Einstein Finals: Curie (469, 1114, 2041) vs. Newton (67, 177, 294)

[TEE]

The final matches were really close. I think Curie probably would have won it if they had strategized differently; as it was, they had nobody playing defense in either match, and 2041 stayed in the offensive zone throughout both matches. (In the second match, 2041 got stuck in the goal during autonomous, and remained there for over half of the match, until 1114 came and helped them out, which was a fluke in favor of Newton) Curie should have had every robot except 469 focus on moving balls from the far and middle zones to the offensive zone (scoring when possible, which would have been often for 1114), where there would be only one defender, and then go to town on scoring; every ball except those 294 would be able to clear would remain in that zone to score, while Newton's offensive, 67 and 177 would be starved of balls. At first, they would not have scored as much (because 294 would have an easier time blocking), but in the long-run, the tide of the match would turn towards Curie, as 294 would have trouble blocking successive shots from 469 and 1114, considering 294 would also have to deal with 2041. The fact that many of 469's shots wouldn't make it (because of the number of robots in the offensive zone) wouldn't matter, as 1114 and 2041 together would have been able to get many of those shots past 294.

This strategy takes into account the fact that 469's robot not only scores quickly, but that it also locks balls in the offensive zone. If it turned out that most of 469's shots made it past 294, then 1114 would be able to go back to midfield, or the far zone and fight for any balls 294 had cleared.

This all goes to show how much strategy plays in robotics. Newton, 67, 177 and 294, had a better strategy, and won it all because of it.

That said, could 2041 kick over the bump? Was 1114 able to hang with 469 expanded?

Also, looking over what I've written, it seems I may not have given due credit to Newton; 67, 177, and 294: you played wonderfully! Curie may have tried the strategy above and you could possibly have prevented them from pulling it off!

Any thoughts or comments?