9.3.4 Match Seeding Points

[SteveGPage]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

However, I can guarantee you we will see it attempted at least once per regional event.

I think you will see it once or twice per regional, but probably only that. If there are 4 different basic scoring outcomes for an alliance {zero points, score points, score on both alliances and win, and tie} then there would be basically 5 different combinations {zero points v score points, zero points v score on both, score points v score points, score points v score on both, and tie v tie}. Let's say for the sake of argument, the Blue alliance is on the losing side of the match (except for a tie, of course). In that case, the Blue alliance will get the same number of seeding points as the winning alliance (not including penalties) - so therefore derives no advantage over the Red alliance in terms of moving up the ranking - in 2 cases. This also includes the tie situation. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Red alliance to not only win, but insure that the Blue alliance also scores. This is true in 3 of the 5 combinations. So by a 3:2 ratio - it is in the best interest of an alliance to win and to have the losing alliance score as many points as possible. The best case is to win by as close a margin as possible, even if that means scoring for the opposing alliance.

Therefore, if the Blue Alliance recognizes that the Red Alliance's best strategy is to have a Med - High score for both alliances, and will score on the opposing alliances goal if necessary, and visa versa. You have the Nash Equilibrium as far as the game strategy is concerned. If you attempt to have collusion, and have a zero point v score high points scenario, and a team defects, by breaking this agreement (scoring on the opposing alliance to maximize their score, or by accident), then you will now have "Tit-for-Tat" and you could never have that agreement again, since everyone would assume you would cheat again, and would then defect from any agreement you would attempt to make – even if they initially agreed to it. (You might get forgiveness for the first time you “cheated”, but not twice!)

Best regards,

Steve