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Arimaa >> Players Availability >> US vs EU match
(Message started by: omar on Sep 15th, 2004, 10:09am)

Title: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 15th, 2004, 10:09am
Toby and I were chatting and we thought it might be interesting to have a US vs EU match between the top rated Arimaa players.  Maybe something like 3 players from US and 3 from EU with each player playing 2 games against each of the players in the other team (6 games in all). We were thinking 8pm Europe time which would be 4pm US time on either Saturday or Sunday might work for most people. This would be a good warm up for the upcoming championship games in November. If you have a rating above 1700 and would like to particapate, please let me know. Thanks.

Omar


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 15th, 2004, 10:15am
I forgot to mention. Not all 6 games would be played in one day.  Maybe we can break it up and play just 1 or 2 games per week.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by naveed on Sep 15th, 2004, 6:24pm
Interesting.  Willing to participate.

Naveed

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Sep 15th, 2004, 9:50pm
I think it's a great idea, and I am available to play for the U.S.  However, qualifying for the team shouldn't be by rating only.  My rating is earned only from playing bots, and I don't know how to play against humans at all.  Both naveed and bleitner (and possibly others) would represent the U.S. better than I.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Sep 16th, 2004, 4:51am
You'd better start practising against us humans then :-)

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 16th, 2004, 3:25pm
If there are more than 3 players from each country willing to play then maybe we can have some knock out games among the lower rated players to see who makes the team.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by clauchau on Sep 17th, 2004, 2:42am
That's an idea. I'll pass though 8). I can't commit myself to be present enough.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Sep 17th, 2004, 4:07am
Can you send quantum leapfrog as a replacement please?  Otherwise we won't have enough EUers :-).

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 17th, 2004, 7:48pm
Hey Claude,

We are trying to make the game so a bit faster so that people don't have to make too much of a time commitment.
We need you to play.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by clauchau on Sep 18th, 2004, 1:00pm
I'll try to slip in a few fast games then :)

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 19th, 2004, 5:28am
We were thinking of using a fairly brisk time control like:
  60s/60s/100/3m/3

So I think most games will finish within 2 hours or less and will definitely not go for more than 3 hours.

We were thinking of one game per week either on Saturday of Sunday starting at about 3pm Paris time.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 19th, 2004, 4:07pm
I am interested, and even flattered by Fritzlein's comment, but likewise my rating is mostly based on playing against bots, and even then I've never managed to beat Bomb or Speedy.  Still, it could be fun.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 20th, 2004, 5:17pm
How about some knockout games between naveed, bleitner and RonWeasly to see who will be the 3rd player on the US team. I suggest using a 1 minute per move time control. Try to schedual the games among yourselfs and post the time here so we can come to watch.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Sep 20th, 2004, 5:23pm
Naveed and bleitner could play tonight if Naveed is not too dead after his game with Belbo.  I notice both are on at the same time, which is unusual as far as I know.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 20th, 2004, 5:34pm
My schedule, for the moment, is pretty open.  Anytime in the afternoon works for me.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Sep 20th, 2004, 7:28pm
School just got going and hit me like a ton of bricks.  I'm no longer sure I'm available, even on Sundays.  Anyway omar, naveed, and bleitner can play round one for the U.S. if nobody else says they want to.  Next week I can re-evaluate my schedule.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by RonWeasley on Sep 21st, 2004, 11:31am
I'd like to endorse the US team of Omar, naveed, and bot_leitner (the way I always interpret his call sign).  These guys have quality wins against humans and bots.  My rating is artificially high due to having only time enough for 'zilla.  Putting me in would be like putting Longbottom in as a beater for Griffindor.  Or like Bill Murray in for the Ryder Cup.  I'll watch.

Ron

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 21st, 2004, 12:25pm
LOL, actually, the "b" is my first initial.  Anyway, I don't know about having quality wins against humans, but I do like a challenge.  Count me in, just let me know the time.

-Ben

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 23rd, 2004, 4:20am
So it looks like the teams are going to be:

EU: 99of9, Belbo, Clauchau
US: Bleitner, Naveed, Omar

That should be in interesting match.

