connect four
In a rare event that has never happened before and will likely never happen again, Sarah and I became immersed in the same computer game. The game is called Gnect, and is a PC based version of the popular game Connect Four. It is one of a number of free games available with the Gnome desktop environment for Linux.
Just messing around on my Linux based laptop, I happened to fire up the game and in a matter of minutes, was dismantled by the computer AI 12 times in a row. At that point I went to make some popcorn and told Sarah to give it a try. She has since uttered oaths at me for introducing her to the game.
The draw is that the game is so simple that it seems like it should be easy to beat the computer. However, even on the easiest setting, the Velena Engine, which powers Gnect, is a more than formidable opponent. Out of about 40 attempts, I have won twice.
If you want to see how wicked-good your computer can be at Connect Four and not rest until you have overcome it, try one of these free programs:
4 in a Row (Windows)
Mustrum (Windows)
Gnect - part of Gnome Games (Linux)
Have fun!
cw