On the Importance of the Backup Teams

[thefro526]

One of the reasons that I'm so fond of 4 team alliances at an event like the Championship is that it gets more teams involved than the current system. Sure, you could say the backup teams "are involved" in the eliminations but it's really not the same as being an Alliance member.

The other reason I suggest going to 4 team alliances is so that a team won't ever have to make the decision between not running and losing or sitting out and not having the opportunity to play again. In a case like 177's they would've been able to sit out a match and properly repair their drive train without the use of a timeout or anything of the sort, and once it was fixed they would've been able to play again.

[Josh Drake]

It may also help the eliminations go faster due to fewer time outs needed. Break and you get a full round of quarters to fix it, or less. You may still need the time out in the semi-finals or finals, but if you have robot #4 ready to get on the field it may go smoother. Of course this is an idea for the championship. Some regionals may not have 32 robots functioning come eliminations.

[DonRotolo]

Interesting idea: A 4 team alliance for eliminations, with 3 teams on the field, where you can swap a robot in or out for any given match. Perhaps for repairs, perhaps for a specific strategy. Someone should mention that idea to the GDC.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

Interesting idea: A 4 team alliance for eliminations, with 3 teams on the field, where you can swap a robot in or out for any given match. Perhaps for repairs, perhaps for a specific strategy. Someone should mention that idea to the GDC.

You youngin's with your 2005 rookie years.

In 2004, the final year of 2v2, three teams made up each eliminations alliance everywhere--regionals, Championship, you name it. Teams could play any two teams they chose in the first match, but whoever sat out the first match had to play in the second (working or not).

I'd love to see that make a return, at least on the Championship level.

[Craig Roys]

Originally Posted by Billfred

You youngin's with your 2005 rookie years.

In 2004, the final year of 2v2, three teams made up each eliminations alliance everywhere--regionals, Championship, you name it. Teams could play any two teams they chose in the first match, but whoever sat out the first match had to play in the second (working or not).

I'd love to see that make a return, at least on the Championship level.

You beat me to it; I was about to mention the same thing. They could do 4 teams with the same rule that all must play at least 1 match per round, but you can swap in and out as you choose. It would definitely make things more interesting...not to mention, the extra 8 robots that would get a chance to extend their Saturday a little bit.