Carcassonne Central

Carc Central Community => Online Games and Competitions => Leagues (including expansion leagues) => Topic started by: Decar on July 02, 2015, 06:38:05 AM

Title: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 02, 2015, 06:38:05 AM
I'd like to propose a new 'welcome' tournament for players who are new to the forum and have not entered a tournament here on Carcassonne Central before.

I think it's a good way for new members to learn the ropes and get used to scheduling games and learning to use JCloisterZone.

I'd like to get an idea how many people would be interested in taking part and I'm very open to suggestions.

The format will be dependent on the number of players.  Possibly a simple knock-out with a Repêchage; maybe 3/4-player games; maybe groups like the expansion leagues are played.

I suspect we will focus on the basic-game, but maybe include 1-small expansion or mini-expansion (again I'm open to ideas).

Currently the only entry requirement is that you have NOT entered a tournament or league on Carcassonne Central before.

Let me know below, if you're interested!

----
The tournament has started!
http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1920.msg25935#msg25935

Current Player Stats: 26th July

Group 1
lomdr - Colorado  - 2/5
franks  - Alberta - (late starter) - 0/5
Curt194 - UK - 1/5
Safari - Germany - (late starter) - 1/5
Merlin_89 - Poland - 2/5
Halfling - UK - 0/5

TOTAL: 3/15 games

Group 2
toastytoast - UK - 1/5
Lukey-Dukey - 0/5
Koremu - UK - (late starter) - 0/5
Rich_The_Fish - UK - 2/5
Piklach - USA - 0/5
Ailurus - Netherlands - 1/5

TOTAL: 2/15
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: MrNumbers on July 02, 2015, 06:45:21 AM
Currently the only entry requirement is that you have NOT entered a tournament or league on Carcassonne Central before.

Damn! I thought that I will participate in every Carcassonne tournament, but I didn't expect such trick! :D
Anyway, good idea! :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 02, 2015, 06:50:44 AM
Haha!  Perhaps, we need to find a new word: perhaps contest or tourney.  That way you can still lay claim to entering every 'tournament'  :(y) ;D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: MrNumbers on July 02, 2015, 06:57:44 AM
So they could be compared like NHL and AHL, or Top Division and Division I etc. :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 02, 2015, 07:04:08 AM
Generally, I think it's important to make sure we're investing in new players.  For some people, there are some excellent players here on CarcC and I hope this is a way to encourage new people to learn some news skills (possibly independently) so they're ready for the big challenges the other members of CarcC can give them >:D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 02, 2015, 10:50:19 AM
Hey, I'm all for a 'minor leagues' Carc league.  And yeah, you can count me as interested in this idea, only Carc experience I've had was me vs multiple comp players, do have a few wins under my belt.

Also, I think we should do Base + River 1 as most Carc Base sets have that mini packed in (outside of a few Rio Grande editions, and I thrifted one that never had the River Built in XD)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on July 02, 2015, 06:12:48 PM
As mentioned previously (below), with my travel dates and if you have enough folks to continue ,might be best if I try at a later date.

I will submit my time anyway, Alberta - Canada, GMT-6 (daylight savings). I will be in BC - GMT-7 if I could swing it (would be tough).

Cheers;

franks

Original post,

I have been interested in exploring the league games. This would be a good way to explore the system.

The only proviso going into the summer months is availability. For me, I'm on the road from July 13th to almost the end of the month, on holiday and on-farm visits. I will have some down time but might be challenging to participate during that time.

I will check in to see the progress here and thanks for considering us noobs  :meeple:

I'm ok with a small expansion or two thrown in!

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Koremu on July 03, 2015, 12:05:20 AM
I don't normally play 2 player Carcassonne, but I could give it a go.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 03, 2015, 01:46:22 AM
Great to have you aboard guys!

We'd not made an decisions about format yet, so I'm sure we can work out the best strategy for everyone when we know who is on board :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on July 03, 2015, 09:28:27 AM
I'd definitely be interested!

Any excuse to play more carcassonne is good for me and it will be good to get some experience against some people who may have some different playstyles to my usual group of friends.

Base and river makes sense as a format. I don't play without expansions often so it could be interesting to see how I manage haha.

Will need to take a proper look at J cloister zone I think!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 03, 2015, 11:37:10 AM
Maybe a have 3-4 way matches?

Just a fair warning, Curt, all meeples are laying down in JCZ, with farmers being marked with leg bands (white for most colors, yellow having black bands instead of white).

I will make sure to keep "Show current farms" off in league play
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 04, 2015, 03:14:17 PM
Great idea Decar!  :(y)

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out...  :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 05, 2015, 07:37:31 AM
Quite a bit of interest so far.  Over the next week I'm going to suggest the format.  Most people want to play base game and Rivers I/II. 

There's also some interest in having 3 or 4 player games.  I think these might be more difficult to organize, as you'll need to find slots everyone is available to play in. 

Can people let me know (or edit their previous posts) with their general location and/or Time Zone; this will help organize.

Deadline for entry will be the very end of 12th July.

I've acquired a small prize for the winner of the tournament too, if you needed more incentive to join in  :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on July 06, 2015, 01:39:41 AM
I'm interested in joining in!

I generally play with the wife/wife's family, so it would be nice for some variety :D

My location is England and time zone GMT +1 (British Summer time).

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 06, 2015, 04:55:42 PM
I'd like to officially throw my hat in for this too, I live in the US and my timezone is MST (GMT -7)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 06, 2015, 06:27:01 PM
I'd be interested too! When would it start, because I have to work a lot until the end of July.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 07, 2015, 11:09:10 AM
Great to have you all aboard!

I should have a proposal for the competition format (rules) out by the end of this week.  Then we're pretty much ready to get started.

I'm not in any rush to see this completed quickly.  You should all savour and enjoy the games - so I'm sure it will still be going on by the end of July, but you may need to put some extra sessions in to catch up!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 07, 2015, 02:05:19 PM
Hi! I'm interested too! I believe it could be fun, but I have no experience in playing Carcassonne online (I play on iOS and obviously board version). I prefer 1on1, and base (but I collect and play all expansions). I live in Poland, UTC/GMT +2 hours.

I'm 2014 runner up in Polish Championships, so I can only get more experience here... I've just qualified for final tournament to be held in September.

Waiting for news and instructions from you!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 07, 2015, 02:46:55 PM
Excellent - you've come to the right place for regular practice!

Make sure you're familiar with JCloisterZone (JCZ)  - http://jcloisterzone.com/en/

it runs on PC (windows/mac and linux) very well; you'll need Java installed.

This is more than likely be the tool for the job, so if you need any help getting it running let me know and I'll give you a hand.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 07, 2015, 02:53:08 PM
Some really cool guy wrote a fairly thorough FAQ for JCZ which may be of use too...

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=778
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 09, 2015, 05:37:24 AM
Here's the first proposal - let me know your thoughts!

We have 7 people who are definitely signed up - as I see it now we could do with 8 or 12 for ideal numbers; so there's still time to enter  :(y)

lomdr - Colorado
franks (late starter maybe) - Alberta
Koremu - UK
Curt194 - UK
toastytoast - UK
Safari - (maybe late starter) - Germany
Merlin_89 - Poland

(two others who I've heard from but need to confirm - please reply soon guys):
Spikey_dino - USA
Halfling - UK

Edit: Others:
Rich_The_Fish - UK
QueenAlkie - USA
Ailurus - Netherlands

I'd like to make sure everyone can play at least 1 game a week.

I think it would be good to start next week - but we have two people who are busy for most of July - we can start later, or we can let them lose a game or two and start later.  What do people think?

I'm in no rush for the tournament to finish quickly and ultimately I think it's about getting as many games played as possible; because it's the taking part that counts.

I'm a statistics nut, so I'm going to propose something a little different for thous league:
Positive Points Difference will also be used to break tie breaks.  To confirm:  If PlayerA scores 150 points, while PlayerB scores 125 points.  PlayerA's PPD will be +25.  PlayerB's PPD will be 0 (NOT -25).

I've taken people's play preferences on board, and I've proposed a multi-rounded league:

Round 1 - BASIC 1v1

Every player will play each other with only the Basic games (this is great experience for any competition players).

You'll score 2 league points for a win; 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss. 
Positive Points Difference will also be used to break tie breaks.

All players will be ranked after this stage and 'evenly' put into groups basic on their score.
EG:  {1st,4th,7th} (2nd,5th,8th} (3rd,6th,9th} for example.

Round 2 - BASIC And Rivers 1v3 (maybe 4)

We'll start with some 3 players in a game (so it's logistically easier to schedule games), but we might have to do 4, if there's 8 players.
This should be fun for those who like multi-player games.

1st - 3points
2nd - 2points
3rd - 1 point.

(tie for 1st/2nd = 2points each) , (tie for 2nd/3rd = 2 point each).

I'm considering a 3rd round, but dont want to ask too much of you all to start with - if we get 12 players maybe we can have 3 x 4 player games to finish so everyone's played some 2player, 3player and 4player games.

The overall winner will be the player who has acquired the most league points.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 09, 2015, 05:08:41 PM
Sounds good!

If we are two, that might be late, maybe we should play against each other. :D However, I also could play one or two games in July. :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 10, 2015, 03:09:44 AM
Hi Decar,
I have some questions:

1. this "welcome tournament" - is it only for new members, or for members who didn't play any online league yet ?
2. which version of JCloisterZone should they use version 3.1.1 or 3.2?
3. who will host the games?
4. Did you explain them a bit about the chatroom?
5. Is a x-score list needed?
6. Is it useful to play some "test games" with the new members - that they learn how the software works?

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 10, 2015, 04:43:19 AM
Thanks for the questions Kettlefish -

Hi Decar,
I have some questions:

1. this "welcome tournament" - is it only for new members, or for members who didn't play any online league yet ?
Its for members who have not played on an online league before - so they're 'new' so that at least.

Quote
2. which version of JCloisterZone should they use version 3.1.1 or 3.2?
I think 3.1.1 is considered more stable : http://jcloisterzone.com/builds/JCloisterZone-3.1.1.zip

Quote
3. who will host the games?
I'd like participants to learn how to do it - but I am also setting up a 'server' at home which can be reset for people's games  (details to follow).

Quote
4. Did you explain them a bit about the chatroom?

Not yet, I will advise a process for people to organize games once the format has decided.
Quote
5. Is a x-score list needed?

Yes, but will need to change for PPD and I'm not sure the best way to record each round.  Kettlefish, do you have a template or do you think you could help?
Quote
6. Is it useful to play some "test games" with the new members - that they learn how the software works?
Yes! That's a great idea, perhaps people would like to participate in the weekly games: http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1041.0


Thanks :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on July 10, 2015, 06:18:42 AM
I'd like to join as well! I'm from the Netherlands, so Central European Time Zone (UTC+01:00).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 10, 2015, 07:04:49 AM
Welcome aboard!  :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 10, 2015, 01:48:34 PM
Quote from: 'kettlefish'
5. Is a x-score list needed?
Yes, but will need to change for PPD and I'm not sure the best way to record each round.  Kettlefish, do you have a template or do you think you could help?
I have an excel table for the x-score list, but it needs some change for this "welcome tournament"
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 11, 2015, 04:00:11 AM
Hello everyone.

This sounds like a great idea and I'd be keen to give it a go (depending on game timings).
Unfortunately I've never played online before, so this is all a bit new to me!
Thanks for the links in previous posts - I'll install JCZ and try to get a practice game or two in so that I know how it works.
I'm in England btw, so my time zone GMT is +1 (British Summer time).

BTW, what's with all the the verification checks - I've had to Google the answer a couple of them!! Guess I'll learn more about the game as I get used to it and experience some of the expansions!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 12, 2015, 04:39:00 AM
Hi Rich The Fish!

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you aboard; we're going to be pretty flexible with timings; it will be a case of trying to organize suitable times for you and your opponents to play.

One thing I need to consider is how PPD will work for 3-4 player games.

Perhaps 1st gets PD between 1st-4th;  2nd gets PD between 2nd-4th...etc
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: QueenAlkie on July 13, 2015, 06:23:13 PM
Is it too late to enter? And how exactly can I do it? Don't have great service on my phone
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 14, 2015, 11:25:49 AM
Hi guys. Not sure if I should post this here but wasn't sure where else and it's kinda relevant to newbies who might be reading this thread (like me).

I'm really struggling to get a game (against the computer) started on JCloisterZone. I'm running 3.2.0 and using the latest Java, but after selecting 'New Game' and picking a meeple for myself (local player) and then selecting another as a computer player, not a lot happens when I click 'Start Game'. The title bar changes to state my player name and says how many tiles are left, but that's about it! If I click on the icon on the Win taskbar (which has changed to indicate my meeple colour), the game screen loads up with the menus across the top but everything else is black.

Please can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong. I have tried it get it to work on both a Win 8.1 and Win 7 laptop, and have tried using v3.1.1 (along with selecting various different options on the settings screen too). Please help, as I was really looking forward to playing.

Happy to post screenshots if it helps.

Cheers, Rich.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: jungleboy on July 14, 2015, 11:32:04 AM
If you come to the chat room now, there are a few of us there, including some people who should be able to help you.
http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 14, 2015, 12:08:54 PM
If you come to the chat room now, there are a few of us there, including some people who should be able to help you.
http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Thanks guys for your help, really appreciate it. I can't believe it was that simple - I guess it shows that I don't use a PC for gaming (just spreadsheets)!! For anyone else who might experience the same problem, it was a really easy fix - I just needed to install (i.e. uncompress the downloaded zip folder), rather than trying to run JCZ directly from the downloaded folder!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 14, 2015, 12:13:28 PM
If you come to the chat room now, there are a few of us there, including some people who should be able to help you.
http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Thanks guys for your help, really appreciate it. I can't believe it was that simple - I guess it shows that I don't use a PC for gaming (just spreadsheets)!! For anyone else who might experience the same problem, it was a really easy fix - I just needed to install (i.e. uncompress the downloaded zip folder), rather than trying to run JCZ directly from the downloaded folder!

