Sports Gaming Digest (12-14-98)
Greetings Sports Gamers!
I'm encouraged to see several people jumping on the idea of
tracking our actual locations in the interst of finding other
gamers in your area. I'll be collecting this information into a
database with names, address (at least city/state) and emails. It
might take a while to get a significant number of entries but you
have to start somewhere.
Lots to read this week with the digest hitting 20 pages for the
first time. (I hope my email doesn't choke.) Once again, I
saved the best item for last, so be sure to read through to the
end. Thanks to Christopher for his initiative.
Regards,
Jim Gordon
jgordon@library.berkeley.edu
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/2125
Pawtucket or Bust!
*********************************
From: "Bruce S. McClure"
If you are interested in trading APBA Baseball Cards for season
disks/stadium files/schedule disks, please email me at
apbabruce@csu.cted.net. I have tons of season disks to trade and will look
at all sets available.
BSM
*********************************
From: Scott Shacter
please feel free to pass along my name scott shacter, email address, and physical location,
phoenix/scottsdale metro area along i am looking for face to face competition and would love
to be included in a database
i would suggest broadening it to include email address listings of those who would like to
join a play by email league
i would love to join a play by email league whether the games are played by one person or
one person's computer or by each participant with manager sheets for all other participants
thanks for your assistance in coordinating this
i would definitely be interested in baseball and probably in football, basketball, and hockey
I am still looking for baseball platoon statistics and anyone who has a computer game that
has a draft mode that calculates relative salary requests for players selected as league eligible
from a hall of fame group
*********************************
From: Randy & Kim Harvey
Jim; With regards to the closing issue of the last Digest, for purposes
of hooking up with people, I reside in the Dayton, OH area. I can also
help in response to the query from Raymond Gavel about the dice
configurations. As an ex-computer analyst, I recall at one time
computing the possiblities of all the numbers in the Sports Illustrated
dice set. I've probably got that laying around somewhere, I'll see if I
can dig it up.
[I found this in a file on my PC at home. Roll = Dice Roll. Num = number of times
that each dice total occurs. Pct = percentage of the total of the 216 resutls.--JCG]
Roll Num Pct Roll Num Pct Roll Num Pct
10 2 0.93% 20 4 1.85% 30 6 2.78%
11 3 1.39% 21 6 2.78% 31 9 4.17%
12 4 1.85% 22 8 3.70% 32 12 5.56%
13 5 2.31% 23 10 4.63% 33 15 6.94%
14 6 2.78% 24 12 5.56% 34 18 8.33%
15 6 2.78% 25 12 5.56% 35 18 8.33%
16 4 1.85% 26 8 3.70% 36 12 5.56%
17 3 1.39% 27 6 2.78% 37 9 4.17%
18 2 0.93% 28 4 1.85% 38 6 2.78%
19 1 0.46% 29 2 0.93% 39 3 1.39%
*********************************
From: Raymond Gavel
At 01:59 PM 12/7/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Greetings Sports Gamers!
>****************************
>From: Raymond Gavel
>Subject: Paydirt variations
>
>Just wanted to send along another variation I made to Paydirt. I added 4
>more running plays and 4 more passing plays. These are:
>
>Runs--Veer(LP/OT); Trap(OT/DR); Pitch(ER/LP); Counter(DR/ER)
>
>Passes--Flat(SL/SC); Swing(SC/SH); Hook(MED/SL); Post(SH/MED)
>
>To run a Veer play for example you would look on the LP(Line Plunge) chart
>of the offense and the OT(Off Tackle) chart of the defense. More plays
>could be added in this manner. I simply write, in pencil the play at the
>top of the applicable column on both offense and defense and away I go.
>
> [I'm not sure I understand the procedure. Do you roll the
> dice once and refer to two columns, and then combine the
> results? Or how does it work?--JCG]
>
The offensive dice are rolled once by the offensive player and the
defensive dice are rolled once by the defensive player, and then combined.
