADDRESS for playing a SpiteNET game.

SpiteNET Game Features

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window

Playing through a Networked Computer

Additional SpiteNET Information

See also:

SpiteNET Menu


Chatting with SPITEful Thoughts
SPITEful Thinking

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window:

You may believe that playing against a human opponent might be more fun than playing against Spite, but you would very quickly miss the comments that Spite makes during game play. Not to worry, the SPITEful Thoughts Message Window is there for you to express yourself completely.

Preprogrammed Button Messages:

To make things easier, especially for slow typist or those not quick with wit, the SPITEful Thoughts window has 20 buttons, 10 for messages to express your displeasure at what your opponent has just done (red buttons), and 10 for just plain being spiteful (yellow buttons). Just click on a button and it will be displayed in your Message Send box. Then just click SEND MESSAGE. The message will appear in your opponent’s game, right where Spite likes to put his 2 cents in.

What’s stored in those 20 little buttons?

All the comments used in the normal game, depending of course on which Comment option you chose from Spite’s Options Menu (Standard, Custom or any others you've added). You can change the Comment option anytime you want during a SpiteNET game and the popup tool tips over the buttons will display the comments for you. (Popup tool tips are those little floating messages that appear when you position your mouse cursor over certain hot spots, like your HAND cards).

So if you thought the Customize Comments feature on the Game Menu was frivolous before, now you should be able to put it to good use, storing your own comments to fire off at your opponent with the click of a button! Unlike other menu windows, the Custom Comments window can be opened during an Internet game without holding up the game. You can write and edit your comment files during an Internet game without interfering with move transmissions.

If you have set the Preferences Menu tab for Personality Adjustment to "Disable Game Comments," you will not have any pre-programmed messages.

Normal Chatting:

Of course you do have the option of typing in your own comments as well. Just don’t slow the game up too much – your opponent is probably not as patient as Spite is. Use the Enter key on your keyboard after typing your message to send it or click the Send button. All SPITEful Thoughts messages that you send appear in Spite’s main window, right in the game.

Remember to give your opponent time to read and digest your comment before sending a second. If you send comments too rapidly, your opponent probably will not have time to read it before your next comment arrives and writes over it.

Message Log Window:

The box to the right of the buttons is your Message Log, in case you need to remember what you said in the heat of the moment, or you want to copy/paste the same remarks quickly to the Message Send box. It also keeps track of the messages you received.

Window Position:

The SPITEful Thoughts Message Window is set to always-on-top, so that you won’t lose it behind Spite’s game window. Maximize your Spite and Malice game window and move the message window to a place where it doesn’t block your view of the cards. If you don’t have enough room on your screen, change the Display Size (from the Help Menu) to Move Cards Up or Smaller. Use the maximize window button again to give you plenty of background area to move the message window to.

If you really find it blocks your view or you’re not much into chatting during the game, you can toggle the always-on-top option from the SpiteNET Menu. You can then just click on it from your Windows task bar to bring it to the front when you need it.

SpiteNET Game Features

How to Start a SpiteNET Game

Playing through a Networked Computer

Additional SpiteNET Information

See also:

SpiteNET Menu


SpiteNET Features
SpiteNET Game Features:

New Game:  Only the HOST can begin a new game during SpiteNET. The Host can do this at any time, and a message will be sent to the Remote player. The Host begins a new game in the usual way, by selecting New from the Game Menu. The Remote player does not have this menu option enabled during the game. A new game button will pop up for the Remote player to confirm.

Quitting SpiteNET:  When either player wants to quit the Internet game, they should select END Internet Play from the Game Menu, and a message box will ask them if they want to quit the Net game. The other player will be notified by Spite that they quit the game.

If you quit in the middle of game, you will be prompted with the option of saving the game. If you don’t want to save the game, usually Spite will be quite happy to take over your opponent’s cards and finish the game with you.

Save Game:  The Save Game feature from the Game Menu can also be used for a SpiteNET game. The Host can save any game at any time, and the players can continue that game during their next SpiteNET session. This is especially useful if either player has lost their Internet connection. If you receive a message that the other player is no longer connected to SpiteNET, you will be given the option to save the game after the alert message. Only the Host can restore a saved SpiteNET by using the SpiteNET Send Game feature (see below).

Note:  The Save Game feature can also be used if both players want to keep a copy of the game. Both players should agree to stop making moves, then each save the game. This also ensures that either player can act as Host when they want to resume the saved game.

SpiteNET Send Game:  The game the Host saved can be restored and sent to the Remote player using this feature from the SpiteNET Menu. The saved game can be restored by the Host at any time after they have connected to the Remote player again.

SpiteNET Scores:  Scores from SpiteNET games are stored separately from your regular Spite & Malice games against Spite. SpiteNET scores can be viewed from the SpiteNET Menu. After each SpiteNET game, you are shown the number of wins/losses you’ve had only during that SpiteNET session. To view the total wins/losses with that Net Opponent for all SpiteNET sessions, use the SpiteNET scores menu option.

Make sure your opponents have different names if scores are important to you! Check before you connect your SpiteNET games. If you’ve already played against an opponent named Vicki, filling in a different name in the SpiteNET Opponent box will override the name they are using (Vicki S, Vicky, Victoria, whatever).

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window:  For sending messages and chatting during the game. For details click on the Help topic below.

Using the Peek Option:  Be advised that while the Peek Option from the Help Menu still functions during a SpiteNET game, your opponent will be immediately notified. They will also be notified when you stop peeking, but the message that the Peek Option was used will remain on your opponent’s screen as a reminder throughout the game. When a new game has begun, and there’s no cheating going on, that message will be cleared.

