New event idea: 20 moves

[IAmAPerson]

I would propose an even simpler approach for scoring:

Score = amount of solved stickers.
Move count could be used as a tie-breaker, but it seems too complicated and unnecessary to come up with a formula to integrate both numbers into the final score.

I like this.
Also, if a local comp had this as an event, I would do it.

 

[qqwref]

I want to see this as a linear, head-to-head event.

Explaining a bit more: choose some number of participants and randomly place them into a single-elimination tournament format. In each match-up, the two people are seated across from each other and given the same scramble. They have 15 seconds to look at it, then every few seconds (3? 5?) the judge says "turn" and each competitor performs up to one turn, HTM. This happens exactly 20 times. At the end, the competitor with more solved stickers wins. If there is a tie, they go again with a new scramble. If a competitor turns more than once per "turn" or turns at some other time, they forfeit the round. Podium is decided like with any other head-to-head event.

 

[mark49152]

What does "solved sticker" mean? Would a red sticker adjacent to a red centre count as solved even if its piece is in the wrong place? Why not count solved pieces instead?

 

[pdilla]

Huh, so a correctly solved corner piece counts as 3 solved stickers?

 

[notfeliks]

What does "solved sticker" mean? Would a red sticker adjacent to a red centre count as solved even if its piece is in the wrong place? Why not count solved pieces instead?

That is starting to sound too much like FMC. I think Rob's intention with it being stickers as opposed to pieces was to have some differentiation between this and FMC.

 

[IAmAPerson]

Huh, so a correctly solved corner piece counts as 3 solved stickers?

I guess. I suppose (because of that) that FMCetrus::20 Moves:Corners-First.

 

[molarmanful]

I guess. I suppose (because of that) that FMCetrus::20 Moves:Corners-First.

If this becomes a real event, then people will start using CF more often... Waterman will be extremely well-suited for this event (if you can block build efficient FL's). FL + CLL = at least 32 stickers solved, most likely more if some of the edge stickers happen to fall in place while doing CLL.

Side note: do center stickers count? Because if so, then with Waterman, after finishing FL + CLL, if you still have moves to go, then you can do slice turns (or OBTM equivalents) to get some more edges into place. Displaces the 4 center stickers, but it's all right if you can get at least 4 edge stickers into place.

 

[IAmAPerson]

Side note: do center stickers count?

I wouldn't think so. I believe the stickers have to be solved in relation to the centers, so a solved side minus the center would be null.

 

[Animorpher13]

IMO goal of all events should ultimately be to solve the puzzle...

I disagree. It is easy to just memorize algorithms and train your fingers and eyes to recognize patterns and perform executions, but this trains you (just like FMC) to develop and understand how the cube works and not just memorize. thinking > memorizing.

Side note: How did skewb become an official event? That was before my time (as a speedcuber). Was it purely the WCA who announced it or did cubers petition for a new event or what?

 

[Bilbo7]

Yes I think this would be a great idea!
However, maybe increase the moves number as it may get the same results out of different competitiors!
Otherwise I would definately have this as an event!

 

[Rnewms]

This happens exactly 20 times.

I think head-to-head FMC would be better. Do what you described until solved instead of stopping at 20 moves to count stickers. I like both ideas.

 

[Phinagin]

I think head-to-head FMC would be better. Do what you described until solved instead of stopping at 20 moves to count stickers. I like both ideas.

That sounds really cool actually.

 

[IAmAPerson]

Yes I think this would be a great idea!
However, maybe increase the moves number as it may get the same results out of different competitiors!
Otherwise I would definately have this as an event!

I think 20 moves was chosen since it makes it possible to completely solve the cube (perfect score). However, that's insanely difficult. 25-30 would be cool. Enough moves for the pros to solve the cube but not enough for the majority of people.

 

[molarmanful]

First attempt at 20 moves: here

28 stickers solved, which is more than half the cube!

 

[Brest]

First attempt at 20 moves: here

L' B2 F2 U2 L' B2 L2 R B2 L2 F2 U' R F2 R B D2 L' U2 B' U2

B' R U2 B D' B' L'
R U' R' U R2 U R' U2
F2 L F' L' F'
(39)
View at alg.cubing.net

 

[Phaint]

I see this just turning into who ever can made the biggest most efficient block.

 

[molarmanful]

Okay, decided to give this a second try... 38 stickers!

 

[Ranzha]

Side note: How did skewb become an official event? That was before my time (as a speedcuber). Was it purely the WCA who announced it or did cubers petition for a new event or what?

My take on it was that skewb got popular enough, had developed solving methods, was easy to integrate in the WCA database and Regulations, and (I think the biggest challenge) had a random-state scrambler integrated in TNoodle.
Sarah Strong did a whole ton of work in order to petition the Board for skewb's approval.

 

[Brest]

Okay, decided to give this a second try... 38 stickers!

I count 44

 

[ottozing]

D2 B2 L R2 B2 L B2 D2 B2 D2 U2 B' D' R2 U' B' U' B' U F2

z'
L U' L2 U
F' L2 U R U2 L
U' F B' R F' B
R' U R U2

33

yay