Texas 42

Welcome to the Official State Domino game of Texas! Texas 42 is a trick taking game similar to bridge or spades. Invented in the late 1880s, it has become a tradition across generations of players.

Category	Price	Seller	Device
Games	$1.99	Mike Emery	iPhone, iPad, iPod

The sole motivator for the development of this app has been to create an AI that doesn't make the users wish they spent their 2 dollars on a soda instead of frustrating computer play. Much work has been made into creating an AI that makes the same moves you would. Since you don't have the same play style as everyone else, you can set each computer player to have one of 3 specified play styles "Conservative", "Normal", or "Aggressive". You can mix and match these styles as you see fit and can change them at any time in the game.

A conservative player will tend to bid lower than the rest of the players. Its main focus when it has the lead is to draw all the trumps in play before moving on to non-trumps. If the conservative player does not have the highest trump, it will tend to lead with a junk/punt tile to draw out the higher ones, while holding on to tiles with count until it knows it can win with them.

A normal player will tend to bid higher than a conservative player. Its main focus is holding on to its trumps for cases where count is on the table. If it does not have the highest trump it will tend to attempt to punt to its teammate.

An aggressive player is a mixture of the two. It tends to push the bid to 31 or 34-36 with weaker hands than the other two and is more willing to bid marks if it has a strong hand. It is also willing to lay down trumps with 5 counts in an effort to draw out the ones covering the 10 count. Its more willing to play count at risk of hoping its partner will win the trick.

For bidding purposes, your partner will respond to your bid. If you bid 30, you are indicating to your partner that you have a helping hand and it will be much more likely to outbid an opponent win the bid.

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Here's what some beta testers have had to say about the app:

"The AI has been impressive for me so far, not a single play that I've seen has been stupid yet and I've probably played around 10 games. Very solid game for my experience"

"I really like your idea of the different styles of play and I think you are pretty close to that reality."

"To date it is the best one out there. I have never felt like I was playing true 42 on the other apps."

Reviews

Great 42 App
Rtrombone

Simple, straightforward, easy interface. AI can be a little tough from time to time, but overall a great game and fun to pass the time with. Should consider a training interface, that offers pointers for beginners.

Dumb Partner
ThrobbingGristle8675309

The AI on your partner in One Player mode is an idiot. Can't execute basic 42 strategy (well, maybe it's advanced...been playing 42 a loooooong time). I'll just say that no one would want this clown for a partner at my family reunion games, that's for sure. But overall, pretty solid time killer. I recommend it.

Great game but some bugs and missing bid options
Cre01

When an opponent bids nello doubles, they play nello follow me. It would also be nice to bid on Sevens - closest to a 7 count.

Great!
Strokin 2002

Love it. Nobody likes "7's" anyway. Would like to know how to do multiplayer though.

Fix your bugs!
Wsr001

Concept is great, but it is very frustrating when trying to play multiplayer. Have not been able to get a multiplayer game started in the last 5 tries due to bugs. For $2 I would rather buy a coke currently the way it sits...

Best 42 game I've found
Random987ab

While it may not compare to playing with actual people it's far from a bad alternative. The computer logic is good enough. I've played a lot and still enjoy the occasional game months after having purchased the app. Gig'Em Ags!

Needs work
42man

The logic needs some work. I would have given it two stars if it was free, but I expect a better app if I have to pay.

Love it!!!
Badgers51

I've been looking a great 42 app for awhile and this is it. The AI is great they don't make dumb mistakes all the time and provide a challenge. Well worth the money if you like playing 42