Sports Gaming Digest (04-12-99)
Greetings Sports Gamers!
I'm a little more scattered than usual this week following a recent move, so I'll leave the commentary to others this week. In case anyone needs to send me something in the mail, my address is 5907 San Jose Avenue, Richmond CA 94804.
Regards,
Jim Gordon
jgordon@library.berkeley.edu
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/2125
Pawtucket or Bust!
**********************
From: "J. Woodson & DJ"
Subject: Referencing Paydirt Defenses - (to Mark W. 4/5/99)
I have come up with a way to play Paydirt SOLO. I won't go into it now, but I
like to pick three most likely plays to defend and come up with the best play
against those three, and keep in mind down and distance when doing so. Impossible with bad defenses, but go for the slow down and let the offense make a mistake whenever possible.
As a player, I tend to be "bend but don't break" on defense. I value teams that
can QT because of the increase in fumbling and desperation it causes. Defenses
with "minus" boxes on lots of passing defense rolls are good against the bad teams and can't stop Archie Manning or Joe Montana.
I have '80, '85, '86, '87 and '88 charts. I want '83 and '84, then through '92.
I have made an '86 "Average Team" chart that is a lot of fun.
In solo efforts, NO ONE has beat the '85 Bears. In OTB games, the '85 Chargers
have the comeback game to beat all(24-0 half, won 27-30) over the '85 Jets, and I abandoned an '87 Denver versus '87 New Orleans(overrated but fun) at 41-0
halftime. Typical solo game is 20-17 and not 34-31 range. Best solo effort
witnessed against the Bears was a 19-14 loss by the 11-5 '85 Rams!
I have played in a full-on league with the 1979 charts and broke spreads often
with '79 49ers(Go Wendell Tyler!)
[Actually, Wendell was with the Rams in 1979. He joined the Niners in '83--JCG]
and Green Bay(any years they can get 25 yards on a Bomb easily they're never out). Note I suck with overcats and glide with underdogs.
Best solo games come from teams 7-9 to 10-6. Gotta have some EXCITEMENT on blown calls defensively to be enjoyable. Most 4-12 teams leave the ball on the ground too often.
Hope this helps. Help get me some charts and I can help you get the games to play the way you like them.
Woody the Paydirt Monster
************************
From: "Art Butterfield"
Hi Jim,
I thought I would remind Paydirt players that a few of us have found that
playing online using a chat service like ICQ or AOL Instant Messenger is a
viable way to get games played. The games take a little longer because there
are the inevitable disconnects and any dialog you have must be typed. We
have found that you can play a game in anywhere from 3-4 hours, we often
will play a game over two evenings. You must of course trust each other with
the dice rolls, but I have found that Paydirt players of our generation are
usually very trustworthy. I would invite members who are interested to visit
Chris Carl's web site dedicated to getting players together and keeping
stats on games played. The site is:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Dome/9910/IPCA/ipcamain.html
I'm sure I speak for the members of the IPCA when I say we look forward to
others who would like to play.
Art_Butterfield@msn.com
************************
From: Michael Hopcroft
Jim,
As you mentioned the Bay Area, I noticed that there are quite a few
fellow list members in the Portland, Oregon mmetro area and wonder whether
a bunch of us guys could get together sometime.
[Sounds like a great idea. Anyone in the greater Portland, OR area should contact Mike Hopcroft and get together. You can become charter members in the Pacific Northwest Sports Gamers Association. Good luck, and let me know what happens.--JCG]
On the fictional player leagues mentioned -- changing the names seems a
waste of god cards. This is, of course, pre-photocopier, much less pree-PC.
But it should be interesting.
Reminds me of something I did with Title Bout in the late '70s. All-Star
replay posted a set of rules for "role-playing" in which you would ruoll up
a fighter and try to fight their way up the ranks in their chosen
divisionn. I had a great deal of fun with that, making a fighter version of
myself and climbing up the welterweight ranks.