Although I didn't help to solve the problem for you, I can at least point out that I know of several people doing exactly the same thing so don't feel too bad about it! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: jma03 on July 14, 2015, 04:29:28 PM
I happened to me the same.jejeje
and thanks to the kindness of the people who make this forum makes everything easier
( Especially for people like me who am little skilled for computing and gaming lines)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 15, 2015, 11:07:50 AM
I confirm my participation, I'm waiting for your instructions (especially how and when to enter tournament games).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: spikey_dino on July 15, 2015, 11:47:11 AM
I'm interested in participating in this tournament :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 15, 2015, 12:38:05 PM
So - here is the list with the members who likes to play here in the "Welcome Tournament"
At the moment we have here 12 members - a perfect number of people for a small tournament.

- lomdr
- franks
- Koremu
- Curt194
- toastytoast
- Safari
- Merlin_89
- spikey_dino
- Halfling - does he confirmed?
- Ailurus
- Rich_The_Fish
- QueenAlkie

Decar - should they play in 3 groups - each group with 4 participants?

Participants for the "Welcome Tournament":
- please install the software JCloisterZone version 3.1.1. The folder needs to unzip at your computer.
- before the tournament starts - please have some test games
- you can test some games also with the community online - please come first online in the chatroom:
  http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
- If you like to play some test games you can post here or at following topic:
 
We organize a game now? (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1404.0)
The test games are great to learn how does the software JCloisterZone (JCZ) work.

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 15, 2015, 02:22:59 PM
Well, I have version 3.1.0, do I have to update too? You know: Never touch a running sistem.  >:D
If yes: Where can I download it? I only can find the possibility to download 3.2.

Do we need to prepare anything in order to be able to connect to the game server? I don't have any idea how to play via Host/Port system.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 15, 2015, 02:51:12 PM
Well, I have version 3.1.0, do I have to update too? You know: Never touch a running sistem.  >:D
If yes: Where can I download it? I only can find the possibility to download 3.2.

Decar posted a link to the download for version 3.1.1 here in his previous post here (point 2):

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1920.msg25667#msg25667

All you need to do to connect to a running game (provided someone else is hosting it - which will be arranged) is an IP address and a port number which you type in after clicking "Connect".  :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on July 15, 2015, 11:12:44 PM
Hi Gang,

As per the edit on my original post. I'm traveling on business and holiday until July 29th. Participating will be a challenge. I will attempt the call up but please prepare if I can't make it.

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 16, 2015, 01:57:44 AM
We should be starting at some point this evening; I'll publish a fool-proof guide for you all to follow  :(y)

I just wanted to check with: QueenAlkie that she's able to use a PC/mac/linux rather than her phone to play.  I don't think you'll need phenomenal service to JCZ online.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: jma03 on July 16, 2015, 02:00:05 AM
If someone wants to have a practice game before the competition, I would be delighted. My name is Jacobo.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 16, 2015, 10:14:33 AM
Firstly:

Thank you for everyone who has decided to take part. For many of you it's the first time you've played Carcassonne Online and for me it is the first time I've tried to run a tournament.  So, I suspect they'll be a few mistakes, but hopefully nothing we can't resolve and hopefully we'll have fun in the process.

As we discussed before the tournament will be broken up into Rounds. 

Round 1: Basic Game only 1v1.

The 12 participants we have split into 2 groups as follows:

Group1: lomdr, franks, Halfling, Curt, Merlin_89, Safari
Group2:toastytoast, spikey_dino, Koremu, Ailurus, Rich_The_Fish, QueenAlkie

The 6 players in each group have been selected at random.

I understand that scheduling time to play is difficult for everyone, especially during this time of year with holidays etc.  As a result, The groups have been made large, so there should be games to play while another person is on holiday or unavailable for a few weeks. 

My recommendation is to take your time between games, there's no point trying to rush them all into one afternoon.  You'll may be left waiting several days.  If you are on holiday bare in mind that people may be waiting for you to play.

Organizing a Game
As I already mentioned, each player must play every other player in their group.  Please PM someone in the group to organize a game.  Be mindful of constraints on time-zones etc -  I'm sure everyone can be accomodating.

Please let us know here if you have problems scheduling a game with any player.  It would be helpful if you could share the time of your games here as well, so we can see who has been proactive etc.

If for whatever reason, you cannot attend the game please let us and your partner know As Soon As Possible.  It does not mean you will have to forfeit your game, possibly you can arrange for a more suitable time.

Carcassonne Medium
I don't strictly impose a Carcassonne medium that must be played.  In this round, only the BASIC set is required.  Generally, given the distances between players we recommend JCloisterZone 3.1.1 (see below).  If you wish to meet in person to play you're welcome to do so.  If you wish to arrange an iPhone/Android game, you're also welcome to do so.  If you wish to play by email/forum...which is very slow...you're welcome to do so.  In our experience, JCloisterZone is the most widely supported medium.

JCloisterZone 3.1.1
This is currently the recommended version which runs on Java which will run on Windows/Mac/Linux.
You can download it here:
http://jcloisterzone.com/builds/JCloisterZone-3.1.1.zip
Remember to extract the zip before executing the Runtime.

If you have any problems please contact us in the Chatroom (see below), we can help.  :(y)

Before your Game - Meet in the chatroom
It's generally a good idea to try and meet in the CarcassonneCentral Chatroom before your game is meant to begin:  http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html

When your partner arrives, one of you will have to HOST the game.  Hosting the game means your machine running JCZ will manage the game and the other player  must connect to your machine from their location.  This usually means they have to traverse the firewall on your home's router.  If this is all sounding alien to you, don't be scared, visit us in the chatroom, we can try and help you.

If neither party can host a game - I or Danisthirty (plus others) will happily host your game.  Which means both players will connect to another person's machine to play their game.

If your player does not turn up, please give them a few minutes grace.  If they have not arrived 15-minutes after your start time, please comment here and we'll try to work out what happened.  It does not mean you will automatically win the game.  There are many reasonable circumstances, why you may miss your game and we'll need to assess.

Setting Up the Game
Once you've connected to the game, the following Settings must be applied to JCZ.  No Expansions,  Randomize Seating Order[ x ]

Here is a screenshot of the configuration:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/WelcomeTourn_Round1.png)

You should be ready to Start.

Enjoy Your Game  :(y) :(y)

After Your Game
You must record the results.  The best way to do this is, take a screenshot/printscreen and attach the picture to a reply on this forum thread.
This lets me check the scores and shows everyone else your game.

Once your score has been recorded, I will be able to update the Results Sheet.

You can all view the results sheet here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AaY3-ik5omWhpN0HgZHPgygGuceS2jNjtEWYvi988-o/edit?usp=sharing

I'll take the occasional screenshot and share this with everyone here:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_start.png)

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_start.png)

Tournament Format
I described this before, but I will summarize again:

You'll score 2 league points for a win; 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss. 
Positive Points Difference will also be used to break tie breaks.
Positive Points Difference will also be used to break tie breaks.  To confirm:  If PlayerA scores 150 points, while PlayerB scores 125 points.  PlayerA's PPD will be +25.  PlayerB's PPD will be 0 (NOT -25).

Wrap-Up

Try and enjoy your games, my personal tactic is to give everything you've got.  If you're going to lose you might as well lose by 50points rather than 5 ;)  There's plenty more games for you to try.

Remember, if you've got any questions you can contact me here, on PM or find us in the chatroom- http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html

You're also welcome to ask for a practice game with anyone, if you need to test JCZ.

Without further ado:  I now declare the First Carcassonne Central Welcome Tournament.......OPEN
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 16, 2015, 10:26:48 AM
Good luck to all involved. I hope you have a great tournament!

My best advise is not to be intimidated by the competition. I've learnt a lot from my numerous losses to people from these forums, so enjoy the experience and try to make the most of it (even when you lose)!  :)

Finally, do post here if you have any problems or difficulties. There are lots of people who can help out regardless of the nature of the problem.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: jma03 on July 16, 2015, 10:37:45 AM
Good job decar! Sure that will be a great fun-filled tournament! Worthwhile for you to try it
merit for you
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 16, 2015, 01:05:00 PM
lomdr - played today a test game with some other members from CarcC.

Please participants of this "Welcome Tournament" - before you play this league - come and play some test games to learn how the software works and come into the chatroom.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 16, 2015, 02:10:02 PM
participants - you can post here if you like to play a game with your opponents.

Please write down in which group you are.

Group1 or Group2
------------------------
at the moment are in the chatroom:

Group1: lomdr
Group2: Ailurus

but they can't play together a welcome-tournament game, because they are in different groups.

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 16, 2015, 02:37:48 PM
Hello! Thanks to those of you who've been involved in setting up this new members tournament and for making us newbies feel welcome. It's a bit late now tonight, but I'll try and get online tomorrow from about 8pm (UK time), should anyone fancy a game.  Happy to count it towards the tournament if you're also in group 2, but a friendly practice game is fine too. I've not played online before, so unfortunately I don't know how to host a game. However, I'm willing to try if someone in the chat room can guide me through my router settings tomorrow night. I'd like to give it a try using JCZ, but I don't mind playing via the Android app if necessary. Hopefully speak to some of you tomorrow. Cheers, Rich.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 16, 2015, 03:12:49 PM
Thank you Decar for the detailed description! I really look forward to many exciting Carcassonne games in the next couple of weeks.

I could play a game tomorrow (or better today, since it is already after 12 o'clock here) evening. So lomdr, franks, Halfling, Curt or Merlin_89: Feel free to join a game with me that starts at 20:00 CET or later. Just tell me here or via PM.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 16, 2015, 11:57:01 PM
Looks like we may have our first games this evening. That's great to see competitors organizing their games!

Take your time and enjoy your games  O0
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 17, 2015, 11:00:12 AM
Sorry, that I couldn't write earlier. Had a lot to do today. Nevertheless, my offer is still valid. Starting from now, I could play a tournament game with one of my group mates. :) Just come to the Chat room, I'm waiting there.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 17, 2015, 11:18:04 AM
Should we open two topics for the "Welcome Tournament"
- Welcome Tournament - Group1
- Welcome Tournament - Group2

It would be easier for the participants to make appointments and to post the screenshots.

In our regular leagues we use separate topics.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 17, 2015, 11:49:57 AM
Should we open two topics for the "Welcome Tournament"
- Welcome Tournament - Group1
- Welcome Tournament - Group2

It would be easier for the participants to make appointments and to post the screenshots.

In our regular leagues we use separate topics.
I guess, that might be a good idea!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 17, 2015, 12:15:02 PM
following participants are online in the chatroom:

group1: Safari
group2:Rich_The_Fish
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 17, 2015, 02:32:47 PM
Big thanks to Mr Numbers for helping me to configure my router to host - really appreciate your help (merit given).
Cheers for the games tonight guys, I enjoyed playing online and am glad of the practice before playing a tournament game!
Talking of which, should anyone drop out then my eldest would really love to join. So if we need a reserve player, then just let me know.
Right then, I'm off to bed. Maybe catch up with some of you over the w/end.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 17, 2015, 02:51:31 PM
Should we open two topics for the "Welcome Tournament"
- Welcome Tournament - Group1
- Welcome Tournament - Group2

It would be easier for the participants to make appointments and to post the screenshots.

In our regular leagues we use separate topics.

Given a lot of the players are new to the forum, I think it would be easier for them to find and follow 1 forum post. For now at least let's record the games here.

Big thanks to Mr Numbers for helping me to configure my router to host - really appreciate your help.
Cheers for the games tonight guys, I enjoyed playing online and am glad of the practice before playing a tournament game!
Talking of which, should anyone drop out then my eldest would really love to join. So if we need a reserve player, then just let me know.
Right then, I'm off to bed. Maybe catch up with some of you over the w/end.


Sorry I wasn't around to help; +1 Merit to Mr Numbers for helping - glad you had fun!

Hopefully, others will have time this weekend to start organizing games; if not we might have to make space for your Eldest :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 18, 2015, 06:37:32 AM
I will be available this weekend to play (and even now). However I have no experience in Jcloister so I'd prefer to join the game rather than setting one.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 18, 2015, 12:10:24 PM
Merlin_89 and I are online in the chatroom.
Merlin_89 needs to play a test game to learn how the JCZ software works.

MrNumbers, danisthirty, Decar - or someone else - we need someone who can host a game with JCZ 3.1.1
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Piklach on July 18, 2015, 12:45:21 PM
Hi guys. I'm new to this but happy to host a game if you need me to? I'm not in the new members tournament as I didn't get registered in time. I'm Rich_The_Fish's eldest btw, and hopefully on the reserve list for the tournament! I'll head across to the chat room now.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 18, 2015, 01:45:33 PM
group0 - test game!

score:
Merlin_89:  88 points  -  kettlefish:  78 points
--------------------------------------------
I've played a test game with Merlin_89

Here I will show you the screenshot of this strange game.
The cloisters came late into the game at the last 30 tiles.
We both had all our meeples on roads and cities and each had a farmer.
So we had no choice to put a meeple as a monk on a cloister.
---------------------------------------------
During the tournament - after each game you need to make a screenshot before you close the JCloisterZone programm.
I use the printscreen and then put this into "paint" for some modifications.

