Since the prevailing theory seems to be that Capulet has a sizeable advantage, here are 4 suggestions [As Variants-- I am not in favor of changing base rules], that would make the gaming experience tighter. Ranked by my order of preference.
(1). Bidding. Assign Capulet and Nurse as per normal. Both players secretly submit a blind bid of days for Capulet to win in. Ex: "I can win with Capulet in 5 days". Whoever bids lower becomes Capulet and must win in the Bid number of days. In case of a Tie, the Capulet player does not change. [This means Nurse must underbid Capulet to change hands].
(2). Pie Rule. Assign Capulet and Nurse as per normal. Nurse chooses a number of days. Ex: "Capulet must win in 6 days". If Capulet agrees, they stay as Capulet. Otherwise, switch roles and play with the offered number of days.
(3). Match-Play. Keep the normal number of 7 days. Play a match of 2 games, with the players alternating roles. If one player wins both games, they win the match. If Nurse wins both times [Unlikely!] the player with more tokens left on the final days. Tiebreak as needed through prior days. If Capulet wins both times [Much more likely!], the player who wins in fewer days wins the match. Tiebreaker: Fewer pieces left at the start of the winning day, and tiebreak as needed through prior days.
(4). Pre-Determine number of days on creation. For instance, 5.
I think the first two options are the best, as they add an extra level to the game. The 4th is the worst, and is at best, just a bandaid. The 3rd is ok.
Thoughts?
(1). Bidding. Assign Capulet and Nurse as per normal. Both players secretly submit a blind bid of days for Capulet to win in. Ex: "I can win with Capulet in 5 days". Whoever bids lower becomes Capulet and must win in the Bid number of days. In case of a Tie, the Capulet player does not change. [This means Nurse must underbid Capulet to change hands].
(2). Pie Rule. Assign Capulet and Nurse as per normal. Nurse chooses a number of days. Ex: "Capulet must win in 6 days". If Capulet agrees, they stay as Capulet. Otherwise, switch roles and play with the offered number of days.
(3). Match-Play. Keep the normal number of 7 days. Play a match of 2 games, with the players alternating roles. If one player wins both games, they win the match. If Nurse wins both times [Unlikely!] the player with more tokens left on the final days. Tiebreak as needed through prior days. If Capulet wins both times [Much more likely!], the player who wins in fewer days wins the match. Tiebreaker: Fewer pieces left at the start of the winning day, and tiebreak as needed through prior days.
(4). Pre-Determine number of days on creation. For instance, 5.
I think the first two options are the best, as they add an extra level to the game. The 4th is the worst, and is at best, just a bandaid. The 3rd is ok.
Thoughts?