At about the same time, TSR published a game in Dragon magazine called
Ringside with that very goal in mind. And Avalon Hill's Startegy series,
basketball especially, was great for pure fantasy. Boy am I glad I have all
three of them.
The mention of March Madness brought back some god meories of an old
friend I haven't heard from in a long time. His name was Al Peterson and I
was in a SP Basketball league with him. The only thing worse than losing to
him was beating him. (He was a constant complainer). He was also a
collector of games and would play just anbout anything in the off-season.
We once ended up playing a game of SOM football that ran four hours with
only a few scores. I should note that the touchdown I scopred in that game
was probably illegal under Strat's artifical play-calling limitations.
I am looking for ASR articles. Photocopies will do just fine givenn the
rarity of ASR issues. If it were possible to buy the entire run of the
magazine, I'd do it, but I know better. Annyway, I'm looking for the
following items:
The All-Time All-Stars article and roster.
[It's on the SGD website. http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/2125/sibbatas.html
--JCG]
The Pennannt Race preview complete with 1951 teams, and the 1908 teams
later in the run.
The Basketball Startegy quick-game.
Role-Playing in Title Bout, both articles
The Title Bout mini-game and conversion article
David LeSuer's alternative rating systems for Statis-Pro Baseball. LeSuer
was the sort of writer I'd love to see writing for HCA -- a man who knew
the math an d was always coming up with something new. Maybe someday I can
design a game with someone that knowledgable.
I'm also wondering if anyone has a copy of SPI Football. This was back
when SPI was trying to diversify before TSR swallowed everything up in a
disturbing parallel to what happened to Avalon Hill twenty years later. It
came with the 1958 season, was a simple game to play, and came with a
play-bvy-play form that I would gladly use with any other football game I'd
own. Again, I'd settle for photocopies.
Finally, chedk out HCA at http://fly.to/homecoachadvantage. I need the
numbers and the support, and could use writers and articles from all of you
board-savvy types.
Michael Hopcroft
************************
From: Scott Shacter
Do you or does anyone in the group know of any analysis and preferably any websites that discuss the relative effects of differeing fielding ratings and power ratings in diamond mind baseball?
scott shacter
shacter@aplaw.com
************************
From: "Mike D Kenny"
I have also caught the fever of March Madness and have started
the 1998 College basketball season for the 2nd time as the first time I had to
reformat windows and lost everything. Anyway the last four nights I have
played a game 3 of 4 games were decided by 1 point! In the first game I
was Iowa; Ryan Bowen had a big game he hit a clutch three and then hit the game
winner at the buzzer to beat Michigan St. (Mateen Cleaves fouled out early in
the 2nd half) Game 2 I chose Sw Missouri St. vs Missouri this time I came up short with the upset losing by one in Norman. Game 3 Georgetown vs Syracuse I was the Hoyas it was a good game Syracuse turned it over a ton as I pressed them alot and we escaped The 'cuse with a 1 point overtime victory. Then last night I was Tennesse trying to upset the 7-0 Kentucky championship well the homecourt advantage payed off and we upset the Cats 74-70 that Kentucky team is relentless but Tennesse is a team that matches up good against them. The Kentucky team will not win the championship if I have
anything to do with it as I like to play the 'cats with alot teams to try and
play the giant killer.
I have seen a few people asking about College basketball
games. I have no problem recomending Lance Haffners Courtside College
basketball. It has every team and then some!! like Hawaii-Hilo,
AK-Anchorage in my other season I got beat by Hawaii-Hilo with Ga Tech by one
point on the big island I think it had something to do with the altitude or
something.
This game was updated recently which includes new lingo, a
conference schedule generator which is a Godsend. Also a Poll to see where the
teams stand nationally as well as league leaders and standings and also Mvp list
for each conference cool huh? These games are alot like a
board game but its on a computer there are no graphics which doesnt bother me in
the least. Anyway there are many offensive and defensive strategies
available more than enough and the game plays very easily. There is the
option for fouling at the end even the computer will foul.