After the game the participants talk a bit in the chatroom. We regular inform the others about the score and who won the game and then post the screenshot here at CarcC.
--------------------------------
Attention - this is only an example  - test game kettle vs Merlin_89
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: MrNumbers on July 18, 2015, 02:43:38 PM
After some tricky manipulations with his router, Merlin_89 from now on can also host a game ;)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 18, 2015, 02:46:13 PM
After some tricky manipulations with his router, Merlin_89 from now on can also host a game ;)

Woohoo!  8) :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 18, 2015, 02:50:35 PM
Glad to see more and more people getting setup.

+1 to Mr Numbers for the help again

Has anyone managed to schedule a game yet?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 18, 2015, 02:51:09 PM
Yeah, MrNumbers does wonders with routers! :D

Thanks.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 18, 2015, 03:26:06 PM
Glad to see more and more people getting setup.

+1 to Mr Numbers for the help again

Has anyone managed to schedule a game yet?
No nothing arranged as yet. I had a quick look in the chat room earlier tonight, but wasn't anyone from Group 2, so I let Piklach have his laptop back so he could host a friendly game or two. I should be able to get online tomorrow night, so hopefully they'll be someone around from my group for a game. Failing that, I'll send a few messages out to try and schedule something for next week.
Yeah, MrNumbers does wonders with routers! :D

Thanks.
+1
I definitely agree!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 18, 2015, 06:04:43 PM
Picklach, welcome to the forums! There will be another tournament soon, so stay tuned.

@ Kettlefish: Well, no wonder that you didn't have any follower left for cloisters if you had already put that many followers in that big city. :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: MrNumbers on July 19, 2015, 12:43:44 AM
Thanks for the merits, Decar! ;)

Glad I was able to help. More people will be able to host - more games will be played! :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 19, 2015, 04:29:46 AM
group1 - Merlin_89 is online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 19, 2015, 07:34:00 AM
The first game is played.

Merlin_89: 94
Safari: 59

Merlin will post the screenshot later.

Good game, Merlin!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 19, 2015, 08:00:28 AM
Welcome Tournament - group1

Well done both - it sounds like it must have been a battle for farms!

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/X1_1.jpg)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 19, 2015, 09:02:11 AM
Thanks Safari! It is indeed good start for me...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 19, 2015, 12:12:29 PM
In fact, Decar, it was not.  ;D Merlin managed to catch 5 of my followers quite in the beginning of the game. And then JCZ didn't react properly and placed a farmer, that I didn't want to place (we gues it was the bad internet connection I had) . So I had to play the rest of the game with only one follower, that was cought by Merlin in the last third of the game. Thus, I couldn't do a lot, except of enlarging that city and that road, that were impossible to close.

Today I learned a lot. Thank you for the game, Merlin! I did never ever experience a game that was so dominated by caught meeples.  ;D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 19, 2015, 12:16:36 PM
Hiya. Just to let you know, I'm currently online in the chat room. I'm available to play a game for a bit should someone in group 2 be around (or for that matter anyone if it's just a friendly non-tournament game).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 19, 2015, 12:25:40 PM
@Safari - well all things considered not a terrible defeat then!  You do have to be careful double clicking with JCZ, maybe if there way some delay when you placed the tile your second click got misread.

Sometime I think a confirm move would be helpful to turn on so you don't make as many mistakes!

@Rich - good luck; hopefully someone will see you!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 19, 2015, 12:46:06 PM
Well done both. Great to see that the first game has taken place. Hopefully some more will follow soon...

It sounds as though "Settings" - "Confirm placement on a farm" (JCZ option) might be of benefit for future games!  :) :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 20, 2015, 09:37:45 AM
group2 - Ailurus is online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 20, 2015, 10:50:32 AM
Welcome Tournament - group1

Another game is past me.

Merlin_89 168-82 Lomdr

Lomdr was unlucky, he didn't get tile he needed (I got 2 remaining), and I also managed to block his 2 cloisters... and that was it.  Crazy score: 168!

Waiting for more games.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 20, 2015, 10:58:45 AM
Wowser! 168 from the Base game! 3 times around the track.  It looks like you got the majority of city and pennant tiles too.

Lomdr, hope your next game goes better; I bet you've learnt a few tricks from that game!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 20, 2015, 10:59:28 AM
The game was a jerk to me, really.  Like, seriously, Merlin's draws would have made me groan at the table top.  Also, it was my first 2 player game too

Also, I have a shot of the score breakdown too, Merlin.  This game it was all about the cities

(http://i.imgur.com/S2GVmsZ.png)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 20, 2015, 11:42:36 AM
The game was a jerk to me, really.  Like, seriously, Merlin's draws would have made me groan at the table top.  Also, it was my first 2 player game too

Wow, tough break. Sounds like quite a game! Sometimes the tiles are trying to beat you just as much as your opponent. Still, 168 points from a basic game is one of the highest scores I've ever heard of!

Oh well, we've all been there, better luck next time lomdr!  :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 20, 2015, 12:46:31 PM
Curt194 - please come online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html) - you need not to shy  - there we can tell you some more information - and you have the chance to play some test games before you play your first game for the "welcome tournament".
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 20, 2015, 02:42:57 PM
My second game, it was closer than the curbstomp that I had earlier, and Curt nearly made 3 laps around the board.  I didn't notice that he stole the megafarm away from me until it was too late

Score Breakdown
(http://i.imgur.com/u6fdr8k.jpg)

Map
(http://i.imgur.com/ssmeZ40.png)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on July 20, 2015, 02:51:10 PM
A very well fought game! I was pretty lucky with the large city I got towards the top of the board and just managed to get my second farmer placed to nab the mega farm. Looking forward to more games!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on July 20, 2015, 02:53:40 PM
Yeah, I did try to wreck it but you immediately drew a good counter to that, and I stopped putting points into your city there
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 20, 2015, 03:00:33 PM
Well done everyone tonight.

We've got lots of new players on board!

Group1 has managed to complete 3 games:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_2.png)

Group2 has yet to play a game, but tonight we saw Rich_The_Fish missed Ailurus by 5 minutes,  then Ailurus  missed ToastyToast by 2minutes!

I think we'll have some good games soon from Group 2.

We managed to play a few friendly games with Curt192 and ToastyToast and Halfling - so everyone is getting used to JCloisterZone.

Well Done everyone!

Some great games played today!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 20, 2015, 03:06:57 PM
...and well done to Decar for all his efforts in getting the tournament off the ground!  :(y) :(y) :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 20, 2015, 03:10:04 PM
and well done Decar for using the x-score list.  >:D
I have now more "free" time to work in other parts of the forum.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 20, 2015, 06:25:53 PM
Good games, guys. Congrats to the winners!
Next game, next chance, Lomdr. Maybe this might be the game against me (hopefully not, as I want you to win your next game, but want to win my games too, of course. ;D )

Well done both. Great to see that the first game has taken place. Hopefully some more will follow soon...

It sounds as though "Settings" - "Confirm placement on a farm" (JCZ option) might be of benefit for future games!  :) :(y)
Woohoo! Didn't know that this option exist. From now on: No game without!  ;D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 21, 2015, 12:16:47 AM
and well done Decar for using the x-score list.  >:D
I have now more "free" time to work in other parts of the forum.

This is good; and thanks to you for making it so easy to use!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 21, 2015, 12:36:52 PM
Hiya. Just in case anyone from Group 2 is browsing this thread (or has set it to notify them via email) then I'm still around for a bit longer tonight should anyone fancy a tournament game? Just join us in the chat room http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 21, 2015, 04:00:42 PM
I just wanted to inform you that I only can play on friday afternoon again. Also I could play a match on Saturday. So if you (group 1) have time then, feel free to let me know!  :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 21, 2015, 04:06:57 PM
Played my first tournament game against toastytoast tonight. It was a rather unusual game and was very strategic - I ended up trying to play defensively to try and prevent my toastytoast scoring by trapping his meeples where possible. However he made a great move near the end and took over the main field with 4 farmers. The final scores were very close...

Group 2 - toastytoast 62 v Rich_The_Fish 66.

Thanks for playing toastytoast (and waiting for my practice game to finish), and cheers to Decar for hosting the game (no idea why it wouldn't work).

Hopefully catch up with you later in the week and manage another Group 2 game.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on July 22, 2015, 01:53:51 AM
'Twas an enjoyable game. I made a silly mistake of using up all my meeples quickly only to be taunted by the random gods with a stream of not very useful tiles soon after, ha!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 22, 2015, 03:05:52 AM
Well done Toastytoast & Rich_The_Fish - the first game in Group2 has been played!

It looked like quite an intense battle for that farm.  I think both players will be watching for traps from now on!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 22, 2015, 07:50:48 AM
Forgot to add the updated X-score:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_Round1_1.png)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 22, 2015, 12:24:55 PM
Some newcomers to Carcassonne might find this tile distribution list handy for the base game:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/general/BA_Tile_Dist.png)

I thought this might help commit those tiles to memory  :(y)

Now no cheating while you're playing  :P
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 22, 2015, 12:41:08 PM
Looks great Decar - I see that it's evolved from last night. This list will no doubt be very helpful and assist us to memorise the different types of tiles in the base game. I've added some merit as I feel it's well deserved. Cheers.

BTW, I'm not available tonight but will try to get online tomorrow night (8ish) should anyone in Group 2 fancy a game?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on July 22, 2015, 12:58:53 PM
Nice one Decar! :(y)

Just to avoid confusion, it might be worth pointing out that one of those four crfr tiles is the starter tile and so isn't "drawn" with the rest of the tiles...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: spikey_dino on July 22, 2015, 02:25:32 PM
Hi, Guys
 
I'm in Group 2.  I'm in Mountain Standard Time and I'll be hanging out in JCloister Zone until about 7:00.  Send me a message to play -- I'll try to be available online tomorrow too.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 22, 2015, 02:29:06 PM
Great to see you spikey_dino!  Can I recommend you check out the chatroom?  Let me know if you need help hosting the game; I've left a server running :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 23, 2015, 11:56:34 AM
Hi folks. Just thought I'd let you know that I'm online and available to play a game (group 2). Feel free to join us in the chatroom http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 23, 2015, 12:17:34 PM
group1: Halfling is online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 23, 2015, 01:22:13 PM
group1: Curt194 is online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 24, 2015, 11:20:52 AM
Group2: I'm online and in the chatroom - pop along if you fancy a game http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 24, 2015, 12:13:24 PM
Hi folks. Just to let you know that I've created a new thread for posting screenshots of friendly games / practice matches. Given the number of non-tournament / league matches being played, having somewhere dedicated to post the details will help keep other threads less cluttered. Thanks to jungleboy for the suggestion - I'll post details of our game there shortly!

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1966.msg26376#msg26376
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 24, 2015, 01:30:16 PM
group1: Merlin_89 is online in the chatroom

and Halfling was gone promptly after a friendly game without answering in the chatroom if he likes to play with Merlin_89 or not.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 24, 2015, 01:39:06 PM
perhaps Halfling was late for something, I'm sure he'll be back very soon.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 24, 2015, 02:11:01 PM
Hey guys,

I just wanted to let you know that I could game group 1 games this weekend. So if you have time (preferably in the evening) just write me a PM.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 25, 2015, 03:09:36 AM
group2: Ailurus is in the chatroom - he likes to play a game.
Title: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Jéré on July 25, 2015, 03:32:28 AM
Send private messages to your opponents and agree on a time to meet, otherwise one can wait forever in the chat room. 

Originally, this chatroom was used to meet 5-10 minutes before a scheduled game in order to solve any potential problems with hosting/connecting. If you manage to play a few ad hoc games then good for you but the main purpose of the chatroom shouldn't be to plan your matches.

Just an advice :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 25, 2015, 03:47:27 AM
Also, a member will only receive one email until they visit the forum post again. So it's likely they haven't received the last information about the chatroom unless they've been here recently.  PMing will always send an email so the best way to arrange!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: MrNumbers on July 25, 2015, 05:49:38 AM
Also, a member will only receive one email until they visit the forum post again.

This can be changed in forum account settings. So did I, and I receive every post from subscribed threads.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 25, 2015, 07:58:18 AM
That's handy to know - Thanks Mr Numbers!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 26, 2015, 07:46:55 AM
Can everyone let me know:

To my knowledge there is at least one person, who would love to step in and take the place of an inactive participant.

Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 26, 2015, 07:54:31 AM
Can everyone let me know:
  • if they have managed to schedule any games
  • who you've contacted to schedule games
  • if they've had trouble getting responses

To my knowledge there is at least one person, who would love to step in and take the place of an inactive participant.

Thanks a lot!
Hi Decar. Just to let you know that Ailurus and I are playing tonight at 8pm. spikey_dino and I are in discussions about playing in a few days time (hopefully the time difference won't cause too much of a problem). I've not messaged anyone else yet, but will send a PM tonight.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 26, 2015, 08:29:31 AM
Thanks for letting me know Rich_The_Fish - hope the game goes well!

I've updated the Tile Distribution:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/general/BA_Tile_Dist_2.png)

Couldn't think of a better way to do it!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 26, 2015, 09:39:14 AM
The second game in Group 2 was played a short while ago between Ailurus and myself. I don't know about him, but I found it quite tough - having to adapt my game due to my first 6 tiles being roads so I took a gamble with a few farmers! Ailurus ended up with 4 cloisters, of which all but one had a monk occupying it until right near the end (and thus tying up his meeples). It was a relatively close game, with the winner being largely undecided until final scoring was completed. In the end it would appear that the farmers made the crucial difference, although it could have been very different if we'd shared the farm points or if Ailurus had managed to finish a relatively large city.

