Look Back: Week 5

[Looking Forward]

If week five taught us anything, it that strategies cannot be copied and pasted into different events and different matches. Evidence for this already existed, but after five weeks of competition and much evolution in strategy, it is now undeniable. At some events, triple scorers prospered. At others it was defense that reigned supreme. At several it was clearly shown how important flexibility was, and the alliances that could best adapt to each opponent were crowned victorious.

Vegas was a terrific example of this, with both finalist alliances blending defense and offense together. 330 was the undoubted leader of their finalist alliance, often scoring one large payload then playing outstanding defense on their leading opposing scoring machine (and fully utilizing their pseudo-crab). But their alliance couldn't pull it off against a well-balanced #3 alliance, which featured three solid scoring machines, but no single "explosive" element. 987 and 1622 weren't the flashiest, but they got the job done. 1013 is what set the alliance apart, providing both defensive and support scoring, and made many other alliances look foolish for not picking them earlier.
254 and 1538 paired up as the number 1 alliance, but the two robots were too similar in design and strategy to work together ideally. Defense and less than spectacular teamwork led to their semi-final demise.

Similar events played out in Long Island, Lonestar, South Carolina, Seattle, Hawaii, Mest Michigan, and Connecticut. No number #1 alliance took home gold at any of those events, with less flashy, but better rounded alliances capturing gold. Strategies varied from event to event, with some using three offensive bots, some using witty defense, and some placing lots of value on super cells, but good strategy was crucial to all.
1771 was probably the best bot in Palmetto, but fell to the #3 alliance due to a decline, and picked up one of the bots that knocked them out two weeks before (2415) to aid them in capturing gold.
Many of the top bots faced heavy defense in qualifications, and didn't seed exceptionally high in Seattle. The eliminations included a dramatic, four-match semi-final series, and ultimately 488, 1425, and 1569 claimed the crown (and 1280 got their second silver).
1421, 704, and 2587 chugged their way to the top in Houston, with a solid effort from all three robots and some tough finals matches. 148 met a quarter-final exit due to lots of defense.
Connecticut saw a heavily favored combo of 121 and 694 barely escape the QFs, then get beat in the semis. 694 had technical issues that left them sitting ducks at various points, but when on their game was lethal. 121 saw huge amounts of defense thrown their way, and could barely move more than a few feet without one or two bots pinning them. 126 and 1155 improved their scoring significantly from their first events, and added a strong defensive team in 1902 (who could also score while pinning thanks to their turret) to form a ferocious alliance with no real weaknesses.

399 decimated the field in Denver, with a 13-0 record, #1 seed, and regional victory. Once paired with 1332 and 2996 in the eliminations, they were unstoppable, breaking 100 four times in six matches, acquiring three <G14>s (missing a 4th by a single moon rock), and only having one match within a 34-point difference.

Another California team also had a perfect record this weekend, with 1717 going 15-0, #1 seed, and winning in Sacramento. Their domination wasn't as complete, especially in the scoring column (several very close matches), but the D'Penguineers could endure defense far better than most, and got very good complimentary scoring from 668 (who came much closer to realizing their full potential than earlier int he season). 1717 managed to sneak by, with a match in each round being decided by 4 points or less, but all in their favor.

67, however, did not escape undefeated. HOT took three losses (two in quals) and seeded 2nd. However, 217 (who seeded first, and irregular thing for anyone who follows the Chickens) selected them and formed a very strong alliance. The Thunderchickens have certainly improved since Midwest, and though they still use the super cell extensively, their moon rock scoring is vastly improved. The #1 alliance received a scare in the semis, when the #5 alliance took the first match by using three solid scoring machines and a ball-hogging strategy. But the one-two punch of 67 and 217 was ultimately too much, and both walked away with another victory (and the top two rankings in the state).

If 610 wanted a moment so memorable that it could erase any trace of their gaffe at Rochester, they got it in the finals in Toronto. The #1 alliance of 2056, 1114, and 2185 faced off against the #3 alliance of 188, 610, and 1305. The blue alliance took the first match by a solid 97-74 margin, and edged them to within one match of gold. But then all hell broke loose.
610 had damaged a roller playing defense and needed a time-out. 188 called it. As the clock expired on the time-out, 188 didn't quite make it to the field and wasn't allowed to compete. The blue alliance reacted by sandbagging the match, attempting to draw a 3x G14. 2056 and 1114 caught on, and starting scoring on their own trailers to avoid the penalty. The blue alliance hit a super cell in 610s trailer, but they only drew a 2x G14, leaving the red alliance with one super cell at each station.
The third match went down to the wire. Blue was leading heading into the final seconds, but by a very narrow margin. In the waning seconds the red alliance nailed a super cell, giving them the edge, 97-90. Remember that 2nd G14 penalty they just avoided in match 2?
This marks the 6th consecutive regional victory for 2056, the longest streak in FIRST history. 2185 won their second of the year (and in two weeks). 1114 was vastly improved over their performance in Midwest, and while most will cite 2056 as the best team on their alliance, 1114 was no slouch. Both teams played a very large roll in the success of this alliance.

