Twilight Struggle Game Engine v4.9.1

IMPORTANT! This version of the spreadsheet has been tested and certified to run under both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Excel 2010

WARNING! The spreadsheet and game log can NOT be added to a compressed file if the spreadsheet and game log are located on a compressed drive. Please ensure the spreadsheet and game log are stored/saved on an *uncompressed* drive if you intend to automate the sending of the spreadsheet and game log as an e-mail attachment.

Description: The Twilight Struggle Game Engine allows players to engage in a complete game of Twilight Struggle using PBEM (Play By E-mail), or ACTS (Automated Card Tracking System; http://acts.warhorsesim.com) or to track the progress of a sit-down game. The spreadsheet supports Excel 2003 or greater and also integrates with Microsoft Outlook (i.e. not Outlook Express) to automate the sending of the spreadsheet by e-mail.

Note: Thanks to Brandon A (bamancio) for pointing out that the spreadsheet can be shared using Dropbox ( http://www.dropbox.com/) and, therefore, it isn't necessary to e-mail the files using this scenario.

Changes (v4.9.1):

- added prompt, when a Card is played for Ops, to select type of Operations which shows Ops modifiers and automatically fills in the OPS type on the Played Cards worksheet
- added E-mail Options form to configure settings related to sending the spreadsheet; therefore, no more prompting (if configured) when closing the spreadsheet
- updated Regional tab for the Summary form that indicates how many times each Scoring Card has been played and which Scoring Cards are available for play
- fixed some bugs and made some cosmetic changes (both of which I didn't bother to note).

If you have any questions, encounter any issues or would like to provide feedback, don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy!

Twilight Struggle Game Engine v4.9

IMPORTANT! This version of the spreadsheet has been tested and certified to run under both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Excel 2010

WARNING! The spreadsheet and game log can NOT be added to a compressed file if the spreadsheet and game log are located on a compressed drive. Please ensure the spreadsheet and game log are stored/saved on an *uncompressed* drive if you intend to automate the sending of the spreadsheet and game log as an e-mail attachment.

Description: The Twilight Struggle Game Engine allows players to engage in a complete game of Twilight Struggle using PBEM (Play By E-mail), or ACTS (Automated Card Tracking System; http://acts.warhorsesim.com) or to track the progress of a sit-down game. The spreadsheet supports Excel 2003 or greater and also integrates with Microsoft Outlook (i.e. not Outlook Express) to automate the sending of the spreadsheet by e-mail.

Note: Thanks to Brandon A (bamancio) for pointing out that the spreadsheet can be shared using Dropbox ( http://www.dropbox.com/) and, therefore, it isn't necessary to e-mail the files using this scenario. As a result, I've added a prompt, when exiting the spreadsheet, to send an e-mail with the game log entries of the last round *if* a player indicates they don't want to compress the files for sending by e-mail and Outlook is detected.

This update incorporates both Card histories, as included in the Twilight Struggle Rules (permission provided by GMT Games), and strategy tips for gameplay, based on Philip Thomas' postings on BGG (permission provided by Philip Thomas), when using Card Management. In addition, I've incorporated a registration form that'll allow me to assess the scope of usage of the spreadsheet and determine the possibility of introducing a web-based matchmaking service in the future. Also, I've introduced a form to allow players to send inquiries from within the spreadsheet (Microsoft Outlook required). Lastly, it includes further enhancements, fixes, etc. as indicated:

Changes (v4.9):

