[EricH]

Whatever the size FIRST gives for the robot, build 1" under. Not design, build. Somehow, the robot will gain that inch back.


Ditto for weight: build 10# under (accomplished by designing 15# under). That way, you'll come out right at maximum--though having to grab a block of steel might be necessary.


Aim for the simpler tasks. Particularly if you don't have a lot of expertise. Sometimes, a lockdown robot that can score lots of 1-pointers can be worth more than a high-point robot that only works half the time.