Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

From what I heard they're more like VEX gauge parts. It would be interesting to see multiple robot types on the field and possibly use of both materials. The lesson of "the best strategy is not to play" could mean a separate field area. But I would think this is too complicated to add to the manual. Pairing Tetrix and Matrix teams every round and maybe having an equal amount?

Maybe an alternative scoring object? It seems like there are two sides to a telephone pole. Adding to the interest would be a sort of adding and subtracting scoring. One side gains a point, but the opponent scores the same level and side. Removing a point at the same time. Resulting in a number of stalemates and possibly defensive/offensive measures.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

They have been showing rings. Now they are talking about strategy. The clip from War Games shows the WOPR playing tic-tac-toe. The lines of telephone poles may indicate winning by getting three rings of your color in a row on a matrix of poles. That would be similar to the logomotion game.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

What if is like a combo of Rack 'n Roll and Triple Play?

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

I'd like to see more precision scoring, instead of mass scoring. Rings seem like it would be a happy medium. :)

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

I think another major hint is, "How will your robot compliment your alliance mate's robot?" This goes along with the passing references.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

New Hint:
http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.c...e-stretch.html

The first hint that can be seen is the title "Home Stretch". This refers to a term in racing for a last turn or straight portion of the track.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

Once again the word ring appears in a clue! hmmmmmm

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

Once a lap you get to place a ring on a grid. I think Tic-Tac-Toe is a little too simplistic, but maybe something where the more rings in a row you score the more points it’s worth. Part Roller Derby, part Connect 5. Lot’s of potential for strategy on both the race portion and the ring placement.

Fast bots, agile bots and accurate bots will all have an advantage. Big 50lb bots, may actually be at a disadvantage. This plays well for combining bots from Tetrix, Matrix, & custom parts.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

Another hint I saw which I didn't have time to post was "we'll step you through any issues.". Which makes me think there's an obstacle course of sorts involving team work.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

Another clue. Seems to support putting rings on poles in some sequence. May have divided game area.

"you have all your ducks in a row".
"critical administrative actions each team needs to complete"
"you can ring us"
"we'll step you through"

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

The photo is a deeper hint, it's from a sketch on an old tv show. Nothing too crucial, except that the character uses the phrase "one ringydingy, two ringydingy" etc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9e3dTOJi0o
"down to the wire" - hearkening to telephone wire reference?
"clock ticking" - well, that happens in every game.
"ducks in a row" - someone commented on the blog that this works with the tictactoe reference
"ring us" - ring reference
"step you through" - has to do with jumping through hoops, maybe, or just another ring reference?
Also, in the title, I think that the home "stretch" could indicate a rectangular field shape. But that's probably just wishful thinking.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

A Tentative list. Feel free to add stuff.

"catching a lift"
"ring"ing phones
Volkswagen Transporter.
“end of the long road”
“almost there”
telephone wires
Olympic rings
Passing the torch
Star tennis players
Fence
Medal/FIRST logo
Complimenting teammate
Predict/forethought
“The only way to win is not to play”
“the home stretch”
“one ringydingy, two ringydingy"
"down to the wire"
"clock ticking"
"ducks in a row"
"ring us"
"step you through"

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

I’ve hoped for a 12 x 16 field too, but I don’t think it’s in the cards just yet. If it were in play, I’d assume that AndyMark would be suspiciously out of stock on the official Field perimeter. Maybe next year.

http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0481.htm

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

I’ve hoped for a 12 x 16 field too, but I don’t think it’s in the cards just yet. If it were in play, I’d assume that AndyMark would be suspiciously out of stock on the official Field perimeter. Maybe next year.

Re: [FTC]: FTC 2012-2013 Game Hints
 

It's possible they could change the field this year by either two options:
- Taking the tiles and sidewalls from other parts of the field.
- New playing surface (carpet, wood, etc) if they create

With all the changes in materials it might be a field change too. They state no field shape or the word field for that matter in the rulebook they had released early.