How about having the first round this Saturday at 4pm Paris time. Is that OK with everyone?

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by clauchau on Sep 23rd, 2004, 6:40am
It's really hard for me to commit (I lack sleep - troubles with a constantly noisy neighbour).

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Sep 23rd, 2004, 8:14am
Let's just all aim for that time.  The more people there, the more games can get played.  Those who don't match up can probably organise meetings later in the week/weekend?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 23rd, 2004, 12:57pm
Well... this Saturday doesn't work for me at all.  It's Yom Kippur, so I have the pleasure (yeah... that's it ... pleasure) of being in synagogue all day.  Sunday could work though, or Monday during the day.  I also think my evenings will be free Tuesday-Thursday.

-Ben

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 23rd, 2004, 1:11pm
By the way... as far as putting me on the team... you guys did notice that I just got my @$$ handed to me twice in a row by Firsttry a few days ago, right?  Granted, I have a bit of an excuse but... well...  we'll see what happens.  It should be fun.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by naveed on Sep 23rd, 2004, 3:24pm
I don't think I can make it this weekend.  Would suggest to have it started next week.

Naveed

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Belbo on Sep 23rd, 2004, 4:40pm
This weekend  is fine for me, both Saturday and Sunday.
Monday or Tuesday is ok too.
For itīs a fast game, I could start between 2pm and 11pm Paris time.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Sep 23rd, 2004, 4:53pm
Looks like it would be Europe vs Omar if we start this weekend!

Although that's probably a fair match ... maybe it's better to start later?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by maker on Sep 23rd, 2004, 6:21pm
I'd love to watch the matches, though I'm not sure how?  Anyway.  I'll be there next week if someone tells me how to watch active games, and tells me(I could look it up...) what exactly the transfer between 4pm Paris and Xpm Central US time is...

Thanks,
maker
:)

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 23rd, 2004, 8:40pm
Looking at my schedule for the next few weeks, unformed as it is, it really looks like weekends are horrid times to try and schedule games, although next Saturday night (Pacific coast time) might be a possibility.  I'll know more later.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 24th, 2004, 10:28pm

on 09/23/04 at 18:21:32, maker wrote:
I'd love to watch the matches, though I'm not sure how?  Anyway.  I'll be there next week if someone tells me how to watch active games, and tells me(I could look it up...) what exactly the transfer between 4pm Paris and Xpm Central US time is...

Thanks,
maker
:)


To watch a live match just click on 'Current Games' and then click on the board to watch the game.

I think the difference between CST and Paris time is about 6 hours. You can also check it using the clock on the top left corner of the gameroom window.

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 24th, 2004, 10:37pm
Maybe we better take a different approach to this. Doesn't seem like we will be able to get everybody together at the same time. So how about if we match up the players and let the two players workout a time to play and post it. If possible the others can come and watch.

Omar


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by maker on Sep 25th, 2004, 3:05pm
Good idea.

maker

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 26th, 2004, 1:40pm
Agreed... it'll be a lot easier for two people to find a time to play than to find a set time for everyone.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 27th, 2004, 4:24pm
I'm really thinking Fritzlein should be on the US team instead of me.  I've been playing like crap lately, and his rating is far above mine, be it mostly against bots or not.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Sep 27th, 2004, 6:36pm
I've setup a page for the EU vs US match.

http://arimaa.com/arimaa/wcup/2004/

Omar

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Sep 27th, 2004, 11:11pm

on 09/27/04 at 16:24:02, bleitner wrote:
I'm really thinking Fritzlein should be on the US team instead of me.  I've been playing like crap lately, and his rating is far above mine, be it mostly against bots or not.


School makes my availability really unpredictable, but the discussion is making it clear that  everyone has scheduling issues, and maybe mine are no worse than the next guy's.  Furthermore it's clear that I can't stay away from Arimaa even when I really don't have the time for it.

In the Ryder Cup the captain doesn't have to play exactly the same people in each round: team members can substitute in and out.  For example I could play in the even-numbered rounds and you could play the odd-numbered rounds.  That way we'd each play the EU representatives once each.  How does that sound?  Would it be cool with you, Omar?