Reshuffle a Stalemated Game:  Only the HOST can decide whether to continue with a stalemated game or to begin a new game instead. Both players must be using version 4.1+ in order to use the reshuffle feature to recover a stalemated game.

Display an Avatar:  Having a photo of your opponent is a sure win-motivator. See the section on displaying an Avatar from the SpiteNET menu.

Registered Spite and Malice Users:  Both players must have registered their copies of SpiteNET: Spite and Malice in order to play on the Internet. That means that they can’t be sharing a copy – Spite checks and if your registration numbers match, you will not be able to play and probably end up with bad karma.

Your Internet Opponent is not Spite:  If you have been playing Spite and Malice for a while against Spite, you have probably become very spoiled by the rate at which he makes his moves. Humans are not so fast! Keep this in mind.

Your Opponent’s name:  Check you SpiteNET Scores file before you begin a SpiteNET game to be sure that you don’t have different opponents with the same name! Change their name in the SpiteNET Opponent box before you connect if you need to, otherwise leaving it blank will use the name the Opponent is calling him or herself.

Changing Preferences:  You can only change your game preferences (cards styles, font size and color, etc.) during your own turn – not while your opponent is playing.

Viewing your statistics:  You can only view your statistics during your own turn – not while your opponent is playing. So if you think that you just had an incredible run of cards, you'll have to wait till your next turn to look at the counter.

SpiteNET Tournament and League games:  You can quickly report your match scores by going to the Help Menu and clicking on the "Visit Spite on the Internet" option.

How to Start a SpiteNET Game

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window

Playing through a Networked Computer

Additional SpiteNET Information

See also:

SpiteNET Menu


Additional Info
Additional Information:

Firewalls:  If you play from work and your company has a highly restrictive security Firewall, you may not be able to play over the Internet. So far it has been found that as long as the HOST is not the one behind the firewall, play is permitted.

Waiting to Connect Timed Out:  If the REMOTE initiates the connection process, and there is no HOST player to connect to, after a few minutes the connection will “time out.” Perhaps the Host player didn’t begin their connect sequence or the Remote player typed in the wrong IP ADDRESS. Restart SpiteNET and when both players are ready, begin the connect sequence again.

A Timed Out message can also occur if your online server is overloaded, especially if you are trying to connect with another player internationally. When you play internationally during “prime time,” your server may route you through many locations before reaching the other player. At heavy Internet traffic periods, the game connection may not complete before the Windows’ socket times out. Sometimes this can be solved by redialing your Internet provider, and hopefully getting a better “connection.”

Different IP ADDRESSes:  Every time you go online you are given a new IP ADDRESS. That number remains in effect till you disconnect. However, if you begin your connection from your Internet service provider and then TCP/IP onto a service like AOL, your IP ADDRESS number does change. So don’t sign off AOL if you began a game there or you will lose the game connection (in effect, you’d be changing your IP ADDRESS again).

AOL IP ADDRESSes typically begin with 152.xxx.xxx.xxx or 171.xxx.xxx.xxx. During heavy traffic periods, AOL appears to have an alternate address that begins with 63.xxx.xxx.xxx.

AOL:  All AOL features are available in the background while SpiteNET is running.
Certain AOL features, like sending email, require you to click an AOL OK button afterwards as confirmation to you that something has been done (like the email has been sent). Be sure to click this before making the Spite and Malice window active again.

Getting Bumped – Losing your Internet connection:  There is NO WAY that SpiteNET can cause you to lose your Internet connection, nor is there anything that the player acting as the Host or the Remote can do to cause you to go offline. If you lose your connection, that is just what happens sometimes in the real world and has nothing to do with the game.

If either player loses their Internet connection during a game, save the game immediately! After reconnecting the games, the player acting as Host can restore the saved game and you can pick up where you left off. The Host restores the game by using the SpiteNET Send Game feature from the SpiteNET Menu.

SpiteNET has no Internet dialing or disconnect features. When you quit the game, you are still online, so don’t forget to sign off in your usual way.

Internet Protocol Port: Every program on the Internet must have its own Internet Protocol Port. Spite and Malice uses Port 1001, so it is unlikely that this will conflict with your browser’s or chat application’s port. There is an option on the Internet Play window to change this port number if you get a port number conflict. Just make up another number (higher, not lower) i.e. 1771, 7117, etc., and be sure that both the HOST and the REMOTE change it to the same number in the Port setting box in the connect window.

Playing through a Networked Computer

How to Start a SpiteNET Game

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window

SpiteNET Game Features

See also:

SpiteNET Menu


Playing from a networked computer
Playing from a computer on a Local Area Network (LAN):

If you are playing from a computer that is part of a LAN, a network of local computers (i.e. you are at work , university, etc.), you will have 2 or more IP ADDRESSes, one for the LAN and one for when you are connected to the Internet.

Playing locally on a Local Area Network (LAN):  If you want to play against a coworker in the next cubical, the IP ADDRESS number Spite provides when you start a SpiteNET game should be correct. The Local IP ADDRESS identifies your computer in the local network and is fixed, the number doesn’t change.

Playing on the Internet from a computer on a LAN:  If you want to play through the Internet from a computer that is on a local area network, the IP ADDRESS that Spite will give you will probably be your local Network IP ADDRESS, not your Internet IP ADDRESS, so the REMOTE Internet player will not be able to connect to you.

The simplest way around this is to let the player who is not on a networked computer be the HOST and provide you with their IP ADDRESS number.

If you absolutely need to know your Internet IP ADDRESS, here’s how to obtain it:

♦	After you connect to the Internet in your usual way, open an MS-DOS Prompt window. This can be accessed usually by clicking on the Windows START button, selecting Programs, and then locating it on the list.

♦	At the DOS prompt, if you are running WIN95, type:  winipcfg
If you are running WIN NT, type: ipconfig

♦	This will open an IP Configuration window for you.

