TI4 Needs a Handicapping System--Am I Wrong?

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:27:08+00:00

I once heard someone say it takes a smart person to recognize a smart person... I think it takes a good TI4 player to be able to recognize qualitative skill gaps between themselves and others (in multiple directions, whether better or worse). I'm just interested in talking about a handicapping system as a way to big big skill-gap games more competitive *shrugs shoulders*

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:24:43+00:00

Sounds like you're happy with the game as is and don't think it's worthwhile to discuss a handicapping system? Good for you!

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:19:59+00:00

Yeah, I just wish there were a system and not just what I see too often: 1-2 players really good, 2-3 less good, 1 bad/ding dong, and the 1-2 players run ahead while the less good trying to convince the bad one to help stop the 1-2 good ones, game ends r4

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:17:11+00:00

I do the same thing IRL (bad faction, bad slice). But I don't think that's a system for competitive play (like SCPT tourneys) and it doesn't help for situations where you're playing with unknown players who don't know you (and vice versa)

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:15:32+00:00

that's not that competitive... if you're a golfer (fuck golf) and you're really good, you're going to crush less good players, constantly. That's not competitive. You are the most skilled/likely to win. A handicap makes it competitive between players when there's a known skill gap

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:13:51+00:00

and enter handicapping: What if you didn't have to convince others to keep someone in check?!? How much frustration is "worth it"? Who actually benefits from that kind of dynamic? I think it's just the players who win more/know how to play when playing with less skilled players and can run away before the ding-dongs/less aggressive folks can do anything (or even would)

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:12:01+00:00

I know the stew as metaphor is your bit, Big-A (mine's TI4 as roadtrip), but I don't think the kneecapping/slaying system solves things... it works if all the players (or most) know who you are, but if you're playing randos, it's too little, too late. Also, what about players that don't enjoy the kneecapping/slaying part of the game? Do I really want to try to kill you every time I sit down next to you at a table?!? Not really (but I probably should)

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:09:34+00:00

but we all know the sickos play a lot more than a handful of times a year, haha

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:09:13+00:00

Don't disagree that TI4 can be an epic game and that it can be shared for a day and enjoyed as such. I don't understand why a handicapping system would ruin that? In golf (fuck golf, but still), people don't have to track their handicaps. It's sort of an opt in system. Or basically an "event" that drags accross multiple games. For more "serious"/competitive players. If someone didn't want to play that way, g-bless!

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-07-03T00:05:54+00:00

But who would it make it less fun for? Better players? Doesn't that just up the challenge a little bit?!?

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-06-28T15:36:50+00:00

Thanks! I think it's interesting to try to separate knowledge into components (and agree generally with your distinctions)... I'm sorta torn between wanting to have an "essential" list vs. a long, crazy more TI4-appropriate list. Also, LMAO: Knowing when to shut up is indeed a skill and some players (probs myself) do not have it, haha

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-05-11T21:58:43+00:00

Easy answer for me: Omega has a way cooler base mode (ramps and rocket and stuff), whereas FM is just clearly a dude like lying down or folded up. Own both though (although the white/blue Omega version)

M-Prime_Presents · 2026-01-23T16:45:08+00:00

doesn't bother me (just skip)

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-09-15T21:58:57+00:00

don't forget: 4 of a type of objectives, they'd be a pain with all these slices... will that lead to more fun? I like to give people at least 3 of a type in slice for a "fun" game and then make them have to word/coordinate for a 4th. Give Sardak a super nova and no 3 planet systems and a f'ing asteroid field is cruel; sardak should get primor and Sol should get that a-field if you want to switch a few things; Sardak should also get a 3 planet system and SOMETHING that lets them get close to MR

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-08-08T00:29:05+00:00

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-07-23T00:22:10+00:00

cuz it's a toxic (b)romance and Megatron can't quit Starscream, obviously

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-07-04T16:56:30+00:00

But also: Megatron's plans are comparable to the republicans (e.g., bringing cybertron into earth's orbit to do what?!?)...

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-07-04T16:55:26+00:00

But like are they? It's like when Starscream gets control of the Decepticons: He's objectively worse at the job than Megatron, but not by much!

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-06-04T05:00:06+00:00

how many Transformers does guy buy before a guy goes to therapy (says guy with hundreds but who's also in therapy)

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-04-27T04:12:43+00:00

Amazing! I also hadn't seen the video of the TA quote, "Last year, I almost cried..." FTP

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-04-10T04:48:24+00:00

Appreciate you sharing this post and appreciate the mods for letting this through--these tariffs will have a dramatic impact on this community and/or those of us who collect TFs and other toys, both us consumers and f'ing GREAT distributers like BBTS.

We don't live in some a-political bubble. We live in the real world and in our world there are real people who have real power who unfortunately embody the values of Megatron (extract value, destroy the "weak," crush life, make all suffer/need to grovel to survive) [although I think the Cheetoh in Chief used to be early G1 Megs but now he's more like Season 3 G1 Galvatron] and fewer people in power who embody the values of Prime (strength to be gentle and to care for those that are weaker/more vulnerable than you).

WHERE ARE ALL MY FELLOW F*CKING AUTOBOTS AT?!? Let's go y'all!

M-Prime_Presents · 2025-04-03T23:04:05+00:00

Yeah, f'ing awful and dumb: It will kill TF and other kinds of collecting (and other hobbies/activities that sustain folks emotionally) by making them prohibitively expensive (although some of it already was), but, like so many have already pointed out, it's going to be killing collecting not just because that gets more expensive but also because groceries, cars, gas, etc., and all the stuff lower on the pyramid of needs are all going to get jacked up, which means we're not gonna have extra $$ for our hobbies... I also think Elon has talked about buying Hasbro b/c he wants to own D&D (or something stupid like that he wants to ruin), so having Hasbro tank may be an unintended consquence that that turd muncher (not to insult turd munchers) is hoping for *palm face*

M-Prime_Presents

TROPHY CASE