Procedure is very similar to calling a regular play. On a regular Draw
play, for example, the Offensive player rolls the offensive dice and look
under the Draw play on the offensive chart, while the defense, after
selecting their defense, would roll the defensive dice looking under the
Draw play on their defensive chart. The two results combine to give a final
result on the play. My system is basically the same. The Offense would call
a Veer, roll the offensive dice and look under the Line Plunge on the
offensive chart, while the defense would call their defensive play, roll
the defensive dice, and look under the Off Tackle play on the defensive
chart for their result. The two would be combined like a regular play, only
one dice roll for each player. This way you can have a number of additional
plays. I've added four runs and four passes, but could easily add more. (I
was just thinking of adding a Quick Out by using the End Run play on
offense and either the Screen, Short or Sideline on defense).With this
system there's no further combining of dice, no referring to additional
charts or anything. Just use the play charts themselves, writing the new
plays at the top of each chart in pencil. Offensive chart, for example,
play #1 might be a Line Plunge, or a Veer depending on what the offensive
player has called. The defensive player would have, on his own chart, under
play #2, Off Tackle and Veer.
After reading through your play variations a couple of times I like what
you've done. It certainly gives a lot more possible results. Makes the game
even more realistic, without adding the burden of keeping individual
statistics.
Keep up the good work with the SGD.
Cheers!
RayGavel
rgavel@cgocable.net
*********************************
From: dmelkin
Hi Jim
No problem with database stuff:
Dave Elkin
Las Cruces, NM
dmelkin@jaws.greatwhite.com
*********************************
From: Tbrros@aol.com
Subject: Assorted thoughts
I also used to play Title bout board game. If I remember Muhammed Ali
descisioned Jack Johnson for the Championship after demolishing Rocky Marciano
in the semis. Jack Johnson outpointed Joe Louis in the other semi. I forget
where Dempsey finished and I did not have Tyson in my game. If this game was
ever computerized I certainly would be interested. I hear and understand all
of you from reading back issues that most miss the Board experience and find
the computer games a little too sterilized. I enjoyed the board game too but
as I got older the keeping and compiling espescially of statistics just drove
me crazy. That is why I never finished my Statis Pro Basketball Championship
even after looking up all the Stats and making the cards from scratch for what
I considered the best 14 teams in history. The league itself was a tremendous
amount of fun. I remember the 82 Sixers won their first 3 games by a total of
4 points all on buzzer beaters exept one wher Malone went to the line down 1
and sank both free throws. This is another game that I just loved. I loved
what I considered the simple but very accurate ratings and the fact that the
fast action cards were so smooth and gave you control of the choices. i never
used the stamina but since I played both teams I just used common sense and
the shots taken. I do not believe this game was ever made for computer but if
it was can someone please help me! Or if there is another BBall game that is
similar please also let me know. I am starting my second Greatest team ever
SOM league soon maybe next time I will post the 30 teams and give updates as I
go. I know I love these types of updates from others. I am waiting for the
98 Yanks to be made to comoplete my teams
Thanks for listening and any feedback would be appreciated
Tod Burros
PS I downloaded Tom Minks game but do not know how to access DOS games again
any help would be appreciated. Also for those of you who gave me opinions I
ordered APCFB over Lance Haffner but gave Lance some business also by ordering
the collegeBBall game. Can't wait for the All time Tourney to begin!
*********************************
From: Tbrros@aol.com
Subject: PS #2
For those of you wh love the feel of board games and the ease of computer SOM
baseball has a featue where the dice are rolled on the screen as well as the
splits. Best of both worlds. Jim if this is too repetitive(after all I am
new at this site) please ignore this message
Tod
*********************************
From: Ian/Cath Ford
Jim,
Regarding setting up a data base of interested opponants.
Seems a good idea as the list provides not only the opportunity to find
opponants in the first place but also to expand the range of opponants for
each of us. A data base is a sound idea but would need to be updated
fairly regularly as circumstances change. Addresses wouldn't need to be in
the database - simply e-mail addresses and locations.
In addition to face to face play, what possibilities are there for pbem?
Some systems will be more able to support this format than others, but the
possibility must exist and is important for those of us tucked away in out
of the way places!
I'd be pleased to add my name to such a list - now, is there anybody out
there in the UK or cyberspace interested in Football Strategy to kick
things off (I'll play anything - this is probably the simplest to play by
e-mail!).
Thanks for the digest - always interesting and informative,
Ian Ford
who lives in Beccles, Suffolk, UK.....
------
Ian and Cath Ford,
Beccles, Suffolk, UK.
*********************************
From: Mike Boling
Jim, go ahead and put me on a list of interested partied for getting
together. I live in the Kansas City, MO area.
I think you have my address, but here it is again.
Mike Boling
606 NE 67th St.
Gladstone,MO 64118
Great idea.
*********************************
From: Joseph Bruce Grogan
Hey Jim,
Would like to know of any sport gamers in my area. Particularly
interested in SPB, as you well know from my past notes. My area is the
northern middle Tennessee area, more specifically Nashville,
Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, and my home White House, Tennessee.