Anyway I seen Lance Haffner is receiving the digest. I
was wondering what or if anything new is in the works for lhgames for any of the
current games any new versions?? what about the resurrection of Tko
boxing I liked that game but unfortunately I got rid of my Commodore 64 which
was a big mistake.
Thanks and God Bless.
************************
From: "Bruce Coleman"
Dear Jim,
I would like to know if anybody has a Slapshot card game from Avalon Hill available for purchase. It was the most entertaining card game for baseball road trips ever, and I need to acquire one. Also, I am looking for any Statis Pro baseball card sets from the years 1978, 1982, 1986, all years after 1992, and all years prior to 1958, 1959-60, and 1963-1978.
[To my knowledge, SP Baseball cards were produced for the following years: 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, Great Teams (10 teams), 1912 World Series, 1955 World Series, 1978 Japan World Series, Great Pennant Races (1950 AL, 1964 NL, 1967 AL). Classic Statis Pro Baseball 1961. All Star Replay magazine listed ratings for several great teams (1906 Cubs, 1927 Yankees, 1936 Yankees, 1943 Cardinals, 1953 Yankees, 1976 Reds) --JCG]
Thanks
bcoleman@pubaffairs.umsmed.edu
Bruce Coleman
************************
From: "Hall, Marc (CAP, ITS, US)"
Subject: Looking for Ernie Banks!
This is a bit of an odd request, but it can't hurt to try! If anyone out
there would be willing to part with an old Banks Chicago Cubs statis pro
card between 1955 & 1971 ( Ernie's playing years ). I know not every year
was made & I'm don't care what year is offered. I have seen some full
seasons on Ebay ( rare & pricey ), but I'm really only looking for this
specific player.
Please contact me via E-mail marc.hall@gecits.ge.com
Thanks for the space & keep up the good work!
************************
From: Eno29367@aol.com
Subject: Board Games
Jim:
ALWAYS look forward to your weekly e-mails of the SGD...it's fantastic!!
Was wondering if you or anyone has heard of a hockey game called "The World's
Greatest Hockey Game". I believe it may have been produced in Canada. I
ordered it in 1979, which included cards for the '78-'79 season. The game was
quick, fun, and easy to play -- three good characteristics!! It was also
statistically accurate. I kick myself for not having kept it..what was I
thinking?? Anyway, any idea what I'm talking about?? I remember I saw it
advertised in The Hockey News (perhaps I should contact them about getting
back issues somehow and searching the classifieds!!). Just wondering.....
By the way, I saw Statis-Pro Hockey advertised on ebay, and it went for
$71.00!!
I have played innumerable solitaire replays of all four major sports, with
many, many games (from APBA to SOM to Statis-Pro to PTP, you name it!!),
along with my own personal variations/fine tuning of the rules. I usually
pilot one team thru a season. Keep rolling those dice!!
Greg Eno
Warren, MI
************************
From: richard.l.andrews@exgate.tek.com
Subject: Fastbreak Basketball Card Sets
Jim:
Love SGD! I am a devoted fan of Jim Mickey's Fast Break
Basketball, I have nearly every card set except the 1984-85 and 1985-86
which I believe was the last set he produced. Is there anyone out there who
has these sets and is willing to sell them.
Rick A
************************
From: dja1@iscp.bellcore.com (Dave Arlington)
Subject: Avalon Hill rumors
>From a gaming club I'm in, I saw a retailer's newsletter (and this is
the ONLY place I've seen this rumor, so take it with a grain of salt)
that mentions that Avalon Hill/Hasbro will be reprinting and re-releasing
some Avalon Hill games this summer. The bad news as far as sports gamers
go, is that despite some 'general interest' (read, they're not wargames)
games like 1830 are being reprinted/re-released, there was not one sports
game on the list of 30 or 40 games I saw.