[waialua359]

I said it in the beginning and I'll say it again. Einstein will see many NEW faces this year from teams in the 2xxx-3xxx range. This game has certainly allowed newer teams to compete heavily with the veterans and defense can knock out any top scoring robot.
Scouting is ever so important at CMP this year as relying on veteran presence may not be enough to get to Einstein as it was in the past. The 3rd partner is key!!!! They can either be a weak link to an alliances downfall or key to stopping a scoring threat!!! Supercells will be a factor.

[nikeairmancurry]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

67, however, did not escape undefeated. HOT took three losses (two in quals) and seeded 2nd. However, 217 (who seeded first, and irregular thing for anyone who follows the Chickens) selected them and formed a very strong alliance. The Thunderchickens have certainly improved since Midwest, and though they still use the super cell extensively, their moon rock scoring is vastly improved. The #1 alliance received a scare in the semis, when the #5 alliance took the first match by using three solid scoring machines and a ball-hogging strategy. But the one-two punch of 67 and 217 was ultimately too much, and both walked away with another victory (and the top two rankings in the state).

Well.... THose were probabyl the most dramtic and most exciting matches played yet to date in Michigan. At the end of the thrid match before the score was accouned Paul Copiloi and Adam Freedman, both came over to me and my Mentor and said to us, "that no matter what the score was, this has been the most fun we have had this year, playing in matches." THis game has proved that it takes 3 teams to win, no two can carry an alliance. We had three great scores. Trust me... This will carry over to the state Champs and that is gonig to be a good preview of nationals. I bet that atleast two of the teams that are gonig to be competeing this week at EMU, will be sitting at Einstien, looknig for a World Championship.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

1477 has four wins in a row now, after winning Lone Star for the second straight year. .

umm dont tell that to 1421 they may take offense

[Doug G]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

Another California team also had a perfect record this weekend, with 1717 going 15-0, #1 seed, and winning in Sacramento. Their domination wasn't as complete, especially in the scoring column (several very close matches), but the D'Penguineers could endure defense far better than most, and got very good complimentary scoring from 668 (who came much closer to realizing their full potential than earlier int he season). 1717 managed to sneak by, with a match in each round being decided by 4 points or less, but all in their favor.

1717 was amazing, but not unstoppable - although I don't think any one is this year. In the quarterfinals - we had our rookie ally 3013 shut them down (as best they could), which left us to deal with 668, and our other ally, 1678 had to do offense. We almost pulled it out losing 64-68 in the first match, but 668 got us in the second match. So here we had a rookie team with no offensive ability (but great defense) and us with limited offense, and one good offense robot, able to compete with a top alliance. It is so tough for any one (or two) robots to dominate this game. I also noticed that the driver for 1717 was getting better and better as the competition went on (maneuvering out of traps and such). And 668's ball capacity seem to grow larger with each match. By the end of Auto, 668 would have 12-15 balls loaded and ready. They also made a great pick in choosing 2473 who played well into their strategy. I know scouting is always important, but this year more than any other I've seen is the year of the SCOUT!!!

[s_forbes]

I'm glad 1717 and 399 got their tickets to Atlanta this weekend, they both deserved it

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

Vegas was a terrific example of this, with both finalist alliances blending defense and offense together. 330 was the undoubted leader of their finalist alliance, often scoring one large payload then playing outstanding defense on their leading opposing scoring machine (and fully utilizing their pseudo-crab). But their alliance couldn't pull it off against a well-balanced #3 alliance, which featured three solid scoring machines, but no single "explosive" element. 987 and 1622 weren't the flashiest, but they got the job done. 1013 is what set the alliance apart, providing both defensive and support scoring, and made many other alliances look foolish for not picking them earlier.
254 and 1538 paired up as the number 1 alliance, but the two robots were too similar in design and strategy to work together ideally. Defense and less than spectacular teamwork led to their semi-final demise.

From what I saw, Vegas went down a little bit differently than this. For one thing, 3006 was the primary scorer and seemed to be a solid leader for the #4 alliance, not 330. 330 was kind of a wildcard (ironic considering what the Highrollers named their robot ), they would load up in the beginning and spend most of the match looking for a good opening to unload. Whether or not they got this opportunity was what decided most of their matches, and it sure kept everyone on the edge of their seats!