♦	In the drop-down box, select PPP Adapter. (If you are connected to AOL, select AOL Adapter instead.)

♦	Copy down this IP ADDRESS number.

♦	Click OK to exit this window and then type EXIT to close the MS-DOS Prompt window.

♦	Start your SpiteNET game in the usual way as Host but ignore the IP ADDRESS that Spite gives you, since that will be your LAN IP ADDRESS. Send the PPP or AOL Adapter IP ADDRESS that you copied down from the IP Configuration window to the Remote player, and your games will be connected.

SpiteNET takes no responsibility for consequences resulting from playing games at work.

How to Start a SpiteNET Game

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window

SpiteNET Game Features

Additional SpiteNET Information

See also:

SpiteNET Menu


Contents
SpiteNET: Spite and Malice User's Manual

Spite and Malice	Rules and Instructions for Game Play Getting Around - Moving and Viewing Cards
Game Features	Preferences Custom Comments Cheats Spite Menus: Game Menu Options Menu SpiteNET Menu Help Menu
SpiteNET Internet Games	Playing on the Internet Playing through a Networked Computer SPITEful Thoughts Message Window SpiteNET Game Features Additional Information
Quick, Help!	Just the facts- Getting Started Game Play Overview Menus in brief
Tips	Game playing Hints and Suggestions Graphics Settings: Fine tuning Win95
About	What is Shareware? How to Register So who (or what) is Spite anyway??? Credits and Contact Information
Visit Spite’s Site at www.spitenet.com

Email: support@spitenet.com, registration@spitenet.com, info@spitenet.com

SpiteNET: Spite and Malice Copyright 1998, 1999 by Mari JP Söderberg

SpiteNET is a Registered Trademark


Instructions
Rules and Instructions for Game Play

DESCRIPTION:

Spite & Malice is a fast moving and addictive card game. It is actually a kind of competitive solitaire, with your opponent being Spite. It is played with two decks of cards (104 cards total). Suits are unimportant so you can choose between using Spite's Number cards (easy to read and simply numbered 1 through 13, with 8 cards of each number) or standard picture playing cards. You and Spite will each be dealt 20 cards to make up the SIDE piles. Only the top card is face-up. The highest card determines who goes first (in the case of a tie, Spite flips you for it). Then 5 cards are dealt to each player's HAND.

THE OBJECT OF THE GAME:  To get rid of one's SIDE pile.

THE PLAY:

Up to 3 CENTER piles can be formed. CENTER piles are built up in ascending order beginning with a 1 (ace). A 2 is then played on the 1 -- a 3 played on the 2 -- and so on -- with the aim being to play the top card from your SIDE. Your turn continues until it is no longer possible for you to move or you wish to avoid playing a card that may aid Spite in playing his SIDE card. If you play all 5 cards from your HAND you will be given 5 more and you may continue playing.

When you end your turn you must drop one card from your HAND onto one of your HOLD piles. You may have up to 4 HOLD piles but after placing a card on a HOLD pile you MAY NOT REMOVE IT until you can play it onto one of the CENTER piles. Once you place a card on one of your hold piles your turn will automatically end.

RULES:  At the beginning of each turn you will be dealt enough cards from the stock to restore your HAND to 5 cards. When any CENTER pile is built up to 12 (Queen) it is removed and eventually reshuffled into the stock.  A new CENTER pile can then be started. 13s (Kings) are WILD cards and may be played in place of any card you desire.

STALEMATE:  It is possible to create a stalemate by being too spiteful and hoarding all the cards in your hold piles. At that point you will be given the option of reshuffling all the cards in play (the SIDE cards remain untouched) or starting a new game. If you choose to continue with the game, the combined cards from the HANDS, HOLD and CENTER piles will be reshuffled and you will each be dealt a new hand. The player whose turn it was when the stalemate occurred can now continue playing again.

SCORING:  The player who is the first to get rid of all the cards in his SIDE pile wins (the margin being the number of cards left in the opponent's SIDE pile). Spite will ask for your name at the beginning of the game so he can keep track of who won the most games. Scores can be viewed from the GAME menu by selecting Scores.

See also:

Getting Around - Moving and Viewing Cards

Game playing Hints and Suggestions

Menu Options:

Game Menu

Options Menu

SpiteNET Menu

Help Menu


Hints and Suggestions

HINTS:  It may help you to learn how to play by watching Spite make his moves. Choose Peek from the HELP menu or use the F7 key if you want to cheat and see his hand. Keep in mind that while he cannot see your HAND cards (unless he's cheating) he can see your HOLD piles. If he can't play up to his SIDE card he probably won't play cards that will help you.

If you are new to playing Spite & Malice, you might prefer that Spite go easy on you while you’re learning.  You can change his playing ability level from the Options Menu, Spite Level setting.

Try to keep your HOLD piles organized. It's helpful to keep like cards together (9 on 9) or to build them downward (7 on an 8). Right clicking on a HOLD pile displays the cards you've forgotten about.

Picture cards are just a pretty distraction since suits are unimportant in this game. Number cards are easier on the eyes and easier to keep track off.

Sorting your hand cards in some order (that is logical to you) might help you from missing a card.

Keep an eye on your SIDE card! It's easy to become distracted if you're big on blocking and forget to play your own card when the opportunity arises.

Need a little motivation to win? Check the Show Avatar  option from the SpiteNET Menu so that you'll have a picture of Spite to focus on, yell at, or plead for mercy from.

Feeling paranoid about who gets all the Wild cards? Turning on the Wild Card display status bar might set your mind at ease (eventually). A summary will be displayed of the number of Wild cards used by both Spite and the player. The tally of Wild cards played from the SIDE piles and the HAND cards are counted separately. From the HELP Menu, select Show Wild Card Status Bar or press F9 to toggle the display on/off.