- added spreadsheet name to e-mail subject line for sorting incoming e-mail using rules (i.e. when playing multiple games)
- added code to address *most* scenarios whilst playing the Grain Sales to Soviets card
- added code to address *most* scenarios whilst playing the Star Wars card
- added pop-up form with Card history and strategy tips when clicking the Card Name in the player's Card Hand
- added welcome form with optional e-mail subscription (outlook required)
- added Help tab to About form for inquiries (outlook required)
- added indication if Microsoft Outlook is "enabled" (i.e. available) on the Mapboard worksheet
- added checkbox to disable quotations at startup
- added checkbox to remember Full screen setting at startup
- added prompt to send e-mail with game log entries for the last round *if* Outlook is detected and player doesn't compress files for sending by e-mail (i.e. e-mail capability with Dropbox)
- added HL button to Played Cards worksheet in order to play Headline Card without needing to access the Card Hand
- added new formating to Regional score boxes on the Mapboard worksheet
- added summary "bar" on right side of Mapboard for ease of reference
- added Card Hand button to Played Cards worksheet
- added error logging when saving and compressing the spreadsheet and game log
- fixed Space Race / Cards section to show proper Ops value required to perform Space Race attempts and Quagmire / Bear Trap based on Ops modifier
- fixed "One Small Step ..." to properly detect if US is behind in the Space Race
- fixed issue re: select cards with Event message pop-up when played as Operations
- fixed issue re: possibility of selecting additional Headline Cards
- fixed issue re: die not rolling for Quagmire/Bear Trap
- removed Deal Cards checkbox in order to facilitate fair play
- reorganized, reworded and simplified Instructions worksheet

A great big thanks to Ron Gregory (Ron G) for the excellent idea of incorporating Philip Thomas' strategy tips into the Card Hand. Also, thanks to Brandon A (bamancio) for his detailed and helpful suggestions and code recommendations. And, as always, thanks to my core of playtesters who are Daniel Hogetoorn (DeDaan), Ken Watson (The Archon), Scott Pagliaroni (spags) and Ron Gregory (Ron G).

Twilight Struggle Game Engine v4.8

IMPORTANT! This version of the spreadsheet has been tested and certified to run under both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Excel 2010. However, previous versions of the spreadsheet do *not* support Excel 2010.

Description: The Twilight Struggle Game Engine allows players to engage in a complete game of Twilight Struggle using PBEM (Play By E-mail), or ACTS (Automated Card Tracking System; http://acts.warhorsesim.com) or to track the progress of a sit-down game. The spreadsheet supports Excel 2003 or greater and also integrates with Microsoft Outlook (i.e. not Outlook Express) to automate the sending of the spreadsheet by e-mail.

This update incorporates a number of enhancements, fixes to address language-specific errors, and Excel 2010 compatibility.

Changes (v4.8):

- added NORAD reminder during player login for same AR that DEFCON went to 2
- added Tournament Mode option during initial setup re: revealing Cards during End Turn Actions (one time configurable)
- added reminder for discarding Held Card re: Space Race (if applicable)
- added reminder for 8 action rounds re: North Sea Oil and Space Race (if applicable)
- added automatic reveal of Held Card w/ pop-up and Game Log entry re: Space Race (if applicable)
- added reminder to select Headline Event if playing a Headline Card before selecting one
- added e-mail notification of dealing cards, revealing Headline Cards (after both selected) and giving/discarding random Cards re: fair play
- added "fair play" feature that prevents Cards from being dealt until both players have logged into the spreadsheet
- added Arial font for button text (better font type for buttons in Office 2010)
- added code to address simultaneous VP when Flower Power in effect and a War Card is played
- added code to address simultaneous VP when U2 Incident in effect and UN Intervention played with opponent's Card used on Space Race
- added code to address all possible scenarios whilst playing the Five Year Plan card
- added code to address all possible scenarios whilst playing the Shuttle Diplomacy card
- added end-game checking for the Late War Scenario and Wargames
- added hidden password entry after initial setup
- added instructional prompts when Card played as an Event instead of when played as a Card
- added code to automate Final Scoring when ending Turn 10
- added code to provide instructional prompt when attempting to perform Final Scoring when Turn 10 isn’t ended
- fixed Iron Lady Event text re: removing *all* USSR from U.K.
- fixed issue re: language-specific errors by changing code to be language-independent
- fixed issue re: Quagmire canceling NORAD when played for Ops (i.e. Quagmire only cancels NORAD when played as an Event)
- fixed issue re: Star Wars, Wargames and The Cambridge Five Cards being removed (i.e. not canceled and discarded) when Event conditions weren't met
- fixed issue re: Our Man in Tehran to disable [Draw Cards] button after being clicked
- updated Probability tab for the Summary form to indicate a successful Coup Attempt based on removing the minimum Influence (at least 1 INF)
- updated Card Event text to better clarify canceling Events when a Card is played as an Event
- updated Instructions worksheet as needed
- renamed [REMOVED CARDS] button to [PLAYED CARDS] and added discard pile lookup to form
- renamed [Current Card] button to [Headline Card] button; Headline Card now played from separate form to address random discard during Headline Events
- removed some graphical elements to remove dependence on Microsoft Common Controls which are no longer supported in Excel 2010