If this info was not what you had in mind please let me know what you
need.
JBG
*********************************
From: Matthew.T.SCHULTZ@sb.com
Kindly add me to the list.
I stumbled into it and was glad I did. I have moved from board game
baseball and football to Diamond Mind and Front Office football, but
still have a fondness for the board games I grew up on, especially
SI's all time baseball (though I lost the AL teams in a move - anyone
have a set available or can they be photocopied?) and Bowl Bound.
I was especially glad to hear of a third set of charts for Bowl Bound.
Would anyone have a set of those available, or know where I may get a
set? Also, any recommendation of a similar fun to play college game
would be appreciated.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Matthew
matthew.t.schultz@sb.com
*********************************
Sender: "David Baumgardner"
Subject: Links on the URL website
Hey Jim, when folks list links to charts etc., do you post this links on
your web page? ie. http://www.mmi.com
My problem is that many times folks put interesting links in the newsletter
but I don't have time to look at them. I guess the solution is to go to your
web page and re-read the letters and find the sites again.
[I have put a few URLs on the website, and www.mmi.com is
included under the APBA entry (under Sports Game Companies).
I've discovered than running a website takes lots more time
than I had hoped and I haven't put it too high on my
priority list beyond getting the weekly digest file added
and updating the game inventory periodically. Anybody have
any thoughts about what would be the best approach to adding
links? Should they be in a section all by themselves?--JCG]
*********************************
From: "MARK P HERRMANN"
Subject: subscription
Jim:
Please count me in. Please add my name to the list
Mark Herrmann
*********************************
From: Tbrros@aol.com
Subject: Just curious
I know I might have asked in my last letter but has there ever been a computer
version of Statis pro BBall, Title Bout or BowlBound/Paydirt. I love these
games or are there any games modeled after or like them
Thanks
Tod Burros
*********************************
From: Raymond Gavel
Subject: Football games in Football Digest
Here's some football games I found advertised in Football Digest.
January 1979 issue:
Introducing Strategic Skill Pro Football. Recreate your own NFL season!
Each starting player and selected reserves are represented by an individual
player card that reflects their real-life abilities. FEATURES INCLUDE:
play-action passes, combination line charges, pass blocking strategies. For
a free brochure send your name and address to:
Strategic-Skill Game Co., 105 Warwick St., S.E. Minneapolis, Mn 55414
October 1977 issue:
Booth's Pro Conference Football
At last! An easy-to-play, amazingly realistic game that completely
reproduces professional football. Sustained drives, the "bomb", goal line
stands, turnovers -- all these and more are included in the exact frequency
and accuracy that they occur on the real gridiron. More than 2,000 games
were play tested, analyzed and compared play-by-play to professional
contests. More than a half-million mathematical and statistical
calculations were made to assure you of owning the most precise parlor
football game ever invented. You'll thrill at the complete realism!
PRO CONFERENCE FOOTBALL is attractively gift-packaged and includes rules,
dice, play charts, die-cut playing pieces, and durably-mounted 17 x 22"
multi-colored playing field that looks just like the pros. Also, a unique
scoreboard allows you to match up your favorite teams from both
conferences. The game can be played solitaire, or draft your own
neighborhood league. An average game takes less than one hour to play. Send
$10.95 plus $1.00 for postage and handling today to:
Booth's Pro Conference Football, Box 33, Malaga, New Jersey 08328. Dept 104
(produced by Sher-Co Games, Inc.)
September 1974 issue:
Statis-Pro Football Game
Statis-Pro Football is unique in that there is no set up time, no lengthy
additions and subtractions before you start a game. And once the game is
underway you will find a flow of action that is unmatched in any other
table top football game.
Every offense and defense player is moulded into each play and you will
discover that running to one side of your offensive line will be more
beneficial than the other side. But watch out for the defense and try to
stay away from their strong suit.
When you want a ball control offense in Statis-Pro Football, bring in a
second tight end and take out your poor blocking split end.
