[Rob]

In my opinion, the best alliance will need the flexibility to choose from using many strategies in different matches, and the willingness to use them all (not being stubborn and trying to "do it your way").

I think there will be situations where you will need the flexibility to win using bonus points, to win using big rows on the top, to win by removing a spoiler, to seal up a victory by blocking your opponent from getting back to climb, the list goes on...

To draft an alliance that can only play one way is not, in my opinion, the winning solution. You need the flexibility to adapt to any circumstance that arises.

On a side note, I think that the primary strategy of most winning alliances will be to win with points on the rack & removal of spoilers, and use ramp points as an "out" when things don't go as planned.

Remember that it takes 3 robots to score 60 bonus points, but only 2 to block the climbers from getting back in time (park sideways between the rack and side of the field, pin them against the side of the field for 9 seconds, etc.) Also, it only takes 1 robot to place a ringer or spoiler that can be worth huge points.

One thing I like about this game is that all three types of scoring (placing ringers, lifting "bonus points", and placing/removing spoilers) are exciting engame winning moves. Every element of scoring is a viable and exciting way to win matches.

This should be fun, good luck everyone!

RAZ