KICKOFF.BRAINSTORMING-BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Remind the teams to read the rule book, and that the rules will be updated throughout the season.
Remind the teams about the SCRA mailing list and the Chief Delphi forums
What do you think of this year’s game?
It may be helpful to start by reviewing the game, particularly all the different ways it’s possible to score
points.
Strategy:
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What are the key aspects to the game?
What is necessary to guarantee a victory? Can a victory be guaranteed?
How would you play defense?
How would you play offense?
What are the “best” strategies a robot can play? What strategies can beat these “best”
strategies? Are there ways to revise or add aspects to defend against these defenses? (Repeat
ad infinitum)
[If there is an endgame period] Is the end game worth it? Will you have to sacrifice performance
during the rest of the match? How many points could you score by continuing with the main
scoring activities instead of switching to end game?
How valuable is the human player?
Predicting:
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How many points do you expect an alliance will score in an average game?
What do you predict the best teams will do?
Robot Design:
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What are the most critical capabilities a robot has to have in order to be successful?
What drive trains do you think will work best this year?
What kind of mechanisms will be most effective at interacting with the game pieces?
What is the Minimum Competitive Entry? (Simplest robot that can still effectively play the
game)
[If you have people knowledgeable of past games in the room]: Is this game similar to previous games?
What were some strategies and designs that worked well in those games?
version 2015.12.17
Strategy/Brainstorming Breakout Sessions at the 201ϲ FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff -­‐ Greater Pittsburgh
The purpose of the Strategy/Brainstorming Breakout Sessions is to have a chance to discuss and brainstorm with members of other teams on the rules, strategies, and design ideas for this year’s Game. Experience shows it takes days or weeks of brainstorming, prototyping, and trial and error before you will arrive at the best solution for your team, but the breakout sessions are an attempt to give everyone as strong a jumpstart on this as possible. Notes for FRC Kickoff Strategy / Breakout Session Leaders: –
When you arrive, check in at the volunteer table (it will be well marked). –
Room assignments will be given to discussion leaders when they check in. We'll have signs posted as well as volunteers to guide you & everyone else to the breakout rooms. –
The sessions will be 30 minutes long. –
There will be chart paper & markers in the room -­‐ please use these to capture ideas. After the session, please take them back to the room with the field elements (TBD), so we can post them. TIPS for FRC Kickoff Strategy / Breakout Session Leaders: –
Don't feel obligated to ask all the questions, or to stick to only the questions on the sheet. They're just there for ideas. –
You're guiding the discussion, but not responsible for doing all the talking. The more people you can bring into the discussion, the better. –
If one person begins to monopolize the discussion, stay positive, and encourage input from others. (Try, “…let’s hear from someone who hasn’t spoken yet…”) –
Awkward silences will probably seem longer to you than to others. Give people a chance to think and respond and you'll get more involvement. Thank you! Have a terrific Build Season – and beyond! Thanks to Ryan Cahoon for the concept summary, & to so many volunteers who have led these sessions over the past few years. Working together is helping to make our FIRST community grow and thrive, and inspire thousands in our region – thank you! version 2015.12.17