PooWords - How To Play
PooWords was designed to be playable on the Web, on IRC, or using an ideal combination of the two.
Playing on the Web
First, you will need to login to PooWords. If you do not already have an account, just create one on the front page of the
site. Once you have logged in, take note of the current games listing on the right.
Creating a Game
If there isn't already a game in progress, or if you wanted to start a new game for your friends only, click on the Create a New
Game link to setup a new game.
Joining a Game
Simply click on the [Join] link below the number of players if you would like to join an existing public game. Alternatively,
if a friend has given you a game name, you can enter it in the hidden game box and click on Join.
If the game is already in progress, you may have to wait a while. PooWords will provide a few random quotes for you to read.
You'll be able to see the voting round, and will be included in the next game.
Playing the Game
The game will present you with a number of categories. The idea is to enter a word that fits into the category that begins
with the big letter on the right-hand side of the game window. You'll want your answer to be unique, so choosing the most
obvious answer isn't always the best approach. There will be a short delay before the game starts. Once the game has
begun, make sure to type in your answers and press Enter after *each* answer to lock them in.
Each round has a time limit, which is displayed on the right-hand side of the screen. If somebody finishes before everyone
else, they can initiate a rapid countdown, giving you little or no time to complete more answers.
Voting
After the game has been played, there is a voting round. This is where everybody gets to see each others' answers and choose
if the answers are valid or should gain extra points. Next to each answer are 4 links [N,D,1,+], which are described below.
Please note that you do not have to vote, by default, the system allocates points automatically.
N - "No"
This marks the answer as invalid. If two or more people mark an answer invalid, then the answer is
disqualified and awarded nil points.
D - "Dupe"
This marks the answer as a duplicate of another answer (either by another person in this round, or the
same person in a previous round). What effect this has depends on the scoring system of the current game. Two
or more votes are required to mark an answer as duplicate.
L - "Limit to 1 Point"
This marks an answer as only eligible for 1 point. This may be used when an answer contains a whole bunch of
adjectives, but you still think it should be valid. ie. Big Blue Bouncy Ball. Normally, this answer would be eligible for
4 points, but if two or more "1" votes are received, it can only receive 1 point.
+ - "Karma Boost"
This marks an answer as particularly good and worthy of receiving extra points. The number of extra points received
depends on how many people issue a + vote.
Playing on IRC
Not yet finished.
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