[Scott358]

.... it's not about maximizing, in the end, it's about scoring more than the other team (which is similar to beating them 2 out of 3).

Also, it's not really like the qualifying rounds, as expressed by the second post in this thread and the one just before this one, because of the 'masochistic' strategy which can be used (since you do not keep the points going forward).

As the lead member of alliance who lost to the so called 'masochistic' strategy used during the semi's at the BAE today, even though we won the second match 79-0, I'd to take a moment to explain it in some detail, and hopefully help those who might have it used against them.

Let's suppose you're in the playoff rounds, and lose a close fought, "typical" first match (about even boxes on both sides, no stacks (as there are very few stacks standing in the end), but you only had one bot on the top and they had two) . This would typically put you behind by more than 100 pts.

The other team now has a distinct advantage, as they can win one of two ways (and even switch back and forth between them!!!):

1. Win the next match (which most would assume would be the strategy).

2. Utilize the 'masochistic' strategy, which calls for the lowest score possible (by removing points from their own scoring zone, which is pretty easy, especially if you're helping them as you need to win!!!), and allowing no stacks (which is pretty much the rule, as there are very few stacks standing in the end).

The reason the 'masochistic' strategy works is that if they score zero (which isn't difficult to do), and even if you have all of the bins and both robots on the ramp (but no stacks), your point total is limited to below 100.

The real difficulty in this is that they can start with method 1, and if you start winning, they switch to method 2 before you realize it.

Now, while this may not seem "fair", nobody said it was going to be fair. You must simply understand how this works (which we didn't before today), realize how important it is to win the first playoff match, or be ready to deal with this difficult situation.

We've learned a very valuable lesson the hard way, and hopefully you find this information helpful.

Regards,
Scott358

PS - One way to "reduce the spread" is that if you know you're going to lose the first round, employ a 'masochistic' strategy of your own in the first match. I wonder if all this masochistic behavior is good???

PPS- To be honest, I would prefer 2 out of 3, as it forces both teams to try to win each match, which is more exciting to watch.

PPPS - Good luck to all, and have fun!!! See you in LI, and in Houston!!!!