The ad goes into further description of the BASIC PLAY ACTION cards etc.
and states that Jim Barnes created not only the Fooball Statis-Pro game,
but the Baseball and Basketball games as well. The address given is:
Statis-Pro Games, Inc
Box 484, Waterloo, Iowa, 50704
September 1975 issue:
Program IV Pro Football Game
REPLAY FOOTBALL HISTORY
Join the thousands who already know, that play by play and dollar for
dollar no table football game today matches the combined versatility,
realism and challenge of the "Program IV Pro Football Game." Using
real-life statistics, found in a newspaper, magazine, etc., the game
accurately reproduces exciting life-like player and team performances in
response to your coaching decisions. Whether playing solitaire or
two-handed, players and teams from today or yesterday run, pass, kick and
defend precisely as in real life...it comes complete and includes a special
statistical set of the 8 greatest pro football teams of all-time. Costs
$2.25. Address: Harris Publications, Dept 15, P.O. Box 414, Collinsville,
Ill, 62234
same Sept. 75 issue:
T.H.E. Pro Football Game
T.H.E. Game gives you every single pro football player who made even one
contribution to his team, offensively or defensively. All 26 teams are
represented by over 40 man rosters. You will not believe the truly
incredible realism of T.H.E. Game. You will see plays occur that you never
thought possible in any game. And these plays will only occur to the teams
that actually experienced them. For more info send coupon and 10 cents to:
T.H.E. Pro Football - Dept FD
Box 1531, Vernon, Texas 76384
October 1985 issue:
American Style Football
The sensational new card - dice board game is finally here. American Style
Football combines the strategy of the cards with the luck of the dice to
bring you as close to real live play, without touching a football! All
games come with a large game board, dice, markers, score cards, and easy to
read instructions. (Canadian version also available). cost: $9.95 plus
$2.00 p and h. address:
Gateway Publishing Systems Inc., 830 South 48th Street, Grand Forks, North
Dakota, USA, 58201
I also saw someone mention the Rocky Blier (spelling) Football game. Do you
have more information about that game. I remember seeing it advertised in
Street and Smith's a number of years ago, but only saw it the one year.
Does anyone own it, and how might it compare to some of the other football
games?
Does anyone own any of the above listed games, and if so, could you comment
on their playability etc. Were they as realistic as claimed? Easy or
complex to setup and get playing? How would they compare to more familar
football games like APBA or SOM?
Cheers!
RayGavel
rgavel@cgocable.net
*********************************
From: Raymond Gavel
Subject: Something that's always bugged me
I must admit I've only played football games, either board or computer, but
I have the same complaint with both. I have never found a football game
that contains accurate ratings on them for linemen. Statis-Pro never quite
got it right, Pro Football Fantasm is lacking, and even computer versions
of Front Page Sports Pro and others can't seem to do it properly. I always
end up digging through my football magazines and manipulate the ratings so
they more accurately reflect what they "should" be. I've seen players get
higher ratings for sacks, even though they got fewer than the guy they play
next to, blocking ratings especially seem out of whack. Has anyone else
found this to be the case, or am I being too picky?
And, being such a big football fan, I thought I'd be in heaven when they
started producing truly interactive computer versions of football. But,
I've found the opposite to be true. Building playbooks, trying to call a
play fast enough to avoid a delay of game, keeping track of who's tired and
who isn't, shifting the camera angles on the field, and trying to generate
a running game that can gain 50 yards a game have turned me off. I guess
that's why my all-time favorite football game would have to be Paydirt.
Easy to play, setup, and nothing much to keep track of except the down and
distance and the score. Great game! I look forward to any further play
variations/solitaire versions that anyone comes up with. You know, it
really does seem to come down to the 'tactile' feel of the charts/cards on
a table-top game. It can't be replicated on a computer. I don't feel part
of the team when playing on the computer. I feel distant, as though I'm
watching it on TV. When I have that Paydirt chart in my hand though, that's
'my' team. I'm the one making all the decisions, no computer to generate a
random interception or fumble. Has anyone ever tried to produce recent
Paydirt charts using older charts where the teams would have similar
running/passing offenses or defenses? It wouldn't be quite the same, but
I'd love to see the Panthers and Jaguars on a Paydirt chart! Hey, we can
always wish...
Cheers!
RayGavel
rgavel@cgocable.net
*********************************
From: "robertscott"
Please add me to the subscriber list.
*********************************
From: Bhendges@aol.com
Subject: please add me to your list.
Dear Jim,
While perusing a number of sports gaming/simulation sites I came across
mention of your website- and I am so glad to have found you and your service.
