let me know the next time you play, Ill try to make it, someones going to have to give me some heads up on ftf though, im clueless

would have thought f2fers would take it more seriously than we did but maybe that was a result of us f2f noobs trying to prove ourselves

At one point the difference between me taking a center or losing one was all up to whether or not the player specified a coast. Because he read his own orders, it got really heated with me demanding to see his orders. Several of the players did not even understand why it mattered and thought he should just be allowed to say the coast right then and there. I was floored.

He didn't specify the coast btw. Giving me the center and my first chance of doing more than surviving.

@Thucy. I think its the opposite problem. WebDippers take the game much more seriously than the F2Fers I've encountered. These players go to Indy and HuskyCon. They're not "newbs." They just don't respect the delicate rules and strictness required to have a fair game because they've never been forced into those rules by a computer or judge.

Geo, i'm really bummed that I had to miss it, but I really had no choice. Family needs came before Dip wants ;) but I'll be back in DC in future weekends and will make it out... I'm so glad you did get to go and you ended up having a good time.

i'm actually quite surprised by what you encountered. for the most part, the folks in DC I've played with were very much in tune with 'official' rules... they run one of the better tournaments in the country in the fall with over 7 boards per round at last count. so I'm not sure how this came to pass. with your permission, I'd like to cut/paste your observations into an email to the DC email list and see if there is an explanation for this. I've never run into this at any of their house games.

anyways - glad you still had fun and that it worked out. great job surviving and thriving... much kudos good sir, and again apologies for not being able to show =(

Can I write something that isn't so destructive and yelling and maybe say the same things but in a constructive manner?

I was happy to go and sad to miss you. I needed to be in DC today anyway, so it worked out. And my flight was surprisingly productive and excellent. Next time though, tell your family to let you know before the day of the game! Was difficult explaining my desire to leave a day early (and spend more money) to the superior.

I do want to make sure that above all, I still had a great time and it was nice meeting new enthusiastic players. I felt bad that not everyone got to play (Another thing I can't believe. Instead of doing two CD Italy games, they played one full game and left 5 players to sit on their thumbs playing some other board game) but hopefully they let some of the other players in on the afternoon game.

Geo - go for it - write something more 'constructive' as you put it and I can post it for you on their list. if you are going to be near DC, you might want to just get on the diplist email list - its worth it.

well, the family thing was a wake. so not something that could easily be changed or planned ahead for... =/

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Oh damn, sorry to hear that. Hope you're doing well.
It's pretty crazy around here right now, but I've got some free time this weekend and will whip something up.