AOL Games Lobby

Help playing the games and understanding Stakes.

When you click on a lobby name, you are directed to that lobby.  On the left, you'll see the screen names of players in the lobby.  On the right, you'll see the tables.

Find a Player / Join

To find a player, click on the "Find a Player" button, type the screen name, if the player is in the game system, it will tell where and allow you to join him.

Choose a Table

In the upper right corner of the "Choose a Table" area, there is a button to the right of the "Sort by" text label, clicking on the Sort by button allows you to Sort by Table or Sort by Availability.  Clicking on sort by availability will move the tables with open positions to the top of the window.  On the buttons under each table, clicking on an active Play button allows you to play, the Watch button allows you to observe play at the corresponding table.  Note: the Play button will be grayed out if there are no open seats at a particular table.

Chat

There are several ways to communicate with other players and to control your chat experience.

To communicate with other players in the lobby or in game, type your message into the edit field that is immediately left of the Send button, then either hit the <Enter> key or click on the Send button. Previous chat that occurred since you entered the lobby can be viewed by using the scroll arrows on the right of the chat area.

If you do not want to see any chat or want to block chat that you might find offensive, using the pull-down menu, select "Block" or "Filter". Using the "Block" feature will prevent any chat from appearing, including the option for you to also chat with others in the room. Using the "Filter" option, this will prevent you from seeing any profanity that others may be typing. Using "Show All", will not sensor any chat during your game experience.

Lobby Inactivity

You can only remain in the Lobby for a limited amount of time. If you remain inactive in the Lobby too long a window will appear to let you know that you will be disconnected. A system message will appear telling you how to re-connect.

Technical Support

To report game problems or abusive players, send e-mail to support@masque.com.

Table Games FAQ

System Requirements
Q. What are the basic system requirements to play these games?
A. Mac OS/X, Windows 98/ME/2K/NT/XP, and you will also need a compatible version of the Java Runtime Environment.

Q. How do I install Java?
A. When you go to enter the game, the system will automatically check your version of Java. If the system finds it missing or finds the version you have is not compatible, the system will automatically request an update from the Java site. Alternately, you can manually install by going to www.java.com and selecting to install the latest version.

General Questions
Q. How can I find help on playing the different table games?
A. At the top of the game play window you should see an option for "How to Play." Click this option and you'll be presented with a help page that will detail the specifics on each game type.

Q. Why was I disconnected due to "Lobby Inactivity"?
A. If you remain in the lobby too long without playing, the system will let you know that you'll need to join a game soon. If you choose not to, the system will assume that you're not being active and therefore remove you from the lobby to open the position for another player.

Rooms Help
Q. What do the different room categories mean (i.e. Social, Medium Stakes, etc.)?
A. Each category has a particular betting amount that is observed. While Social and Low Stakes rooms will have very low betting amounts, Medium and High Stakes rooms can have much higher amounts on the line.

Q. What is the Tournament area (Coming Soon) for?
A. This area allows players to compete in an elimination format. Each player will be given the same amount of funds at the beginning of the tournament. If a player loses all funds that player will be out of the tournament, though still able to watch and chat. Eventually it will end up with only one player remaining, which will be the winner.

Q. Do the names of the rooms (Aruba, Bad Beat, etc.) have any effect on gameplay?
A. No, not at all. Just pick your favorite location and join in on the fun.

Joining/Watching a Game
Q. How can I start a game?
A. After entering any game lobby you'll see a bunch of tables on the screen. If you find an unoccupied table, you'll see the options for "Public" and "Private." If you select "Public" the game will launch and all players will have access to join and play. If you choose "Private" you'll be asked for a password. This password will be one that you'll need to provide to other members that you wish to play.

Q. How do I join a game?
A. To join a game you may either click the "Play" button at the top of the screen or you can select a particular room to join. If you click "Play" you'll automatically be joined to a game in progress. If you select a room you'll see a list of tables where games are being played, and you can then select which table you wish to participate at.

Q. How can I join a private game?
A. The only way to join a private game is if you know the password that the room owner set the room up with. If you have this information, then when prompted for the password, simply type it in and join.

Q. Can I just watch a game?
A. Yes! If you just want to see the action, you may click on "Watch" instead of "Play." By doing so, you'll be entered into the game as a watcher only.

Q. Can I play games just against a computer?
A. Yes, just click the "Private" button and don't give anyone your password.

Finding Players
Q. How can I find a particular player?
A. Click on the "Find Player" button and enter in a valid AOL Screen Name. If the player is online and playing you will see their location and will have the option to join them.

Chat
Q. How do I chat with other players?
A. At the bottom of the lobby and on the right side of the game screens is a chat section. The larger box will display incoming chat and system messages, under that box is a smaller box where you can input your text. Type in your chat and click the "Send" button (or just press enter).

Q. Is there a way that I can censor profanity?
A. By the chat window you'll see a drop-down box. This box will contain an option called "Filter." If you select this option, the game will do its best to block profane words.

Q. Can I stop the chat altogether?
A. By the chat window you'll see a drop-down box. This box will contain an option called "Block." If you select this option, the game will block all incoming player chat.

Specific Help
Q. If I need more specific support for these games, who can I contact?
A. For detailed assistance, please send email to: support@masque.com

©2005 Masque Publishing, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.