I have been playing sports board-games for over 20 years now (since I was
about 13 years old) and in the last few years have moved into the realm of
computer simulations as well. The first game I played was Extra Innings (which
I still like to go back and look at now and then just for the ideas it gives
me about game design-it helps to free me up to think about possibilities), and
shortly after that I purchased my first Strat-O-Matic game. Most of my gaming
career since then has involved Strat-O-Matic products. While the bulk of my
gaming interest (and my real-life sporting interest) is in baseball, I also
play S-O-M hockey quite a bit. I own the S-O-M basketball game and an old
version of the football game as well, but I rarely play these- particularly as
my interest in these two sports has waned in the past 10 years or so. I have
also played Statis Pro Basketball, Power Play Hockey (i think it was called-
another old Gamecraft game like EI- oh, which reminds me, I also own Data
Boxing- a great game but I hate boxing so I never really play it anymore), and
some tennis game that I forget the name of. I also made the mistake of
purchasing a copy of APBA's basic football game- which I hated. Perhaps the
advanced version is much better, but I really detest APBA's chart-based
system- really bogs down playability and reminds me far to much that I am
playing a game.
I started with board-games and I still play board-games and probably always
will, but I also am interested in what computer simulations can offer me. I
have the Strat-O-Matic computer game (the "dos" mac version- not the CD-rom
game) for baseball and I have enjoyed it. But recently I have been very
tempted by what I have seen from the folks at Diamond Mind, and I may turn to
them for my computer gaming needs while sticking with SOM for board-game
baseball. I also am very tempted by Face Off Hockey, which I have heard from
friends and other sources is the best hockey game available, and some say the
best sports simulation game period.
I am sometimes slightly embarrassed about my hobby- here I am an educated man
in his mid-thirties devoting a great deal of time (relatively) to playing,
talking and thinking about sports games. Of all the things that preoccupied my
mind and time when I was a thirteen year old this is one of the few that still
has a large place in my life. It is always good to know I am not the only one.
Barry Hendges
bhendges@aol.com
*********************************
From: Tbrros@aol.com
Hi this is Tod Burros . I have been resding about Tom Mink's Freeware but
have had no luck in accesing the file on the Website. Would anyone consider
sending me a copy of the game considering it is freeware. If so please Email
me at Tbrros@AOL.com
Thanks
*********************************
From: SRNOTJR@aol.com
Jim,
You asked about stats for the World Football League....the best reference is
"Wiffle", by Tod Maher, published by the Professional Football Researchers
Association....wish I had their phone number handy, but I can tell you they do
have a web site and also publish a magazine called "Coffin Corner." Anyway,
the text of "Wiffle" is no great shakes, but it does have complete seasonal
stats for each team, plus rosters, plus game scores, even attendance. Its
invaluable!
Ronnie Stone
srnotjr@aol.com
*********************************
From: "Bruce S. McClure"
Subject: APBA Saddle Racing
I am in search of someone who'd be interested in a trade. I would like to
get my hands on a copy of APBA Saddle Racing, and would be willing to trade
data disks for it. I have an extensive collection of disks for BB, FB and
Hockey and would love to hear from anyone who'd like to trade.
Please reply to: apbabruce@csu.cted.net
BSM
**********************************
From: Chris
Subject: Re: Sports Gaming Digest (12-07-98)
Name: Chris Palermo
Location: Oakdale, NY
Work: New York, NY (take train every day...either "Babylon" line, or
"Huntington" line...)
*********************************
From: "K., P. Premo"
Jim,
Just a quick note primarily for your new subscribers -- and with
Christmas just around the corner -- letting them know about my line of
fast-action games. Other than horse racing (and the upcoming track and
field game), all of my games are team oriented and all contain thousands
of teams. You can replay seasons or stage those dream games you always
wanted to play. And you can play many games in a short period of time.
Mention that you are a Sports Gaming Digest subscriber, and receive a
10% Christmas DISCOUNT -- good until December 24, 1998!!
Briefly, here is what I have:
Major League Baseball -- includes EVERY team for every major league,
including some Negro Leagues, from inception to the present. $
15 ppd
Pro Football - includes every team for every major league, NFL, AAFC,
all AFLs, WFL, USFL, and ARENA (CFL will soon be
available in a special supplement) $ 15 ppd
College Football - top teams EVERY year since 1869, over 3000 teams.
$20 ppd
"Small College Supplement" will soon be ready.
Pro Basketball - every team for every major league, including ABA, etc.
$15 ppd
Women's supplement $ 4 ppd
College Basketball - top teams every year since late 1890s, over 3000
teams
are included. $ 20 ppd
Women's supplement will soon be ready.