NOTES:  SpiteNET: Spite & Malice is designed for a minimum monitor resolution of 800x600. It's playable with 256 colors but High Color (16 bit) is recommended. See Graphics Settings: Fine tuning Win95 for tips.

See also:

Cheats

Rules and Instructions for Game Play


Getting Around
Moving and Viewing Cards

GETTING AROUND:  Double-click on a card to play it to one of the CENTER PILES or use the mouse to drag the card to its destination. If you want to use a WILD CARD (13/King), drag it to the CENTER pile you want to play it to and its value will be noted in a small box above the Center pile you placed it on.

To begin your first game, simply press the DEAL button. To play again choose "New" from the GAME menu or F2. To quit choose "Exit" or F12.

To end your turn, drag a card from your hand onto one of your four HOLD piles.

HAND SORTING:  To rearrange the cards in your HAND, simply drag a card to the right or left, and the other cards will move around it.

VIEWING HOLD CARDS:  To view your or Spite's HOLD piles, simply right click on a HOLD pile and a pop-up window will display the cards that have been buried. You will only be shown the top 10 hidden cards in each pile. To show anymore than that would be a waste of time since you'll probably never get down to them again away.

You can move the Hold card display window to anywhere on the screen. Left click on the HOLD card window to save the new window position.

Just play or left click anywhere else to clear the display.

If you only want to see the first hidden card under the top card of any of your HOLD piles, simply drag the top card out of the way and the value of the card below it can be seen.

SIDE CARD COUNT:  To know exactly how many cards are in a SIDE pile during a game, right click on the SIDE pile.  Some people consider counting SIDE cards to be against the rules.

VIEWING SIDE CARDS:  To view your or Spite's SIDE piles after a game is over, simply right click on a SIDE pile and a pop-up window will display the cards underneath the top SIDE card showing. Left click anywhere else to clear the display.

STOCK:  To know how many cards are remaining in the STOCK, double-click on the STOCK pile. This may be useful to know if you’re getting close to a stalemate.

USED CARDS:  Cards removed from the Center piles are not reshuffled into the Stock pile until the current Stock is depleted. To know how many cards are in the Used card pile (not visible), right-click on the STOCK pile. Again, this may be useful to know if you’re getting close to a stalemate.

WILD CARD SUMMARY DISPLAY:  For the hopelessly paranoid. Use this option from Spite’s HELP menu or press the F9 key to toggle the wild card status bar to display at the bottom of the screen. A summary will be displayed of the number of Wild cards used by both Spite and the player, played from the SIDE piles and from the HAND cards.

TURN INDICATOR ARROW:  The arrow over or under the STOCK pile indicates whose turn it is, just in case you lose track.

See also:

Rules and Instructions for Game Play

Game playing Hints and Suggestions

Menu Options:

Game Menu

Options Menu

SpiteNET Menu

Help Menu


Win95 Graphics & Display settings
Graphics & Display – Fine tuning Win95

Getting the most from Win95

Many Win95 users don’t realize that their monitor can display a lot more than the default settings that Win95 setup. Below are a few tips that you might want to try out to enjoy the best possible visual display your computer can provide. These tips will not only improve the way Spite and Malice looks but all your applications.

To check your settings, just follow these easy steps:

Open the Win95 CONTROL PANEL from your My Computer icon.

Click on the DISPLAY icon.

Choose the Settings tab.

Display Colors:  SpiteNET: Spite & Malice looks best with more than 256 colors and was designed for High Color (16 bit).

Look at the setting under the label COLOR PALETTE. If it says 256 Color, use the drop down arrow to select High Color (16 bit). Click on the APPLY button to save the change.

Font Size:  If you have a large monitor and use 1024x768 resolution you might prefer using larger fonts.

Look at the setting under the label FONT SIZE. If it says Small Fonts, use the drop down arrow to select Large Fonts. Click on the APPLY button to save the change.

But don’t get carried away here if you decide you like larger fonts. If you choose “Other…” and increase the font size beyond the standard Large Font setting, you may end up with some applications where the fonts don’t fit any more. Stick with the standard Small or Large Fonts.

Picture playing cards will not fit if you choose Large Fonts with 800x600 resolution.

Desktop Size:  800x600 may be a comfortable screen resolution for a 15” monitor, but with larger monitors you will be able to display a lot more on your desktop by switching to 1024x768. This is where the Large Font size setting also becomes useful in combination with the higher screen resolution.

When you click APPLY, you will be shown a test resolution screen so that you can see that your monitor can properly display the higher resolution. A message window will ask you if you want to keep the new setting.  If it doesn’t display correctly, it will automatically revert back to your former setting.

Font Smoothing:  Microsoft has a free patch for Win95 that removes the jagged edges of fonts and gives a smoother, more even appearance to the letters. Your version of Win95 may include this update but if the numbers on the cards or the S&M logo on the playing cards looks jagged, you probably need this patch.  This will only help you if your monitor and system are capable of displaying High Color, but most systems purchased in the past few years are.

You can download this free patch from Microsoft through a link on Spite’s Site. Go to the Support page where you will find a graphic displaying the difference and details on how to update your system.

http://www.spitenet.com

Help Contents


Options Menu
Menu Options - Options Menu

OPTIONS MENU:  Spite is fairly flexible and willing to accommodate you in a few areas. The settings you choose will be remembered, as well as the name of the last player, so you won't have to retype your name each time a new game starts.

Speed  How fast he plays his cards. The default setting is Human and most players are comfortable with the Rabbit speed after getting the hang of the game. If you choose the blink level, don't expect to follow what he does during his turn. You'll just have to trust him.

