“Tactical Takeaways-

1. Dwarf Defense vs. Orcs

I actually think we were doing alright. There was a play that I saw that was likely going to allow us to get two hits on a blitzer, but it was 2D into 1D. I was willing to take the re-roll and did, but double skulled and it killed the entire drive. We did have one good shot on the ball that was also created by a frenzy hit, but would've been cleaner had the first been a push. We got the carrier down, but weren't in a great position to put any added pressure to the ball. I don't know that I would've done much differently defensively. It really came down to that decision to take the slayer hit, and it failing. So maybe that could've been the key error.

2. Effective Offensive Drive Killed by Positioning Error

Managed to get 2 removals through surfs, and each was very pivotal for the current state of the game. I felt our offensive drive in general was going well. We were gradually making our way up the sideline and getting removals as we went. There were two key errors. The first came in positioning a beard squared up with a possible blitzing target such that it wasn't going to allow an assist. This forced an awkward -2D block that was not intended. The second error came in not seeing that I was going to need a dodge to position the ball where I intended. As I discovered this I began to panic and look for alternate routes, but it had to be the dodge. I failed it, and made it with the re-roll, but was too flustered to think that I needed an extra rush to prevent a possible chain surf. Had I taken the rush I likely was in a very good position to score, but it wasn't meant to be. Opponent made a very impressive counter chain surf to win the game. Good learning experience.

3. Time Out Consideration

Especially given this was played as a tournament match I considered being the timeout chaser. It realistically would've given me a signfiicant advantage, but I chose not to immediately pursue it. In higher stakes games like this I may start the match by saying "Hey, good luck! Official Fumbbl Minor Match: I'll give one time-out extension with a reminder, but I'll end the turn at any following instances." I think part of it is because the timer does change the nature of the game. I believe part of my missed rush error was based on the stress of trying to beat the clock. I think I ended the turn in the 3:50s. Tricky though...It feels bad to possibly win because you timed out a person. In BB3 there are games I have lost and won on time, but it never feels personal, yet on Fumbbl it does. Weird...Need to think on my philosophical approach to this more. ”