Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Paris Open layout OTB


Aight, here we go kids. But first, the standard disclaimers. It is critically important to check the position of the props on the actual field for any changes that will alter lanes or cover prior to actual competition. And adjust accordingly.(What that amounts to is you are expected to use your own brain–dust off those cobwebs–and your experience and not simply follow these suggestions by rote.) Also keep in mind that your OTB lanes should be part of a larger game plan for playing the field in order to maximize the potential of any particular lane in a given point. The diagram does not offer all the possible lanes but does offer enough to lay a solid foundation. Don't let the clutter put you off. I left a few lanes out and everything is marked. (Clicking on the diagram will display a full sized version that can be printed out.) Finally, for those who haven't spent much (or any) field time as yet on this layout Warpig has their virtual field available to assist with your visualization.

Beginning with position C if you look at the identified lanes at the top of the page you will note that position C can lane to either side of the field (C1 & C2), and also has an unmarked lane on the d-side inside of the MT. This is your basic lane shooter as he comes off the board and moves up to position D. Without direct pressure D can play over the top and/or check off lanes between the columns of the M for opponents in similar positions. Otherwise D is working the lanes between the d-side doritos or simply delaying in order to fill.

Position B steps off the corner of the starting board and has a quick lane (B1) between the d-side temples (T & MT). B also offers quick lanes to counter opponents delay positions (B2 & B3) but it is important to be aware that wrap on the d-side T is a serious risk. B also has unmarked narrow s-side lanes but there are more than anything else a last resort or an unexpected haven't-shot-that-lane-before option. The value of B is that it is also a launch point where a laner can hesitate, shoot the lane, and move to a number of primaries both upfield and wide.

Position A is a good counter for a consistent snake attack. The action OTB is gun up laning back into the opponent's home cake area to defend the move into the T. Then turning the lane across field into the gap feeding snake one. The initial home edge is abandoned as fast as possible in order to get up on the snake lane. (And the movement to the T can be varied from direct line to the L-shaped baseline and up.)

Position F–G offers a variant to the (likely to be) stock move to the s-side MT in which F offers a narrow lane on snake runner. Otherwise the move to position G primarily offers lanes up the center of the field and across to the d-side. And position G is the principle d-side contain position with a clean lane on the d-side corner and the gaps feeding the MDs. (This poses other problems however as any point plays out if the attack is snake side.)

Position E can be taken OTB or as a delay from C or F. Position E offers some unusual lanes across both sides of the field while allowing the player to move into the center of the field or shading toward the d-side or s-side.

Position H is a spot lane for a snake side runner to pull up and either edge an unsuspecting player at the T looking wide or shoot the snake one gap because the players sees a runner. (The position H needs to be played in a crouch and may need to be slightly deeper (closer to the back-line) than the position given on the diagram.

There you have it kids. Post up any questions in comments and good hunting.

1 comment:

Mike said...

Good post. I like these strategy/breakout posts.

Maybe after Chicago you could post up one of these for what you guys do, just to give some more perspective. Obviously you won't divulge that information before the event...