[YMTC]: [YMTC] A Tangled Web

[ChrisH]

Here is a scenario that does not involve anybody breaking any rules or tricky scoring questions. I don't think there is any one correct answer. While I have stretched things a little bit to increase the tangledness of the motives, the core situation is real, though I'm not sure all of the teams involved were fully aware of it at the time:

You are the on-field coach for BlueOne and are currently standing in the cueing line for the final qualification match of the Magnolia Regional. You are currently the number three seed, having lost your first match due to an out of control partner that racked up more penalties than the highest score. But you are clearly one of the best robots in the regional, hurdling five to six times a match in spite of heavy defense. One of your partners, BlueTwo, is the currently undefeated number two seed, another hurdler who can get 4 hurdles reliably. BlueThree is an average lap bot that can also knock down balls. The red alliance consists of three barely functional lapbots. If they are lucky they will make 10 laps betwen them. Everyone is expecting the match to be a blowout.

The number one seed, YellaBot is right in front of you waiting for their match, which is right before yours. This year's YellaBot is hurdling at least six and sometimes seven times a match.YellaBot is known far and wide for their integrity in addition to their capable robots. Last year they returned their medals and trophies for winning this regional when they discovered, after the competition was over, that one of their partners in eliminations used an illegal component. In this match they are facing some tough defenders and can expect little scoring help fom their partners. They will probably win, but it will be close.

Suddenly one of the drivers from BlueTwo runs up and asks if the alliance can leave the red balls on the Overpass throughout the match. They have figured out that if the losing alliance can score at least 40 points they will probably have enough QPs to take the top spot. (In which case they plan to pick you) But the only way that can happen is to leave the red balls alone for the bonus at the end. BlueThree complains that knocking balls down is the only thing they do well, and their school Principal, who they really need to impress, has just arrived.

The BlueOne drive team has talked about a possible alliance with YellaBot for the Eliminations. The two of you together will be almost impossible to beat. If you pair with BlueTwo, the outcome is somewhat less certain though there is a good chance you can win. It largely depends on who you get for the third partner. YellaBot made it clear they want no ethical problems this year and they would rather be Finalists honorably than pair with a team that doesn't meet their high standards and win. They can't help but overhear your discussion.

All three teams await your answer ....