Open Brainstorming Thread

[EddieMcD]

Two words make this year exciting: Game Theory.

First, keep in mind that tetras ON a goal can't be removed. That brings these three factors into play:

1) Ownership of a goal can change with one cap of a tetra. Are you going to wait until the end so your tetra doesn't get capped? Will you go for a certain goal thinking that the opponent is going for another goal? Do you fast-break and try to cap all the goals first and play defense?

2) Tic-tac-toe is as much a chess game as, well, chess. This also takes into account what you and your opponent are doing, multiplied by three. Where are you going to be on the board in relation to them?

3) An opponent can remove tetras from IN a goal just as easily as you can. If that's your only purpose as a push bot, great; you've got a pretty decent niche. Just remember that as your removing tetras from IN the goals, your opponent can do the same.

Game theory part deux: autonomous mode (yay, 15 second longer match times). I have no clue how many in the field will be able to succesfully nab the vision tetras, but keep in mind that both you and your opponent could be capable of it. That bonus one tetra could be the difference in completing a tic-tac-toe for a bonus 10 points and winning by a couple, or letting your opponent get his bonus tetra and then cap your goal for the win. But fear not: for those non-vision tetra people, you can just knock the hanging tetras down for an extra point. Which again can be enough for a win, though keep in mind your opponent is probably doing the same.

The entire game may come down to which coach knows where to place his last-second tetra. Of course, it may be a moot point if all of the opposing alliance is in the end-zone, though maybe your last tetra TAKES a tic-tac-toe from the opponent. This brings up another factor: when to move for the end-zone. If you place your last tetra and move to the end zone, the opponent can just as easily cap over your tetra (or cap another strategic goal) and ruin your day when you bolt. But again, you can do the same.

I figure this game isn't about which robot is best; it's just like poker (it's not a game of cards, it's a game of people). Either way, this game is quite spectator friendly, even without knowing the point values. And I've only scratched the surface of the game theory on this.