One year rule for forfeits

[toddtreadway]

So does a game have to go for one year to claim a forfeit?

If so, could someone explain why?

[JanSorensen]

Certainly.

If the game has barely started before your opponent vanishes it does not really count as a game. You didnt put in much time compared to a game that has been going for longer. Its mostly so games that never really start dont count. Anyway, there is no fun in a win after only 2-3 turns, is there?

I reckon I have had 3-4 such games already myself. I just find a new, more reliable opponent to try to actually get to play the game.

[toddtreadway]

Well, the way I see it is that it is a disincentive to ladder play.

In many cases you can see within the first year how well one side is doing. For example, if Germany invades Britain successfully, etc. It seems like several players wasting their time might have some weight, when one of the players might just quite before the fourth turn if things aren't going well.

I understand that you might want to give more weight to longer games, but it seems like the solution is not to simply ignore games under one year. The way it stands, the players are encouraged to try silly strategies in the first year and quit if they don't like the result. Granted, as you say, you can just find more reliable people the next time, but I'd like to maximize my playing time. Basically, it was just a waste of several hours of their opponents' lives.

I'd suggest that all games count, regardless of the turns played. Maybe I am the only one who shares this opinion, but probably not.

I also realize that in multiplayer games it would be unfair to penalize their teammates for a loss they were responsible for if they just give up. This would be a separate solution though. Simply count the game as a decisive loss for the person who quit, and then let the teammate play in his stead, possibly coming out with a better result.

Just my two cents!

[JanSorensen]

I understand your point of view - but please bear in mind that a primary reason for this ladder is to show which opponent are reliable. Anyone who has a number of games finished on the ladder is very likely to not just drop out early or atleast admit the defeat rather than just vanish. Nothing prevents people from posting an early defeat on the ladder - the only thing that isnt within the ladder is rules is if someone drops out early. Almost everyone that drops out early wont show his face ever again and thus simply wasnt not meant to play on the ladder. Sure, its annoying to play a killer turn 1, 2 or 3 and see your opponent vanish - but just know that you arent the only one who has been in that situation. Then consider that if your opponent didnt even care enough to continue the game OR admit defeat after a few turns then it wasnt really a game anyway.