Also, I don't recall seeing 1013 ever score a moonrock, but they played some seriously tough defense that gave the Highrollers and Spyder the openings they needed to score.

[DiscoDancer]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

1477 has four wins in a row now, after winning Lone Star for the second straight year.

1477 was out in the quarter finals...
1421 was the team with the most recent Lone Star win in the winning alliance, and that was in 2006.

[Brad Voracek]

Thanks to everyone for mentioning us, again. It was a rough weekend, although the scores don't show it.

As mentioned, scouting is the most important thing this year. We recorded every match on friday, and I watched at least 2/3rds of them in order to make our third pick for the eliminations. It's so much harder than it looks, especially if there are not enough scorers to go around. Obviously atlanta will be different, but scouting is more important than ever. It was an emotional roller coaster, but we pulled off the win.

See you all in atlanta.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by s_forbes

From what I saw, Vegas went down a little bit differently than this. For one thing, 3006 was the primary scorer and seemed to be a solid leader for the #4 alliance, not 330. 330 was kind of a wildcard (ironic considering what the Highrollers named their robot ), they would load up in the beginning and spend most of the match looking for a good opening to unload. Whether or not they got this opportunity was what decided most of their matches, and it sure kept everyone on the edge of their seats!

And from what I saw, they were busy playing defense half the match and looking for targets while still playing defense for the rest.

[cziggy343]

wow. no love for ANYBODY else at palmetto? it was really a much more solid regional than anyone is giving it credit for.

[Rob Colatutto]

Originally Posted by s_forbes

Also, I don't recall seeing 1013 ever score a moonrock, but they played some seriously tough defense that gave the Highrollers and Spyder the openings they needed to score.

That's correct. 1013 did not score any orbits with their robot. They kept all their starting orbits with their human player at the outpost every match, and consistently threw them into our robot and every goal that drove by her. They also played amazing defense for us and pinned robots to give us and 987 an easier opening to score.

[Enigma's puzzle]

Originally Posted by cziggy343

wow. no love for ANYBODY else at palmetto? it was really a much more solid regional than anyone is giving it credit for.

No love for West Michigan, didn't even get mentioned following the statement about #1 alliances not winning.

[Herodotus]

If those regionals are any indication I was right in thinking that having a more well rounded team is key this year, which is why I figured the #1 seed wouldn't be as powerful as usual.

Except when it happens to be 67 and 217 filling the shooting roles. Though even then 3119's defense saved them in some matches.

[robodude03]

Originally Posted by Brad Voracek

Thanks to everyone for mentioning us, again. It was a rough weekend, although the scores don't show it.

As mentioned, scouting is the most important thing this year. We recorded every match on friday, and I watched at least 2/3rds of them in order to make our third pick for the eliminations. It's so much harder than it looks, especially if there are not enough scorers to go around. Obviously atlanta will be different, but scouting is more important than ever. It was an emotional roller coaster, but we pulled off the win.

See you all in atlanta.

You can say that again. For those of you who did not see the alliance pickings, Brad was trying to make a decision between two robots for our third alliance. It all came down to the scouting done by several members on our team and the discussions we had late into the night on Friday. I can't stress enough how important good data is needed for scouting and in the end it payed off for us.

[engunneer]

Seattle was certainly dramatic. Most memorable for me were the following:

#1 seed was #3070, the first time I've seen a rookie go first. They made a great pick of 1983 (The same first pick we made in Oregon that took gold). LF is right that many of the best teams were heavily defended, and most went 6-1 or 5-2 in quals.
We were grateful to be picked 8th (though we were hoping to be picked by 360).
#8 beat #1 in QFs in two heavily offensive matches. it's scary to see 1983 left with an open field.
488, 1425, and 1569's alliance were clear favorites from the start of QFs. They held a decisive win in most of the elimination matches.
The 4 round semifinals aren't shown in the FIRST official rankings, but they went Tie, #3, #8, #3. The last two matches were especially dramatic due to 1318 being partially dead in both matches. We lost a PWM cable on the left drive at the tail end of the third round, and two independent wire failures on the scoring mechanism in the fourth. Had the upper conveyor worked at all in that last very close match, we would have met (and probably lost to) the 488 alliance in finals.
This regional also marks the first time 488 has gotten gold after many (8!) years of superior, but somehow non-winning robots.

All in all, a nice selection of top PNW teams will be heading for Atlanta this year. 360's chairman's win brings another great robot to the fray in the Dome.