[This is about what I would expect.--JCG]
Dave
----------------------
Dave Arlington
Telcordia Technologies
ISCP AIN Development
RRC 4A-365 732-699-4941
dja1@iscp.bellcore.com
----------------------
************************
From: VSIGames@aol.com
Subject: Varsity GridIron - 1999 Edition
Dear Members:
I wanted to inform those on the Sport Gaming Digest that the 1999 Edition of
Varsity GridIron is now available. I also want to acknowledge those Digest
members who purchased the game last year that your business is very much
appreciated. Hopefully, everyone found the game to be both realistic and
enjoyable to play.
For those who aren't familiar with Varsity GridIron, I thought I would give a
quick overview of what the game is all about.
Varsity GridIron is the realistic table top board game of college football.
Its ease of play, control over the flow of the game and ability to be updated
yearly cannot be matched. You are able to replay all of the bowl games,
create a true championship tournament or play your favorite team's schedule.
There are practically endless combinations of match-ups to be played, all of
which are under your control.
Through the use of Time / Action Cards, team sheets and yardage cards, every
run, pass and special teams play is determined quickly and realistically.
Players are rated individually, team's defenses have a role in almost every
sequence and home field advantage is built into the game. Varsity GridIron
even accounts for those unusual plays like injuries or tipped passes with the
use of Broken Play charts.
The 1999 Edition brochures are now available, which further describes the
features of Varsity GridIron. This year, we are offering up to 75 teams from
the 1998 college football season. In addition, there are also team sheets
available from the 1995-1997 seasons.
For those who are interested in more information and would like a Varsity
GridIron brochure, please contact us at your convenience:
Varsity Sports Industries
6612 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 53705
Toll-free: (888) 326-7217
E-Mail: vsigames@aol.com
Please mention the Sports Gaming Digest when you request a brochure.
Sincerely,
Varsity Sports Industries
Gregory D. Gordon
General Manager
******************
From: RehlDeal@aol.com
Subject: ProFootball'97
Dear Sir,
I would like to recieve some information over ProFootball'97 as to
whether it is any good as a computer game?
[Perhaps one of you computer game enthusiasts can lend an opinion.-JCG]
RehlDeal
**********************
From: aismike@iol.it
Subject: SI Paydirt
Dear Jim,
as the resident expert, a question for you :
- a friend of mine has the Sports Illustrated edition of Paydirt (long,
flat box, with a '73 copyright on box ('74 one on the rules), which he want
to sell (you'll see it soon on eBay, together with '72, '73 and '74 Statis-Pro baseball games, pre Avalon Hill !!!);
my question is : which year are the 26 Pro football teams based on ?
There's no indication on team charts themselves ....
[The Sports illustrated Pro Football team charts for the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons were produced on multi-color sheets approximately 8.5"x11". The name of the game was changed to Paydirt and the 1972 season charts were produced as two-color 8.5"x5" sheets. Those same 1972 season charts were basically retreaded the next year as full-size sheets with only minor changes to reflect some rules changes. Specifically, the "1973" charts have OFF 10 yard penalties instead of OFF 15 penalties, and the field goal ranges were reduced 10 yards to account for the movement of the goalposts back to the end line. Those "1973" charts did not reflect original research even though they were marketed as the "1973" season. It sounds like your friend has the "1973" charts, which are virtually the same as the 1972 season. Hope that helps.--JCG]
Thanks in advance.
Best wishes,
Michele Montagni
e-mail: Michele.Montagni@MailHome.com
******************
From: Svs2@aol.com
Subject: Re: WTB Long Ball
I am looking to buy; the Long Ball Baseball board game, in good to very good
playable condition, game must be complete.
Looking for the 1979 edition, this game does not contain individual cards for
both the pitchers and batters, use approximately 20 different pitcher and
batter cards.
