“Tactical Takeaways:

1. 2Ds, 1Ds, -2Ds.

Just interesting to note some of the situations that arise when trying to bash with a team with 4 S5 pieces. In these instances I find that I become more willing to accept a 1D, especially against something without block if it can benefit me in some way. Can I isolate a troll from support? Can I free up another piece with a push? Can I prevent or set-up a surf? Granted, this exact thought process led to me double skulling Turn 2, and effectively destroying my drive, but still, the numbers are in your favor. The -2Ds are generally the same thought process. One crucial question is does that player have block? If they do, it completely changes the situation.

2. Playing to Outs

My opponent did a great job showing how to look for each possible out in a given situation, as opposed to giving up because it seemed so unlikely. I think this is a mindset to always keep in mind: what is possible? In this case he pulled off what he needed to do to secure a draw and very possibly a win. What are your options?

3. Re-roll Management

Just because you have 3 re-rolls, doesn't mean you should throw them to wind on any whim. We had a failed block Turn 1, that I almost immediately re-rolled, and that was a rookie mistake. Had the block failed, it would've had little to no impact on the game state.

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