To the Strongest
Ah, Successors. Difficult to play well, difficult to
GM. Nonetheless, a devoted following, a format change, and a
relative gaggle of players new to the tournament seem to be breathing
new life into this controversial classic. In all, 18 players
took on the roles of the Diadochoi, with thrilling results.
First,
the winner. The final was not to be your usual Successors
game. At least two generals were killed relatively early, and
the third turn saw four of the remaining seven generals in the
Dispersed box after the guy carrying Heracles whiffed against
the independent Scythian army. Poor little Harry ended up spending
the summer in Byzantium playing Mowgli to the Scythiansí
Bagheera, and the only general in shouting distance belonged
to Doug Smith, who would win if the rugrat got crowned. Much
hilarity and attempts to take Doug's points down ensued, but
in the end he managed to hold on for the win, his second in the
history of the tournament. I guess that's why we keep coming
back to this game, it always tells a great story.
Of the remaining players, Ralph Gleaten dropped down to fourth
when a significant chunk of his territory was removed due to
isolation at the end of turn 3, also unusual in this game. However,
all four finalists went home with an award, so no effort was
in vain.
This year, we instituted a MESE format, in which players who
win games in qualifying rounds get to advance to a semi-final
round. With eight slots, the priority went to first-place finishers,
followed by percentage-score-of-winner for place holders (where
a very strong third could - and did - advance).
Another problem for the Successors GM is how to rate
placing players in a game that has two scoring axes, two auto
victory conditions, two early-ending situations, an all-else-fails
victory condition, and three ways to compute who wins depending
upon which of the above is in effect. I cut the Gordian knot
in this case by simply not considering anyone who placed in an
auto-win game, which encouraged hard-fought contests.
In a game this tough to GM, the best I can do is a work-in-progress,
but it's worth it for what is perhaps the most unique game at
WBC. Thanks to all who participated! If you would like to be
part of a discussion on how to improve the tourney for next year,
contact me at the address below.
Important Links:
2nd Edition Rules: http://members.aol.com/elgrognard/successors/successors.htm
CONSIMWORLD Successors Discussion Folder: http://talk.consimworld.com:8082/WebX.cgi?14@214.jirfaqbOiO3^3@.ee6c38c
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