Steve
stvans@hotmail.com
*******************
From: JohnBench5@aol.com
Hello there sportsgamers. I still have the following items that I am interested in trading. They are as follows:
Paydirt with 1979 charts along with copies of the 70 and 90 charts.
Bowl Bound with Team set III
Title Bout
Statis Pro Baseball with 1978 and 1985 seasons
Statis Pro Football with 1980, 1986, and 1989 seasons.
Superstar Baseball
Numerous APBA Baseball and Football seasons
I am looking for the following.
Any Football, Baseball, or Hockey game that I don't have. If you have one,
please let me know and we'll work something out.
Face-off Hockey- I might even trade 2 for 1 to get this game.
Strat Hockey seasons from 1977-78 to 1986-87
Thanks
John
******************
From: Roger
Subject: My first time and Strat thoughts
I began playing sports board games in the early 1980's. I loved
sports but had no outlet for my fantasies. I was just 12 when I discovered
Statis-Pro Baseball in a local hobby store in Maryland. When I got home I
opened the game and to my suprise there laying in the box were many of my
heroes. My attention turned to my favorite team the Baltimore Orioles. The
cards were based on the 1983 season so I got to play with the World
Champions. I still have the game and play it from time to time.
When the age of computers arrived I stopped playing sports board
games. Micro League Baseball was my passion. I didn't have to do alot of
work and still played with my favorite players. Now I could play through an
entire season. It still took a long time because early computer games were
not that advanced. Then when Earl Weaver baseball came along I was in
heaven. That game even allowed you to build your own ballparks visually. I
can not figure out why none of the game companies have ever put that option
into their games.
Well needless to say for many years there was something misssing in
my gaming enjoyment and that was the roll of the dice and the ability to
hold players in my hand. In the early 90's I bought every sports board game
I could get my hands on. This included all of the Strat-O-Matic games, All
of the APBA games except basketball, Pursue The Pennant, and ASG Baseball.
I have also added Face Off Hockey, National Pro Hockey, Negamco Hockey, Pro
Table Games Hockey, Big League Baseball Manager, Dynasty League Baseball,
All of the Statis-Pro Games, Negamco Pro Basketball, and Paydirt to my
collection. This also includes too many season sets to mention. Sorry they
are not for sale or trade. I love my games.
My first time was only a few weeks ago. We were having a family get
together and I asked my brother-in-law and cousin-in-law if they wanted to
play strat-o-matic baseball. They had heard me speak of the game before and
were interested. We all are around 30 years of age and the family thought
we were crazy. This would be my first face to face game after all these
years. Game one was against my brother-in-law. He picked the 1987
Cardinals so I decided to be the 1987 Twins. The game wasn't even close as
Viola shut down the Cardinals for 5-0 victory. Next was my cousin-in-law
and he wanted the 1987 Royals. We live just outside of Kansas City so that
explains his choice. The 87 Royals did have George Brett, Bo Jackson, and
some decent pitching. I had just received the 1998 Strat cards so I had to
play one game with the 1998 Cardinals. The game was close for six innings.
Willie Wilson hit a homerun in the 1st. I had a bad game rolling the dice
for McGwire. Every time he was at bat the result came of the pitcher's
card. He tripled in the 1st and scored a run. I broke the game open with 2
runs in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings for a 7-1 victory. The games were
not as exciting as I hoped but I do believe they enjoyed playing and we
might do it again sometime.
My final thoughts are on the new computer version of Strat-o-matic
baseball. It is everything I have wanted in a baseball game. Not becasue
it is perfect but becasue I can truly play the board game on the computer.
