Boogie - Curbing The Cheating

I have been trying to develop a method to curb the use of online boggle grid solvers when playing Boogie.

If you have never played Boogie, either ignore this thread or go play a round or two at Arcadia or at the Boogie Barge (search Boogie in find places).

<will insert LM here when I get home from work>

I don't really expect many people to answer, or much people to care since the majority of people in SL have not played a full game of Boogie.

Anyhow.. I have already implemented a time bonus to the multiplayer game... Which when compared to someone using the solver wins about 1/2 the time (when someone good is playing). I was thinking that in order to curb the boggle solvers even more, I would add a bonus letter.

When this letter is used, you get some sort of bonus (the letter will be Q,Z,J,K, or X randomly)

I can't figure out which would be the best way to implement the bonus though.

The above poll is the options I have already thought of, with varying usefulness in detering boggle solver cheating.

Any suggestions??

I've voted for my preference, but not really sure what would be best.

In a game such as multiplayer boogie the scoring element changes the tactics used during the game.

Yes time bonuses can be used to penalise those people using solvers (it takes time to enter the grid into the solver), but it also penalises the players with voluminous vocabularies and inclination to think out the best words.

Ultimately what mankind can devise, mankind can overcome.

Its a fine line to walk when modifying what is such an enjoyable game
It can be so easy to go OTT in these tweaks and end up losing sight of the original idea behind the game. That said, the better players will adapt (we are borg).

Long Live Boogie }:¬)

If I had a wish it would be to make the same score for 3, 4, 5, etc letter words instead of variable scores.
(like in solo)

the addition of a letter bonus is cool that makes it more balanced, I think, and more fun

I also like the time bonuses

Why not add a check in the game -

If player goes into "away" status then fast forward the time count down.

If you are full screen and switch to another window you go into away.

If you are copying down the grid from somewhere else you stand the chance of going into away

If you are away then you are obviously not concentrating on the game.

It is a simple thing to get around - but if you are that serious about getting the high score then there is not a lot that will be able to stop you cheating.

( I know from experience of playing on-line othello that some people just have to win so will use all sorts of backend programs to work out their moves for them - no point in my view - but thats human nature )

Do you mean make 3 letter words worth 5 points always not 5-10 and make 4 letter words 10 points always not 10-20?



Unfortunately, It is very easy to not go into away mode while using the webpage. Just split screen SL in windowed mode with the online solver window. I appreciate the suggestion though.

I tested the Bonus Letter (using straight points and double word score today). It looks like straight points is going to be the way. Also, I have increased the time bonus again. After testing with 2 very good Boogie players, it seemed to be a success and will definitely help to curb cheating.

Yes, that is correct.

I would like to see the same score for words no matter the score. So a 3 letter word could be x points every round, every game. Over time I like to track my improvement, but can't if the points vary every game.

It could be just me though, I never heard anyone else voice that preference.