Olympics Basketball - every team for every country that has played in
the Olympics, includes both MEN and WOMEN $ 8
ppd
World Cup Soccer - every men's team to play in the world cup $ 8 ppd
Horse Racing -- 2 games:
1. They're Off! the original game with 200 individual horse cards for
great Thoroughbreds, Harness Horses, and Quarter Horses -- strategy
game! $ 10 ppd
2. Fast-Action. Over 3000 of the greatest Thoroughbreds,
Steeplechasers, Harness Horses, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Arabians,
Paints $ 20 ppd
Free Brochure -- just send me your postal mailing address. Don't forget
your 10% discount!!
Pat Premo patrickp@eznet.net
************************************
From: Michael Owens
Hello fellow sports gamers:
I'm glad to see Arnold Kalnitsky has joined our little webpage. I
bought a game off of him about 18 years ago called Speculative Hockey
Explorations. A pretty good game. I'm not sure if he is still
producing or selling it, but if he is maybe he should mention it and
make it available for everyone.
Also, once again I recommend Second Season Football to all you gamers
out there. This game was designed by one of our subscribers, Keith
Avallone. The funny part is that here is this wonderful game that took
a lot of thinking and research, not to mention play-testing yet
subscribers seem reluctant to buy it (even though they love sports
gaming). I find that the best games come from small one man
operations. I also recently picked up a copy of Pat Premo's Fast N
Furious Football. Also worth taking a look at, if you don't mind not
having individual stats. It generates fast, realistic final scores and
is well thought out.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I personally have designed two table
top sports games (hockey and football.) I have received some questions
about the two games, as well as some questions about modifications I
have made for Statis Pro Football. First, let me say I am not in this
strictly for the money. If I could share this stuff with all the
subscribers of this website at no personal cost for photocopying,
postage etc. I would; although it would be nice to get some
reimbursement for all the time, effort and research I have done on my
two games as well as the expenses of shipping and copying.
Having said all this, I would like to give a brief description of each
game as I have had a few queries about both games.
Hockey Replay
Have you ever wanted to just sit down and replay a hockey game between
two NHL teams, but didn't want to try to figure out what players to use,
which lines to match-up, didn't feel like recording shifts, and
certainly didn't want to try to figure out which is your number one and
number two power play units. I know what you're thinking. The fun part
is line matching. Maybe so, but what if you're playing solitaire. How
can you be unbiased in all of these decisions? Do you really enjoy
spending all that time trying to figure out all of this stuff? Believe
it or not, you can actually play my game without all of these decisions
to make and it is still fun. There is still an element of strategy in
certain cases, and it is fast. A game takes approximately one hour to
play (Quicker once you get the feel of the game). Have you ever wanted
to play a hockey game between teams from 20 years ago? Sometimes this
is enjoyable as well. My game has all kinds of teams from all kinds of
different eras. The game is very simple. Each team is assigned a base
shot number determined by matching them with their opponent, and when
shots occur the shooter is determined. The game flows very quickly
because there are no line changes. This makes it feel like real hockey.
This game uses both a team basis and individual player statistics .
Game play is activated by one twenty sided dice and two ten sided dice.
The basic premise of the game is team statistics for shots, home ice
advantage, luck factors, power play, penalty killing, penalties, and
individual statistics for shots, shooting percentage, passing, and
goalies. I have rated all teams from 1947 to 1998. The game comes with
5 teams from 96-97 and two other seasons (74-75 and 75-76)and sells for
$20.00 (Canadian) which includes shipping. (If you live someplace
overseas add another $5.00) I will start selling other seasons for
$6.50 each later. If anyone is interested my address is listed below.
By the way, you must supply the twenty sided and ten sided dice
yourself. Also, if you'd like some other seasons let me know.
Quick Play Football
Let us face a few facts. We are older, we have commitments (family,
work, etc .) so sometimes we don't have time to do some of the things we
truly enjoy. How many times have you started to play a game like
Paydirt or APBA, or Strat and all of a sudden you get pulled away from
it for one reason or another. Or maybe you went through all of the
painstaking set-up times, only to have to quit. Also, sometimes when
you invest 2 to 3 hours in a game, it seems futile to get only one
result, especially if your favorite team loses badly. I have found this
to be the case too many times to count. One day I started tinkering
with the idea of a fast action football game that used real pro football
team ratings. What I wanted was a game that could be played quickly,
with no individual statistics. But it had to generate realistic results
when replaying seasons or tournaments. I wanted a game where the '76
Tampa Bay team would go 0-14 or maybe 1-13 if they were lucky. I also
wanted a game where I could calculate team ratings for all sorts of
years.
