Learn the Rules of the APCS Elevens Lab Game
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Basics of the 11 Solitaire Game
- Similarities with Classic Solitaire
- Understanding the 11's Lab Application
- Key Features of the 11's Card Game
- 5.1 The Types of Cards Used
- 5.2 Number of Positions on the Board
- 5.3 Starting a New Game
- 5.4 Dealing Cards into Empty Positions
- 5.5 Determining if the Game is Won
- 5.6 Checking for Valid Moves
- 5.7 Getting Positions on the Board
- 5.8 Dealing a Card to a Position on the Board
- 5.9 Checking if the Board is Empty
- 5.10 Getting the Size of the Board
- 5.11 Using a Debugger for Troubleshooting
- 5.12 Getting a Textual Representation of the Board
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Basics of the 11 Solitaire Game
The 11 Solitaire game is a variation of the classic solitaire game. While it shares some similarities with classic solitaire, the goal of 11 Solitaire is to get rid of the entire deck of cards. In classic solitaire, You remove stacks of cards and fill four positions on the board with each different suit. However, in 11 Solitaire, the goal is to pair two cards that add up to 11 or pair a jack, queen, and king together.
To play 11 Solitaire, you are dealt nine cards initially. You need to make pairs of cards that add up to 11 by selecting two cards at a time. If you successfully make a pair, those cards will be replaced with two new cards. The game continues until you either get rid of the entire deck or there are no more possible combinations.
The 11's Lab is an application that allows you to play the 11 Solitaire game on your computer. It provides a low-resolution version of the game board, and the game itself is similar to the classic solitaire game. However, it adds the twist of needing to pair cards that add up to 11. The application also tracks your game history, including the number of games won and the number of games played.
Similarities with Classic Solitaire
While 11 Solitaire has its unique gameplay mechanics, it also shares several similarities with classic solitaire. The layout and mechanics are reminiscent of the classic solitaire game found in the Windows 10 Solitaire Collection. Both games require clearing the deck and filling positions on the board with cards. The main difference is that in 11 Solitaire, the pairs must add up to 11 or be a jack, queen, and king combination.
The familiarity with classic solitaire may help players grasp the basics of 11 Solitaire quickly. The knowledge of stacking cards and organizing suits can be applied to 11 Solitaire, even though the scoring system and winning conditions differ.
Understanding the 11's Lab Application
The 11's Lab application provides a pre-compiled version of the 11 Solitaire game. It offers a graphical interface where you can see the game board and Interact with the cards. The application allows you to select two cards to form pairs that sum up to 11 or Create a combination of jack, queen, and king.
The game board initially displays nine cards, which can be replaced by making valid pairs. Whenever a pair is formed, those cards are replaced with two new ones. The game continues until either all the cards are cleared from the deck, or there are no more possible pairs. The application informs you if you win or lose each game and keeps track of your game history.
Key Features of the 11's Card Game
To understand the mechanics of the 11 Solitaire game, it is essential to grasp its key features. The following features define the gameplay and provide an overview of how the game functions:
5.1 The Types of Cards Used
In the 11 Solitaire game, generic playing cards are used. The deck consists of 52 cards, including four suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs) and cards numbered from 2 to 10. However, the jack, queen, and king cards have a point value of zero. This distinction ensures they cannot be paired with any other cards to form a valid combination unless they are paired with each other.
5.2 Number of Positions on the Board
The game board in 11 Solitaire consists of nine positions where cards can be placed. The number of positions can be adjusted to make the game easier or more challenging. By varying the board size, players can decide if they want additional chances to create valid pairs or prefer a more difficult gameplay experience.
5.3 Starting a New Game
To begin a new game, the player initiates the "New Game" function. This function shuffles the deck of cards and deals the initial set of cards onto the board. It ensures that each position on the board is filled with a unique card from the deck.
5.4 Dealing Cards into Empty Positions
During gameplay, whenever two cards are selected and form a valid pair, they are replaced with two new cards. This action involves dealing cards from the deck into the positions on the board that were emptied. The function responsible for dealing cards ensures that the cards are drawn from the top of the deck and appear in the correct positions on the board.