With the card view image the game cards are on the screen. I roll the dice
and input the results and the computer shuffles the cards and does
everything else. I can never go back to playing the game without this
option. Without the dice I feel like the computer is determining artificial
results. With the dice I truly believe anything can happen. I wish every
board game had a straight computer game conversion something like an aide de
campe that exists for war games. In the second game of my 1964 Dodgers
replay Koufax had a no-hitter through 8 and 1/3 innings. Every dice roll
was laced with tension. I have never had a no-hitter playing any versions
of strat-o-matic baseball. Thank you Strat for making my gaming dreams come
true. Now just do the same thing with hockey and football. The two utility
disks are a nice start. Sorry for this long post but I have been saving up
some thoughts for too long.
Roger Burriss
ROGERALLENSS@CCTR.UMKC.EDU
********************
From: ROHANMAN@ix.netcom.com
Jim,
I was looking through your Sports Gaming Digest archives and I found some card formulas that I've been looking for (i.e., Negamco Hockey - coincidently, I was talking to someone out at Big League Game Company requesting a catalog recently, and they said that they would e-mail me a text document with the products available and that company was setting up a web site with online ordering. I haven't receive any e-mail and I don't know if the site is up, but I also read somewhere online that the company was looking to sell off their complete line of games and inventory. Big League Game Company was good for picking up an old game or two that's been out of print.
My e-mail is basically two purpose...one...is how do I go about getting a subscription
[You just signed yourself up merely by asking. Welcome.--JCG]
and two...a quick thanks and to talk about the sharing of information on card formulas, gaming ideas, etc. I'm a firm believer in the free sharing of ideas. I've created an Excel 97 spreadsheet that creates Ethan Allen All-Star Baseball Game Discs that I would like to share with anyone who's interested. All you need to do is enter some basic stats (the spreadsheet
'holds' up to 20 players - printing 4 discs to a page), get some 110 lb 8.5x11 card stock from Staples (or your favorite office product supplier), and you can print out some good looking (and accurate) player discs. If any one is interested, I'll be happy to e-mail them out a copy of the worksheet. If someone has a web site and can post it, even better.
I also created programs to create Strat-o-matic Baseball cards from the Bruce Bundy formulas that appeared in StratFan a few years back. I created 19th Century and early 1900's cards (i.e., NL 1903 & 1905) that I wanted to replay and were missing from the SOM library. I was going to share this program a few year ago, but I heard that SOM Game Company has sued people trying to sell "home" created cards. I wouldn't have done it for profit but I still dropped the idea.
I am currently working on a program that creates APBA Hockey Cards based on the formulas from an article in the current APBA Journal. The formula logic converted nicely, but the article had incomplete formulas for Penalties (some basic concepts were there but more study was required). If you know if anyone has looked into APBA Hockey Card making formulas, please let me know. (BTW, I also would like to do the same with SOM Hockey).
Thanks, Chris Rohan
*********************
From: "I. Baly"
Dear Jim:
I have been reviewing some of the archived issues of the SGD for
ideas on developing a basketball game. I understand that you have
tabulated all of the data from the FAC cards from the SP basketball
game. This information would be very helpful in my endeavor. Can
you e-mail me this info? I am interested in the results off of the
FAC for the pre-92and post-92 version of the game.
[I'm not sure if I saved the raw data for the pre-92 system but there is an article on the SGD website with the conversion to dice method.
See: http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/2125/spbk2d8.html
You can extrapolate approximate data from that, and I'll dig through my files to see what I saved. For the 1992- system, I have the raw data in a file and I'll send it to you.-JCG]
Additionally, I would appreciate if you (or one of your readers)
could post the results of the Fast Break charts listed on the board
game. Also, were there other play charts on the game board itself?
[I might have the Fast Break chart results in a file, I'll check. And I'll make a list of everything else on the game board.]
Lastly, I would appreciate it if you and/or your readers could post
rule modfications that you or they have devised to make this
game more realistic.
[Check the SGD wesbite for the following:
STATIS-PRO BASKETBALL VARIANT from: "Dennis D. Nicholson"
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/2125/spbkrule.html]
Thanks for running this great web page!
Isi Baly
ibaly@earthlink.net
************************
END DIGEST (04-12-99)
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