PBEM players dropping out? Just replace 'em

johnmac · Post by **johnmac** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 11:11 am

I've just picked up an abandoned game with Oleg Mastruko, whose original opponent had to drop out due to pressure of work.

Now, I have to say that this is the way to go; as the incoming player I've inherited an interesting situation, and I'm finding it more stimulating than simply starting a new PBEM game, where, lets face it, it is easy to get into a rut.

I'd encourage any players whose opponents are wishing to drop out to post on the 'opponents wanted' board; if you've just sunk all five US carriers, you may not get any takers, but if the situation is balanced, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the response.

Admiral DadMan · Post by **Admiral DadMan** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 4:30 pm

That's a pretty good thought.

The only caveat to that is if your opponent stops responding...

Full Moon · Post by **Full Moon** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 4:42 pm

Yeah, I agree. I have one game my opponent stopped responding. Only if I know his password....

johnmac · Post by **johnmac** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 7:29 pm

Point taken; I've had a couple of dropouts; I just put them on my scumbag pile. However, I've also had a couple of opponents who've lost interest, and at least had the decency to let me know...

denisonh · Post by **denisonh** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 7:41 pm

I had two interesting games where my opponent just stopped responding. I would have liked to continue those games.

Like Admiral Dadman pointed out, kinda tough to get the passwords in those situations.....

herbieh · Post by **herbieh** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 1:53 am

For me, getting a list of players I can trust is the big thing, a turn a day is all I ask.................. because WIP is on the horizon, and a turn a day will be more than enough!

Some one who is fun to play against helps!
Current opponents all qualify!

Beer is good:D

Apollo11 · Post by **Apollo11** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 9:17 pm

Hi all,

I like this!

Great idea Oleg!!!

Leo "Apollo11"

Matt Erickson · Post by **Matt Erickson** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 4:00 pm

Well my pbem has'nt resonded in about a week but I'll give him time my god it's time for my big gambit too!:(

demonterico · Post by **demonterico** » Wed Apr 16, 2003 10:37 am

Shouldn't there be an unwritten rule (or maybe it should be written) for pbem games that any time there will be a delay of say 48 hours or more a person should notify their opponent, and of course if one wishes to drop out of a game I would think it would be simple good manners to let your opponent know. Has anyone ever discussed this subject before? I know there are "rules" for chat rooms. Are there any for pbem? I don't wish to start a witch hunt here, but a list of suggested good manners for players, posted around here somewhere might help to encourge some of the less considerate. Also when I don't receive a move how long should I wait before contacting my opponent? Two days, three, a week? Another online game club (NWC) I'm in does have some specific rules which pretain to cheating, such as don't replay moves until you get a results you like, or for the purpose of scouting an opponents positions. But I'm not aware of anyone ever articulating what are good manners for pbem. Any suggestions for what might be on the list? I can start it.

GOOD MANNERS FOR PBEM

#1 Don't cheat.

If possible;
#2 Notify your opponent if you want to drop out of a game, and give him your password.
#3 Notify your opponent it there will be a delay of more than 48 hours before you return a move.
#4 ???

Sonny · Post by **Sonny** » Wed Apr 16, 2003 4:55 pm

Maybe some honest person (do we have any on this forum?:D ) with time should volunteer to be a registrar where both parties can send their password when they start a game. Then if one of them drops out the other could request the password be given to any new opponent he finds. If an opponent was unwilling to do this, you might want to reconsider playing a game against him.

Sure you could give a false password, but if you did that then the registar would know that you are untrustworthy and could warn your next opponent etc.

marc420 · Post by **marc420** » Mon Apr 21, 2003 7:40 am

The registrar idea is a good one. Wouldn't think it would take too much work. Just put a text file with two passwords in it some place you can remember to find it months later.

Actually, this discussion is part of the reason I haven't started any PBEM games. Not because I'm worried about someone else dropping out, but instead because most players seem to want a turn a day (at least).

No offense, but I've got a life outside of games. And it quite possible that work could get really hectic for a few days, or I hook up with a lady, or I get tickets to a ballgame or a concert, or I just decide for a couple of nights in a row to eat dinner in the local pub and end up staying there till midnight. Or maybe I just don't feel like playing UV on one night, and the next any of the above happens.

Generally, I'm not real fond of the idea that I'm somehow committed to coming home and playing at least one turn of UV every night, especially if that's for like 600 nights in a row!

So when I start seeing suggestions for rules that you need to play a turn every day, or that I must contact someone within 48 hours, to me it just kinda turns me away from the idea of playing a PBEM game. Of course, if two players agree to do that, that's fine. But lets not get too general on making rules for everyone about this.

I'll probably post looking for a PBEM game up here sometime. But when I do, I'll probably specify I'm looking for a SLOW game. Generally I'll be looking for an opponent who won't have a cow if I don't play the game for a few days at some point.

marc420 · Post by **marc420** » Mon Apr 21, 2003 7:42 am

The registrar idea is a good one. Wouldn't think it would take too much work. Just put a text file with two passwords in it some place you can remember to find it months later.

Actually, this discussion is part of the reason I haven't started any PBEM games. Not because I'm worried about someone else dropping out, but instead because most players seem to want a turn a day (at least).

No offense, but I've got a life outside of games. And it quite possible that work could get really hectic for a few days, or I hook up with a lady, or I get tickets to a ballgame or a concert, or I just decide for a couple of nights in a row to eat dinner in the local pub and end up staying there till midnight. Or maybe I just don't feel like playing UV on one night, and the next any of the above happens.

Generally, I'm not real fond of the idea that I'm somehow committed to coming home and playing at least one turn of UV every night, especially if that's for like 600 nights in a row!

So when I start seeing suggestions for rules that you need to play a turn every day, or that I must contact someone within 48 hours, to me it just kinda turns me away from the idea of playing a PBEM game.

I'll probably post looking for a PBEM game up here sometime. But when I do, I'll probably specify I'm looking for a SLOW game. Generally I'll be looking for an opponent who won't have a cow if I don't play the game for a few days at some point.

Matt Erickson · Post by **Matt Erickson** » Mon Apr 21, 2003 3:11 pm

Well if anybodys interested I have a game going I'm japanese its late may...scenario 17 I'll maill you the turn....question do i need his password....seems that I do:mad:

Sonny · Post by **Sonny** » Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:11 pm

Originally posted by Matt Erickson
Well if anybodys interested I have a game going I'm japanese its late may...scenario 17 I'll maill you the turn....question do i need his password....seems that I do:mad:

Yep, your new opponent will need to know your old opponents password. That's why I suggested the registrar. You both give him your password so if one of you drops out he can give the password to the new opponent.

PBEM players dropping out? Just replace 'em

PBEM players dropping out? Just replace 'em

reliable players

I like this!

good idea

good idea