Is it okay to "throw" a match that will be replayed?

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by magnets

When we go to CMP, our plan is to somewhat redo our shooter by making a new one at the competition. We'll need time in the machine shop to make a few parts and time to make it match the older one, so we don't plan on having the new one ready for the first day of matches.

You have a 45 pound hold back. Presuming you have measurements of your robot, you should be able to get pretty close before competition. Last year was the first year we had enough of a budget to build 2 robots. The prototype (practice), and the Competition. That helps with taking full advantage of the hold back.

[FrankJ]

The only matches that you are sure to replay are the ones that end with a foghorn.

Anyway that sounded like a reasonable strategic decision. In that situation I would make sure my alliance partners understood what was happening. They are the only ones you really owe an explanation to. Of scouts will be judging your game play as well.

[peirvine]

Originally Posted by Gregor

It's not worth the risk. Not all field faults result in a replay, it's dependant on if the head referee (and the FTA to an extent) feels like the replay affected the outcome of the match. This is important, because their interpretation could very well be different than yours, especially since they don't have to make the decision on the spot (i.e. during the match).

If your robot can't survive one more match, you will not make it through eliminations in Aerial Assault. Play it to win, because it's not worth the risk, especially to your alliance partners.

Not sure what team you're on, but if we're in a match together I'd object it.

I agree 100%.
Never throw (or "throw") a match, your friends need you to play because the outcome of the match effects them too.

[PriyankP]

Originally Posted by magnets

We understand that we are doing this at our own risk, should the head ref decide that there was no fault. However, we would be willing to bet that if matches with autonomous mode faults are not replayed, the people of Chief Delphi would attack with pitchforks, so we are fairly confident a fault like this will result in a replay.

So what do you guys think? Is this strategy GP?

That is a bad reason. I'm sorry, but the notion of a *CD thread* having any impact on *match replays* at Champs is absolutely insane.

If you are certain a match will be replayed because of a legitimate field fault, given your situation of a limited capacity shooter, there is nothing wrong with sitting duck.

On the other hand, if you do have a good shooter, and you're in a position to be picked, you want to give the top teams every possibility to scout your team's capabilities.

[RunawayEngineer]

Originally Posted by inkling16

I am personally of the belief that "GP" should never be used to evaluate a game strategy.

Someone clearly hasn't seen Karate Kid.

Personally, I would never park my robot for a match for this simple reason: every match, replayed or not, is being scouted.
If I saw a robot that parked during a match, I would assume that it is broken. Even if I discovered the reasoning - to prevent the robot from going under extra punishment - I would put a mark next to their number because that means that they don't have confidence in their own machine. If they don't, then why should I?

[Abhishek R]

From a strategic point of view, if your robot sits still for ANY reason at all, it will be noted of and seen as a downfall to the scouts sitting in the stands.

[JesseK]

Haters gonna hate.

Though I do agree that you shouldn't simply sit there. Maybe go spin in circles in front of the referee.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Maybe go spin in circles in front of the referee.

Is it too late to put on an LED panel that flashes "Replay" at the Head Ref?

[Pault]

Originally Posted by peirvine

I agree 100%.
Never throw (or "throw") a match, your friends need you to play because the outcome of the match effects them too.

Generally, I would agree; every team should play to win all their matches.

This situation is a bit more complicated than that, though. If magnets' team played one match with all that they have, it might mean that they won't be able to do so during a later match with other alliance partners. Furthermore, if the match is replayed, then they could be letting down the exact same alliance partners and end up losing that same qualification match if their shooter broke before the replay. It is kind of a numbers game: what are the chances that this match will be replayed, what are the chances that we will lose if we hold back, how is playing this match to my fullest going to affect the life expectancy of my shooter? In the heat of a 150 second match, this team and it's alliance partners are going to have to evaluate these question and determine what is best for the long-term success of Magnet's team.

My advice to magnets: don't be an idiot; play to win all your matches, not just the one in front of you.

[bduddy]

I would not recommend this strategy for the reason that, if your inaction causes the match to end up with a very large margin of victory for your opponent, the referees may decide that the match should not be replayed, even if there was some fault. After all, there are a lot of matches to get through...

[jijiglobe]

Our team has "thrown" multiple matches and it is something we talk to all of our alliance partners about before every match. Our team calls it "blowing" a match. The basic idea is if you are really far behind or ahead of the other alliance and the outcome of the match is already determined, you stop playing to score the most points. The tie breaker in rankings is assist points so we try our best to score as many assist points as possible by not trussing or high goal scoring. It has made the difference between whether or not we were alliance captain(qualifying by a mere 10 assist points). We talk it over with every alliance we work with in qualifications and invariably have gotten agreement with the strategy. Not 100% relevant but I thought I would mention as it pertains to "throwing" matches, particularly the losing ones.