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 28th, 2004, 7:07pm
<shrug> I guess if the format will allow it, then we can alternate if you want.  I just don't actually think I'm qualified, and if this is really going to be a "world cup" of Arimaa, then the US should put it's best players forward.  

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Sep 29th, 2004, 7:31am
You never know what will happen in the games.  In my last game naveed was pounding me and I was totally lucky to escape.  The ratings just aren't very accurate -- I know that I'm not 200 points better than naveed head to head, it's just that I was beating speedy when he was losing to speedy to create the rating difference.  And anyway you are rated higher than naveed!  I haven't looked at many of your games, but I'll bet you are indeed as "qualified" as I am.  Let's each play three (if it's OK with omar).  You may well win more than I do!

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Sep 30th, 2004, 5:43pm
Thanks for the confidence booster :)  If it's alright with Omar I'm up for it.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Oct 3rd, 2004, 6:10pm
I'm on a conference until thursday night this week, so I hope my next game is not scheduled before then.

C'mon EUers... we've got some ground to make up this week!

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by clauchau on Oct 4th, 2004, 11:18am
I'm sorry, I said I'll play but I cowardly quit the tournament :-[.  I think I won't play in the 2005 championship either.

I lack imagination against the current strategies.  And it's too much of a commitment for me.  That is, compared to my unscheduled days spent musing :P.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Oct 5th, 2004, 3:12am
Allowing players to switch in and out for some games sound OK to me.

Just let me know which rounds you can play.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Oct 5th, 2004, 3:31am

on 10/04/04 at 11:18:53, clauchau wrote:
I'm sorry, I said I'll play but I cowardly quit the tournament :-[.  I think I won't play in the 2005 championship either.

I lack imagination against the current strategies.  And it's too much of a commitment for me.  That is, compared to my unscheduled days spent musing :P.


Im really sorry to hear that you won't be able to play. But please don't stop because the current strategies are too difficult to win against. Im sure other strategies will soon develop which can defeat the current strategies. It will be interesting to see what they are. Just don't spend too much time on them on your unscheduled days. We are trying to do all we can to minimize the amount of commitment needed to play in the match. I am willing to do more if needed, just let me know. Maybe you can switch in and out of some games with another player so that you don't have to play all the games. I hope you will reconsider.


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Oct 5th, 2004, 10:17am
It would be a shame to have to cancel the tournament.  Can someone find out if CeeJay or BlackKnight is interested in substituting in for some rounds?  

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by naveed on Oct 7th, 2004, 9:01am
Toby,

I was wondering if we can reschedule our match to start
4 hours later than the scheduled time.  Please let me know.

Naveed

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Oct 7th, 2004, 2:21pm

on 10/07/04 at 09:01:40, naveed wrote:
Toby,

I was wondering if we can reschedule our match to start
4 hours later than the scheduled time.  Please let me know.

Naveed



Sorry, I'll be at church at that time.  I can do 6 hours later if you can and Omar can alter it for us.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Oct 8th, 2004, 2:00pm
I've rescheduled it to Sunday at 4pm instead of 10am.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Oct 8th, 2004, 3:12pm
Thanks Omar.  I presume that's ok by you Naveed?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Oct 8th, 2004, 3:45pm
What's going on?  My game was supposed to be last night, but Claude wasn't there (which wasn't really a surprise since he said he'd be too busy), but now the game is back and I got an email to show up on Thr at 11, which already passed... so... what do I do?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Oct 8th, 2004, 6:23pm
I always saw it being at Fri at 2pm Eastern time. Not sure why you saw it on Thursday. Double check to make sure that the time zone on your computer is set right. The YLT (your
local time) times are based on it.

Well I guess we will just have to throw out that game since Claude was not able to play. I have not heard from Claude about which rounds he would be able to play in, so for now I will just assume that he will not be able to play in the next round. I will check if BlackNight or CeeJay would like to play.


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Oct 8th, 2004, 6:32pm
Ooops my mistake. The game was supposed to be Fri 2 am. Maybe Claude did stop by and didn't see the game either. Sorry about that.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Oct 8th, 2004, 6:35pm
I don't think there was any mistake.  Claude said he couldn't play this comp after all.  The game was for 7am Friday morning my time, which agrees with both the times you guys saw.

