SpielByWeb

JokeToy · Joined: 12 Dec 10 Posts: 151 Location: Sheepscott, Maine

i can't find anything in the official Tikal rulebook regarding bidding below 0 VP in the auction version. i haven't seen anyone venture below 5 or 6 yet but anything can happen in this crazy game. i've heard gamers at live sessions argue the issue both ways but does anyone know if the SBW software allows a player to bid below 0?
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thanks for reading this far, JokeToy

faticus · Joined: 14 Nov 11 Posts: 42

Hey JT. I'm not sure if I understand what it would mean to bid below zero. So if I bid -1vp and the other players pass, I would get to pick from the remaining tiles and gain 1vp?

JokeToy · Joined: 12 Dec 10 Posts: 151 Location: Sheepscott, Maine

here's the situation i'm asking about. i have 5 points but want to bid 6 for a particular tile. can i go to -1 (meaning i have to cross 0 before i have a positive score) or is 5 the highest bid i can make?
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thanks for reading this far, JokeToy

faticus · Joined: 14 Nov 11 Posts: 42

Ah, that makes more sense:)

In all auction variants players start with 20 points, right? I can't imagine a situation where it might be an optimal strategy to spend 20 points before the first volcano.

But then again, I haven't played much auction style and lack a refined ability to estimate the value of a tile over the course a game.

It would be interesting to try and write a competitive bot for the auction variant.

Saul Pum · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:44 am Post subject: answer

Joketoy:

The answer is, you can never go below zero. That is why you start with 20 points. The game will not let you bid if it means going below zero, you will have no choice but to pass. Been there, done that!

JokeToy · Joined: 12 Dec 10 Posts: 151 Location: Sheepscott, Maine

thanks for the definitive answer, Saul. i figured if anyone had explored that aggressive territory, it would likely be you Cool

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thanks for reading this far, JokeToy