YMTC: #1 Seed

[Bill Moore]

Originally Posted by Don Wright

Two collaborated robots, say Robot A and Robot B are in the same division in Atlanta.

A third robot, say Robot C, is also in the division.

During one of the middle round qualifying matches Robot A is paired with Robot C AGAINST Robot B.

Robot A and Robot C beat Robot B.

In the final match of Qualifying, Robot B and Robot C are paired together against Robot A.

Robot A has zero losses.
Robot B has one or more losses.
Robot C has zero losses.

Robot A has more qualifying points than Robot C.

If Robot B and C win, Robot C is the #1 Seed.
If Robot A wins, it will be the #1 Seed.

Robots A & B have picked each other in previous regionals and have "dominated" the competition.

You are the coach for Robot B. What do you do?

The Ethical Answer is that Robot B plays to win, otherwise, you are not truly acting as an alliance with your other partners in the Qualifying matches. It is dishonest not to attempt a victory.

Surprisingly though, the Logical Answer is still "Robot B plays to win". Basically, if Robots B and C are capable of beating Robot A during qualification matches, it is a good sign that they are capable of doing the same in the playoffs. The scouts for Team C would have to be asleep in the stands to miss the dominance of that pairing.