Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play this game?
You need to have a blog (a "web log", an online journal) or other kind of web page, and you need to post snippets of text on it. The exact rules can be found on the side of each game page and the front-page.
Do I need to have a blog to play?
Not necessarily: you can also play with any type of homepage. This game is just mostly aimed at blogs as they are the most "social" type of web page.
Where do I start a blog?
Try Blogger.com, TypePad, or any other service.
Where in my blog do I put the text?
You can put it anywhere so it's visible, like the navigation bar or a blog post. However you may not use the comments section or any other area. People who follow a game who click on your blog should have the chance to see what you're doing.
Do I need to list my past moves?
No. You can if you want to, but it's not necessary.
My move isn't working. What's wrong?
Several things could prevent your move from not working make sure you:
- Copy the syntax exactly as is from the game page (bottom) and paste it into your blog, or any other kind of homepage.
- The URLs you use to create a game must not have any redirects or frames.
- The text must be visible within HTML. It may not be within comments, inside an image or inside a Flash.
- Of course, you also need to check if it's your turn, and if it's a legal move you are making (the slot may be full).
If the problem prevails, contact me.
Why does the game page load slowly?
The game page will load as fast as the blog who has to make the next move. That's because the game page needs to connect to that page to see if there are any new moves. So the faster the competing blogs are served to browsers or other clients, the faster the game page will display.
How can I find out when a token was placed?
Move your mouse over the token; usually after a second, a tip will pop up. This will show you the number of the move, as well as how long ago it was placed. You can also send me your URL so I can place it on the front-page, so other can start a game with you.
My move didn't work, did I do something wrong?
Make sure you use the exact syntax as provided in the game page, at the bottom. Also, make sure your blog is legal, i.e. the slot you put the token is not already filled up.
How exactly can I win "Connect 4"?
The game is simple – just connect 4 tokens of your color (either yellow, or red) horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Each player makes a move in opposing turns, playing a token in any of the 7 slots on top.
Can I skip a move?
No. You must move each second turn, even when you know playing your token will put your opponent into a winning position in the next move.
My opponent didn't move for a long time. What's going on?
Note that your opponent may be in a different time zone, so he might be sleeping already when it's still afternoon for you.
How long can I play?
Hours or days! However if you want to keep an inactive game around for a long time, like weeks, you should email me so I won't delete it.
How can I find people to play against?
If you don't know any other blog author, you can use BlogExplosion.
What is the purpose of this game?
Just to have fun, really. It's also an interesting "proof of concept" to see how blogs can be used, and how two web pages can "talk" to each other. Another positive side-effect is that people can find new blogs to read by following the games.
Who's behind this site?
Me, Philipp Lenssen from Germany. Here's my Google blog for more.
How can I delete a game?
Just write to me to let me know, but it's best to include some proof you're the author of either of the two participating blogs.
Can a game end in a draw?
Yes, this sometimes happens.
Can I give up on a game?
No, you should play until the end (until the game page will read "the winner is..."). Otherwise your opponent, and people watching the game, might not know you're not moving anymore. But if you want to, I can delete a game for you.
I like to promote this site. Can I use any of your graphics on my site?
Sure! You can also use this blog button:
I see one past game that has an impossible number of red tokens compared to the yellow tokens. What's wrong with that?
In the beginning of this site, there was a bug which once caused a double-move. I hope it's fixed by now.
My game has disappeared, where is it?
I may delete games which have been created, but not started for a very long time (like 2 days without a first move).
Are there more games of this kind on the web?
None that I know of, but if you come across any I'd love to hear from you.
Is there a discussion board for this site?
I have a forum at my blog, Google Blogoscoped. You can post there if you want.
Who will read my suggestions, or answer questions not answered here, or fix the bugs I've found?
Email me (Philipp Lenssen).