For those of you who like to plan ahead, the tournament rules for the 2010 CODCon Open are now available in the Files Section. The rules include the schedule for the tournament, which will be held April 10-11 at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, as well as an explanation with examples of a new scoring system that we’ll be using.
The new system is called Squares or Sum of Squares, and it’s what’s known as a divide-and-conquer system. That means that in order to maximize your score, you want not only to be big but to divide the centers you don’t own fairly equally among the other players.
There’s more math involved with this system compared with the Whipping system that we’ve used in the past and that we’re using to score this season’s games, but as long as you keep the above principle in mind when you’re playing, you should be fine.
Here’s how it works: At the end of the game, you square each player’s center count, and then add the squares together to get a sum for the game. Then you calculate each player’s square as a percentage of the sum, and multiply the result by 100. Thus, each game will be worth 100 points. Soloists will get all 100.
Check out these two tables, which score last night’s games under both systems:
| Game 86 | Centers | Whipping | Squares |
| Austria | 2 | 28.57 | 1.77 |
| England | 2 | 28.57 | 1.77 |
| France | 6 | 68.57 | 15.93 |
| Germany | 6 | 68.57 | 15.93 |
| Italy | 4 | 48.57 | 7.08 |
| Russia | 11 | 140.57 | 53.54 |
| Turkey | 3 | 38.57 | 3.98 |
| Game 87 | Centers | Whipping | Squares |
| Austria | 8 | 92 | 22.70 |
| England | 0 | 4 | 0.00 |
| France | 9 | 102 | 28.72 |
| Germany | 10 | 132 | 35.46 |
| Italy | 6 | 72 | 12.77 |
| Russia | 0 | 6 | 0.00 |
| Turkey | 1 | 22 | 0.35 |
Note that in the Whipping system, Russia’s board-topping position in Game 86 scored slightly better than Germany’s board-topper in Game 87, 140.57 to 132. In Squares, Russia’s scores is much better, 53.54 to 35.46. The system rewards him for being significantly larger than everyone else.
I think it will be fun and a nice change of pace to play under a different scoring system. If you have questions, fire away.
This Post Has 6 Comments
If you want to vote on these issues, volunteer to join the tournament committee.
Whoops. I inadvertently replaced Greg’s comment with my own. Sorry, Greg.
Greg said we change scoring systems as often as I change my underwear and asked whether paid-up members could vote on these issues. The answer is no. Only members of the tournament committee have a voice on these issues. But any paid-up member can volunteer for the committee. We took on Paul Pignotti for last year, so we’re not picky.
We’re looking at possibly hosting a WDC and DipCon in a couple of years. CODCon presents an ideal opportunity to test different scoring systems that we may want to use at future Weasel Moots.
As long as the scoring system is published and players have a chance to review it, what difference does it make how often we change it?
I’m going to accidently erase your head!
I think i like it. It will introduce an interesting dynamic — a common interest between a large leader and small guys about to be eliminated, in that both want to see the game end before a middling sort gobbles up the small fries.
[quote]It will introduce an interesting dynamic — a common interest between a large leader and small guys about to be eliminated, in that both want to see the game end before a middling sort gobbles up the small fries.[/quote]
Good point. Conversely, I think the system also encourages the mid-level players to help the weanies grow at the expense of the leader.
At any rate, for players who like to modify their style to fit the system, this one should provide some new challenges. Those who don’t care won’t care either way.
Might have to vote on this scoring system with my feet.
Oh who I am kidding I don’t care about no stinkin scoring system I just want to cause havoc for Christian (Calvin or McD).
thomas