Final scores were:
Rich_The_Fish: 106  :green-meeple:
Ailurus: 87  :red-meeple:

It was an enjoyable game - thanks for contacting me to arrange playing. Screenshot attached...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 26, 2015, 10:02:40 AM
That trapped Cloister pair looks interesting; who did that?  :o

Here's the X-score:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_Round1_2.png)

sorry it's a bit small.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on July 26, 2015, 02:46:24 PM
Nice game Rich!

That trapped Cloister pair looks interesting; who did that?  :o

Both of us I think :))
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on July 26, 2015, 03:02:29 PM
Just finished playing the third game of this tournament, ToastyToast vs. Ailurus. Overall a pretty exciting and slightly unusual game! We got quite a few junctions in the beginning, nothing too impressive. Couple of small cities, Toasty finished one of mine by mistake — for a second I thought it was a challenge for my long road. Toasty deployed a farmer quite early in the game which paid off, the eventual field/farm was worth a lot! We both might have been a bit eager deploying our meeples as at several times we didn't have any left. If we had, Toasty might have had some advantage as he got all cloisters. My challenge to the main field/farm proved futile so in the last few moves I had to deploy farmers in some of the smaller fields. I got to finish some medium-sized cities though, that might have been the deciding factor in the eventual scoring.

ToastyToast: 77 :blue-meeple:
Ailurus: 86 :red-meeple:

Thanks for a nice game Toasty! I'll post the screenshot in a minute.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 26, 2015, 03:51:48 PM
Here are two games:

1. Curt–Safari (101–128)
2. Halfling–Safari (146–78)

There is nothing very remarkable about the game with Curt. For the big city both of us got the points, so we started battling for the field. A fight that I won in the end. Good game, Curt!

The game with Halfling was interesting because I built a neat big city and could defend it for quite a while. But than Halfling managed to snitch in with two followers and close it within some five turns. Good tiles played absolutely brilliant, Halfling!

Thank you for the games, guys!

Here are the screen shots:

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on July 26, 2015, 04:00:18 PM
I'm curious about the story behind the enormous city in the Halfling-Safari game :o
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on July 26, 2015, 04:23:23 PM
Good game with halfling 114 to 80 with a close fight for the farm towards the end of the game!

Screenshot attached.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 26, 2015, 04:24:54 PM
Well done to everyone getting all these games completed this weekend:

Group1:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_3.png)

Group2:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_2.png)

Please double check your scores, it's pretty late and I'm very error prone :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on July 26, 2015, 05:08:40 PM
I'm curious about the story behind the enormous city in the Halfling-Safari game :o
Ok, if you're that interested, here is a plan of everything, since it is quite complicated. One is with coloured numbers, so you can see who placed which tile. The one, with white numbers, is there if you can't read the coloured once.

So, first I placed the green follower 1 (1), then started enlarging the city at the bottom (2, 3, 4). Than Halfling placed the yellow follwer 2 (5), and I reacted in placing follower 3 (6). Both of us managed to connect the followers to the city (7, 8). So the city was still mine and I wanted to close it. However, I only got tiles with many city borders (9, 10, 11, 13, 14), what allowed Halfling to place his other two followers, and the two tiles connecting them to the city within the next turns (12, 15, 16, 17). So I wanted to place more followers: First I wanted to place one on the top, but Halfling closed the city there before I could place it (18). Therefore, I tried to enter the city on the right and placed a follower there (19), but the next turn Halfling closed here too and got the 50 points (20).

I hope you understand how everything worked. It was incredible. I had no chance to snitch into the city again since Hafling got perfectly fitting tiles one turn after the other and placed them very good. No chance. :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 27, 2015, 10:53:11 AM
I'm giving you a merit just because you remembered the order the tiles came out! That's a good skill to posses and a great way to analyse defeats.

Does anyone have games scheduled for this evening?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 27, 2015, 12:16:53 PM
game1 - Curt194 and Merlin_89 are playing their game now.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 27, 2015, 12:40:01 PM
134 Merlin_89 - Curt_194 73

Finished within 20 minutes. Curt_194 gave me a scare while he tried to finish big city... ultimately I blocked it. After that, I had safe meeple advantage and used it ruthlessly (especially on farms).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on July 28, 2015, 10:39:46 AM
Hello everyone,

I'm back from the travel portion of my vacation and have the rest of this week off work. Could I please rely on the peeps in my group to send me an invite? Evenings are still the best time but I will try to make other times work in my Zone (GMT-6).

Also still intimidated by the app until someone can help guide me through the first time, (I am a bit rubbish with computers in general).

Thank you, lets play!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on July 28, 2015, 11:43:05 AM
Hi franks,
please come online to the chatroom. Rich_The_Fisch will play with you a friendly game.
In the chatroom we will tell you some more details.

http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 29, 2015, 01:07:26 PM
Just in case any tournament players are monitoring this thread, currently Merlin_89 (Group 1) and myself (Group 2) are in the chatroom. We've both still got a few games to play in the first round, so feel free to arrange a game.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 29, 2015, 11:35:04 PM
Large chunk of games in Group A was held last night. Ultimately I finished all my group games.

First was: Merlin_89 vs. Franks
He had a momentum, he led by at least 10 points for first half of the game. Franks quickly finished his roads, cities, he even made me wait for one tile in 2 of my cites, wasn't looking good for me. But then I got good tiles, he made some wrong meeple placement decision. In the end, he still had chances to close city for around 30 points...

103 Merlin_89-Franks 67
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 30, 2015, 12:03:15 AM
Then, it was: Franks vs. Halfling

I was hosting and observing that one. They went toe to toe immediately... and it was balanced game for most of the time, until it wasn't. Franks finished city for 38 points, and nothing could be done. They fought for field, but I knew that point gap was too large...

124 Franks - Halfling 96
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 30, 2015, 12:17:49 AM
Thanks for the reports merlin_89 ! Glad you saved frank's and halfling's game too.

The farming in the first one look intense and quite a few cities left incomplete. Looked like a great game.
I'll update the x-score asap!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on July 30, 2015, 12:37:45 AM
And the last game of the night... Merlin_89 vs Halfling (or maybe Halfwit, he misspelled his name, we joked a lot about it).

It was well after 1 am., I wanted to finish it quickly, I finished my cities as smoothly as I could, and I went ahead in points quickly, then I haven't let go. I blocked Halfling's city, I had meeple advantage, so I only tried to control the game.

103 Merlin_89-Halfling 74

Couldn't be more happier and satisfied, I finished all my group games!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 30, 2015, 05:03:27 AM
A Merit for Merlin_89 for finishing Round 1.  And well done for winning all your games  :(y)

Here's the updated X-score sheet.
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_4.png)

There's still 5 games left to play in this group.

Please let me know when your games are scheduled!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 30, 2015, 06:38:00 AM
QueenAlkie - This is your final call.  If you cannot acknowledge your participation on the tournament before the end of Friday 31st July, I will open your place to another participant.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Jéré on July 30, 2015, 07:47:45 AM
QueenAlkie - This is your final call.  If you cannot acknowledge your participation on the tournament before the end of Friday 31st July, I will open your place to another participant.

Twitter might be a good way to reach her (https://twitter.com/queen_alkie), if she's not responding.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on July 30, 2015, 08:47:09 AM
Everyone's had direct emails and PMs from me and participants.  franks, spikey_dino and Koremu have been able to let me know they were away on holiday, but still keen to participant when they returned.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on July 30, 2015, 02:47:22 PM
A Merit for Merlin_89 for finishing Round 1.  And well done for winning all your games  :(y)
Yep, well done Merlin_89 for managing to play all of your round 1 matches, not to mention winning them all! We'll all have to look out for you in future rounds!

Please let me know when your games are scheduled!
Everyone's had direct emails and PMs from me and participants.

I'm still struggling to get a response from spikey_dino , koremu and QueenAlkie to get our games scheduled despite sending PMs, numerous posts on here and a personal email :(

However, at least I've played quite a few practice games over the last fortnight with several different folk and have experienced a variety in playing styles broadning my knowledge and understanding of the game.

It's been very quiet on here / chatroom tonight, so I'm going to go now after waiting around for 2 hours just on the off-chance that someone from Group 2 would show up when I said that I was available to play (knowing that it would be a long shot, but keen to get these games played).

Hope to catch up with you guys soon,
Rich.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 01, 2015, 03:57:43 AM
All:

I have not heard from Queen_Alkie - Thus I have decided to remove her from Group 2.

Rich_The_Fish has mentioned his son Piklach, would love to compete.  I see no reason to not give him first refusal.  Piklach, would you still like to enter the tournament?

Spikey_dino has also been in touch with me.  I am afraid to say she has had to step down from the tournament.

This means that there is currently a vacant space in the tournament.  Please spread the word and let anyone you know who is interested, and would qualify that a space is available.

Koremu, please let us know what your availability is like this coming week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Piklach on August 01, 2015, 06:57:45 AM
All:

I have not heard from Queen_Alkie - Thus I have decided to remove her from Group 2.

Rich_The_Fish has mentioned his son Piklach, would love to compete.  I see no reason to not give him first refusal.  Piklach, would you still like to enter the tournament?
I am available to join the tournament and would like to participate. I am not quite sure what I'm doing next week so I will post when I am available to play a match.

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Lukey-Dukey on August 01, 2015, 07:36:35 AM
Spikey_dino has also been in touch with me.  I am afraid to say she has had to step down from the tournament.

This means that there is currently a vacant space in the tournament.  Please spread the word and let anyone you know who is interested, and would qualify that a space is available.

Hi everyone. My name is Lukey-Dukey and I am Piklach's younger brother. I would really like to participate in the welcome tournament for new members too if you're happy to let me join?

I may have just joined the forum, but have played a few games in recent weeks with other forum members who I met in the chatroom. In addition, I have played Carcassonne with my brother and Dad (Rich_The_Fish) quite a bit, and would love to see if I can improve my skills and beat them both in this tournament - that would be great! :)

Hope to hear from you soon.
Lukey-Dukey  :blue-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 01, 2015, 12:21:56 PM
Piklach : great to have to you aboard - I see you're already playing Ailurus!

Piklach will replace Queen-Alkie

Lukey-Dukey:  I am really happy to see your enthusiasm and activity in the chatroom & playing games.  I was slightly hesitant that we would not be letting another family take part.  But as I see it:  Rich_The_Fish, Piklach & Ailurus are happy for you to join in; which is over 50% of the remaining participants.

Lukey-Dukey will replace Spikey-dino.

Let's organize some matches and get Group 2 completed  :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on August 02, 2015, 04:59:29 AM
Played my match with Piklach yesterday! Nice game, Piklach built quite a few small cities during the match. We didn't have enough meeples left to score half of the cloisters. Small fight for the big city (top right), I managed to get a meeple majority in the end. Same story for the central farm, but Piklach was paying more attention to the other farms than I was :)).

Piklach :black1-meeple: 87
Ailurus :red-meeple: 107
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on August 02, 2015, 06:30:59 AM
Just played my match with Lukey-Dukey.

114 to me, 105 points to Lukey-Dukey

This game got incredibly tense as to who was going to win the 'Great Farmer War'. Lots of sneaky farm expansions from both of us!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Piklach on August 02, 2015, 11:53:38 AM
I had a fun game when I played Lukey-Dukey. It wasn't the hardest game I've ever played but I still had to think carefully about some moves. Personally I don't think that he tried his best but I cant help that. He started building a big city and I thought it was over until I got a road to block him, then I saw the opportunity to put a stop to his city and I couldn't help myself from totally annoying him. It looked like he was finished but then he completed small features and his points started to build up again... But it was too late and he didn't have enough points or meeples and unfortunately lost.
Ending scores:
Piklach:91
Lukey-Dukey:65
Thanks for the game Lukey  :)
Piklach :black1-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 02, 2015, 11:58:22 AM
Sounds like you both learnt some good lessons from this game.  If you can identify a few key mistakes I'm sure you'll think twice before doing it again  :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on August 02, 2015, 12:04:41 PM
Hey guys,

Great to see that the tournament is progressing. As I see I still need to play against lomdr and frank. I'll try to schedule a game with them. However, I just wanted to let you know, that I would like to finish my first round games by the end of next week, since I'm going on holiday for two weeks then. I'm not quite sure if I can play any games during the holidays, so this is just to let you know what happened to me, in case you'll wonder about what might have happened to me. :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 02, 2015, 01:43:11 PM
I have just played my tournament game against Piklach. Seeing as it was getting a little late and heading towards his bedtime, we didn't have sufficient time to clear the table and play with the physical copy which is a shame but I'll try to use it with Lukey-Dukey over the next couple of days.

This was the first time that I've played Piklach where I actually tried really hard to win. It's a good job I did too, as he played a fantastic move trying to take over the big city in the south east. Initially I thought that I could keep him out, but he snuck in and then played a blinder just leaving room for the CCCC tile which he rather fortunately drew and then earned himself 34 points for the completed city after overpowering me! Had I have drawn the tile, then I would have happily sacrificed my meeple leaving the city incomplete - I would also have taken the lions share of the points for this uncompleted feature as his 2 meeples were on the eastern edge of the city where there were just a few city tiles.

While this was fight was going on, there was a major battle to command the lower field(s), with us both utilising more and more farmers trying to gain the upper hand. Thankfully these fields remained split and whilst I was outnumbered on the east side, I just claimed the majority in the west earning 15 points against Piklach's 9. As you can tell by our meeple placement, we both really went for it with the farmers, placing 9 in total between us. This obsession with farming did mean that several cloisters were not populated and there were a few lengthy roads which didn't earn us any points.

