2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)

[JackN]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Last year, IRI put 4 teams on each alliance in an attempt to allow more teams into the elimination rounds. While this was quite interesting and added an extra dimension of strategy, many of these "4th" teams didn't even see the field (both of the finalist alliances never used them, for instance). Perhaps this year IRI could goto a 12 alliance system (similar to what was used at GTR 2006). This would allow for 12, 3-team alliances (36 teams total) to make the elimination rounds. The 1-4 alliances would receive a bye through the first round, and the other eight would compete to make the QFs.
5 v 12
6 v 11
7 v 10
8 v 9
It would mean essentially another set of QFs to run, which would likely tack on an extra hour (or possibly longer) to the run time of the competition, but I think many teams would be in favor of it.

I think Sean is on the right track but I would go a step further. Limit the number of teams to 64, have 16 alliances and give every alliance 4 members. Make sure every team plays just to add to the competition.

Also this one is where it gets interesting, after alliance selections, the number 1-7 seeds get to pick their opponents in the first round. If there is a selection to play an opponent in the top 7 then the highest seed moves up. It is kind of complex but I think it adds to the strategy of the game.