[Al Skierkiewicz]

In many games of the past, it was almost a sure bet to pick from the highest ranked teams. This game however, needs a more prudent choice in robot function. Survivability, ability to drive away from defenders, the need to defend well and the ability to score more than other robots all rank high on strategy. If an alliance already has two good scoring robots but neither can defend well, a defender is sure to be picked. If you were a high scorer in this situation, most teams would pass over you in favor of picking a good defender robot even if that team was ranked dead last.
As many experienced people will tell you...given two similar robots, the one that drives better (practiced drive team) will be chosen. To reiterate by using an old joke...Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!