The ALAMAZE 6 vs. 6 Contest

May 2004

I started this contest a number of years ago with what I refer to as my Invitational Game (has been going on for many years and has many outstanding ALAMAZE players). We made (input by all) a number of refinements and adjustments during the first 3 contests (or so) and are now drawing to a conclusion about our 6th such contest.

While I don't have the actual finishes in front of me my best guess is that both of these Epic sides have (or will, as there is a single turn in our current game left) won 3 times each.

This is important as it reflects game balance. While the various sides can be reviewed and depending upon who is looking at what, the truth is that there is balance and Victory is normally achieved by skill, cooperation, communication (within the Epic Side), and of course some luck (another reality).

There are 3 less kingdoms (the Red, Sorcerer, and Underworld are not in this contest) and just two Epic Sides (no teams) so here are some differences:

• More revenue available
• No deals (we hate you, you hate us, we kill each other)
• No Appeal or "team" Influence awards on Status Point updates
• Potentially very quick actions against various Epic side members (we have experienced many changes in what kingdoms might be the earliest "targets".
• An increase on the part of Agents (with no Underworld the cost of agent training remains at 4,000 gold). Thus (this is a hint to both sides) both Epic sides make an effort to get many high level agents for various reasons.
• Victory is gained only by two possible means: one Epic Side controlling 8 regions (and entering Order-998 by all members) or by the Surrender of an Epic Side.

While there are various changes in this 6 vs. 6 contest here are at least the primary changes:

• Good side team remains the same: AN, DW, EL, GI, RA, WA
• Evil side team is: BL, DA, DE, GN, TR, WI
• The Gnome's capital starts in Torvale and the Ancient Ones' in Runnimede
• Both Epic Sides begin with ALL their members as declared Allies.

For those whose experience has been in Individual Games I want to stress the importance of cooperation and communication! History (both in these ALAMAZE games and the "real" world) reflect that without these two things being a priority and consistent an Epic Side will lose.

It is tradition and thus far without exception, that all members of an Epic Side receive all results. This means that everyone needs to be able to both receive Zipped results and know how to open them. If, for any reason you are not able to Unzip files then communicate with your members to learn or make arrangements to have an Epic member provide that service.