Strategy is an integral part of the robotics competition and the alliance selections are a part of that. If you think of the importance of strategy in games that you are familiar with - apply that to the entire process of build and competition, from design through alliance selections, and throughout each match, with alliances working with each other.
I'm linking you to the conferences that will be available at the Championship. There are those who will not be attending the Championship, I understand, but I would like you to look at some of the topics and note who some of the presenters are. A few of the presentations discuss strategy. If there is any way for folks to attend these, I would highly recommend it.
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...dule_32008.pdf
The game, strategy, drivers continuing to improve throughout the competition(s), alliances working with each other - each of these elements continue to deepen and develop, as does our understanding. It's pretty spectacular.
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Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller (1880-1968)