Jamzu Contest :: 7 days :: 35 Promos :: $50 iTunes Gift Card!

[DougNicola]

Hi all!

Jamzu & Jamzu Free 1.22 are both released! To celebrate this awesome release of Jamzu, I would like to hold a fun contest for the great folks here at Touch Arcade! :)

Jamzu Move Contest Winners!

Jamzu Move Champion 2010 Winner: Khamous

http://www.realfunart.com/images/JamzuMoveChampion2010.jpg



Jamzu Move Contest Random Draw Winner: haffertee

Congratulations to both Khamous and haffertee! :)


Two $50 iTunes Gift Cards will be given away in these contests!

You can enter any time before the deadline of Thursday February 18th, 12pm (Noon) Eastern Time.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/App_Store_Badge.gif (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=333176367&mt=8)

The First Contest:

:: Every day from today through Wednesday the 17th, I'm going to post a single Jamzu game position.

:: Give your suggestion on what the best move for RED would be for the given position.

:: If you enter a suggested move for each of the seven positions, you will be entered in a random drawing for a $50 iTunes Gift Card.

:: Also, each day, A Jamzu promo code will be given to each of the first five people who submit move suggestions.

:: It doesn't matter if someone else has previously suggested your favorite move. You can still suggest it for a promo code, the random drawing contest, or the Jamzu Move Champion contest.

:: The contest will close at 12pm Eastern time Thursday February 18th, and the winner of the $50 iTunes Gift Card will be announced at 12pm Eastern Time Friday February 19th. The winner of the JAMZU MOVE CHAMPION 2010 $50 iTunes Gift Card will also be announced at this time.

The Rules:

1. Your suggestion must be a reasonable move for RED. Wild guesses and anything that doesn't make at least a little sense will be rejected. I'll try to point out any move suggestions that won't be counted. Promo codes will only be given for suggested moves that are legal.

2. There will likely be several acceptable move suggestions per position.

3. Please use a notation like this to descibe your move suggestion: (1) H7-B3

This would mean that for position one you are suggesting a move from square H7 to square B3. For a runner moving off, just give the first square.

Please also keep a running list of your moves, when you make a post, to help us keep track! :)

4. You can enter the contest at any time up to the close of the contest at 12pm Eastern Time, Thursday, February 18th. The only requirement is that you post a list of your move suggestions for each position before this time.

5. Each new position will be posted at around 12pm Eastern Time each day.

PRIVATE MOVE LISTS

6. For the "Jamzu Move Champion 2010" contest (see below), you can submit your move list to us privately via email or PM. Just make sure it is submitted before the deadline, and includes a reason for each move. You do not have to post any of your moves in the thread, anywhere, and only the moves on your private list will be taken as your chosen moves. The winning move list will be published when the Champion is announced.

7. It is our sole discretion, and final decision, to decide what the best moves are for the "Jamzu Move Champion 2010" contest.

8. Please note these contests are designed for individual participation. Individual participants can of course have helpers behind the scenes, and they may wish to credit those helpers if they win. Team entries will not be accepted for these contests.

9. For the "Jamzu Move Champion" contest, even though you are not required to post your moves in this thread, please note that the contest is intended to be for members of Touch Arcade. If you are not yet a member and wish to participate, please register sometime before the closing time of the contest (Thursday, February 18th, 12pm Eastern).

10. If you enter the Jamzu Move Champion 2010 contest and don't win, you are also automatically entered in the random drawing contest. Basically this just means the winner of the Jamzu Move Champion contest is chosen first, and then the winner of the random drawing contest is chosen from the remaining entries.

JAMZU MOVE CHAMPION 2010 CONTEST !!!

We'll select one contestant, who, based on our judgment, has suggested the best possible moves for each position. This contestant will receive a $50 iTunes Gift Card, and will be given the honorary title "Jamzu Move Champion 2010" To be eligible for this prize, you must give at least a brief explanation of why your suggested move is the best in each position. If there are several contestants who come up with the same best move lists, we will randomly pick a winner from this group.

On with the contest!! Remember, the first five entries each day get a Jamzu promo code!

POSITION ONE (Red to move with a six. Red is moving from the bottom off the board towards the top):

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg



POSITION FOUR Red to move with a four.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg



POSITION FIVE Red to move with a three.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_5.jpg



POSITION SIX Red to move with a two.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_6.jpg



POSITION SEVEN - The Final Position Red to move with a one.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_7.jpg


Have fun!

Reviews are always appreciated!

Cheers,
~Doug

-------------------
New Contest Starts Monday, February 22, 2010

Beginning Monday, February 22, we'll be starting PART 2 of The Great Jamzu Touch Arcade Promotion of February 2010.

The Jamzu Daily Double

$50 in iTunes Gift Certificates will be given away.

Each day for five days we will put up a post with two Jamzu positions.

