I thought I might send
this "tip" out. I've been using it all year & really enjoy what it
adds to the game. Besides the fact ,that ratings are based on actual stats
;I don't have to depend on the subjectivety of defense ratings alone ,that
too strongly affect the defense columns. This system of "Forechecking"
should provide that extra column we've been wishing was on the cards!
I'm using
a 'Hit" rating with an actual "takeaway " rating which creates or fails
on producing turnovers in the offensive/defensive zones. Hit ratings are
the Int. rating & the "takeaway is the bracketed rating. This also
includes pinching & introduces a "new" 2 on 1 situation ,along with
the preferred triggerman '2 on'1 that I introduced a few years ago.[I think
it was in Strat Fan. ]
I
don't think this method is perfect yet because the ratings have caused
me to argue with myself! What I mean is that ;I'm not sure whether I should
1/2 the actual rating I come up with from my formula ;because of the 2
zone opportunities now. Normal defensive Int. which we all use , now an
offensive opportunity to Int. makes me wonder if I should "juggle" the
numbers a bit. People like Rob Gallamore & John McTernan hopefully
can make some discussion on this.
1st off
: I marked all split deck rebound results that require no rating ;with
FC or Pinch! Remember that if you are playing with 1 forechecker you cannot
forecheck ;so the option is not available! If you are playing 2/2 -you
may forecheck ,but cannot pinch! if you play 3/2 you may forecheck &
pinch!If you are playing 3/3 you may also forecheck or pinch after any
"Goalie Rating" that does not result in a stoppage of play,as well as the
marked splits.
Then there
must be realistic opponents. So if the rebound or x- result is to the DRD
-the forechecker will be a choice of OLW or OC. DLD 0pp- will be ORW or
OC. DC rebounder ;the opp is the OC or OWinger of choice. The pinch is
naturally risky ; but lets see how you coach! If the result of a rebound
goes to the DRW- then the pinch is an option for the OLD. DLW opp. is ORD.
The risks you ask??
Well -if a forecheck attempt fails;the forechecker is deemed out of any
further action for the remainder of that action card sequence.eg. Shanahan
attempts to forecheck Mc Innis ,fails & the ensuing action card pick
is inside shot for RW-Int. opp. Shanahan is "out of the play" so there
will be NO INt. opportunity in the defensive zone. Also a penetration opportunity
for Shanahans opp.will go undefended & the normal Strat rule allows
an automatic inside shot for this player.
A 'failed" pinch result
will be as above ,or instead of picking an action card;the winger may attempt
to create a 2 on 1. If he rolls his Boxed Assist Rating on 1 six
sided die; he sends his 2 linemates on a 2 on 1 vs the "lone" D'man.The
Center will have control of this "breakout "pass. A "failed " breakout
pass results in ;a lose puck - outside shot C. The 2 on 1 resolve : Player
in control may take inside shot ,or pass for a bwky shot or inside shot
with his linemate. A roll on a 20 sided within his Boxed assist rating
produces a bwky shot for his linemate. Subtract the def'n's defense
rating from 17 =in this range the def'n breaks up the play.In between both
ranges produces an inside shot for the linemate of the puck controller.
This is what I've done:
1] given all players
a 2 fold Int. rating.One is based on hits per 82 games /25.The 25 was generated
because ;15 is the highest number in the deck as is ;plus the 5 TAP ,or
fails TAP -possible penalty results.The extra 5 won't meet anybody's logic
but my own I'm sure!![I've basically penalized the split deck for offering
5 "gifts" for a takeaway ,by subtracting from the "rating'.]
Pretty weird eh? The
bracketed rating is a takeaway rating based on NHL stats.The Int. split
number must fall within this range to produce an actual Takes Away puck
result. If the split number only falls within the hit range then the Intimidating
player has created a "loose puck" ,but no takeaway.
2]created a 'loose puck'
method of resolve. If the puck was "taken" away then the result is :takes
away puck -has outside shot. If not taken away: but in the "hit" range:then
its a result of" creates loose puck-resolve. The opponents on loose
pucks are OLW-DRD,OLD-DRW, DC-OC,DLD-ORW,DLW-ORD. Take the split
number on the top of the split card to determine opponents. 1-4 OLW,5-8
OLD, 9-12 OC,13-16 ORD,17-20 ORW. THe player in the offensive zone totals
his Int.[Strat's] and offense rating vs the defensive players Int. plus
defense rating.Outside shot if the off. wins;Control if the def.wins. A
tie results in a faceoff in the zone!
Now if you want to
use Strat's present Int. system; go ahead .I know this looks rather long
& complicated ;but its not really & plays out in seconds !!!
My biggest change to
Strat's cards I would like to see would be 2 defense ratings.1 that affects
the defense column & 1 that affects penetration & rebounding. Why
is that so tough?? I see Carbonneau as a Defense 2 for the column
& 4 for penetration & rebounding!! Where Leclair would be
3 for forechecking on the card & 1 for pen & rebounding.
Also - lets see
"real" faceoff ratings for SH & PP!! I'll donate mine . Geez -I know
this looks long , but it is really simple to use..