successors [Updated October 2003]  

2003 WBC Report    

 2004 Status: pending 2004 GM commitment

Doug Smith, PA

2003 Champion

2nd: Ahmet Ilpars, Turkey

3rd: Tim Miller, GA

4th: Ralph Gleaton, SC

5th: Jim Gutt, TX

6th: Craig Melton, VA

Event History
1998    Doug Smith      32
1999    Jim Gutt     16
2000    Jim Gutt     16
2001     Robert Seulowitz     17
2002     Robert Seulowitz      16
2003      Doug Smith      18

PBeM Event History
2001    -      24


Offsite links:

AREA Ratings

boardgamegeek   

 Laurels
Rank Name

From

Last
Total
 1. Jim Gutt

AZ

03
76
 2. Rob Seulowitz

NY

02
59
 3. Doug Smith

PA

03
36
 4. Michael Day

AZ

01
30
 5. Tim Miller

GA

03
30
 6. Ahmet Ilpars

Turkey

03
18
 7. Ralph Gleaton

SC

03
18
 8. Ross Jones

SC

01
16
 9. Craig Melton

VA

03
12
10. Jim Doughan

PA

00
12
11. Nick Firer

WI

00
10
12. J R Tracy

NY

00
  6
13. Dennis Mason

ME

99
  6
14. Peter Card

UK

00
  4
15. Michael Mitchell

GA

99
  3
16. Brian Mountford

NY

00
  2

Past Winners

Doug Smith - IN
1998

Jim Gutt - AZ
1999-2000

Robert Seulowitz - NY
2001-2002
 


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

 GM      Doug Cooley  [2nd Year]   7424 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 
    dougc@jazznsax.com   971-570-3603

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