If I'm honest Piklach did place a couple of his meeples slightly carelessly, causing them to remain on uncompleted features for quite some time (at the end he had one in 1 tile city and another on a 3 tile road). However, neither of us are very experienced and we are both still finding our way and learning good techniques. Still, he did make several great moves, including some rather sneaky farmer placement which really kept me on my toes. His last tile was a cloister which he carefully placed to open up his field and earn an additional 3 points (he didn't have a meeple to place in it). I was hoping that I'd get that tile and kept a meeple in reserve just in case, as it would have fit nicely in the space that I'd created right in the middle of the board which would have earned a quick 8 points!

It was a really enjoyable game, but I did find it rather difficult (and very unfatherly) not to offer advice. Thanks for playing Piklach, I hope that you enjoyed it too!

Final scores were:
Rich_The_Fish - 121  :green-meeple:
Piklach - 89  :black1-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 02, 2015, 02:15:00 PM
Looks like a very fun game! That big city was something else.

I just want to add that offering advice is in the rules. But you'll have to live with the consequences, whether you give it or if you choose to accept it ;)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on August 03, 2015, 12:08:31 AM
Hi Decar,
do we get a x-score list for the group2?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on August 03, 2015, 01:34:26 PM
I've just played my game against Piklach.

Toastytoast - 77
Piklach - 60

Interesting game - though I was rather agressive to make sure I stuck with the majority farm. Piklach had a mega-city on the go, which I tried to curtail. He didn't finish it though the amount of end-game points for it were still pretty high!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 03, 2015, 02:15:21 PM
There was another game in Group 2 earlier tonight, as I played my match against Lukey-Dukey.

I started to lay claim to the main field very early on and quickly placed 2 farmers in the hope that it would deter my opponent. It did the trick, although he just beat me to claim the southern field (after already claiming the one to the east). There were a couple of features which we ended up sharing - most notably was the road worth 11 points that I muscled in on! I'll acknowledge that I was rather fortunate to be drawn all but one of the cloisters, 4 of which I placed a monk in to earn some quick points. Lukey-Dukey was unable to finish the large city or his only cloister, but he was careful not to merge the main field with his in the east (as he would have been outnumbered), although this did mean that he didn't have may meeples left at times.

It was an enjoyable game and somewhat closer than I thought it might have been at about half-time (I'd claimed the main field and had quickly built lots of little cities). To be honest, he was quite unfortunate with the tiles that he was given - but I guess that's the luck of the draw! In the end, it was probably the number of cloisters that I got which clinched the game. Thanks very much for playing Lukey-Dukey.

Final scores were:
Rich_The_Fish - 142  :green-meeple:
Lukey-Dukey - 108  :blue-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 03, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Well done playing all these games so quickly. I feel like the end of the Round is in site. Sorry I have not had chance to update X-score, my day job has been very busy today. Hopefully I'll have chance tomorrow!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 03, 2015, 02:32:23 PM
Also, there's quite a few Brits playing in this tournament; I wondered if you've all seen we're planning a meetup at the end of October:

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1902.msg25139#msg25139
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 04, 2015, 01:35:40 PM
Here is the updated X-list for Group 2 -
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/JCZ_Welcome_Group2_Round1_3.png)

Wow - We should make sure families compete in the same group more often.
Well done.

Koremu - Please let us know where you are and when you are available to play.  You have 5 games remaining.  The group have games remaining

LOMDR - You have 3 games remaining, please schedule your next game, with Safari because he is on holiday very soon!

franks - You have 3 games remaining and you have let us know by email when you are available, Safari can you schedule a game?

Safari - You have 2 games remaining and you've let us know when you're on holiday.

Curt & Halfling  You have 1 game each remaining; can you try and let us know when you'll be free?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on August 05, 2015, 02:08:10 PM
LOMDR is online in the chatroom (http://sydby.com/carcassonne/irc/index.html)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on August 05, 2015, 03:45:51 PM
I'm in the chat room now as well.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on August 05, 2015, 05:28:32 PM
Finally we could play the two remaining games. So here are the results:

1. game:
LOMDR: 107
Safari:   100

2. game:
Safari: 125
franks:  65

Thank you for the games, guys!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on August 05, 2015, 07:17:47 PM
I'd sooner forget the second game with Safari  :D
I missed a move to mitigate the horrible loss, but it was a fun game all the same.

LOMDR and franks finished off the night with a tie!

Lomdr 106

Franks 106
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on August 05, 2015, 07:21:54 PM
It really came down to who drew the CCCC tile.  Franks tried to open up some avenues to place it once it was drawn and I was trying to shut them down.  I ended up drawing it near the end of the game and shared the points with him.  If he would have drawn the tile when he had options or if I didn't score 5 in that incomplete city, he would have won.

But yeah, in my game vs Safari, the same tile came out like way in the early game and I had to add on to his starting city
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on August 06, 2015, 12:10:36 AM
Well done franks, lomdr and safari for making so many games happen at short notice!

I hope you all enjoyed the games and are having fun in the tournament so far... :)

 :blue-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on August 06, 2015, 09:11:54 AM
I am, Dan, though I was positively buzzing from anticipation from when that CCCC hole was made to when I drew the tile.  At least a late night nap helped in quashing that buzzy feeling.

But yeah, I have one game left and it's with Halfling
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 07, 2015, 10:22:42 AM
Well done everyone!

These were some very late games; it means a lot knowing you stayed up late to make time for each other:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_5.png)

Only 2 games remain in Group1:
LOMDR & Halfling
franks & Curt

Koremu - I've not heard anything back from you yet!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 07, 2015, 11:45:04 AM
So with 7 games left to play, I wanted everyone to consider Round 2.

I have originally intended, 4 games with 3 players each.  With a mix of players from both groups.  I wanted to include the RiverII expansion.  River 2 is generally better than River 1 because it can produce more farms.  There's an article somewhere that shows this.  I'll dig it out if you're interested.

Given the difficulties people have had scheduling their games, and that some of our players are much younger than others now; so games would have to be earlier in the day.  I see one of a few things happening:

1) We finish it now, rank both groups and have a 2-player play off.
   (I'm not a fan of this because it gives less chance for weaker or unlucky players to excel).

2) I will request a suitable time to play from each of you and accommodate you as best I can, into 3 player games.

3) We rank the groups, split them in two and regroup into GroupA, GroupB by having top and bottoms play each other: in a monster 2,3 or,6 player game.  (Again organizing a time to play...)

4) We could try and organize 3, 4-player games.

At Carcassonne Central we rarely do 3-4player games in a tournament, but it's a nice way of supporting more tiles in JCZ.

What do you guys think?  I'm open to suggestions.  I'm not worried about timing as long as everyone can communicate.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 09, 2015, 05:44:48 AM
Hi Decar, thanks for the suggestions on what happens next.

Personally, I think that it would be good if we could play a few 3-player games against different opponents from our respective groups using some additional tiles (whether that be River or even I&C). Perhaps we could then finish the tournament with two final games featuring the top 6 and bottom 6 from across both groups to determine a final ranking (or if this is going to be a nightmare to schedule then maybe 3 4-player games instead).

I guess that the next sequence of games may depend on Koremu though, as Group 2 only has 5 active participants at the moment. Hopefully he'll make an appearance soon!

Just to let you all know, apart from Koremu's 5 outstanding games, Lukey-Dukey and Ailurus have arranged to play the only other remaining game tonight at 6pm - have a great game guys.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on August 09, 2015, 11:03:35 AM
Nice game with Lukey-Dukey just now ^-^.

Lukey-Dukey :blue-meeple: 74
Ailurus :red-meeple: 83
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on August 09, 2015, 11:12:16 AM
As for the next round, I do like multi-player matches with a bit more tiles (e.g. add Traders & Builders) but I'm not sure whether that would be practical to organise? I'm also fine with 2-player matches based on the ranking.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 10, 2015, 12:24:16 AM
Looks like a close battle. That trap in the middle looks crazy. 2&3 meeple lost. I'm guessing that made all the difference later on in the game!

I'll get the xscore updated tonight. Well done arranging your game so promptly. You're both exemplary participants  :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 10, 2015, 08:58:45 AM
Here's a suggestion for the 2nd Round:
  • River 2 - 12 tiles
  • GQ11 - 11 tiles
  • Cult - 6 tiles
  • Siege - 6 tiles

There are some simple alterations to the base game; which introduce some interesting tiles.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 11, 2015, 04:47:27 AM
It's been a little over a week since we last PM'd Koremu.  He's not logged onto CarcC since the 28th (2 weeks).

I hope Koremu is ok; but I think if we have not heard from him by Friday, we will have to replace him.

Is anyone interested?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 14, 2015, 08:07:43 AM
I've received no feedback from Koremu, in order to progress he has been removed.

An additional space is now available in the Welcome Tournament, please let us know if you wish to take part.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on August 14, 2015, 08:49:49 AM
I WANT!!! :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 14, 2015, 08:54:00 AM
Well that didn't take long!

Most of the games we play with JCZ - are you familiar?

If not, I'm sure we can get you up and running in the chatroom tonight;

I will send an email to you and the group - so you can organize your games!

Thanks a lot (+1 to you)!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: T-101 on August 16, 2015, 02:15:22 PM
I'm a new member, please put me on the waiting list. Cheers!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on August 17, 2015, 09:29:11 AM
Joansinmiedo is online in the chatroom.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on August 17, 2015, 09:30:32 AM
Rosco and the others who can speak Spanish, perhaps you can help us with Joansinmiedo.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on August 17, 2015, 01:32:21 PM
The result of Joansinmiedo-Piklach game: 94-94
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 17, 2015, 02:55:50 PM
The result of Joansinmiedo-Piklach game: 94-94
Joansinmiedo played his first welcome tournament match tonight against Piklach. I gather that it was rather close throughout the game, with the last tile earning 3 points meaning that the game finished in a draw. As for what happened during the game I wouldn't know - I'll ask Piklach to comment tomorrow. Anyway, here's the screenshot...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 17, 2015, 04:38:34 PM
I managed to play my final (first round) game earlier tonight, which was against Joansinmiedo - welcome to the tournament.

It was a rather close game, with us both battling throughout in order to have control of the main field. In the end, I finally managed to get a third farmer in and earned myself a share of the points. In addition to the farmers, we both had several meeples stuck for large parts of the game in unfinished cities, along with a road and a cloister in Joansinmiedo's case too. This prevented us from scoring too highly and we both had periods where we had no meeples left to place, although had the right tile have been drawn then things would have progressed quickly. It was an enjoyable game and challenge, with the outcome hanging in the balance right up until the end - as you can see from the screenshot, we both had large unfinished cities which would have scored quite highly and just ran out of tiles to get our recently placed farmers in to the main farm to gain an overall majority.

The final scores were:
Rich_The_Fish: 88   :green-meeple:
Joansinmiedo : 79   :red-meeple:

Thanks very much for hanging around after you'd finished your game with Piklach.

By my reckoning, there are just 3 games left in Group 2 now, so it'll not be long till round two...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 20, 2015, 07:40:46 AM
Any luck scheduling those last games?

I'd really like Round two to get started next week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on August 20, 2015, 12:05:15 PM
The results of the match.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on August 20, 2015, 01:03:05 PM
Looks from those scores like it was all about the farm in the end.

Congratulations on your win Joansinmiedo! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 23, 2015, 09:19:13 AM
Here is the latest X-Score - I'm sorry it was not published quicker:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_Round1_6.png)
Remaining Group1 Matches:

LOMDR vs Halfling
Franks vs Curt194

It's been over two weeks and I've heard nothing from you - Please let us know when you are intending on playing.

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_Round1_3.png)
Remaining Group2 Matches:
Joansinmiedo vs Lukey-Dukey
Joansinmiedo vs toastytoast

Please schedule a times to play.

If games remain unscheduled by Friday 28th the result will not be included in the Round 2 ranking.

If neither player attempts to schedule the game, it will be recorded as a loss for both players. 
If one player is inactive it will be recorded as a win for the active player.
Games scheduled for after Friday will still be included in the Round calculations.
Any unforeseen circumstances will be handled by the adjudicator (eg: me).

Please ensure you have attempted to schedule your games this week; any inactivity may result in exclusion from Round 2.

Round 2 will begin on Monday 31st August regardless of any remaining matches.

I received a package today which contains the prizes for this tournament.  It would be a shame to miss out on these very special items due to inactivity.  Owning such items would be to the envy of many Carcassonne collectors. [I almost skipped the country to avoid having to give them to anyone.]
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on August 23, 2015, 11:58:28 AM
I'm on holiday at the moment.  Unable to access JCZ.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 23, 2015, 12:00:17 PM
Thanks for reminding us Halfling!  When do you get back?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on August 23, 2015, 05:50:09 PM
I've reached out to Curt194 but we haven't made it happen. Seems to be a time zone thing.

I check in everyday in the early evening.

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on August 24, 2015, 02:41:41 AM
I've just sent you a message, Joansinmiedo,  though it came up with an error so anyhoo -I should be available 10pm onwards (GMT+1) all this week (possibly may be able to do it earlier in the evening)! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 24, 2015, 04:08:24 AM
Hi Joansinmiedo. Just to let you know that I've sent you a PM so that we can try and get your game with Lukey-Dukey scheduled (ideally for tonight if at all possible). Hope to hear from you soon. Rich.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Lukey-Dukey on August 24, 2015, 10:21:06 AM
Hi Joansinmiedo. Just to let you know that I've sent you a PM so that we can try and get your game with Lukey-Dukey scheduled (ideally for tonight if at all possible). Hope to hear from you soon. Rich.