Maybe the game reappeared when you altered the time of my game with Naveed?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by clauchau on Oct 9th, 2004, 6:17am
That must be it. Yes, the game was twice announced for Fri 8am France time - days before and some hours after. I hadn't filled in the preferred times this week and I keep wanting to be out. I'm not sure I would have resolved on playing if I had happened to be up at that time, but I had to sleep anyway. Sorry. Good continuation fellows!

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by bleitner on Oct 12th, 2004, 4:33pm
I'm not going to be able to play this weekend.  Fritzlein, are you available to sub?  Does that even work?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Oct 12th, 2004, 9:16pm
Sure, I'm in for the weekend.  Can you play the weekend after, though?  I've got a family event that may complicate scheduling.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Oct 13th, 2004, 8:44am
Is the time for the game between Blackknight and Naveed definitely correct?  It starts at 3am my time, which is even worse for continental Europeans.  Are you sure you can make that time Blackknight?

I guess being a night-owl does tend to go well with your name.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by BlackKnight on Oct 15th, 2004, 5:53am
Thanks for your concerns, it's correct.
I'm in Shanghai at the moment and so it will be Sunday morning at 10am for me.

I'm more worried about the internet connection.
There are still many things to do here in China.
Two hours ago I tried to log on already but I couldn't open any window.

And the day before yesterday I wanted to log on but I couldn't connect to the internet at all. Sorry Naveed, that I couldn't play with you at that time then.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Oct 17th, 2004, 5:26pm
I'm going to have to rule myself out for Round 4, and not just because I'm scared of 99of9.  Midterms are coming up, and I have an event to attend that weekend.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Oct 30th, 2004, 9:32am
For round 6 bleitner will play again, right?  Just making sure we're still alternating rounds...

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by BlackKnight on Oct 31st, 2004, 9:46am
Sorry, I won't be able to play this week (end).

But participating was a very good experience.

Thanks!
Gerhard

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Nov 1st, 2004, 5:36am
Clauchau are you up for a finale against Naveed?

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Nov 1st, 2004, 4:45pm
I checked with Claude and he is in the middle of moving between homes and won't be able to make it. So I guess we will just have to drop one of the games; unless someone else want to sub or play a second game.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Fritzlein on Nov 1st, 2004, 6:42pm
Did you notice that today CeeJay played his first game in months?  Maybe he would be interested.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Belbo on Nov 2nd, 2004, 5:35pm
When I view the pairing for my game aginst bleitner, it's shown as Wed 8 pm. But in the email I got the time is 9 pm.
In the gameroom and here in the forum my local time is shown as 11:30 pm, but it's already 0:30 am here. Maybe this is because the summer time (daylight saving time) ended here last weekend (the clock was turned back 1 hour)?
Anyway, I will be here tomorrow at 8 pm, and if the game starts 1 hour later, it's no problem too.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Nov 2nd, 2004, 9:00pm
When you login to the Arimaa gameroom, make sure that the clock on the top left corner is showing the correct time. If it is not then the time zone of your computer may need to be adjusted. After adjusting the time zone, you will need to logout and log back in to have the clock in the gameroom pick up the new time zone. Let me know if this fixes it.


Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Belbo on Nov 3rd, 2004, 10:50am
Thanks Omar, yes I needed to adjust the time zone on my computer. Now the time in the gameroom is shown correctly,  but here in the forum it's still 1 hour differnce.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by omar on Nov 3rd, 2004, 7:06pm
What happend with the bleitner vs Belbo game that was supposed to be today at 3pm. I had a pretty busy day today and was not able to be online at that time.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by 99of9 on Nov 3rd, 2004, 7:26pm
Belbo said that bleitner just wasn't able to play today.  I'm not sure if they are rescheduling.

Title: Re: US vs EU match
Post by Belbo on Nov 4th, 2004, 6:05pm
Iīm not sure if I could play on Friday or Sunday, but I could play on Saturday.
Sorry, Benjamin, I have problems with the chat-function with my new computer, I didnīt want to be impolite by just saying "no problem", I just couldnīt type anymore :-(



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