Noise Control  gives you 3 sound options:  All, Some, None. Some players find this useful while at the office. Some uses only the sounds for the card movements. Hitting the DELETE key is a quick way to shut Spite up completely.

Comments  Spite is as human as the rest of us and naturally has a few things to say about how the game is going. The default setting is Standard, and uses the comments associated with the personality you are playing against. Custom is for the time when your personality begins to disassociate and the thin line between you and Spite blurs. When you move to this level, go to the GAME Menu and choose Customize Comments.

Spite Level  There are three levels of Spite’s card playing ability: Average, Clever and Ruthless. If you are just learning how to play or having a bad day, stay with the Average level. The Ruthless level is for serious Spite and Malice players. The current level being used is always displayed on the Menu bar. Clicking on it will toggle through the levels.

Preferences  See the Help Topic Preferences for complete details on changing card styles, deck back styles or color, font size and color, matt background color, and customizing the game's sounds.

Background  There are many different backgrounds for you to choose from. You can use the up/down arrow keys to display the next/previous background (or the spacebar to toggle through them in one direction). Spite and Malice opens with the window size just around the card playing area, but you can adjust the window to any size you want and the settings will be remembered. You can always use the Reset Default Window Size option from the Help menu if you want to restore it to the original proportions.

The backgrounds were designed for monitors using more than 256 colors, so if they don’t look good on your monitor, consider switching your display option (in the Win95 Control Panel) to High Color (16 bit).  You can download more backgrounds (called Backpacks) from Spite’s Site to find the ones that fit your game playing mood, or use your own!

To add your own gif/jpg backgrounds:

In your Spite & Malice directory you will see a folder (sub directory) called backgrounds.  You can add your own gif or jpg pictures to the background directory and Spite will include them in the toggle selection. You can also remove any that you don’t care for. The pictures are stretched to fit – some will look good as a background, others may appear too stretched out, depending on the size and shape of the file you added.

Choose a rectangular shaped picture and keep an eye on the file size. Spite's backgrounds are typically less than 70 KB in size. If the file size of the image you use is too large, it may consume too much memory and interfere with how the cards move across your screen.

You may have to change the Font Color if you choose a dark background (see Preferences for how to change the font color).

The plain green background is useful for people who are low on memory. If you only have 16 MB of memory and you feel that the cards redraw slowly, using this background could solve your problem, as it frees up some memory.

See the section on displaying an Avatar from the SpiteNET menu, for added ambience.

Display Size

Move Cards Up  If you are using 800x600 screen resolution and need a little extra space for the SPITEful Thoughts chat message window during a SpiteNET Internet game, moving the cards up will give you the space you need. (Menu item changes to Move Cards Down after applying.)

Make Display Smaller  Depending on the screen resolution you are using, the size of your monitor or your eye sight, you might want to make the size of Spite's display smaller. Picture playing cards will not fit if you make the display smaller, but Spite's number cards do. Smaller is good for not drawing too much attention to yourself if you are playing at work. (Menu item changes to Make Display Larger after applying.)

Maximizing the game window does not affect the size of the cards, it just fills your screen with the background picture.

Reset Default Window Size  Spite remembers the window size and position if you decide to change it.  OK, so now you’ve messed around with the window parameters and wish you had it back to the original size. Not a problem. (This option is only for trimming the window size to just around the card playing area. It does not effect the size of the cards.)

Other Menu Options:

Game Menu

SpiteNET Menu

Help Menu


SpiteNET Menu
Menu Options - SpiteNET Menu

SpiteNET MENU:  See the SpiteNET help topics below for complete details.

SpiteNET Internet Play – Select this to begin a Spite & Malice game against a person on the Internet. After you have begun a SpiteNET game, this menu option changes to Host/Remote - End SpiteNET game.

SpiteNET Scores – Scores from SpiteNET games are stored separately from your regular Spite & Malice games against Spite. Each home player has a separate score file showing the results of their games played with different net opponents. You have the option of removing individual SpiteNET Opponent names from your score file. You also have the option of deleting the entire score file of a home SpiteNET player.

Remember that the player name you use during a SpiteNET game, is the score file that is added to. To change player names before you start a SpiteNET session, type in a new name in the SpiteNET Player box before you hit the Connect button from the SpiteNET Internet Play window.

SpiteNET Send Game – For resuming a saved SpiteNET game. This feature is only available to the Host. If the Host saved a SpiteNET game, it can be sent to the Remote player when they are ready to continue the game. A Resume button will pop up for the Remote player to confirm.

(See Save Game and SpiteNET Send Game in SpiteNET Features for more details.)

Show Avatar – An Avatar is a photo or graphic representation of your Internet opponent. It might help your game if you had an opponent’s face to remind you that you are playing an actual person who is snickering at your mistakes. The default picture, if you haven’t collected any of your own yet, is of… Spite himself (possibly, we still aren’t sure who that guy is in the picture).

To make your own Avatar, just use any gif or jpg format picture you have. A small sized, square shaped photo works best. If you have photo-editing software you can crop it to a square shape to avoid distortion. You can store the Avatar photos you collect in Spite’s Avatar folder.

You can exchange a jpg/gif Avatar photo with your SpiteNET opponents by attaching it to an email.

Note: You do not need to be playing a SpiteNET game to view an Avatar while playing. Sometimes you might just want company or a face for Spite so that you can growl at it.

Change Avatar Picture – You can store the Avatars you collect in Spite’s subfolder (Avatars) for easy retrieval and change the picture shown to whoever’s picture you want to view during the game. The gif or jpg file you select will be saved. To view the default picture again, you can double click on the Avatar picture displayed. Right clicking on the picture is a short cut to this menu option.