Hi joansinmiedo just to let you know I am available now for a few hours should you be available.  :blue-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on August 24, 2015, 01:55:23 PM
I've reached out to Curt194 but we haven't made it happen. Seems to be a time zone thing.

I check in everyday in the early evening.

Cheers,

I am available for a while this evening, but obviously that isn't really planning so I will be around tomorrow. If you DM or email me I can make sure I'm available. If you do come online drop me a DM and I'll get an email about it to be able to come online.

Thanks :orange-meeple:

Decar - Sorry for the lack of communication over arranging this game. We did try a few times but couldn't quite match up.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on August 25, 2015, 03:08:28 PM
The result of the match.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on August 25, 2015, 03:11:02 PM
Hi Joansinmiedo. Just to let you know that I've sent you a PM so that we can try and get your game with Lukey-Dukey scheduled (ideally for tonight if at all possible). Hope to hear from you soon. Rich.

Hi joansinmiedo just to let you know I am available now for a few hours should you be available.  :blue-meeple:

Tomorrow!! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on August 26, 2015, 02:52:01 PM
Lukey-Dukey and Joansinmiedo played earlier tonight in what was the final round 1 game for Group 2.

From what I understand, it was a rather close game throughout and was only decided right near the end when the Lukey-Dukey managed to hold on to the northern field. At one stage Joansinmiedo got about a dozen road tiles on the bounce, so this really limited his scoring and hampered his game early on.

Final scores were:
Lukey-Dukey  : 91   :blue-meeple:
Joansinmiedo  : 70   :red-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 27, 2015, 02:00:09 AM
Congratulations Lukey-Dukey - it looked like a very fun game!

This means there's ONLY one match left to play:  LOMDR vs Halfling.  Has anyone heard anything from LOMDR?

I know Halfling is on Holiday until Monday, but there's no reason this game cannot be scheduled for early next week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on August 27, 2015, 01:03:45 PM
Hey,

Just to let you know me and Franks are scheduling our game for Sunday as the time difference is making it difficult to arrange something in the week. We are just confirming times now, but it will definitely be Sunday  :orange-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 28, 2015, 02:37:39 AM
Thanks for the update Curt, glad you've got it sorted :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 29, 2015, 12:42:06 PM
LOMDR has said he will be available Tuesday - Friday 10pm BST - Halfling please let him know which day is best for you as soon as you can.

Thank you both for organizing the last game!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 29, 2015, 01:09:42 PM
I'll be writing up the groups for the Next Round tomorrow.

We'll be using the following expansions:
River 2 - 12 tiles , Cult - 6 tiles, Siege - 6 tiles

If you're not familiar with these tiles, it may be worth starting a few practise games - I'll be in the chatroom later this evening if you're interested in trying them out.

Tom
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 29, 2015, 04:01:52 PM
Ailurius and I just had a practice game. Make sure you have the rules to hand:

https://upsilon.cc/~zack/teaching/1011/gla/carcassonne/cult-siege-creativity.pdf

Thanks for the friendly game :)

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/jcloisterzone/JCZ_Ailurus_29Aug_2015.png)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on August 30, 2015, 07:58:53 AM
So a very tense game with franks. Incredibly close game and well fought, but Franks took the lead right at the end with an essential farmer (the one on the right with 9 points).

Thanks for a great game!

Final scores:

Franks - 101
Curt_194 - 99

Screenshot below
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on August 30, 2015, 08:07:27 AM
Thanks Curt194 for such a great game. It could have gone either way!

I had a very early lead that quickly disappeared in the second half of the game. Curt was there every step of the way and every decision counted. That mega city could have made a big difference but that one evened out.

What a great game we play!

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 30, 2015, 02:19:22 PM
Looks like a fun game. Thank you both for organizing it.

I got a little caught up today. But the tables for Round 2 will be out tomorrow.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on August 31, 2015, 11:09:42 AM
The Final X-Scores for Round 1 -

Group1:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group1_Round1_7.png)
Group2:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Group2_Round1_4.png)

One game is left to play: Halfling vs LOMDR. 

In order to continue, I have had to make a difficult decision and the rankings for the group are dependant on this game.


LOMDR has informed Halfling and me that he is free to play Tuesday-Friday 10pm.  Halfling has yet to confirm a suitable time to play, because he returns from holiday today.

I have 3 choices: 1) Leave it as it is, 2) Award LOMDR a temporary win, 3) Delay Round 2 even longer.

As such, I have decided (for now) to award LOMDR  2 points.

This does affect how the group is ranked.  But I know you all want to get playing in the next round.  There's still plenty of opportunities for everything to change, before the Final Round.

If people are unhappy the alternative is to wait until this game is finally played, but I know you want to get finished before the World Cup starts!

Here is the final ranking of Group 1 & 2, with the new Groups A, B & C.

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Round2_Summary.png)

Group A:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_GrpA_Rd2_initial.png)

Group B:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_GrpB_Rd2_initial.png)

Group C:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_GrpC_Rd2_initial.png)


Rules for Round 2:

River 2
The Cult
Cathars / Siege

Here's a screenshot for JCZ:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/JCZ_Choices.png)

There are some complex rules introduced here, so make sure you're familiar with the rules:

In Brief: https://upsilon.cc/~zack/teaching/1011/gla/carcassonne/cult-siege-creativity.pdf
Or check the CAR!

Round 2 is now Open, please organize your games ASAP!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on September 01, 2015, 03:01:44 PM
So, Halfling and I decided to finish season 1 of the welcome tourney and...it wasn't my best game

(http://i.imgur.com/CkaEUM5.png)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 03, 2015, 02:36:09 PM
Hello fellow Group C contestants - just to let you know I've sent you a PM to try and arrange our round 2 game. I neglected to mention that if you're not free this Sat then maybe we could arrange something for one night next week (GMT +1)? Depending on the time (and any of my World Cup games), I can probably be free at some point most weekday evenings next week sometime after 8pm  Cheers.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on September 03, 2015, 02:43:07 PM
I'm probably not going to get time to reorganize the groups to take the last game into account until Sunday.  I think the only difference is lomdr and halfling would swap place and they are in the same group anyway. So it all worked out the same!    That was lucky.

It's up to you, but I'd like to see the tournament  continue, let me know now id you would rather I updated the sheets.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on September 04, 2015, 12:58:56 PM
Ok, thanks for clearing that up Decar! :gray-meeple:

Alright Group B, let's get those games going. I'll be available most times this weekend, just PM me a bit in advance. Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 04, 2015, 05:39:50 PM
Morning all.

I believe that the first round 2 game was played in Group A last night. I've no idea what went on as I was busy playing a match at the time (rather badly I might add), but it looks like the farms scored very highly for the winner. However, I can report that the final scores were...

Lukey-Dukey :   79  :blue-meeple:
Joansinmiedo : 178  :red-meeple:

This was the first time that Lukey-Dukey had played with these expansions, and I'm not convinced he knew too much about them but he wanted to jump in and give it a go rather than delay things and practice first. Well done guys for getting the ball rolling and kicking of the next round of the tournament.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on September 05, 2015, 12:07:26 PM
Group B game with Ailurus and franks today.

It was a very close game and I just squeaked out the win.

franks 142 :blue-meeple:
Ailurus 124 :red-meeple:

I don't recall all the details because it was one of four games I played today (3 of those were in the WC arena). Looks like the slight edge was in cities.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Ailurus on September 05, 2015, 12:14:10 PM
Thanks for the game Franks!

Just finished my match with Piklach (Group B). Even with three of his meeples trapped and another three farming from rather early on, the game wasn't decided until the end! Well done.

:black1-meeple: Piklach 92 —  :red-meeple: Ailurus 114
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on September 05, 2015, 03:11:50 PM
Welldone getting your games started!

A merit for you all!

Edit: that's a merit each, not one to share between the six of you!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on September 07, 2015, 01:21:59 PM
Merlin_89, Safari and Halfling are in the chatroom if you're due a game now's the time!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 07, 2015, 01:34:59 PM
Merlin_89, Safari and Halfling are in the chatroom if you're due a game now's the time!
Thanks for the heads up Decar. Just to let you know that I've already arranged to play Halfling (10pm this Wed), after just missing him yesterday morning.

I'll also be trying to help the kids get their games scheduled too, but it'll may be a little bit difficult to play on week day evenings what with homework and a relatively early bedtime with school the next day.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on September 07, 2015, 01:36:54 PM
Thanks for the update Rich,

Totally understand with the kids; it's a shame they ended in different groups too.  I'm sure over a few weekends it will be sorted
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on September 07, 2015, 02:28:51 PM
Merlin_89 138-77 Safari

My first ever game with Cathars against real opponent...

Beginning was quite interesting, I've never seen River 2 to shape like that. And it meant problem for Safari - I managed to block one of his meeples during river phase! Perhaps there's first time for everything. And somehow whole game was like that, most of things went my way. Safari tried to create his chances but he was constantly behind.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on September 07, 2015, 02:42:41 PM
most of things went my way. Safari tried to create his chances but he was constantly behind.
Thanks for that assessment. That was exactly my impression, too!  :o
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 09, 2015, 03:19:17 PM
Round 2 - Group C

Halfling and I played our round 2 game tonight. Halfling managed to draw all 4 siege tiles which impacted the scoring for two of my cities and I'm gutted that I didn't score anything for the largest unfinished city as I couldn't complete it, extract my knight or get Halfling to share the pain! The fiercest battle though was for control of the fields - once Halfling had placed a couple of farmers he always seemed to be in control and I was always playing catch up. It was a pretty close game until really near the end, when he just outplayed me.

Final scores were...
Halfling:           145  :yellow-meeple:
Rich_The_Fish: 123  :green-meeple:

Still, it was enjoyable game and I'm learning more about the various expansions and how best to play with them.
Thanks for the game and congrats.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 10, 2015, 04:55:36 AM
FAO Group A participants - Just to let you know that Lukey-Dukey should hopefully be available from 6:30pm - 8pm (UK time) to play any round 2 matches if anyone is free. He might be available on Saturday morning too, so please let me know if you are free then too. Thanks, Rich_The_Fish
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on September 10, 2015, 01:31:01 PM
138 Merlin_89 - Lukey-Dukey 85

Very good game from Lukey! He blocked my meeple in city at the very beginning. That's how I knew I couldn't just "play" with him.
I love that expansions took real part here... Lukey wisely competed his own Cult with his blocked monk in church, he rescued a meeple in that way. I used Cathars to disturb in Lukey's big city plans. Besides that, lots of points from Cloisters and Cults.

Good luck Lukey!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on September 10, 2015, 02:02:03 PM
Rich_The_Fish 98 - Toastytoast 104

A very tense match with Rich storming ahead for most of the game 70+ points whilst I was floating around 40. In the end I just managed to pip him to the overal farm control.

One problem however - I was going to upload the picture tomorrow morning though JCloister seemed to have misbehaved and exited the finals scores screen and gone back to default before I have had a chance to print screen! @Rich - did you take a pic too?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 10, 2015, 02:22:27 PM
Rich_The_Fish 98 - Toastytoast 104

A very tense match with Rich storming ahead for most of the game 70+ points whilst I was floating around 40. In the end I just managed to pip him to the overal farm control.

One problem however - I was going to upload the picture tomorrow morning though JCloister seemed to have misbehaved and exited the finals scores screen and gone back to default before I have had a chance to print screen! @Rich - did you take a pic too?
Yes, I did take a screenshot. In bed now, but I'll try to post it in the morning before work - assuming I get up early enough!
I agree it was a very intense game and you deserved to win after deploying your farmers so strategically whilst still having couple of meeples trapped for so long. Congrats.

Screenshot added. BTW, final score for toastytoast was 108 (not 104).
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 11, 2015, 09:40:31 AM
Welcome Tournament
I have updated the x-score lists for the final groups A + B + C.

I miss a screenshot of the game between Rich_The_Fish and Toastytoast in group C.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 11, 2015, 09:43:01 AM
I miss a screenshot of the game between Rich_The_Fish and Toastytoast in group C.
Literally just posted it kettlefish. Please note that toastytoast had 108 not 104 as initially reported. Cheers for the x-score lists.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on September 14, 2015, 09:24:57 AM
My game with Merlin_89

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on September 14, 2015, 09:51:49 AM
Congrats for Joaninmiedo! Crazy scoring with Cults and Cloisters...

But can anyone explain to me how 40 points can be scored on south field? I see 30 there! I know, I'd still loose, but still it looks like a glitch.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Jéré on September 14, 2015, 10:21:58 AM

Congrats for Joaninmiedo! Crazy scoring with Cults and Cloisters...

But can anyone explain to me how 40 points can be scored on south field? I see 30 there! I know, I'd still loose, but still it looks like a glitch.

It is indeed a bug in JCZ. I reported it here:

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=1723
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on September 14, 2015, 11:19:07 AM
So to clarify, it is because of the pig herd tile with River 2.

Technically this isn't a bug as the software is behaving as farin intends it to. But his implementation of how the pig herd tile should work isn't in keeping with our intepretation of how the rules work...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on September 14, 2015, 12:43:04 PM
It could be a problem, if it influenced the score. I didn't know that each city is worth 4 points there... It's always this thing with River 2, but the same is with volcano, it plays no role if it's not played with Princess... Coding Monkeys nailed that thing on iOS.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Joansinmiedo on September 17, 2015, 06:44:58 AM
I don't get answer from Safari to play the last game...
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on September 17, 2015, 03:02:32 PM
Hi!

Sorry Joansinmiedo, that I only could answer your message from Monday today.

However, I wrot a message to you and Lukey-Dukey some 10 days ago and wanted to know when you would have time to play a game with me. Unfortunately I didn't receive an answer. :( Maybe something went wrong and the message has never ben sent off?

