Board Game Arena

Hi there,

Is the game here welcoming to new players? I'd like to learn this game but I do not have three other people to play with, here seems ideal. I've read a few forums posts here and it seems there is some chatter about teammates not making optimal plays. I know I most definitely will not be making optimal plays!

Am I ok to learn here or will I end up ostracising myself?

Tichu is high variance (lots of luck) and winning can often come down to maximizing the limited opportunities you have to score points and minimizing what opponents' points even when they have the better hands. So decisions about what to pass and play, when to bet and how aggressive to be (risk versus reward) can be divisive because so much can ride on any given decision.

That being said, there are always new players jumping in. Start tables and limit players to Average or even Apprentice and below. That should be a clear indicator that those at the table are likely new to the game. When you're at 100 ELO/Average, avoid joining the tables with two high-rated players lying in wait in seats 1 and 2 for 45 minutes at a time. Those folks rarely play each other and prey on unsuspecting random noobs for marginal ELO gains. You're not likely to win given the distinct advantages of their play experience, willingness to be aggressive, and familiarity with their fixed/regular partner.

Don't play arena until you're comfortable with essential strategy and can apply in game since arena players generally anticipate skilled partners and opponents. As far strategy, this is a good read to start. You'll find that disgruntled partners may offer unsolicited criticism of your play. It can be hard on the ego but as long as they're not getting personal and sticking to tactics and strategy, try to find some value in it, recognizing that at some point—should you keep playing—it'll inevitably be you dishing out frustrated feedback. Perhaps you'll even make a friend who becomes a frequent partner and you can setup your own trap and wait for random rookies to think they're good enough to take you down.

Have fun.

Thanks for the info!

Are you allowed to chatter at the table abouit your hands, so directly ask your partner to lead with a certain play or something like that? Or, is all game related table talk not allowed?

NeanderthalMan wrote: ↑01 August 2024, 22:58 [...] the tables with two high-rated players lying in wait in seats 1 and 2 for 45 minutes at a time. Those folks rarely play each other and prey on unsuspecting random noobs for marginal ELO gains.

Please don't assume people's intentions when you don't know them. Thanks!

Silene wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 13:21

NeanderthalMan wrote: ↑01 August 2024, 22:58 [...] the tables with two high-rated players lying in wait in seats 1 and 2 for 45 minutes at a time. Those folks rarely play each other and prey on unsuspecting random noobs for marginal ELO gains.

Please don't assume people's intentions when you don't know them. Thanks!

That quote assumes nothing about intent, just outcome. Thanks!

Yes, it does. "Prey" assumes they intend that potential outcome.

Silene wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 15:14 Yes, it does. "Prey" assumes they intend that potential outcome.

The outcome is winning. A top ten partnership not willing to play against another top ten partnership also awaiting two opponents, certainly wants to win and not lose ELO. Their intention is exactly to increase their chances of that outcome by mutually avoiding known tough competition.

NeanderthalMan wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 16:27 not willing to play against another top ten partnership also awaiting two opponents,

You didn't say this part before
How you said it before sounded a bid judgy on people who want to play with their friend in a team.

Silene wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 16:32

NeanderthalMan wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 16:27 not willing to play against another top ten partnership also awaiting two opponents,

You didn't say this part before
How you said it before sounded a bid judgy on people who want to play with their friend in a team.

It's implied.

NeanderthalMan wrote:...two high-rated players lying in wait in seats 1 and 2 for 45 minutes at a time. Those [types of] folks rarely play each other

And, for what it's worth, I know and have played with a lot of them.

Silene wrote: ↑02 August 2024, 13:21Please don't assume people's intentions when you don't know them. Thanks!

Hey there, I appreciate your comments but would love to keep this thread on topic if at all possible