SPITEful Thoughts Always on Top - For the SPITEful Thoughts Message/Chat Window.

See also:

How to Start a SpiteNET Game

SPITEful Thoughts Message Window

SpiteNET Game Features

Additional SpiteNET Information

Other Menu Options:

Game Menu

Options Menu

Help Menu


Game Menu
Menu Options - Game Menu

GAME MENU:

New  After the first game, begin a new game here. Select your name from the drop down list (if you've got a score file) or enter your new player name in the blank. Settings that were saved with your player name will be restored if you switch player names.

Save Game  If you get busy, need to stop - just save the game and finish up later! You can save up to ten games. SpiteNET Internet games can be saved too (see SpiteNET help files for more details).

Restore Game  Select a previously saved game to play and then click the Restore button. To resume a saved game during Internet play, use the SpiteNET menu option, Send Game.

At the bottom of the Restore Game window is a check box next to the slot reserved for AutoSave. If you click the check box, it will enable the auto save feature, which in effect, acts like a take-back-move. Once this box has been checked, if you want to backup to the turn before your last move, return to this window, select the AutoSave game slot and click on the Restore button. (See Cheats.)

Scores  Spite keeps track of his wins here, as well as all other players' scores. Click the Scoreboard Maintenance check box to display the maintenance options:

Clear Player Scores / Clear ALL Scores – If you've been losing badly and want a fresh start, this option is what you need. Clearing all scores or just one player's scores will not remove them from the player list. It will zero out the score file(s) but retain the player's name and game preferences. Spite's scores are adjusted accordingly.

Delete Player / Delete ALL Players – If you let a friend play who you don't like anymore, choose Delete Player so you won't be reminded of him or her. If you feel really frustrated, you can delete everyone.

Statistics  Two displays for analyzing your game playing. Use the drop down box to view another player's statistics. The F4 key is the short cut to displaying this window.

Score Stats - Itemizes under what conditions the games were won/lost. Games played are divided into overall, by the ability level that the games were played under, by games that were played while using a cheat (take-back-move, card counter or peek), and by the personality that was played against.

Run Stats - Ever been on a good run and wondered how many cards you've actually played in one turn? Wonder no more... The Run Stats are divided into Best Run and Most Side. The Best Run has the total of the most cards you've ever played during one turn and that turn's statistics: where the cards were played from (Side pile, Hand cards, Hold piles). Most Side gives the turn statistics for the most cards you've ever played from your Side pile during one turn.

The "Current Game" side of this display keeps track of these statistics for the game you're currently playing. It is updated each time you end your turn. It is cleared when you begin a new game.

Customize  Getting tired of Spite's same old comments during the game?  Fine, then write your own!  See the help topic Custom Comments for details.  For Spite to begin to use these comments, change the setting under the OPTIONS Menu for Comments to Custom.

Other Menu Options:

Options Menu

SpiteNET Menu

Help Menu


Help Menu
Menu Options - Help Menu

HELP MENU:

Help - User's Manual  How you got here.

Peek  For viewing Spite's hand and is only for cheaters or new players. [F7 key toggles show/hide] See Cheats.

Card Counter  Displays all cards that are in play (top Side card, hand cards) and those that have been already played (Hold piles, Center piles, used). Cannot be used during an Internet game. [F8 key] See Cheats.

Show Wild Card Status Bar  For viewing how many Wild cards have been played (and from where) during the game. So if you really believe that Spite always gets more Wild cards than you do, leaving the status bar displayed will eventually put your mind at ease. Random is random. [F9 key toggles the display on/off]

Register  This is shareware NOT freeware. That means if you enjoy this game and can appreciate all the hard work that went into making it, you should pay for it. It's not much to pay to keep Spite as an opponent! You can use the mail in registration form by selecting this menu option or you can register and pay by credit card through Spite’s Site (toll free phone or secure online transaction). See How to Register for complete details.

Visit Spite on the Internet…  If you are online, it will open your default web browser and take you to Spite’s Site.  It’s a good idea to check in once in awhile.  New Backpacks, backgrounds to add to your game, are always being added to the site, as well as other goodies.

Spite's Site	Brings you to the Main Page with the full site Index.
SpiteNET Tournament and League	Link to the Tournament and League page. Good for going directly to the Report A Match form.
Register Online	To the online registration page.
About Spite…  Version Number, Author, Credits and Spite’s Internet site address.

Other Menu Options:

Game Menu

Options Menu

SpiteNET Menu


Preferences

If there is more than one player in your household, each can have their own preferences associated with their player name. A player's individual settings are saved after they have won/lost their first game (player is then considered a True Player, not just a tourist). This cuts down on family arguments where players have different tastes concerning backgrounds, font color, speed, noise level, personality, etc.

To use the Preferences multi-tabbed options area, click on the Apply button to save the changes you make at each tab. You can then move on to the next tab. Clicking OK saves the settings for the current tab and closes the Preferences dialog window.

Pick-a-card

From here you can choose from one of Spite's five card number styles or select the standard picture playing cards. Picture playing cards will not fit if you change Spite's Display Size to smaller.

Deck Styles

DECK COLOR - If you use the standard deck style, you have the option of changing the back color from beige to whatever color you prefer.

MATT COLOR - If you are not using a picture background, the matt background color can be changed from the standard green to whatever color you want.

RESET DEFAULTS - To return to the standard deck style and color and green matt background, click on the card next to Reset defaults.

DESIGNER DECKS - There are 5 Designer Decks you can use instead of the default S&M deck back.

The display window will change to reflect the changes you've made so that you can see how the deck looks against both the picture (if you're using one) and the solid color matt background.

Click Apply to save your changes or OK to save and exit the Preferences options window.

