“To keep the PROCESSOR clear for scoring, the HUMAN PLAYER can shift scored ALGAE
on top of the PROCESSOR where there are designated ALGAE holders.”
The word “can” here is a bit vague, and this is not stated in any official rule section, rather in a description of the field.
Since the opposing alliance’s human player is in charge of keeping YOUR processor clear for scoring, wouldn’t it be advantageous for them to not move any algae that are processed, attempting to back-up the processor so the sensor can no longer score? The opponent can then just wait until the last few seconds of the game to clear out the algae and throw them into the net, effectively limiting the max number of algae their opponent can score through the processor during the game.
I can’t find any rule about whether or not this opponent human player is forced to pick up the algae out of processor, so I can only assume that this is a valid strategy, although it would only make sense if your opponent’s strategy is very processor-focused.
Can anyone find a rule or some wording that makes this more clear?
Letting the opponent score in the processor though could net them 2 points, even if you make the net. It would not be advantageous. Additionally, later in the game it’s probably more likely algae bounce out of the net due to it nearly being full.
I’d like to add that you’re essentially creating a huge point deficit if you just leave them in there. You’re allowing the opposing team to just earn at least a dozen points by not clearing it.
This is exactly what I was wondering. I don’t feel like it’s the intended purpose but I think the entire design of the processor is confusing for no reason when it could just be a 2 point score
Lets estimate that only 3 algae fit in the processer, and you(the human player), dont get rid of them. Thats net 18 points for the opposing allaince . If you do score in the net for all 9 times they could process the algae, thats still net 18 again.
If you wanted to be non-GP, you keep the processor filled and un-scoreable until there are 20 seconds left, then have the human player score the algae in the processor.
That’s fair, it would depend on how you (the HP) misses the shot, but it doesn’t mean your opponent can’t retrieve the algae from your side if they have nothing better to do.
I don’t think this is an oversight by the GDC. In the past, there has been time limits to returning game pieces (2010) or limited number human players can hold onto before needing to return them (2020).
Probably, the HP could also intentionally “accidentally” throw it into their alliances feild. (This isnt really a good strategy though, if you process the opoosing alliance could throw into their barge gaining them net 4 points rather than net 2)