What I created was Quick Play Football. Unlike Pat Premo's Fast 'N
Furious Football (this is not in anyway criticizing his game) this game
goes quarter by quarter using two standard dice. I rated each NFL team
on offence and defence. After I created this game, I still found a few
nagging flaws in the game. How can a team that is outscored by it's
opponents finish with a winning record. In other words, how can they
win close games enough times to win more than they lose. By the same
token, how do you account for a team that outscores their opponent but
finishes 5-9. I then created a factor called CGF (Close Game Factor).
This factor somewhat allows certain teams to win the close ones, while
allowing other teams to lose the close ones. I have rated every team in
the NFL from 1937 to 1997 (with the exception of three war years), every
USFL team, every AFL team from 1960-69 and every AAFC team from
1946-1949.
This game generates realistic results quickly (about 1 minute per game)
allowing season replays or tournaments to be played quickly. I will
send anyone interested a copy of this game for $20.00 Canadian
(including shipping) ; if you live overseas please add more money. (say
$5.00) The game comes with ratings for all of the teams I have
mentioned above. You must supply your own dice (two standard six sided
dice are needed).
By the way, this game is perfect for anyone conducting a season replay
of only one team, and not keeping individual statistics, but wanting
results of other games for playoff matchups, final standings, etc.
It is also fun for creating your own leagues (i.e. best teams of the
'70s, worst teams of all time, etc.)
Another thing about my ratings is that they factor into account weaker
schedules, etc. As an example, in 1970 the Miami Dolphins and the
Dallas Cowboys had similar points for and against, but Dallas is far
superior due to the tougher schedule. Miami got to play Boston,
Buffalo, and the New York Jets twice each that season, while Dallas
played St.Louis, Washington and the New York Giants twice, not to
mention the Minnesota Vikings.
Again, if anyone is interested, contact me. My address is listed below.
If anyone is interested in my Statis Pro Football modifications, send
$5.00 and I will send you what I have. They involve interceptions,
fumbles, and place kicking. I have also laid out a lot the rules that
are in the instructions on to new sheets, and made a timing chart which
will be included.
Michael Owens
147 Enfield Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R2H 1A8
Well, having said all of this (sorry for sounding like an infomercial
guys) time to talk about some other stuff.
I'm really pleased to see that membership is growing,
I'm glad to see that sports gaming is not totally dead. I wish that all
the members would drop an e-mail introducing themselves and their
particular gaming habits (i.e. favorite games etc).
I'll start the ball rolling now.
My name is Michael Owens and I have played all sorts of sports games
since I was around 12 years old. My personal favorite games (besides
the ones I created myself) are:
Strat-o-matic Football
Strat-o-matic Baseball
Strat-o-matic Hockey
Strat-o-matic Basketball
Paydirt
Statis-Pro Football (using my modifications)
Bowl Bound
Second Season Football (created by Keith Avallone)
Ballpark
Faceoff hockey
Lance Haffner 3 in 1 football (computer game)
CFL Pro Action Football
APBA Golf (though I haven't played this a lot yet)
Hopefully other readers can at least introduce themselves with a small
background on their own personal preferences, at least so that I know
someone is reading.
By the way, does anyone out there have the 1988 Strat-o-matic Football
Season cards for sale or trade? I would like to get this particular
season.
I will trade any one of the following for it:
1982 Strat-o-matic baseball season cards complete with extra players
1985 Pursue the Pennant baseball cards
1987 Pursue the Pennant baseball cards
1989 Pursue the Pennant baseball cards
Or name let me know how much you'd sell it for.
I forgot to mention one other thing. I have created a new passing chart
for use in Strat-o-matic hockey with the letters M,N, and O. These
letters are effected by a player's assist rating. How the chart works
is certain readings in the split deck have now been assigned these
letters. The readings that are affected are most automatic inside shot
readings and lose to opponent, where there are no splits between
power-play, even strength, and short handed. What this chart
accomplishes is:
1) differentiates between average, good, and great passers. Make
horrible passers even worse.
2) takes away a lot of the "cheap" automatic inside shots
3) make great passers even more valuable.
Anyone interested in seeing this chart let me know. Either send a SASE,
or $5.00
That's all for now Michael Owens
************************************
From: KVAvallone@aol.com
Subject: Second Season '94 set
Just a quick note to let you know that I have (finally!) completed the 1994
NFL team sheets for Second Season.
