[ASLML] Sharking

[Jim McLeod]

Listerz;

Martin Snow wrote:

> Sharking is saying "I'll take the Germans with the balance."
> 
> Bidding is saying "Let's give the Germans an extra squad and then dice for
> sides."
> 
> The two are not at all related.

I believe that the art of "Sharking" is a bit more subtle than that, but
I agree that there are various types of "Sharks"

There is the "Predatory Shark".  He is the worst type of menace in the
tournament sea.  He usually plays a great deal and has a stable of
scenarios that are not widely known to be dogs but in fact are.  Upon
sighting his prey, the "PS" will casually ask his opponent what he
thinks of scenario "x".  Scenario "x" is a dog and the "PS" knows which
side to take.  The "PS" wants to know what side his prey likes before
commiting further to playing this scenario.  The "PS" may also decline
knowing anything about this scenario.  To lure his prey closer to his
demise, the "PS" may offer up balance or some other addition to the
wrong side in order to close the deal.  If the prey takes the bait, the
"PS" dines well unless the dice gods conduct an intervention.

A survival tip to use against the "PS" include having prior knowledge of
the scenario proferred and don't let yourself get talked into wading
through uncharted scenario waters.

And then there is the "Sporting Shark".  This fellow will offer to play
scenario "y".  ROAR shows that scenario "y" favours the Germans at 80%
and the "SS" will tell you this, however, the "SS" will also say that he
believes that the Russians are really the favoured side and is willing
to take the Reds.  The "SS" may even give the German side balance if he
feels really confident in his choice of sides.  Against the "SS",
experience in the game is your best defence as you may see what the "SS"
sees in the scenario he is offering you.

The "Lurking Shark" listens to which scenarios you have to offer.  He
becomes interested when he hears one that he knows is to his liking and
will move in for the kill when his prey wants the Germans but the "LS"
knows that the American side is the one you want.

At the end of the day, scenario and game knowledge are your best defence
against "Sharks".

In picking scenarios at a tournament, you can ask if your opponent has
played a particular scenario before.  The other guy may or not not be be
truthful in his answer and if you do tell the other guy you've played
the scenario he wants to play, he may very well not want to play that
pick because he has not played it.

Renowned "Shark" R. S. Banozic once said that very often, the outcome of
a scenario is decided with the chosing of sides.

Whaddya' do?


			=Jim=