Font Properties

FONT COLOR - Select the font color that goes best with the background picture or matt color you’ve chosen. The display window will change to reflect the changes you've made so that you can see how the font color looks against both the picture and solid color matt background.

FONT SIZE - The font size can also be increased or decreased by clicking on the +size/-size buttons. This only effects the font size in Spite's comment area and the size of the Wild Card value box that appears over a Center pile when a Wild Card has been played to it.

RESTORE - The Restore button will return the font to the default size and black color.

USE FONT BACKDROP - Clicking on this will place a solid color backdrop behind the font in Spite's comment area. This may be useful if you have added a background that you really like but the range of colors in it makes the font in any color too difficult to read. The backdrop will be whatever color you have set the matt background color to.

The matt background color can also be changed from this screen.

Click Apply to save your changes or OK to save and exit the Preferences options window.

Spiteful Sounds

USE DEFAULT - To use the original sound scheme associated with the game's personality.

USE CUSTOM - To create your own sound scheme or to use the one you've already created.

If you have sound files (.wav format) that you would prefer to use, you can substitute your wav files for some of the sounds that Spite is currently using.

First click on the Use Custom option. Then click on a sound button to hear the current sound associated with it. If you want to change that sound, click on the Change button. Browse to the directory where you have your own sounds and select the new .wav file you would like to use. (You should copy your own .wav files to Spite's folder if you want to keep them all in one place.)

Don't forget to click the Apply button if you want to save your changes!

Creating a custom sound scheme will not alter the default sound scheme. Since game preferences are set for each player, each player can choose whether they want to use the default or the customized sound scheme.

If the Noise level is set to "some" or "none", these sounds will not be played during the game.

If you have an add-on personality (see below), each personality can have a separate custom sound file associated with it.

Personality Adjustment

DISABLE WIN GAME ANIMATION - Turns off the animation that plays when Spite wins.

DISABLE GAME COMMENTS - For people who should probably be playing solitaire instead.

PERSONALITY
The default personality is naturally Spite. His personality is defined by the sounds he uses (his voice), his avatar, the comments he makes during game play and his behavior after winning a game.

Add-on personalities can be downloaded from Spite's Site. These will be included in the personality drop-down list if you have added any. So if you need a change from Spite's style, try Malice - an elderly female personality...

After changing personalities, you can also customize your sound preferences associated with that personality. If you are using a custom comment file, switching to "Standard" will allow all of the current personality's comments.

Options Menu


Custom Comments

Getting tired of Spite's same old comments during the game?  Fine, then write your own!

From the GAME Menu, click on Customize Comments and the Custom Comments window will open. The first time you use this feature, the default comment file called "Custom" is opened for you. You can edit this file with all your own comments and then click the Save icon. After saving, the checkbox next to "Set as Comment choice" is available for you to click on if you want to immediately use your new comments.

You can create as many comment files as you like. Click on the New icon to create a new comment file and a blank comment template will display. Click on the Save icon when you are finished and give it a unique name. If you have several family members or multiple personalities who prefer their own comments, simply give it their name. The new comment filename will appear on the Comments list choices from the Options Menu.

Comment files can be edited later if you want to make any changes. Click on the Open file button and select the filename that you want to edit.

The comment files are modular and have a .cmt extension. You can exchange comment files with other players or download theme comment files from Spite's Site. Copy the .cmt file into your /Users folder and Spite will include it on the Comments choices list.

If you would like to share with the rest of the SpiteNET community any foreign language or interesting theme comment files that you've written, please submit them at Spite's Site.

You can switch which comment file Spite uses at any time by changing the setting under the OPTIONS Menu for Comments to Custom or to any new comment file name you've added.  This feature is especially useful during SpiteNET games. (See SPITEful Thoughts for Chatting options during Internet games.)

Game Menu


Cheats

Peek

For viewing Spite's hand cards. Using this during an Internet game will cause a peeking alert message to be immediately sent to your opponent, and probably not make you very popular. From the HELP Menu, select Peek or press F7 to toggle Spite's hand to show/hide.

Card Counter

Displays all cards that are in play (top Side card, hand cards) and those that have been already played (Hold piles, Center piles, used). Cannot be used during an Internet game.  From the HELP Menu, select Card Counter or press F8.

AutoSave (Take-back-move)

Under protest, this feature is available. From the GAME Menu, select Restore Game. The bottom slot on the Restore Game window is reserved for AutoSave. Click on the checkbox next to it to enable. This will cause Spite to perform an automatic "Save" game before you begin each turn and save it in the AutoSave slot.

To back up a turn, open the Restore Game window and select the AutoSave slot. Then click the Restore button.

Cannot be used during an Internet game.


What is Shareware
What is Shareware?

The Shareware system of distributing software programs was developed to give users the chance to preview software before purchasing it. Buying standard commercial software off the shelf in your local store can be a risky venture when trying out something new – you can never be sure till you get it home and install it, whether or not it is really a program that you will use and enjoy.

The Internet provides software developers with a way to present their programs to potential customers by providing a Shareware version that users can test out before purchasing. Most Shareware programs have a 30-day trial period, a limited number of times you can use it or restrictions on some of the program’s features. SpiteNET: Spite & Malice is a fully playable game with a 30-day trial period, after which the software is disabled. Some features, such as customizing Spite’s Comments and Sounds and playing on the Internet are disabled till the game is registered and paid for.

Patches to update your software:  Shareware is a better system of buying software! Software purchased and supported via the Internet gives registered users the ability to easily update their software for free if fixes are made to the product. After registering and paying for it, you are notified by email if a patch is released. A Patch is a small program that you can download that updates the software program you are using. The Internet is the perfect arrangement for Shareware developers to continually keep their customers up-to-date with the latest fixes to their software.