It's a great set....I used the STATS '95 publication, which had exhaustive
statistics on every player from the '94 season, so I can truthfully say that
this is the most accurate and faithful re-creation I've ever done.
To jog your memory, the 1994 season was the NFL's 75th anniversary season, and
featured several games played in "throwback" uniforms...(you had to LOVE the
Broncos old '67 jerseys!) The Forty-Niners hammered the "cinderella" San
Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl...It was Joe Montana's final season, with the
Chiefs...the last year for the Rams to play in Los Angeles, plus you get the
HOUSTON Oilers and the Cleveland Browns with Vinny Testaverde leading a great
club that won its division....Cris Carter caught 122 passes for the Vikings,
Barry Sanders had his usual great year, Rick Mirer had his great rookie year
for the Seahawks(before he tanked), some sensational relief QB jobs put in by
Dave Krieg of the Lions and Steve Walsh of the Bears, both resulting in
playoff berths for their clubs....and much more...
I also want to thank all the sports game digest members who have play-tested
the game and given me their feedback. Guys like Mike Owens, Paul Migut, Jeff
Sufrin, Shawn Gillilan...and many others. The game is obviously not for
everyone...the main beef is the complexity and the chart-flipping required to
resolve certain plays. I have given much thought to how I might go about
simplifying the game, but have come to the conclusion that it would basically
have to be re-invented. Plus, it would lose one of (I think) its greatest
features if you were all of a sudden no longer able to see what MIGHT have
happened on the play if a certain key player had not been rated as he is.
There's nothing like the feeling of seeing your deficient pass defender get
burned for the long TD, and you know that it SHOULD have been broken up. Or,
to have your star offensive tackle keep the heat off your passer long enough
for him to toss the game-winning TD pass, and you KNOW that if it weren't for
him, your guy would have gotten sacked and the game would have been over.
Anyway, I think playing the game with contemporary-era players is a big
plus...you get to see the situational substitutions for one thing, which was
not in vogue in the sixties. If there's anyone who'd like to try it, I'm
happy to get a copy to you if you'll re-imburse my printing/shipping expense,
which is about $20...(The printer upped his prices on me! I don't think they
LIKE printing this game!) E-mail me a KVAvallone@aol.com.
I'm also going to put together an abridged version of the various play-
tester's comments, both good and bad...That way people can perhaps get a
better idea of whether this kind of game is for them...
Happy Holidays!
************************************
From: dja1@iscp.bellcore.com (Dave Arlington)
You can put my name on any fledgling player list, Jim.
Anyone who wants a little face-to-face action (or "in your face"
action!), I'm in northern NJ about 30 minutes from PA border.
Weekends are best.
I'll play football (best face to face game) (SOM, Paydirt, Statis-Pro,
APBA if someone teaches me the advanced version), baseball (SOM, Replay,
APBA or PtP is someone has them and wants an opponent and doesn't mind
teaching), or hockey (I have LOTS of those to choose from!). Oh yeah,
I'll also do boxing or auto racing (though racing is better with LOTS of
players).
Hey good to see Art Kalnitsky sub up. I DID leave his "Speculative Hockey
Explorations" off my mini-list of hockey game reviews because it was one
of the few I never bought. Perhaps we could encourage Art to explain a
little about the play system and exactly how he normalized hockey teams
across eras? I'd really be interested in hearing something on that
subject since I think I just brought it up a couple weeks back.
Thanks,
Dave
----------------------
Dave Arlington
Bell Communications Research
ISCP AIN Development
RRC 4A-365 732-699-4941
dja1@iscp.bellcore.com
----------------------
****************************
From: "Christopher P. Carl"
I'd like to invite all of you
who subscribe to the Sports Gaming Digest to visit the Tabletop Sports Gaming
Connection at:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Dome/9910
Inspired by this wonderful digest, I created the TSGC site
last week in the hopes that it will help to instill a sense of community among
tabletop sports gamers while at the same time promoting and renewing interest in
our hobby.
Here's a quick rundown of some of what the TSGC site has to
offer for sports board gamers:
A message board and live chat room, a free
classifieds section, and a categorical listing of current ebay auctions
featuring tabletop sports games.
With your participation, I beleive we can keep tabletop sports
gaming alive and thriving.
Thanks,
Chris Carl
*********************************
END DIGEST (12-14-98)
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