wcm8
04-30-2010, 08:58 PM
Magic is an incredibly complicated game, and there are tons of things to take into consideration whenever a decision is made. Often, there isn't necessarily one best option in every situation, considering that players typically don't know what their opponentss are holding in their hands or how they will react to their play. There is also a fair amount of luck involved due to the randomness of deck arrangement.
With all that said though, it seems like the optimal plays in most situations could be made using flow charts. This idea came to me when I was looking at the topic regarding 6th edition rules changes, and the picture there depicting the flow of the game. I think that visual concept could also be applied to making optimal plays.
The analogy to medical protocols should be obvious. Based on certain criteria, decisions are made, while still accounting for complicated outside variables. A good clinician will use protocols as a starting point and educational tool, but will still be able to make independent decisions once enough experience is gained. Likewise, an experienced player will factor in other factors that won't be covered in-depth by potential algorithms, such as cards in hand, cards in graveyard, interactions with their opponent (e.g. bluffing, baiting counterspells, etc.)
An example of an ACLS algorithm:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/wcm8/image003.gif
An example of a basic MtG algorithm:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/wcm8/mulligan.png
Advantages:
-Flow charts could be used as a starting point for learning how to play a new deck.
-They could also aid players by understanding opponents' decks better. For example, a Zoo player might not have played ANT much, but by knowing their basic algorithm, can modify their own play style without having to spend much time understanding it. Knowledge is power.
-They could be modified over time by consensus to lead to the usual best option in a given situation.
-Mathematical analysis could be incorporated to lend weight to certain decisions (e.g.: Chance % of top-decking a certain card)
Disadvantages:
-Might be overly-complicated to express basic game concepts.
-Can lead to rigid thinking patterns. MtG is a game, and sometimes you should just go with your basic instinct rather than some sort of mathematical-based algorithm.
-Might just be a waste of time.
I do think that some algorithms for common scenarios would be interesting reference points at the very least. For example, someone could make a flow sheet for "Should I use FoW" that would likely be relevant at any point of the game. Flow charts could also become very specific, such as indicating scenarios of one deck type versus another specific deck type.
With all that said though, it seems like the optimal plays in most situations could be made using flow charts. This idea came to me when I was looking at the topic regarding 6th edition rules changes, and the picture there depicting the flow of the game. I think that visual concept could also be applied to making optimal plays.
The analogy to medical protocols should be obvious. Based on certain criteria, decisions are made, while still accounting for complicated outside variables. A good clinician will use protocols as a starting point and educational tool, but will still be able to make independent decisions once enough experience is gained. Likewise, an experienced player will factor in other factors that won't be covered in-depth by potential algorithms, such as cards in hand, cards in graveyard, interactions with their opponent (e.g. bluffing, baiting counterspells, etc.)
An example of an ACLS algorithm:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/wcm8/image003.gif
An example of a basic MtG algorithm:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/wcm8/mulligan.png
Advantages:
-Flow charts could be used as a starting point for learning how to play a new deck.
-They could also aid players by understanding opponents' decks better. For example, a Zoo player might not have played ANT much, but by knowing their basic algorithm, can modify their own play style without having to spend much time understanding it. Knowledge is power.
-They could be modified over time by consensus to lead to the usual best option in a given situation.
-Mathematical analysis could be incorporated to lend weight to certain decisions (e.g.: Chance % of top-decking a certain card)
Disadvantages:
-Might be overly-complicated to express basic game concepts.
-Can lead to rigid thinking patterns. MtG is a game, and sometimes you should just go with your basic instinct rather than some sort of mathematical-based algorithm.
-Might just be a waste of time.
I do think that some algorithms for common scenarios would be interesting reference points at the very least. For example, someone could make a flow sheet for "Should I use FoW" that would likely be relevant at any point of the game. Flow charts could also become very specific, such as indicating scenarios of one deck type versus another specific deck type.