Hangman game - logic problem

Question

Hello, im trying to make it so that when an incorrect letter is chosen (arrayToPass does not contain string) the picture of the hangman is drawn.
I want count to go up to the number of incorrect attempts so that the appropriate picture is shown - not sure where I would put this though (count).
Generaly having trouble understanding the logic for this.
Please give some hints
Commented out code is various stuff ive tried already and i did not see a forum for logic therefore i think this is right.
     public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e)
          boolean b = false;
          int count = 0;
          ImageIcon icon = null;
          String s = e.getActionCommand();
          String string = s.toLowerCase();
          b = arrayToPass.indexOf(string) > -1; //Sees if array word has letter in radiobutton in it
          //Split the word into an array
          char[] chr = arrayToPass.toCharArray();
          if(b == true) //If the word holds that letter
               //String tempString = new Character(chr[1]).toString();
               //jtp.setText("Correct");
               for(int k = 0; k < chr.length; k++)
                    String ss = new Character(chr[k]).toString();
                    jl.setText(ss); //Set label to correct letter found
          else
               count++;
               if(count == l)
                    icon = new ImageIcon("E:\\HangMan1.jpg");
                    jtp.insertIcon(icon);
               else if(count == 2)
                    icon = new ImageIcon("E:\\HangMan2.jpg");
                    jtp.insertIcon(icon);
               else if(count == 3)
                    icon = new ImageIcon("E:\\HangMan3.jpg");
                    jtp.insertIcon(icon);
               else if(count == 4)
                    icon = new ImageIcon("E:\\HangMan4.jpg");
                    jtp.insertIcon(icon);
               else if(count == 5)
                    icon = new ImageIcon("E:\\HangMan5.jpg");
                    jtp.insertIcon(icon);
     }

Answer 1

Although this is still very simple code, it always pays off to bring structure into your code.
You have a couple of tasks which you have to fulfill here.
1) Analyze the game situation.
2) change your game state accordingly.
3) display your current game state.
You can handle these three tasks completely seperate. First, you have to check for your words' validity. Depending on this, you have to change your count. Then, you have to repaint.
So, what you need is at least a game state object. This one must live as long as the game lives, so fields like your "count" are defintely wrong inside the "actionPerformed" method. Don't misuse the Action Command to carry information. Allow access to your game state object, and store the hangman word there.
Your word validity check is quite complicated. Maybe it would be a good idea to move it into its own method.
Your painting method will contain more than just changing your hangman pics. For example, you also have to uncover letters that were hidden before, so maybe you should put this into this method, as well.
This might look like overkill, but seperating helps you to distinguish between good code and wrong code. It also helps you to mentally concentrate on one specific topic, instead of handling everything as one mesh.