I've written a new message to you and Lukey-Dukey. Hopfully we can play our game sometime until the end of the next week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on September 17, 2015, 03:18:31 PM
Just finish the game with Halfling

Halfiling - 138

Toastytoast - 94

A low scoring game full of trapped meeples. I was lagging behind but I was sure I was going to gain farmer control....until the end that is!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 18, 2015, 12:32:28 PM
Hi Safari. Sorry for not replying sooner but I'm pretty sure Lukey-Dukey hasn't received your message(s) yet. In fact, I don't think he's logged on to the forum for a while, although he has just been popping into the chat room quite a bit over the last fortnight to see if you were around. Lukey is away this weekend, but can probably play early evening next Mon, Wed or Thu, but he would need to start the game between 6 & 7pm (GMT+1) so that he can be in bed for about 8pm. I realise that this is rather limited availability and somewhat tricky to schedule, but he can't be any later to bed as it's school the next day! Failing that, he's likely to be around in the morning next Sat (26th) if that's any good? Should you be available during any of these times, please let me know (on here or by PM) and I'll make sure he's online (I'm his Dad btw). Cheers.

Hi!

Sorry Joansinmiedo, that I only could answer your message from Monday today.

However, I wrot a message to you and Lukey-Dukey some 10 days ago and wanted to know when you would have time to play a game with me. Unfortunately I didn't receive an answer. :( Maybe something went wrong and the message has never ben sent off?

I've written a new message to you and Lukey-Dukey. Hopfully we can play our game sometime until the end of the next week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on September 19, 2015, 03:08:39 AM
Hi Rich_The_Fish,

I sent you a PM.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on September 22, 2015, 01:47:19 PM
Safari – Joansinmiedo
126 – 81

Good Game, Joansinmiedo! This was a very exciting game, as in my last turn everything turned around. Very early Joansinmiedo took the big field and placed lots of other farmers and because I could caught two of his knights for half the game, so he couldn't do a lot. Then he got his two meeple back and placed more farmers in order to reconquer the field, where I placed other farmers in the meatime. However until the last turns the field belonged to both of us, but in my last two turns I could connect the most right bottom farmer to the field. Pure luck. I didn't even expect to get the field, only wanted to neutralise his points. Actually, for quite a long time I even considered leaving the field completely to Joansinmiedo.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 22, 2015, 01:53:06 PM
Welcome Tournament
I have updated the x-score list for the final group A

following games have been played in the last few days:
 - Joansinmiedo (81) - Safari (126)
- Joansinmiedo (115) - Merlin_89 (92)

Merlin_89 and Joansinmiedo have finished their games in group A.

one game left in group A:
Safari - Lukey-Dukey
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 22, 2015, 01:54:38 PM
For reference, Safari and Lukey-Dukey are playing early evening this Thu.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on September 23, 2015, 12:46:56 AM
Hi all,

Firstly sorry for my complete lack of communication. Been some emergencies which I've had to focus on so sorry that it's been a while.

I am, however, now back and available for games…weekday evenings after about 8 are good for me this week and if it's arranged I might be able to make some time over the weekend too.m

I will get back to people who have messaged me later today

Thanks
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on September 23, 2015, 02:52:26 AM
Hi all,

Firstly sorry for my complete lack of communication. Been some emergencies which I've had to focus on so sorry that it's been a while.

I am, however, now back and available for games…weekday evenings after about 8 are good for me this week and if it's arranged I might be able to make some time over the weekend too.m

I will get back to people who have messaged me later today

Thanks

Welcome back Curt! Hope the emergencies were nothing too serious.

Good luck with the rest of your games... :) :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 24, 2015, 09:25:37 AM
For reference, Safari and Lukey-Dukey are playing early evening this Thu.
Lukey-Dukey is in the chatroom and is waiting for Safari.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on September 24, 2015, 11:08:55 AM
Safari – Lukey-Dukey
128 – 121

Thank you for this amazing game! This game was exciting until the end. My two screenshots (befor last turn and after it) shall demostrate what I mean:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 24, 2015, 11:56:32 AM
Thanks for playing earlier Safari against Lukey-Dukey, I understand it was an epic battle to control the main field (or 'farmer war' as Lukey said! I think that concludes Round 2 games for Group A.

For those keeping track of things, Piklach v Curt194 in Group B is scheduled for 8pm tomorrow night.

I still need to play lomdr in Group C, but haven't managed to schedule anything with him yet. To be honest, I think weekends may be the easiest due to the time difference between UK and USA. Let's hope he is free this weekend, or it might have to be a game at 6am one morning before work!

Decar further to my message last week, are you able to shed any light on overall rankings and the next round (should there be one)?

Cheers, Rich_The_Fish
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 24, 2015, 03:47:03 PM
Welcome Tournament
I have updated the x-score list for the final group A

following games have been played in the last few days:
 - Lukey-Dukey (121) - Safari (128)

They have all finished their games in group A.


Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 24, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
Welcome Tournament
I have updated the x-score list for the final group C

following games have been played in the last few days:
 - Halfling (138) - toastytoast (94)

In group C are 3 games left:
- lomdr needs to play against his opponents:
- Halfling
- Rich_The_Fish
- toastytoast
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on September 25, 2015, 04:01:22 AM
All,

Thank you for organizing so many games while, I've been away.

I've got quite a lot on my plate to catch up with.

Big thank you to kettle for keeping the X-scores up to date (+1 merit)!

I'll sit down on Saturday and see where we are and propose the 3rd and final round.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 25, 2015, 12:03:18 PM
welcome tournament - group final B:

Piklach is waiting in the chatroom - he likes to play with Curt194 this evening.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on September 25, 2015, 01:01:35 PM
Hi all,

Just finished my game with Piklach tonight. Really good game, and we ended up sharing the farm. I was quite lucky with tile draws and managed to trap Piklach's meeples for a lot of the game one monasteries/shrines, but we ended up sharing the mega farm which made a big difference to the scores.

Final scores:

curt194: 162
Piklach: 129

Screenshot below  :orange-meeple:

I have messaged everyone else who I'm still due games with and am in the process of arranging them. Should be playing Alilurus this weekend and franks most likely the weekend after.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 25, 2015, 11:49:32 PM
Welcome Tournament
I have updated the x-score list for the final group B

following games have been played in the last few days:
 - Curt194 (162) - Piklach (129)

In group B are 3 games left:
- franks / Curt194
- franks / Piklach
- Curt194 / Ailurus
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on September 26, 2015, 05:15:59 PM
Hi Guys,

Still hoping to sneak in my games. Have been away on business for a week and now on two weeks holiday on the East Coast!

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: kettlefish on September 27, 2015, 06:19:15 AM
Ailurus is waiting for Curt194 in the chatroom.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on September 29, 2015, 02:36:20 PM
Just to let the rest of Group C know, I'm back in town and ready for some more tournament Carc
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 30, 2015, 04:42:06 AM
Just to let the rest of Group C know, I'm back in town and ready for some more tournament Carc
Hi lomdr, welcome back. Just to let you know, I've sent you a PM with my availability for our game.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on September 30, 2015, 04:58:10 AM
Hi franks. Just to let you know that I've sent you an email to check that you are still available for the game against Piklach this Saturday.

Hi Guys,

Still hoping to sneak in my games. Have been away on business for a week and now on two weeks holiday on the East Coast!

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: lomdr on October 02, 2015, 12:55:59 PM
I'm currently on with enough time for a game or two if there's anyone else on in my group  :red-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on October 03, 2015, 08:15:40 AM
Just finished my game with Piklach.

I had a a strong start and finish, with Piklach giving a good run during the mid game. He probably over committed on a late Cult to leave him him short of meeps.

franks 148
Piklach 85
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 03, 2015, 02:23:51 PM
Round 2, Group C
Just played an enjoyable and pretty intense game with lomdr.
In the end it all came down to points scored for the farms (and careful use of meeples to prevent them from getting trapped early on).

Final scores were:
Rich_The_Fish : 151  :green-meeple:
LOMDR            : 107  :red-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 04, 2015, 08:00:22 AM
Current Standings - hopefully no mistakes here, I've already shown my additions skills are poor today:

GroupA : All games complete

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_2_GrpA1.png)

GroupB:  Remaining Games: Curt vs franks  & Ailurus vs Curt

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_2_GrpB1.png)

GroupC: Remaining Games: Lomdr vs ToastyToast   & Lomdr Halfling

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_2_GrpC1.png)

Final ranking tables will be drawn up once all the games have been completed.

Please complete your games before the 19th October.

Setup for Round 3

Equivalent ranked Players from each GroupA,B,C will play a single -3 player game to decide final ranking.

Given the logistics involved, only the Top player from each Group will need to schedule a game.  Once Round 3 has started, 2 weeks will be allocated to play the game.

It would be nice, but optional, for the remaining 2nd, 3rd, 4th players to schedule a time to play.  If a game cannot be scheduled the players who cannot play will forfeit their match and the remaining 2-players will play. If a time cannot be appropriately scheduled, the rank will be shared between the 3 players.

The following expansions will be used in Round 3:

The Phantom
Traders & Builders
The Tower
Corn Circles II
-----
118 Tiles

I recommend some practice games to make sure you are familiar with the rules!

Looking at the results there have been some thoroughly interesting games this round; well done everyone!  The end is in sight!

Once the final 4 games are played in Round 2 - I will produce the Tables for the Round 3 - the final round of the competition!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 06, 2015, 01:37:22 PM
How we looking to wrap this up:

Lomdr vs ToastyToast
Lomdr vs Halfling

Curt vs franks
Ailurus vs Curt
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on October 06, 2015, 05:02:44 PM
I've messaged Curt and could make his tight window work last weekend. Hope to get this one done next weekend.

Cheers,
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on October 09, 2015, 01:34:44 AM
I've had sporadic access this week but this weekend and next week in general I can try to be on from 10pm+ (GMT+1). I'm on my holiday from the 17th Oct for a week, so hopefully I can get my last match of this round down by then!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 09, 2015, 03:31:40 AM
Thanks for trying to sort this out guys; if I don't hear anything I'll drop an email tomorrow morning.

Tom
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on October 10, 2015, 07:36:48 AM
Well that was a very tense game with franks! Close throughout with lots of battling for cities and farms. Franks ultimately won the mega farm with an excellently placed meeple towards the end of the game, but I just managed to pip ahead with my final tile placement which closed off the big city at the top of the map and has my 3 point farmer on.

Final scores:

Curt194: 105
franks: 104

Thanks for a great game!

Screenshot is in franks post below
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on October 10, 2015, 07:40:30 AM
Thanks for posting Curt. Neck and neck the whole way in a tense but fun game!!!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on October 10, 2015, 07:46:37 AM
See if I can help on the resolution for that last game.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on October 10, 2015, 07:49:38 AM
Ah thanks! The resolution on mine is always too high so the file is too big but I always end up lowering it too much!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on October 11, 2015, 06:27:15 AM
Final game of our group took place today between me and Ailurus.

I was very lucky with my tile draws getting most of the cathar tiles to add to cities and I got the CFRF tile to finish my city and claim an instant 9 points from the shrine.

Good game Ailurus!

Final scores:

Curt194: 133
Ailurus: 83

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 11, 2015, 08:37:55 AM
Looks like quite a game!  Great use of farmers and Siege tiles by Ailurus on the left hand side, but it didnt seem to be enough!

All Games from Group B are now complete.  Thanks a lot for fitting your games in!

Two games are left to be played:  Lomdr vs ToastyToast  & Lomdr vs Halfling

Has anyone been in touch with these players, have the games been scheduled? 

Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on October 13, 2015, 03:05:12 PM
A close game featuring large cities and a megafarm this evening between Lomdr and myself!

toastytoast - 141
Lomdr - 126
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on October 13, 2015, 03:42:45 PM
Final game from our group  Halfling 177 - 99 LOMDR

I have screen shot, but is too large too attach.....
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on October 13, 2015, 03:44:57 PM
changed to jpeg, obviously!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 14, 2015, 02:54:24 AM
62 points for 2 farms!  Incredible.

Thank you so much for everyone who has managed to play their games in such short notice.

I'm going to update the tables tonight and show the final rankings taking the Round 1 and Round 2 results into consideration.

Well done everyone!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on October 14, 2015, 06:17:46 AM
Gotta win somehow and the besiegers help the farm totals.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 14, 2015, 03:12:06 PM
Final Group A,B,C Tables:

Group A:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_2_GrpA1.png)
Group B:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Round2_final_GroupB.png)
Group C:
(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Round2_final_GroupC.png)

The Position Table after Round 2:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Round2_Rankings.png)
I have added together the group and PPD scores from Round 1 and Round 2 and ranked by Group Point and then PPD.

Please review and let me know quickly if there are any mistakes.

The Third and Final Rounds are:

Group Yellow: Merlin_89 , Rich The Fish, Halfling
Group Salmon: Curt 194, Joansinmiedo, franks
Group Green: Safari, Ailurus, toastytoast
Group Blue: Piklach, LOMDR, Lukey-Dukey.

As I said Before Round 3 is a single three player game consisting of:

The Phantom
Traders & Builders
The Tower
Corn Circles II

It is only required that Group Yellow attend their games.  There are a small pool of prizes for everyone who manages to play their last game though  :D  It would be wonderful if those people based in the UK can finish their games before 31st October, so I can give prizes at the UK Meetup Event, if they are attending.

I think ToastyToast must complete his game before Saturday - good luck.

