Unofficial FLL FAQ06-c - Strategy
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Q4.1) Some of the field models are somewhat fragile. Can we use this to our advantage?
A1) No, the rules explicitly disallow using fragility as part of your strategy.
A2) No, you will upset the referees and judges (they can make comments on your behavior!) if they have to rebuild
models after your round.
A3) No, some tournaments glue the field models together to avoid this problem.
Q4.2) How can we adjust for different lighting conditions at a competition?
A1) There are any number of good ways to solve this problem. To list them here destroys your team's chance to
brainstorm this issue. Teams should come up with their own solution that matches their overall situation.
A2) A solution is to take light sensor reading of the competition tables prior to the tournament. Most
tournaments will allow a visit to the tables for this (and only this) reason.
A3) The NXT has a way to calibrate sensors. Read the online help for information.
Q4.3) Are humans allowed to manipulate field pieces when they are in the base?
A) Yes. You may manipulate field pieces that are in the base. These pieces may have originated in the base,
or may have been moved to the base by the robot. Once you 'own' then, you can do what you want with them within
reason. Stacking, sorting, connecting them, or adding a sub-assembly would be reasonable. Disassembling them,
or moving them (throwing/pushing/shoving) by hand onto the field would be unreasonable.
Q4.4) Are strategies based on sabotage allowed?
A1) The rules have not precluded robot initiated sabotage. However, as a coach you should think real hard about
letting a team pursue this avenue. What ethics are you teaching? Does this follow with the FLL
"Gracious Professionalism" prime directive? How are you likely to be viewed by other teams, referees, and judges?
A2) The 2006 rules now include an interference rule. This would seem to discount many if not all sabotage strategies.
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Disclaimer: This FAQ is not an official FIRST document.
It is an accumulation of knowledge derived from six thousand messages posted to
the FLL forum over three seasons. It has been reviewed by numerous people, but may
still contain errors. Use at your own risk.
Readers are encouraged to submit errors, suggested wording changes, new topics,
or comments to Skye Sweeney at skye@fll-freak.com
Copyright 2003-2006 Skye Sweeney; Last Updated on 10/28/2006