[gregsanCHEVY121]

Well, I can see that there are mixed feelings about this years FTC game. Some people say that it is too similar to last years game but really it isn't. This year there is a longer autonomous period and the scoring revolves around the center. There are also the ramps that are spring loaded that gain you extra points. Ring and pucks are similar in shape, yes, however your method to obtain the pucks can and propbably will be much different. I remember teams picking up the rings from the center like a skewer. You won't be able to do that this year. Also the pucks and rings are a different weight. Now for the strategy. Yes you can get the other teams pucks. But if you do that in auto mode than you will be giving the other team points which is a down fall to that idea. Also in order to get all the pucks from the other team your robot would need to do it with great speed and the team that your trying to get the pucks from will have to be not moving or doing absolutely nothing. It is possible but i highly doubt that strategy alone will win you matches. Also the method of just knocking the pucks into a hopper and scoring them all at once like a dumping method may be harder than you think. The triangle goal is high up but also a pretty good distance from the outside of the circle which is one thing to keep in mind. Yes you can dump the pucks in the circle but it wont be nearly as effective as dumping many in the triangle. With the auto mode getting the pucks down from the far rack will be much more challenging than just driving over there. Most likely there will be a robot in the way sometime in autonomous. I personally like this years challenge and the new kit. You can think what you like but i would put your feelings aside when designing the robot and at your meetings. Good luck!