Predictions Championship 2011: The End and a New Beginning

[George A.]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

Still don't know why they don't do round robin on Einstein. Each team plays three (or maybe even one?) against the other divisions, the top two move onto a best-of-three finals.

The closing ceremonies are run too long as is. Add in the complications of a round robin tournament would drag things out even more.

While I would love this, it might not be that practical.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by George A.

The closing ceremonies are run too long as is. Add in the complications of a round robin tournament would drag things out even more.

If each team plays every other team once in the round robin, there would be 6 matches for the round robin part. Then the two alliances with the best record then play best 2 of 3 for the championship.

The biggest advantage of this system is everyone is guaranteed 3 matches on Einstein (up from 2 under the current system). Since these games often play out like rock-paper-scissors, it allows each of the alliances a chance to show off all their strategies. The alliances that have made it to Einstein have worked hard and deserve the chance to show everything they have, in front of the entire audience. It can be very disappointing to go out there and lose two quick matches and be done.

Another advantage is that this might make scheduling easier for FIRST. Under the current system, there are a minimum of 6 matches to play and a maximum of 9. With the round robin plan, there are a minimum of 8 matches, and a maximum of 9, which should make things more consistent year to year and easier to plan.

[The Lucas]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

The biggest advantage of this system is everyone is guaranteed 3 matches on Einstein (up from 2 under the current system). Since these games often play out like rock-paper-scissors, it allows each of the alliances a chance to show off all their strategies. The alliances that have made it to Einstein have worked hard and deserve the chance to show everything they have, in front of the entire audience. It can be very disappointing to go out there and lose two quick matches and be done.

I like it, it would be fun to see all the matchups and the finals would be higher quality if the best 2 alliances are there for all 3 finals matches. There is no seeding going in (like 1-8 on divisions) so round robin makes more sense than arbitrary matchups. I see a few cons
- If ties are common in a certain game, it might come down to odd tiebreakers for 3 alliances with the same number of points.
- It would be weird to see an alliance that is mathematically eliminated compete on Einstein. The last round robin match might be skewed (cant play last 2 at the same time either like World Cup).
-No counter strategies in Semis. It is always fun to see an alliance switch it up after a defeat. Still will happen in Epic Finals.
-Tougher on the scouts. Hard enough to gather data on another field while you are in an elim run. Now you have to do all 3.

[MooreteP]

Thanks,
I always look forward to your commentary each year, though I am waiting for you to stick your neck out with some predictions.

I volunteer in the Media Center at the Championships, so I need to keep track of each of the divisions and help to prepare releases that list results and tell stories.

I believe that an effective defense will make the difference in the eliminations and on Einstein. Littering tubes in feeding lanes and blocking minibot deployment alignment.
Watch for the team with the deploying wings (can't remember the number, but they had a YouTube video) that can prevent tube scoring to make a difference.

If nothing else, just watch 177 Bobcats get picked again as a lucky charm and get their third championship. They have great drivers and effective strategies. Their upset win last year was no accident.

There, that is MY prediction.

Everybody have safe travel and a great time in a wonderful city.