Tutorial 6.2: Scoring Strategies

Time: ~10 minutes Prerequisites: Tutorial 6.1: Game Overview

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Points Per Action Analysis

Let's calculate which actions give the most points per second:

Action	Points	Time (est.)	Points/Second
Score 1 block	3	~3 sec	1.0
Score 5 blocks (push)	15	~5 sec	3.0
Win zone (5 blocks)	10	~5 sec	2.0
Descore 3 blocks	+9*	~4 sec	2.25
Park 2 robots	30	~10 sec	3.0

*Descoring swings points: you remove 3 pts AND deny zone control

Key Insight: Parking 2 robots is extremely valuable!

Strategy 1: Volume Scoring

Focus on scoring as many blocks as possible:

    VOLUME STRATEGY:

    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │  Push groups of blocks, not individuals │
    │                                         │
    │    ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓       ┌──────────────┐   │
    │         ↓            │              │   │
    │    [ROBOT] →→→→→→→→  │    GOAL      │   │
    │         Push 4-5     │              │   │
    │         at once!     └──────────────┘   │
    └─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Pros: - High point potential - Simple robot design (just push) - Works in autonomous and driver

Cons: - Blocks scatter easily - Opponent can descore

Strategy 2: Zone Control

Focus on controlling high-value zones:

flowchart TD
    P["ZONE CONTROL PRIORITY"]
    P --> L["1. Long Goals (10 pts each)"]
    L --> LD["Control with 3+ blocks = 10 points"]

    P --> U["2. Center Upper (8 pts)"]
    U --> UD["Harder to access = 8 points"]

    P --> LO["3. Center Lower (6 pts)"]
    LO --> LOD["Easier to descore = 6 points"]

Strategy: Put 3 blocks in a zone, then defend it!

Strategy 3: Descoring

Remove opponent blocks to swing points:

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Before
    Before : Zone has 3 Blue, 2 Red
    Before : Blue controls (+10 Blue)

    Before --> After : Descore 2 blue blocks

    After : Zone has 1 Blue, 2 Red
    After : RED controls (+10 Red)
    After --> [*]

    note right of After : Point swing: 20 points!

Best Descoring Targets: - Goals with slim opponent majority - Opponent blocks near the edge - Undefended zones

Strategy 4: Parking Priority

Never forget parking! It's the most efficient scoring late-game.

timeline
    title End-Game Timeline
    section 1:50
        Start heading to park
    section 1:55
        Both robots in zone
    section 2:00
        Match ends

Note: 10-15 seconds before end: HEAD TO PARK ZONE!

Parking Math: | Situation | Points | Worth It? | |-----------|--------|-----------| | 1 robot parks | 8 | Yes if scoring <3 blocks | | 2 robots park | 30 | Almost always worth it! |

Combined Strategy Example

Match Plan

timeline
    title Combined Strategy Match Plan
    section AUTONOMOUS (0-15 sec)
        Score 3+ blocks in different goals
        : Clear loader (3+ blocks)
        : Don't touch park barrier!
    section DRIVER PHASE 1 (15 sec - 1:00)
        Push blocks into goals
        : Focus on zone control
        : Communicate with partner
    section DRIVER PHASE 2 (1:00 - 1:50)
        Defend your zones
        : Descore opponent if winning zones
        : Keep scoring if behind
    section END GAME (1:50 - 2:00)
        STOP SCORING
        : Both robots head to park
        : 30 points for double park!

Role Specialization

Robot A: Scorer

    Focus:
    - Fast block collection
    - High-volume scoring
    - Works the center field

    Design:
    - Fast drivetrain
    - Intake mechanism
    - Good maneuverability

Robot B: Defender/Support

    Focus:
    - Zone defense
    - Descoring
    - Parking management

    Design:
    - Strong pushing power
    - Low center of gravity
    - Durable construction

Point Calculator

Use this to estimate match scores:

    YOUR ALLIANCE:
    ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │ Blocks scored:      ___ × 3 = ___     │
    │ Long goal zones:    ___ × 10 = ___    │
    │ Center upper zone:  ___ × 8 = ___     │
    │ Center lower zone:  ___ × 6 = ___     │
    │ Robots parked:      1=8, 2=30 = ___   │
    │ Autonomous bonus:   10 = ___          │
    ├────────────────────────────────────────┤
    │ TOTAL:                        ___     │
    └────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Exercise: Strategy Analysis

Scenario: Your alliance has: - 15 blocks scored (45 pts) - 1 long goal zone (10 pts) - 0 robots parked

Time remaining: 20 seconds

Question 1: Should you score more blocks or park?

Question 2: If your partner is closer to the park zone, what should they do?

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Answers

Question 1: PARK! Two robots parking = 30 points. You'd need to score 10 more blocks in 20 seconds to equal that. Parking is almost always better in end-game.

Question 2: Your partner should head to park zone immediately. You should follow as soon as possible. 30 points for double park!

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