By Steve Marinucci
Published Wednesday, August 31, 1988, San Jose (CA) Mercury News
As the song says, you've got to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. Applications Plus Inc., a Minneapolis software firm, has introduced two new programs in its "Play and Learn to Win" series that will help players improve their skill at two games of chance and put the odds a little more in their favor.
''Strategic Craps" teaches the basics of the game and also allows more experienced players the chance to check how their betting strategies will pay off statistically. "Championship Poker" teaches Texas Hold 'Em Poker, a popular variation on the classic game.
Both programs can be used for entertainment as well as learning. The company says that using the programs won't guarantee users will be automatically become winners, but they will become better players.
Both "Championship Poker" and "Strategic Craps" are available for the IBM and compatibles, IBM PS/2 (in both 5 1/4- and 3 1/2-inch disk formats), Apple and Macintosh computers. "Championship Poker" lists at $34.95, while "Strategic Craps" lists at $39.95. Both programs, along with the earlier entries in the series, "Vegas Video Poker" and "Beating the House at Blackjack," are available at area computer-software dealers.
GETTING OUT
TONIGHT: TheatreWorks' production of the Motown-spirited musical "Dreamgirls" has an 8 o'clock performance at the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $12-$16, $8 students and seniors. (415) 329-2623.
