Board Game Arena

When playing Arena, is it considered poor form to concede the game? I have noticed people doing it more and I sort of dislike when my opponents concede as it rather spoils the feeling of victory for me. Especially when it is in the last round of the game, when there is not much more time to go, I just don't see why someone would concede. I guess I just like to see the final score and related statistics.

I wouldn't claim to speak for everyone but a lot of higher-elo players would rather just finish the game and move on to the next one since we are trying to gain arena points. Because of this, I absolutely love when someone concedes against me- I've played so many times that I don't need to see the final score and I get the feeling of victory from the concede still, especially since if someone is going to concede we both probably knew that I won anyways regardless.

Personally I don't concede in games that involve at least some luck, but I don't mind if my opponents do. Having said that, I do consider conceding in 2 situations as slightly annoying: 1. Conceding very early because of drawing non-great cards or other cases of bad luck. 2. Conceding very late (last move or the like). This is not restricted to ark nova (where actually nobody has ever conceded to me, no wonder with so few games). When I say 'slightly annyoing' I mean exactly that. I prefer if it doesn't happen, but I would never occur to me to complain about it.

You should be aware though that there are people with very strong feelings against any conceding, the forum is full with posts about that.

Conceding is good form and good sportsmanship in a 2 player game. Accepting victory from an opponent gracefully also shows good form and good sportsmanship.

At higher player counts, you’re more or less tossing the table prematurely unless one player has an insurmountable lead, and the table agrees as a whole to concede them the victory.

KeithHendricks wrote: ↑02 November 2024, 22:52 At higher player counts...

In BGA, you can only concede in 2-player games.

I concede all the time (I'm not very good), and I rather people conceded me games that are over, that's on every game though not just ark nova, it's probably just a mentality thing, but hey, different ppl are different, feelings aren't a part of sportsmanship, respect is, that means respecting each other's time, that's just my opinion though

In the last round of the game it is poor form, which I am guessing is the main point of contention here. I don't understand either - it seems to be more of statement of rage quit because of ...reasons unknown.
Otherwise it's the 'don't wanna waste my time' argument, which I can understand and if it's several moves before the end then I guess it's up to them.
It can mess with the statistics, depends on which game.

I do not agree with the in-chess argument. Because most board-games are not like chess where it's a 1-0 decisive result. Conceding and check-mate are almost the same thing, they just didn't see the checkmate coming. In Ark Nova, total scores and playing to end matters.

Concede if you have to - is my take on it. And a reason in the chat would be good, even if it's just a simple well played.

I see exactly this question asked on all games I play, every 6 months or so.

No, it's not sportsman like to concede on the last turn. But you're playing a stranger on the internet. Take the win and play one more

The only times I concede are:
- when I made such a big mistake (putting a 5 without the rocks needed for big nose) that both killed my win chance and my moral/focus.
- against high elo player when I know the ship has sailed and they value their time more than the finish

BUT, every time I ask the other player if it is OK. Because he also invested time in our game, and some are like me, who love the final accomplishment and seeing their plan panning out (setting up a big 3 turns sequences finish for ages and just have a concede warning instead sucks).

Yes, it is unsportsmanlike: during the last few turns, and especially during the last turn. You both invested time to compete, and leaving at the very end does not realistically "save time". It ruins the stats and replay, and deprives the opponent an opportunity to view/learn/appreciate the game that just happened. Therefore, I view it as a very selfish move.

However, I believe it is okay to concede if the margin is large and their engine is cooking and any conceivable chance to comeback is gone. And even then, it is polite to ask or notify. If you're getting beat that badly, there's likely not much time left as it is.