I now declare Round 3 started.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Jéré on October 15, 2015, 05:31:49 AM
Elo ratings after first 2 rounds:

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/15/1ef8cb9aba5b6ab6a78bccd9e22a60b7.jpg)

If you're not sure what Elo is, there is a nice wiki page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elo_rating_system) about it with way too much detail! It simply indicates how well you did in your recent matches (your score, initially set to 1200, went up or maybe down). It is also used to predict the outcome of your future games. It says that you have better chances to win against an opponent with a lower rating but also the opposite: players with greater ratings are supposed to be tough to beat. Amount of points you win or lose after each match depends on the difference between the rating of your opponent and yours.

Note that I will not calculate Elo ratings for Round 3 as the games will be multiplayer.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 15, 2015, 06:58:40 AM
To be honest, I can read that wikipedia page all day and I still wont understand it.  But it looks like the Welcome Tournament has shuffled things up quite a bit  :(y)

It's safe to say you've all played enough games online to get some real experience at it now.  I hope you've all managed to enjoy at least one game and maybe learn a new trick or two.

Thanks for the table Jéré!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 15, 2015, 01:34:50 PM
Thanks for the update Decar - it's good to see how we all stack up after the first couple of rounds. I for one am really looking forward to playing the next round - it's going to be a hectic game for the final round with all those expansions! I'll contact Merlin_89 and Halfling to see if we can schedule the game for sometime next week. The boys are both keen to play their game too, but with lomdr's time difference being -8 hours it's probably going to be a bit tricky, especially before the UK meet up in just over a fortnight.

By the way, it looks like the screenshot for Group C is missing the result from the final game, but I can see that the scores have been included in the leaderboard which made it very close for 3rd and 4th place.


Cheers for the Elo table Jéré, it looks interesting. I'd not heard about this ranking system before. I guess the values will be more accurate / representative of our ability once we've played a few more games to make it more statistically significant.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on October 15, 2015, 02:23:17 PM
I'm on now, if any Green Group are about :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on October 19, 2015, 04:56:38 PM
Quite interesting Elo thing. Still, I have to agree with Decar that I never would understand that Wikipedia article. Is there any short way to explain how one gains (or looses) points and how much?

BTW: We greens are trying to find a date for our game. Just that you know. ;)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on October 19, 2015, 10:16:09 PM
Quite interesting Elo thing. Still, I have to agree with Decar that I never would understand that Wikipedia article. Is there any short way to explain how one gains (or looses) points and how much?

I believe that if you win a game your Elo rating will increase. If you lose a game it will decrease. The scale of the increase/ decrease depends on the Elo rating difference between you and your opponent immediately before your game. So, if your rating was 1400 and you beat someone with a rating of 1200 then the idea is that you are the better player and so a win is expected. For this reason, the increase would be much smaller than if your rating was 1200 and you beat someone with a rating of 1400! :(y)

Exact amounts are more difficult to explain (and I don't understand them either)...

Hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Jéré on October 20, 2015, 08:14:30 AM
I've prepared a table to help you visualise how your Elo rating is adjusted after a match. Hope this helps!

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/e33c431ace42bf92cf9e0fa9bfb0ed77.jpg)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 22, 2015, 11:09:55 AM
Hi Merlin_89. Just to let you know that Halfling and I are in the chatroom hoping to play our third round (and final) game. Are you free?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 26, 2015, 12:24:17 PM
Hi Merlin_89. Just to let you know that Halfling and I are in the chatroom hoping to play our third round (and final) game. I see that you're online - are you free to play?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 26, 2015, 01:52:10 PM
For those that are interested, we've arranged to play the final tomorrow night at 7pm (GMT). Good luck guys, let's hope it's a great game.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 26, 2015, 02:33:22 PM
Great stuff guys, thanks for making this happen  :(y) :(y)

Any luck in the other rounds?
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 28, 2015, 03:15:08 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Halfling and Merlin_89 for the good battle we had last night in the final. Congrats on the win Halfling, you played a very strong game.

Thanks also to Decar and everyone else who has helped out with the tournament, it was a really enjoyable experience. I particularly like that it has introduced me to quite a few members here at CC (thanks for playing guys) and also to several expansions which I'd never used before. If it wasn't for a tweet I saw about this tournament I probably wouldn't have signed up to the forum, or got as hooked on Carc!

Cheers,
Rich_The_Fish  :green-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 28, 2015, 03:23:45 AM
The Final Game of the Welcome Tournament was played last night between:  Merlin_89,  Rich_The_Fish & Halfling.

I'm afraid to say I missed the start of the game.  But due to Halfling's laptop crashing I was able to join and watch the last 72 tiles being played.

Needless to say, it was very tense!

The beginning of the game seemed to be predominately Tower tiles.  Merlin was just ahead at this point and Rich had already managed to play all of his meeple, except his phantom.

By around 50 remaining tiles, Rich had managed to close the gap, complete some features, get some meeple stolen and rescued others with Towers and cunning Corn Circle Play.

With 20 tiles left Catastrophe Hit!

We hit a JCloisterZone bug where Merlin had played a Corn Circle 2 tile, but was unable to select to 'remove' or 'add' extra meeple.  While it was popped up it became Halfling's go!

There was a short (well extremely long) interlude and I painstakingly undid Merlin's turn so, the game could continue as intended.  We also seemed to have another issue where 30xHalflings and 30xRich_the_Fishes join the hosted game!

After about 40 minutes we were able to resume.

It's worth remembering that sometimes the hardest part of the game is juggling your followers and your extra wooden pieces.  Do you play a tower?  Do you place your phantom there?  When do you play your pig?  What about my Builder?

I think it's fair to say every player made a few mistakes in their last few turns at the table.

Almost out of nowhere: Halfling put his followers to hard work farming, though some would say it was all carefully planned.

At the end of the game; it was going to be close but it came down to how the last tile was used by Merlin_89.

I'll be posting some pictures very shortly with scores - and hopefully the players will include descriptions from their perspective.

The Final rankings are:

1)  Halfling
2) Merlin_89
3) Rich_The_Fish

Special prizes will be sent to these players in the coming days.

General Note:
Well done everyone!  I hope you've learned some new Carcassonne mechanics, played some intense games and possibly made a few mistakes you'll never make again!

All in all I hope you enjoyed the process and met a few new people.

Other Groups - I have yet to hear if you have managed to play your final match.  If you can: please schedule your matches before 9th November - If you're not interested in completing the tournament then please let me know.  As soon as all the games are sorted I can post the prizes!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on October 28, 2015, 07:20:50 AM
I have sent a note to Curt194 and Joansinmiedo, hoping we can get our last game in this weekend!

Congrats to all in the completed team!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Merlin_89 on October 28, 2015, 08:05:31 AM
I owe saying congrats to Rich_The_Fish and Halfling, it was very, very competitive match. I feel disappointed by the outcome, but it was my only second ever game playing Tower with (well) humans. So thanks for the ocassion to get more expierence...

Thanks to Decar for organizing tournament and helping us throughout the games. It was fun.

Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: danisthirty on October 28, 2015, 09:34:28 AM
Well played everyone. I agree with Decar that it certainly was a great game to watch! :)

I feel disappointed by the outcome, but it was my only second ever game playing Tower with (well) humans. So thanks for the ocassion to get more expierence...

Hopefully this will stand you in good stead for your match with Laguse whenever you're able to play it... :(y)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on October 28, 2015, 04:22:15 PM
This was easily the longest game of Carcassonne that I have ever played. Thanks in part to my poor old laptop and the magic performed by Decar to allow us to continue after the corn circle glitch occurred.

I started off well by getting into double figures first and I was confident from the outset as I have all these expansions and have used them regularly at 'geek club' where I play against two fellow devotees at work once a week. The Tower can be brutal and there were some early captures and re populations thanks to the phantoms. I won and lost 6 to 8 point cities thanks to this ploy.

Around the time of the laptop crash I started picking up tiles that I couldn't use to great advantage and I dropped back to 3rd place for a while. Confidence dropped and a change of luck was needed. I had also lost a meeple to each opponent as well as my phantom. So resources were getting scarce. Merlin finished one of my cities to capture 4 wheat tokens in a move I supported and would've done myself. I then started capturing opposing meeples and was using my wooden towers quicker than my opponents.

Keeping meeples away from the towers is an art and needs practice. I think we all did pretty well but you can do little to avoid a tower being placed next to an existing meeple.  I captured one of Riches farmers and his other went via a corn circle.

With few tower tiles remaining I started placing farmers and I think I ended with 4 across 3 fields which is unusual in a tower game in my experience.

I don't know if I'd have lost if the last tile had been used to remove one of my farmers in the large field? The points for the field would've been shared albeit that I had a pig in residence.

I honestly thought that Merlin had won when the last tile was placed but my part finished city and monasteries gave me the victory as I must have doubled my points through these and the farms. 

My thanks  to Decar and Dan for allowing the final to be completed and I hope to enjoy more games in the future.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Curt194 on October 30, 2015, 01:35:14 AM
I should be free on Sunday to play the final round in our group. Have messages franks and hopefully we can work something out with joansinmiedo!

Congrats to halfling and everyone who's participated. Has been a great tournament and a good way to get into playing online. Of course thanks go to Decar as well for organising all of this!

Hopefully we will get our game in this weekend.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on October 30, 2015, 01:52:59 AM
Here's a picture of the last Round:

When Catastrophy hit:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/WT_Interplay2.png)

At the end of the game:

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/JCZ_WT_Final_Halfling_Merlin_Rich.png)

I particularly like Halfling's message from iRC ;)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on October 30, 2015, 05:32:08 AM
I've sent a message to my group, though I'll post here for a bit of visibility.


I'm available just about any upcoming evening,whether it be weekend or weekday, though unfortunately the time I can only absolutely guarantee is 10pm GMT onwards - long working days and an almost 2-year old son make any time before quite hard to juggle!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on November 01, 2015, 07:29:07 AM
The has been no return response from Joansinmiedo at this point.

Hopefully Curt and I will hear from them in time to get our game in.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on November 01, 2015, 09:16:17 AM
If anyone hasn't heard from anyone in their group by Wednesday - please proceed without them: I think we can assume they do not wish to take part in their final match.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on November 02, 2015, 03:41:58 PM
Congrats to Halfling for winning the tournament. Very well done!

Toastytoast, Ailurus and I could arange our game for Wednesday evening 23:00 CET. Jay!  ;D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on November 04, 2015, 04:15:16 PM
And here is the result of the game:

128 - Safari
116 - Ailurus
99 - Toastytoast

We had quite a big fight for the big field with the many monasteries in it. But due to the Crop Cycles and some Towers in the end no one could claim it. Though, Ailurus had the chance to do so quite in the end, but instead placed the tile somewhere else. Would be very interesting to know about the strategy behind this move.

However, here is the screenshot:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on November 06, 2015, 10:23:17 AM
Thanks for getting this game completed guys!

Final Reminder everyone:

Salmon:  Curt, Franks please continue without Joansinmiedo if you have not heard from him this weekend.

Group Blue: Piklach, LOMDR, Lukey-Dukey.

I know timezones are really tricky, so do the best you can :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on November 06, 2015, 01:40:17 PM
Me and Curt hope to get our game in on Sunday!

Thanks for getting this game completed guys!

Final Reminder everyone:

Salmon:  Curt, Franks please continue without Joansinmiedo if you have not heard from him this weekend.

Group Blue: Piklach, LOMDR, Lukey-Dukey.

I know timezones are really tricky, so do the best you can :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on November 08, 2015, 06:16:06 AM
Hi Curt,

Sent you a message and I'm available for the next 2 1/2 hours, if we can squeeze out last game in  :yellow-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on November 11, 2015, 02:54:25 AM
I'm going to be sending prizes out early next week.

Sorry, I've been pre-occupied these last few days.

This weekend is really the last chance to participate in the final Round;  I'll be posting the final results up during middle of next week.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on December 04, 2015, 02:58:51 AM
Who was the winner in the end then? I assume the last games had been completed since! :)
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on December 04, 2015, 03:00:59 AM
Halfling was the over all winner!

Merlin_89 was 2nd

Rich_The_Fish was 3rd

Apologies,  I've had some very busy weekends and I've not been able to post anything.  I'm going to have a long sit down on Sunday to make sure everyone's prizes and Christmas presents are all wrapped up!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: toastytoast on December 04, 2015, 06:22:50 AM
Ah, well in that case, congratulations Halfling! :))
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Safari on December 04, 2015, 11:38:59 AM
Also from me congratulations to Halfling for his big win! :D
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on December 04, 2015, 05:51:59 PM
Congrats to the top 3 !!!

It was a fun tournament and glad I participated  :yellow-meeple:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on December 11, 2015, 10:54:08 AM
Thanks guys. It was great fun and I hope to play you all again soon.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on December 12, 2015, 01:24:55 PM
As it wasn't immediately obvious what the final ranking was I've updated the table.

Curt & Franks, if you ever manage to schedule your game, I'll happily update the table.

Ditto for Piklach/Lukey-Dukey & Lomdr, though I understand the difficulties of timezones.

(http://www.tehill.net/carcassonne/welcome/Welcome_Final.png)

Prizes are in the post, unless I don't have your address, you'll be receiving an PM from me shortly!
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Halfling on December 31, 2015, 08:53:28 AM
Well look what the postman has delivered.  Thanks to Decar, Kettle, Basically Wooden and anyone else who contributed.
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: Decar on January 12, 2016, 07:35:21 AM
Here's a close up of Halfling's Trophy:
Title: Re: A Welcome Tournament for New Members
Post by: franks on January 12, 2016, 08:07:02 AM
Here's a close up of Halfling's Trophy:

Awesome  :yellow-meeple:

Well deserved win by Halfling!