Car Nack Predicts 2011-1

[Alpha Beta]

If time is the only reason that 6 logos won't happen, it is worth considering alternate (closer) sources for game pieces. You could steal a game piece from the oponnents lane for a -3 penalty. If that piece then completes a logo on the top row it would gross you an additional 12 points and net you 9 after the penalty (an even bigger point bonus if ubertubes are involved.)

On a side note. It is possible to deploy your mini-bot from your lane where theoretically the defense is forbidden to go. But why wouldn't you take a 3 point penalty to prevent a 30 to 10 point score.

I actually like a game where smart penalties play into strategy. Great job GDC.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Alpha Beta

On a side note. It is possible to deploy your mini-bot from your lane where theoretically the defense is forbidden to go. But why wouldn't you take a 3 point penalty to prevent a 30 to 10 point score.

Because it's not just a 3-point penalty. Messing with a robot deploying a minibot, especially if the deploying robot is contacting the base, is an automatic red card if it happens during the end game. No matter if your alliance wins, you don't!

During the end game, that would be a 3-point lane violation, a possible 3-point contact with a robot contacting tower violation, red card for the previous violation being intentional, and a red card for interference with deployment. 3-6 penalty points and 2 red cards for one move that prevents a 10-30 point score. That is not a smart penalty to take.

[Alpha Beta]

Originally Posted by EricH

Because it's not just a 3-point penalty. Messing with a robot deploying a minibot, especially if the deploying robot is contacting the base, is an automatic red card if it happens during the end game.

You are absolutely correct that interfering with a robot that is contacting the tower during the end game would be a poor choice. That would be the worst way to interpret the "smart penalty" concept. No one wants any part of a red card. Now defending the robot from getting to the tower even if it means going into the opponent’s lane to do it and eat the -3 is still an option. I expect to see hard defense in the end game. If I can delay a superior mini-bot with a penalty just enough to come in 2nd while my partner comes in first that is a 7 point swing, even more if I can delay him enough to not reach the top. Can you do that without drawing a red-card? Up until <G23> and <G25> comes into play.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Alpha Beta

You are absolutely correct that interfering with a robot that is contacting the tower during the end game would be a poor choice. That would be the worst way to interpret the "smart penalty" concept. No one wants any part of a red card. Now defending the robot from getting to the tower even if it means going into the opponent’s lane to do it and eat the -3 is still an option. I expect to see hard defense in the end game. If I can delay a superior mini-bot with a penalty just enough to come in 2nd while my partner comes in first that is a 7 point swing, even more if I can delay him enough to not reach the top. Can you do that without drawing a red-card? Up until <G23> and <G25> comes into play.

If they touch the tower at any point during the end game, it's an automatic 3-point penalty in addition to any lane penalty. If the refs deem that you are interfering with deployment (i.e., they're starting to swing a deployment arm, and you hit them or shove them, even if contact was already begun), it's an automatic red card.

Up until the endgame, it's a viable strategy. But if you're doing that, I'll go do the same thing to one of your partners, or make a logo.

I also have another couple of tricks that could get me first in the minibot race despite your defense. And trust me, they'll be used by somebody. Smoke screens aren't always smoke...sometimes they're mirrors.