Competitive Azul - Beginner to Master Video Series

[Priptonite]

Yeah I was thinking of both of those ideas (play live but decide on move first then explain, and play games first then review). I’m gonna try the former first the the latter if that doesn’t work out. My concerns with the latter are 1) I won’t remember the logic behind some moves and 2) the replay functionality on BGA is weak so one misclick could ruin the video lol.

[Priptonite]

Episode 5 is live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOfI-Hlnw1Q

[Priptonite]

Episode 6 is live! https://youtu.be/epDXT6YHptE

[Priptonite]

Recorded two episodes tonight! We're up to 400 ELO now so things are getting spicier.

Episode 7: https://youtu.be/mSZcLlAuOFs
Episode 8: https://youtu.be/fbj0JVSIZio

[Priptonite]

Another double header!

Episode 9: https://youtu.be/XMEMTsqher0
Episode 10: https://youtu.be/j6Qp4aaUvJw

We are almost at Expert after these 8 games. Things are getting more interesting

[Priptonite]

Episode 11 is live! https://youtu.be/OxCq4Ty-8HA

[DoctorFianchetto]

The videos are coming thick and fast! I'm only on episode 5.

Something in your game against zhap sparked a thought. It would be good if you could give a detailed guide to analyse how scenarios play out where a large number of tiles is in the middle. How can you manipulate the situation so your opponent is forced to take the tiles? How can you identify when it isn't possible as early as possible?

Specifically I'm referring to 1:15:30 where you immediately identify that if you take anything from a factory, you'll end up taking 6 yellow from the middle, so you instead discard 2 yellow from the middle to minimise damage and force your opponent to later discard 4 yellow. This is far from obvious for me but it was instant recognition for you.

I know in some respects this is calculation but I've noticed you've learnt/memorised a few scenarios where you can work it out without calculating - just by pattern recognition. What are the patterns?

[Priptonite]

Great callout! Yes some of those calculations are second nature for me at this point. Perhaps a separate strategy video focused on that would be good.

[Priptonite]

Episode 12 is live! https://youtu.be/owXm68pGL-Y

[Sjarmtrollet]

I haven't watched any videoes yet, but have you touched upon tile counting? Is that perhaps pretty basic stuff? Like, I know there are at most 4 red left, so big risk leaving 2 red in row 5 for next round.