I'd like to extend a *huge* thanks to Daniel Hogetoorn (DeDaan) for his extensive feedback and rigorous play-testing. Also, thanks to Alban Ullrich (PacoHolliday) for identifying and providing information re: the 64-bit edition of Excel 2010.

If you have any questions, encounter any issues or would like to provide feedback, don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy!

IMPORTANT! Due to some language-specific coding, it has been discovered that some Windows computers using other languages (ex. Dutch, French, etc.) can NOT perform some necessary functions (ex. Dealing Cards). I've identified and fixed the issue; however, I won't be posting a new version in the interim. If you are affected, please send me a PM (personal mail) with your e-mail address and I'll send you an updated version. A big thanks to Daniel Hogetoorn (DeDaan) for the heads up and testing!

Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition! v4.7

This update incorporates a number of new features, significant cosmetic changes and is designed to accompany a video tutorial series available on YouTube (see link below):

Changes (v4.7):

- added new Headline Track
- added revised Random Number generator
- added new Realignment Roll & Coup Attempt Probability section (click SUMMARY button)
- added new Die Roll Frequency table w/ chart to Calculations worksheet
- added ability to redeal Cards if desired (ex. 2 Scoring Cards dealt in opening Card Hand)
- added pop-up window for die rolling that shows die roll, modifiers and result
- updated game logging to indicate modified die rolls
- updated FAQ section to correct Formosan Resolution re: Final Scoring
- modified Quick Start section re: sequencing during Initial Setup
- used a more scalable font (Tahoma), where applicable, for all worksheets (more consistent display under Windows 7)
- updated Instructions worksheet due to cosmetic changes

I'd like to express my great appreciation to Stephen Allen (some_guy) for his mathematic work on the Realignment Roll probability section. In addition, I'd also like to thank Ken Watson (The Archon) for his time and effort explaining probability to me and also providing a very valuable Realignment Roll probability document that can be found here:

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/59670

Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge Ken Watson (The Archon) and Scott Pagliaroni (spags) for their time spent play-testing and providing valuable feedback.

Twilight Struggle Player's Aid - Video Tutorial:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/video/3199!

Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition! v4.6

This update incorporates many additions and changes, based on user feedback, such as game summaries, better Card Management presentation, etc.

Changes (v4.6):

- created Quick Start worksheet with basic steps, tips & tricks and example of play
- added in-game summary with overview, regional snapshot and statistics
- added in-game and e-mail notification of game victory (ex. Victory Points, Final Scoring, etc.)
- implemented new column re: type of Operations (INF, RR, CA, SR, etc.) for statistical et al. tracking
- removed Event text column from Played Cards worksheet and replaced with Notes column
- changed row width for Played Cards since the Event text column was removed; much easier to track card play
- added scrollbars for the CARD HAND and EVENTS-IN-EFFECT forms (i.e. fits in 800x600 resolution)
- added Other Scoring Cards to Calculations section (Alliance for Progress, Kitchen Debates, etc.)
- added checkbox for excluding Realignment Rolls from DEFCON restrictions
- used a more scalable font (Tahoma) on the Mapboard (more consistent display under Windows 7)
- implemented adding only the current turn's Game Log entries to the message body when sending by e-mail (PBEM)
- reduced spreadsheet file size by ~30% for sending by e-mail during PBEM
- added some graphical elements in order to "spruce up" the presentation
- fixed math bug re: adding Influence using Place Influence box
- fixed math bug re: Operations modifier
- updated Instructions worksheet with new features

I'd like to personally thank Ken Watson (The Archon) for playtesting and providing valuable feedback. I'd also like to thank Stephen Allen (some_guy) for his suggestions and generous gift of GeekGold! :)

Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition! v4.5

This major update implements Card Hand management (i.e. no ACTS required) with additional functionality for PBEM (Play By E-Mail).

