Subject: Rockin me some 9x2s

Date: Sun Jul 2 04:59:40 2017
User: Denny
Message:
Actually easier than most 11 sum games. Why? Theories? Denny

Date: Sun Jul 2 13:59:17 2017
User: CubicSprock
Message:
Of all 11 sums I would say 8x3 is the easiest with 9x2 coming in 2nd. In general 2-3 freecells are all that is needed to provide some initial maneuverability after which point it is better to have additional columns. After giving room for initial moves, more columns give more options to build on (or columns to clear..more options and easier since less cards per column) therefore should take precedence over 4th or higher freecells. As a general rule I'd say a ratio of ~3 columns per freecell seems is nice. In my opinion: easiest 9 sum: 7x2, 10 sum: 7x3 or 8x2, 11 sum: 8x3, 12 sum: 9x3

Date: Fri Jul 7 17:46:37 2017
User: sprucegoose
Message:
My opinion is that 9x2 is easier than 8x3, and I would bet that if we looked at win percentages of these variants we could devise a metric to determine which is actually the easiest. I know I have a bias cuz I've played a lot more 9x2s As far as a reason why, just the right number of free cells and the stacks of cards are not quite so deep. Basically what CD said. Especially that an open column is tremendously useful.

Date: Fri Jul 7 17:56:24 2017
User: CubicSprock
Message:
Cumulative game stats do show 9x2 to be a little easier than 8x3. For me I think the easier half of 9x2's are easier than the easier half of 8x3's...but I think 8x3's have less very difficult deals than 9x2. I think this shows in my game stats by the lower average time in 9x2's. In terms of -5 win percentages 9x2 is 75.91 leads with 8x3 a little behind at 72.86. 10x1 trails by a bit more at 69.90 and 7x4 is well behind at 63.40

Date: Fri Jul 7 18:13:09 2017
User: sprucegoose
Message:
I checked several players, CS (sorry that I didn't catch auto-correct un- correcting your name on the previous post) and kenwa had better win rates on 8x3 others on the 9x2 but they are both fairly close. When I dabbled in a few 8x3s last month, I may have been unlucky, but there were quite a few with win rates in the 40 / 70% range and those seemed more frequent than in my beloved 9x2s. Maybe we should plot win rates across all variants to determine the optimal free-cell-to-column rate; though I believe CS is pretty accurate.

Date: Fri Jul 7 18:24:47 2017
User: TNmountainman
Message:
All that was done (in some fashion) years ago at the hotel, and to a (much?) lesser extent on this board. Such data here is likely less 'authoritative' than what was at the hotel, but it *might* be worth tracking down.

Date: Fri Jul 7 19:23:16 2017
User: The_Interpreter
Message:
The climate needs to be taken into consideration, since we all know some 5s are harder that some 10s and some 10s are easier than some 5s. So, if you just played certain 10s and did not play certain 5s, it would affect your percentage. Just ask andaronjim. Just saying. . . .