5.5 Determining if the Game is Won
The game's winning condition is achieved when the entire deck of cards is cleared. To check if the game has been won, the program evaluates both the deck and the positions on the board. If there are no more cards remaining in the deck and all positions on the board are empty, the player is declared the winner.
5.6 Checking for Valid Moves
One crucial aspect of the 11 Solitaire game is determining whether a move is valid or not. The program needs to evaluate the selected cards to ensure they form a valid pair or triple (consisting of jack, queen, and king). By checking the combinations formed during gameplay, the program can indicate if a move is legal or if the selected cards need to be replaced.
5.7 Getting Positions on the Board
To access the cards at specific positions on the board, there is a function that allows the program to retrieve the card Based on the index. By passing in the desired position, the program can retrieve the corresponding card and use it for further evaluation or manipulation.
5.8 Dealing a Card to a Position on the Board
When replacing a pair of cards, the program needs a function that can deal a new card from the deck into the empty position on the board. This function ensures that a card is drawn from the deck and inserted into the correct location on the board, maintaining the integrity of the game.
5.9 Checking if the Board is Empty
To determine if the board is empty, a function examines all the positions on the board and counts the number of non-null cards present. By checking if every position on the board is null, the program can confirm whether the board is empty or if there are still cards remaining.
5.10 Getting the Size of the Board
Knowing the size of the board is vital for various functions and evaluations. By having a variable that represents the board size, the program can effectively loop through the positions on the board and perform necessary calculations or checks.
5.11 Using a Debugger for Troubleshooting
For debugging and troubleshooting purposes, a boolean variable called "isDebugging" can be implemented. This variable allows the program to control the output of debugging messages. When debugging is enabled, additional information and notifications can be displayed to aid in identifying and resolving any issues within the code.
5.12 Getting a Textual Representation of the Board
To assist with code development and testing, it is useful to have a textual representation of the board. By calling the "toString" function, the program can obtain a textual representation of the board, allowing for easy monitoring and validation of the game state.
Conclusion
The 11 Solitaire game provides an exciting twist to the classic solitaire experience. By focusing on forming pairs that add up to 11 or creating combinations with jack, queen, and king cards, players are challenged to think strategically and make smart moves. The 11's Lab application simplifies the gameplay process by providing a graphical interface and tracking game statistics.
Understanding the key features and mechanics of the 11 Solitaire game is crucial to fully enjoy and excel in the game. The game's unique rules, such as excluding jack, queen, and king cards from regular pair combinations, add depth and complexity to the gameplay. Additionally, being aware of the available functions and methods within the 11's Lab application can help developers create more robust and efficient code.
So, grab a deck of cards and start playing 11 Solitaire to test your skills and challenge your strategic thinking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is 11 Solitaire different from classic solitaire?
A: Although there are similarities between 11 Solitaire and classic solitaire, the main difference lies in the goal of the game. In classic solitaire, the objective is to clear the entire deck and organize the cards into four stacks by suit. In 11 Solitaire, the goal is still to clear the deck, but by forming pairs that add up to 11 or by combining jack, queen, and king cards.
Q: Can I adjust the difficulty level of the 11 Solitaire game?
A: Yes, you can adjust the difficulty level by changing the number of positions on the board. If you want a more challenging game, reduce the number of positions. Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed gameplay experience, increase the number of positions.
Q: How does the 11's Lab application track game history?
A: The 11's Lab application keeps track of the number of games played and the number of games won. It maintains a running tally of these statistics to help players keep track of their progress and performance.
Q: Can I debug my code while developing an implementation of the 11 Solitaire game?
A: Yes, the 11's Lab application includes a debugger function that can be enabled or disabled. By turning on debugging mode, you can receive additional information and notifications to assist with troubleshooting and identifying any issues in your code.
Q: Is there a way to obtain a textual representation of the game board?
A: Yes, the 11's Lab application provides a function that outputs a textual representation of the current state of the game board. This representation can be helpful for testing, monitoring the game's progress, and verifying the accuracy of your code.