Thursday, April 1, 2010

CFOA Layout #2 (unconventional field)

Hey, hey, hey, it's another field layout. This time it's (d'oh!) the CFOA layout for event #2 on their schedule and it's causing a bit of a stir--in Florida. At least it is if you believe what you read over at PBN. (To be fair there's some sensible stuff over there, it's just that you're usually stuck wasting time wading through pools of infantile jabber in the process.) Here's the link to the Florida version of the thread and here's a similar thread over in the CFOA forum.

Normally I wouldn't care. In fact, I don't care now but I'm interested because the field is an unconventional design. Similar to this. And because it's coming, the unconventional field, that is. It's necessary and it's also beneficial--except for the select group of whiny little bitches who refuse the challenge. To them I say hasta la vista, bitches. There will be more unconventional fields in the future. It's inevitable so get used to it.

Let's talk about the snake first. I'm unconvinced the gap between the legs of the A offer any opportunities for effective shots and the A clearly blocks most cross field shots. Besides, the battle for the snake is going to happen in the snake. Depending on the placement of the GBs it appears likely that a player at the 50 will be able to stand and wrap the A. If so it's a very high value position. It also makes playing the temple in the corner a near necessity as a control counter.

Despite the unconventional layout the lanes otb remain conventional. The only significant difference is the option of pounding paint thru the center--which isn't a bad thing. The red lanes are a standard stack. The orange points and lanes are optional samples of different possibilities (and there's plenty of others) that are perhaps also "unconventional" and require guns up otb and movement. How good are you really at running & gunning? Guess you're gonna find out.

For those who are concerned that this layout will play defensively I think they are somewhat justified as there are characteristics here that lend themselves to defense. The bunkers identified with green are a case in point, particularly the center dorito. Some teams are going to want to play it to control snake side rotations and suppress snake 2. The same applies to the green MTs as making the bunker will not be as difficult as it may appear on the diagram. (Although a Home shooter is likely to be playing the D-side. Another factor that may push players into the center dorito.) In the end however it's the players and teams that make that call and all other things being equal defense will lose on this field.

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