Changes (v4.5):

- updated Instructions section re: Card management
- added secure Player Login for viewing Card Hands
- added option to play Cards directly to the Played Cards worksheet from player's Card Hand
- added Card Actions (i.e. Take from Discard Pile, Discard Specific Card, Reveal Cards, etc.)
- added encrypted Game Log (viewable, not editable, from spreadsheet; tamper-proof for fair PBEM play)
- added die roll management (i.e. only configurable once during initial setup for fair PBEM play)
- added Headline Card mechanism to address simultaneous play requirement (via Game Log)
- added prompts to automatically compress (Windows-compatible zip file), attach and send the Player's Aid and Game Log by e-mail for PBEM play (Microsoft Outlook required)
- added e-mail notification of critical game functions (i.e. die rolling) to ensure fair PBEM play (Microsoft Outlook required)
- added option to set turn number if a turn is mistakenly "ended" by a player
- optimized code re: screen updates (ex. the scenario generator is significantly faster)
- added random quotations about War at startup

I'd like to personally thank Jamie Pollock (Jambo) for playtesting and providing valuable feedback.

Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition! v4.1

This update implements the optional cards included in the recently released Deluxe edition.

Changes (v4.1):
- added VP amounts in prompt when playing Scoring Card
- fixed displayed Removed Cards when playing the Late War scenario
- added Deluxe Edition optional cards w/ card tracking
- implemented card placeholder (Card # 777) for Quagmire, Bear Trap, Defectors (see card index)
- added additional formatting to Removed Cards
- changed card numbering per Deluxe Edition (ex. #35 Formosan Resolution, #81 South America Scoring, #101 Solidarity)
- renamed #56 Muslim "Resolution" to Muslim "Revolution"
- fixed formatting of Current Card section under Excel 2003
- fixed Instructions section text-wrapping issue under Excel 2003

I'd like to personally thank Jamie Pollock (Jambo) for his help in making this update possible.

Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition! v4.0

This update includes new functionality, bug fixes and most of the game play elements of the recently released Deluxe edition. I hope you enjoy it!

Changes (v4.0):
- fixed issue related to playing cards as OPS when Event is not allowed (i.e. NATO)
- fixed Action Round Track
- added Chinese Civil War variant (optional)
- added Late War scenario generator
- added additional formatting for Excel 2007 users (version detection)
- added additional formatting for Calculations worksheet
- added Event in Effect and Removed Cards tracking during gameplay
- added more robust automation for Played Cards entry
- added Internet link to Deluxe edition rulebook at GMT's site in the Rules worksheet
- added 2 US INF for Canada, revised Aldrich Ames (Remix), updated Space Race naming, etc.

To Do List (v4.x):
- include new optional cards in the Deluxe edition (I don't have the text for all the new cards)

This spreadsheet has been my obsession since I discovered Mosse Stenstrom's excellent Player's Aid and decided to add some "refinements". Initially, for me, this was an exercise to better understand the rules of Twilight Struggle and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). To this day, I haven't played a complete game of Twilight Struggle!

If you encounter any "bugs" or have some suggestions, please don't hesitate to let me know. If you have found this Player's Aid useful, I'd appreciate hearing from you! We can all use some positive encouragement during these tough economic times :) God bless.

Twilight Struggle Totally Revised Edition! v3.5

This version represents another major update that incorporates Card tracking, new Operations-related automation, Mapboard additions and a totally revised Instructions section for ease of use.

