Registered: Mar 2005
Location: St. Albert
Posts: 839

Also some thoughts (and a photo!) from the first ever Brier pre-qual game.

http://curlwithmath.blogspot.ca/201...t-scotties.html

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Registered: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Posts: 612

Good comments in general. I agree that Steph and Val sometimes hurt their chances with overly conservative calls. They are tremendous shot makers, so why not "go for it" more often. Jones and Homan are both willing to take more of these chances and that's what puts them ahead of the pack.

In the semi final where you question ABs decision to freeze and forgo the double. I actually like this call if you're reasonable confident in your draws. You assume that by making this call you rule out a blank. No true. If you make the freeze ok then there's a good chance your opponent will blast it out and lose the back stone. You're left with a routine blank. If you make a perfect freeze or your opponent misses the blast shot then you've generated your 2 and all but insured your victory. I'll take this low risk crack at 2 every time I have a good feel for draw weight.

In the final I agree that in the 7th end Val missed her chance to go for 2, which would have drastically improved her chances to win. You mentioned Lori's first shot came up a mere inch short. Even though it was mostly buried I felt there was plenty of curl and Val could have hit 1/4 of it with back 12 weight to split it and sit 2. A tough shot for sure, but you have an excellent chance for 2 if you make it and an easy draw for 1 if you don't.

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Registered: Mar 2005
Location: St. Albert
Posts: 839

quote:

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Originally posted by Deucey
In the semi final where you question ABs decision to freeze and forgo the double.

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