Calculating one's own score
Calculating one's own score
What's the best method of calculating one's own score when watching a game? There seem to be several possible methods:
(1) Raw score, ignoring the contestants;
(2) Playing against one contestant or the other;
(3) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, so you only claim the points if neither contestant does better;
(4) Playing against the best word/solution in the studio, including Dictionary Corner and Rachel (I don't think I'd risk this!).
I've noticed that some people here use method (2) but you can run into problems with the conundrum if you're playing against one contestant and the other buzzes in first.
(1) Raw score, ignoring the contestants;
(2) Playing against one contestant or the other;
(3) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, so you only claim the points if neither contestant does better;
(4) Playing against the best word/solution in the studio, including Dictionary Corner and Rachel (I don't think I'd risk this!).
I've noticed that some people here use method (2) but you can run into problems with the conundrum if you're playing against one contestant and the other buzzes in first.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
You've missed out probably the most common one:
(5) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, keeping two separate scores
(5) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, keeping two separate scores
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Re: Calculating one's own score
(6) Playing against James Robinson (retrospectively)
Mike Brown: "Round 12: T N R S A E I G U
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
Re: Calculating one's own score
Yip, that's what I always do (did) if keeping score.Ryan Taylor wrote:You've missed out probably the most common one:
(5) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, keeping two separate scores
- Andy Platt
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Re: Calculating one's own score
Same here. Although coincidentally my score against both contestants yesterday was exactly the same for the whole game - probably the first time this has happened.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
Yeah that seems to be the way a lot of the geeks on here do it. But I think the simplest system (known as "the standard method") is just to have one score where you obviously have to equal or beat the top scoring contestant in that round. You also obviously take points off their score when you beat them. The way people do it on here doesn't really work for numbers or conundrums. I can sort of understand it if you specifically want to compare yourself against someone in particular but in general it's just more hassle. Don't do it.Jon Corby wrote:Yip, that's what I always do (did) if keeping score.Ryan Taylor wrote:You've missed out probably the most common one:
(5) Playing against both contestants simultaneously, keeping two separate scores
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Re: Calculating one's own score
How does it not work for numbers? Conundrums as you say are problematic but you'll always get a true result against at least one of the contestants.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
If one is closer than the other you won't know if the further away declaration is valid. If you beat them it doesn't matter though obviously.Ryan Taylor wrote:How does it not work for numbers? Conundrums as you say are problematic but you'll always get a true result against at least one of the contestants.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
What I tend to do is create a wiki/apto style grid and play one contestant. I try to play against as many people as possible in a series. Out of 27 prelims, I've only missed 3 people to play against.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
When I played along, I played against both contestants simultaneously.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
Yup, always do that.Eoin Monaghan wrote:When I played along, I played against both contestants simultaneously.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
Both contestants simultaneously for me too, although I do sometimes make different declarations against each contestant, normally when I'm unsure of a word and it depends on whether I would have to declare first or second.
Re: Calculating one's own score
Before I went on, I used to play against the champion first and if I beat them I'd then play only against the challenger as if I was the actual reigning champion at the time and hope that I would get 8 wins and then just repeat the process. That way I knew if I could do it consistently I'd know I was capable of becoming an Octochamp.I would also keep a note of my scores to see how I was progressing over time and compare myself score wise to other Octochamps who'd been and done it before me as I felt it would give me a good indication as to how well I could potentially do.
Probably the second tallest ever series finalist.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I always play the champ. If it's 2 newbies I get someone to pick the one they think looks smarter.
Possibly the first contestant to accelerate with a mic clipped...
- Jon O'Neill
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I play DC/RR.
/brag
/brag
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I used to do that, but when you get series like S67 where there were 7 octochamps, playing the same people for 56 episodes does become slightly more boring than it used to. I like variety.Zarte Siempre wrote:I always play the champ. If it's 2 newbies I get someone to pick the one they think looks smarter.
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I don't specifically play anyone or keep track of my own score. /brag?
"There's leaders, and there's followers, but I'd rather be a dick than a swallower" - Aristotle
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I was just gonna say, does anyone else just watch it?Jennifer Steadman wrote:I don't specifically play anyone or keep track of my own score. /brag?
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Re: Calculating one's own score
I disagree - why would I want to play some duffer they've brought in at short notice over someone with genuine skill. I realise most players are competitive at least, but some really are just awful.James Roper wrote:I used to do that, but when you get series like S67 where there were 7 octochamps, playing the same people for 56 episodes does become slightly more boring than it used to. I like variety.Zarte Siempre wrote:I always play the champ. If it's 2 newbies I get someone to pick the one they think looks smarter.
Possibly the first contestant to accelerate with a mic clipped...
Re: Calculating one's own score
I play against each contestant, though if its obvious I'm going to win comfortably against one or the other I'll stop counting. Hard to resist the temptation to give myself the benefit of the doubt when playing the likes of Giles! (Ah yeh, I would have declared that dodgy 8 that turns out to be legit)
As I always watch on Sky Plus it's not unknown for me to use the pause button as a buzzer when it's a crucial conundrum. Usually only do that if I'm watching alone, the wife thinks I'm sad enough as it is.
As I always watch on Sky Plus it's not unknown for me to use the pause button as a buzzer when it's a crucial conundrum. Usually only do that if I'm watching alone, the wife thinks I'm sad enough as it is.