Changes (v3.5):
- Fixed significant issue related to Card tracking
- Revised Action Round Track with Space Race entries
- Card button for ease of Card reference on Mapboard

Changes (v3.4):
- Full Screen capability allowing for more screen "real estate"
- "Add Influence Mode" checkbox for differing preferences of adding Influence to Countries on the Mapboard
- Revised Operations sections (Place Influence, Realignment Rolls, Coup Attempts, Space Race / Cards) that incorporates Card tracking to auto-update OPS / Die Roll Modifiers, remaining Operations Points, restrictions based on previous Card play and DEFCON Status, etc.
- "Just-in-time" prompting for adding Military Operations, Victory Points, etc. for common Operations-related tasks and Cards
- "Enter die rolls manually" checkbox for PBEM play
- Current Card status (Player and Card action) displayed on Mapboard for ease of reference for both Events and Operations
- Updated Calculation Summary boxes for each Region and inclusion of "All Regions" Calculation Summary box for global statistics related to Countries
- "Brighter" blue color for Middle East Countries
- New system of Card entry to track Events and Operations
- "Persistent" Cards highlighted for ease of reference
- Updated Scoring to include China Card (End Game Scoring) and play of Formosan Resolution
- Revisions support both Excel 2003 and 2007

If you encounter any "bugs" or have some suggestions, please don't hesitate to let me know. If you have found this Player's Aid useful, I'd appreciate hearing from you! We can all use some positive encouragement during these tough economic times :) God bless.

P.S. I'd like to thank Sam Lai (ah3dog) for his assistance in play-testing this spreadsheet. I'd also like to ask his forgiveness for "bailing" in the middle of our Twilight Struggle gaming session (through ACTS) so I could begin work on implementing his great recommendations!

Twilight Struggle Totally Revised Edition! v3.3

I've spent considerable time and effort to make this spreadsheet a "one-stop shop" for everything Twilight Struggle. It has been drastically overhauled since v3.2 with the following items in mind:

- make it as easy as possible to visually identify Controlled Countries (and Battlegrounds) and easily determine a Region's current Scoring state
- provide as much information as possible in the form of concise Rules, FAQs and Strategy Planner
- include time-saving form controls for easy entries and updates for Played Cards, Action Rounds and the VP Track
- visually alter the physical map to better represent the world

Changes:
- auto update Turn Track and Space Race Track based on entries for Played Cards
- form controls (checkboxes) for Action Round Track and Played Cards (Event & Operations)
- conditional formatting of Country boxes, based on Control, for easy visual identification
- conditional formatting of Region boxes based on DEFCON Status (highlights Region box in red if DEFCON restrictions in effect)
- included Region summary boxes so as to easily note number of Controlled Countries (and Battlegrounds) plus Scoring reference as reminder for quickly determining Scoring state (Presence, Domination or Control) for a Region
- automatic updating of VP track, from Calculations worksheet, by clicking VP button (macros must be enabled) when Scoring Regions; VP track keeps running tally of earned VP for each player and presents Score using Twilight Struggle standard scoring convention
- add concise Rules summary as well as FAQs based on offical and collected rulings

Ultimately, I've attempted to create as much automation and information as possible so as to make this an invaluable tool for tracking progress, calculating scores and easily referencing questions during gaming sessions. If you encounter any problems or have some suggestions, please let me know. God bless.

Twilight Struggle Totally Revised Edition! v3.2

Changes
- fixed missing connection between Argentina and Uruguay (thanks to Marc Maier
(permagoof) for the heads up)
- changed formatting on Middle East indicator for DEFCON 2 (No Coup or Realignment)

Twilight Struggle Totally Revised Edition! v3.1

Changes
- fixed some card entries
- fixed some scoring issues
- added strategy planner worksheet

This is a complete revision of the great Player's Aid created by Mosse Stenstrom.

Changes
- fixed incorrect scoring calculation when player has Control but not Domination
- added Event Effect boxes for reference purposes
- auto move Turn Marker based on Played Cards
- added card explanation text based on FAQs and official forum posts for Played Cards
- added a number of "cosmetic" changes related to colors, patterns, etc.

If you encounter any issues, please let me know. Enjoy!