Support:  Technical support is available by emailing support@spitenet.com

Evaluation/Registration

Your use of this software indicates that you accepted the complete license agreement and warranty that was displayed when you installed it. You may write registration@spitenet.com to request a text copy.

Evaluation Agreement (summary):

SpiteNET: Spite and Malice is not freeware or public domain software and is subject to copyright laws. Your right to use any part of this software after the expiration of the 30-day evaluation period is subject to your registering as a user and the payment of the registration fee. You may make additional evaluation copies of this software and distribute evaluation copies of it to others, providing that each copy is an exact copy.

If after the evaluation period has expired, you have not registered this software, you agree to uninstall (remove, delete) it from your computer in its entirety.

Registration Agreement (summary):

Upon completion of registration, the License Agreement permits the use of one copy of this software, which is licensed as a single product to an individual. Software is always licensed, not sold. You may install a copy of this software on a second computer provided that you are the only individual using the software. You may not make any unauthorized copies of this software or distribute, sell, rent, or lease the registration code. You have the right to make a copy of this software solely for backup or archival purposes. Any violation of the complete license agreement will result in your license being revoked.

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer of warranty and limitation of liability: The Author does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations that the functions contained in this software will meet your requirements or that the operation of this software will be uninterrupted or error free. Spite does not cheat. The Author intends that this software will be used for entertainment purposes only. This software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or of any other type, whether express or implied. Any addictive side effects incurred by excessive playing are solely the responsibility of the player.

See also:

How to Register

Help Contents


How to Register

It’s easy to register and pay for SpiteNET: Spite and Malice! From Spite’s Site at www.spitenet.com you can use a major credit card to pay through a secure online transaction server or use the toll-free number listed there to order by phone.

You can go directly to the Registration Site page by clicking on the "Visit Spite on the Internet" option from the HELP menu and selecting the Register Online link.

If you would prefer to pay by check or money order (in U.S. dollars only), you can use the mail-in registration form included with the game. Foreign checks are not accepted.

From the Help Menu, choose the Register option and a window will display the registration form for you. Type in the information needed, print out the form and mail it in with your check to the address listed.

Take care when registering that you include your correct email address!
Registration information is only sent by email.

After payment is received, you will be sent your registration number by email within 24 to 48 hours. The Registered Name and Registration Number you received should then be entered into the game to remove the 30-day trial notice and enable all the features.

Don't forget to print out and save your registration information. If you ever need to reinstall, you will have to enter that information again.

To Enter your registration code:  From Spite’s HELP Menu, choose the Register option and then click on the REGISTER button at the bottom right hand corner of that window. A small "Enter Code" window will open. Enter your registration information there, exactly as you were sent (upper/lower case letters, punctuation, spacing, etc.).

Gift Registrations:  You have the option when paying either by credit card or snail mail to register the game in the name of someone you are giving it to as a gift. If you include their email address, the registration information will be emailed directly to them. Use your own email address if you would rather give the registration information to them yourself. They can write registration@spitenet.com later to change the email address to their own so that they can receive information about updates.

See also:

What is Shareware?

Help Contents


Credit due

Original background photographic artwork by Kevin Scofield
Copyright 1999
scofieldkp@aol.com

Designer Sounds by Paul Bagin, PBProductions
Copyright 1999
pbproductions@spitenet.com

Thanks to Stephen Murphy's QCard32.DLL

Thanks to Janne Söderberg for the animated flasher, countless hours of beta testing, and personal support.

Contact information

Technical support questions:	support@spitenet.com SPITEandMALICE@aol.com
Registration questions:	registration@spitenet.com spitegames@aol.com
Tournament and League games:	Tournament@spiteandmalice.com League@spiteandmalice.com
Fan mail to Spite:	Spite@spitenet.com
Author:	Mari@spitenet.com

Spite's Site: http://www.spitenet.com

          http://members.aol.com/spitegames/

Help Contents


So, who (or what) is Spite anyway?
So who (or what?) is Spite anyway???

It ain't solitaire you're playing!

Spite is... artificial intelligence and he's doing a pretty good job at competing with his human opponents.

In version 4.1.1 Spite has two levels of card playing abilities, the "Go easy on me" and "I can take it" levels. Good players begin to break even after awhile with Spite winning about 50% of the games. That in itself was a satisfying achievement for myself as the programmer. But great players still had him beat, walking away with about 75% of the wins.

Version 5 added the 3rd level, "Ruthless" which has put those great players back on their toes!

Unfortunately there are a few sore losers out there with big egos who believe that they lose because Spite cheats. Sorry to disappoint them, but random is random as far as the deal is concerned. And while there is a certain amount of luck in the draw, skill is what separates the good players from the average players in the long run. Even a player without any strategy might win a few games in a row, but after a few dozen games, the "luck of the draw" winners will find themselves falling far behind on the scoreboard.

Start playing a game and about half way through, just stop and take a deep breath... Think for a moment about all the decisions you have to make each time you make a move. Is it better to use your hand card or a hold card? How close can you play to a center pile without leaving it open for Spite? What's in his hold piles that might help him to block your move or play his side card? Should you play your wild card to block, or save it to help you build towards your side pile card? Which hold pile should you drop a card to that won't block other hold cards you might need? Etc.

Now translate all those decision-making processes you just went through into thousands of lines of code. That's artificial intelligence and good as it is, it's still tough to beat the human brain. Chess games go through the same procedure, line by line, asking itself what if I make this move or that move, with every possibility having to be painstakingly coded (by a human of course!).

Besides doing his best to play like a human, Spite also tries to act human. The taunts and pouts are all part of playing Spite and Malice in the real world and the object of this game is to bring in the atmosphere of reality to make it as fun, challenging and frustrating as possible.