I agree with the observation that the second player
has an edge although I think the difference is more
marked on the smaller board. I also echo Michael's
comments at the end!

Cheers,

Lyman

--- assimilate_de <yahoo@...> wrote:

> > I've now played about 70 games of Zertz + 11, and
> it is
> > looking to me and my opponent that the second
> player seems
> > to have an advantage. The player playing second
> seems to
> > have more wins, and seems to not work as hard to
> get them.
> >
> Your observation is correct. I agree that the second
> player has a
> slight advantage, but I usually look at that from a
> different
> perspective.
> IMHO the two players just have different roles in
> the beginning (i.e
> the roles may change during the game). The starting
> player has the
> defensive role and the second player has the
> offensive role.
> That is, because the second player has potentially
> the first chance to
> make a profit with forced capturing moves after the
> third marble is put
> into play (by the starting player).
>
> > I was hoping some more experienced players would
> be able to
> > tell me I have it all wrong, and that we are just
> locked
> > into a certain style of play. Assuming that is
> what you do,
> > what are some things we need to know to get out
> this
> > thinking. (Especially, what is a good opening for
> the
> > starting player?)
> >
> I don't know your current playing style, but
> considering the roles I
> suggested above, the first task of the starting
> player is to avoid a
> profit situation when placing the third marble on
> the board. If he
> succeeds, the second player has to put the fourth
> marble on the board,
> and that probably creates a profit situation for the
> starting player.
>
> I have no time left to go more into detail now, but
> we can discuss this
> further if you like.
>
> Michael Reitz
>
>
>
>
>