Re: [spoon-discuss] Re: [Spoon-business] Fixing the Number Game

["Orc In A Spacesuit" <orcinaspacesuit@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Baron said:
> The Orc said:
> > I don't have a problem with minor compensation, but I see a few problems 
> > with this prop as it stands.
> > First, I think it should be 4^N instead.  That way getting all 5 right 
> > puts you just barely above 1000 points.  Of course, the speed limit keeps 
> > you from getting anywhere near that amount.
> > Next, why are you giving ALL players the points.  This doesn't really make 
> > much sense to me.
> > Next, you need to set the number game to Solved once somebody solves it.
> > Finally, the way you set it up, someone could get to a real close position 
> > and just guess repeatedly.
>
> -First: Well, I think I'll leave it at 5 - for all intents and purposes, it 
> makes no real difference, since mostly we'll see "victories" of something 
> like 3-8 points. I mean, really. The odds of getting all 5 right are so 
> astronomical... as it happens, the odds of getting all 5 WRONG is pretty 
> low, too (something like (9/20)^5), so this is a nice way to get a couple 
> free points a turn. Like a guilt-free lotto.

See the bottom of this post.

> Next: Where does it say I'm giving everyone everything? I gave a method to 
> awarding points to each player, not every player. Otherwise, we get into 
> confusion - who is "the player" I keep referring to?

"At the end of each nweek, the Administrator awards a number of points to 
each player equal to 5 raised to the n power, rounded to the nearest point, 
where n is determined as follows:"

Yeah.  The "to each player" part.  I wasn't sure if it was a typo, but 
judging from youre response, I assume it is.

> Next / Final: Yeah, I'll change this slightly. I think Dave should just 
> replace everything each nweek. That seems easiest.-

Again, see the bottom of this post.

> > While I'm not against some reform to the game, perhaps this could be 
> > tweaked a bit.
> > I'd also prefer that the game retain the "keep guessing and try to get 
> > closer" aspect, rather than resetting the number each time, which will 
> > make it truly random.
>
> -Well, that was nice when the pot was smaller, but this way, you can find a 
> spot that gives you 100 points a turn and just sit there. That's no good.-

And that's why I say don't have a giant pot.  You can say these things 
balance each other out, and in a sense they do, but I don't think it's good.

If you have giant pots and make it entirely random, that sounds like a game 
for the Casino.  Random chance.  That's not what the number game is about; 
it's takes bit of brains to get the full benefit.  If you think the number 
game has too little chance of getting you money, then don't play.  And if 
you want an entirely random gambling system, make a new one.  Heck, even 
change the proposal simply putting this new text in the Casino rule and 
calling it "5-Wheel Roulette".

You said that the giant pot and complete randomness balance each other out.  
And in a pure payoff-return comparison, they might.  But I say doing it that 
way changes a fundamental part of the game.

This kinda reminds me of recyling Insta-rules debate -- I think it gives far 
too much RU's, especially considering that it repeals the insta-rule 
involved, and the great big explosion is something that can be dealt with, 
or even used to the player's advantage with the right conditions.

Orc in a Spacesuit
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