In this simulation you chance your life playing poker in a western saloon against six of the meanest players in town. You start with a $1,000 stake and it's up to you to win or lose. The rules are straightforward and well-explained at the start of play.

The game is normal draw poker in that you are dealt five cards. You must assess these cards and a preliminary round of betting continues until all players have called - i.e. they've reached an agreed betting level. You may then exchange up to three cards. The game then continues with the normal second betting round until the winner is found. You must decide whether to bluff it out or fold.

There is an eighth figure involved. Moll, the barmaid, is there to offer advice if you feel the need. Whether the advice is a help or a hindrance is debatable. The computer will also assist you to sort your cards and choose those to be changed, should you wish to.

The graphics are quite simple as they are restricted to representations of the cards held. To add to the atmosphere suitable phrases relating to the state of play and the views of the opponents are displayed. The game runs at an irritatingly slow speed and the option to speed things up didn't have much effect.

Overall a good, but not outstanding, poker simulation which plays a good game but unfortunately isn't very exciting.

M.W.