The first person to post the best move for both positions that day will win a $10 iTunes Gift Certificate.

The Jamzu Daily Double will be started in a new thread here on Touch Arcade.

The Jamzu positions will be completely different for the new contest. There won't be any overlap between the the contests going on now and the new one starting February 22.

Anyone who participates in, or wins, the contests going on now will be free to play in The Jamzu Daily Double contests as well.

-------------------
A Selection of iTunes Reviews for Jamzu

Great Game! ★★★★★
"We really are having fun with this game. It is used more than all the other games I have downloaded put together!"

Highly polished strategy game ★★★★★
"I have several chess and go apps, and they are nice... BUT THIS is so much more because it doesn't try to emulate a board game, it makes use of the platform... the visual cues are top notch, and the game is well thought out."

This is one of the most original games I have played on my ipod! ★★★★★
"This game is like a mix between chess and checkers in every good way you can possibly think of..."

Solid app! ★★★★
"Well, I just got this app today, and I have to say, I am thoroughly pleased... All in all, great app. Jamzu deserves a spot on your iphone"

Unsung Game ★★★★★
"I've never heard of Jamzu before, but this is one heck of a fun little strategy game..."

Fun board game ★★★★★
"Really unique game! Very strategic and fun... I haven't put it down since I got it 2 days ago..."

-------------------
User Comments About Jamzu

"My husband gave me an iPod touch for my birthday, and we promptly found Jamzu, tried the free version and then bought the full version. We are both hooked on this game! Thanks so much!" ~ Becky U.

"I believe it is one of the best "hidden gems" in the Appstore." ~ bweb

-------------------
Full Feature List:
- Awesome Two Player Wi-Fi and Two Player Same Device modes.
- Four difficulty levels for challenging Single Player fun.
- Helpful Hint makes learning Jamzu a snap.
- Fantastic graphics, animation and sounds.
- Listen to your iPod music while playing Jamzu. Set volume of Jamzu independently.
- Auto save and reload.
- Save up to four games each in Single Player, Two Player Wi-Fi and Two Player Same Device.
- Match play and point settings for Single Player and Two Player Same Device games.
- Set player names independently by game, Single Player or Two Player modes.

[TheSporkWithin]

I'm thinking I2 to E6.

(1) I2-E6

EDIT: Did you want these posted or PMed?

[akame]

Red to move H3 to I3.

[seang]

g2 to h2 that is the move i would do

[DougNicola]

SporkWithin, you'll have a code on the way.

akame, your move H3 to I3 doesn't work as given. Were you thinking something else?

Remember to keep a running list as you go, noting the position. I won't be making any comments about suggested moves (unless they don't work or don't make sense) until the end of the contest. :)

~Doug

[CzarCastic]

(1) g2-i4

[DougNicola]

seang, your move isn't legal! :) You can try out Jamzu Free to get a feel for the game!

~Doug

[Khamous]

B5 to F5, was thinking and you need to block the blues or you're dead... great game, hope I get a code.

[DougNicola]

Hi all! This is going to be a really fun contest, I can tell. :)

Just to clarify, promo codes will only be given to suggested moves that are legal! I added this clarification to rule 1. Thanks! If you don't happen to get a code one day, just try the next!

~Doug

[DougNicola]

CzarCastic - not legal!
Khamous - code on the way!

~Doug

[CzarCastic]

Hi all! This is going to be a really fun contest, I can tell. :)

Just to clarify, promo codes will only be given to suggested moves that are legal! I added this clarification to rule 1. Thanks! If you don't happen to get a code one day, just try the next!

~Doug

So my move isn't legal? lol

Alright, I'm downloading the free version now. I'm going to try to figure this out for a code.:D

[goldglover411]

Red moves H3 to I3

[DougNicola]

Khamous, Please note: Your move is legal but doesn't really make sense, so I can't include your suggested move there in the final contest. Be sure to submit a better move for this position later!

Rule summary: First five legal moves each day get a code. But only moves that make some sense will be entered into the final contest. Thanks! :) If you have any doubt about your moves being entered into the contest, contact me to make sure.

~Doug

[CzarCastic]

OK. Let's try this...

(1) I2-E6

Edit: Wanted to add my rationale, even though there's no way I'll be the move champion. I think that my move does two things. It starts to unbury the red piece (G2), as well as offering a second line of protection against the blue piece (J6).

[TheSporkWithin]

Thanks for the code! Really cool game you have here. I kinda feel like the gift card values should be reversed, with the random "pity prize" being 10 bucks and the "you're awesome" prize being 50 though.

[DougNicola]

Thanks, SporkWithin! We decided to up the prizes to TWO $50 iTunes gift cards. :)

The "Jamzu Move Champion, 2010" prize is now also a $50 iTunes card.

Remember, to qualify for the "Jamzu Move Champion, 2010" prize, a short reason will have to be given for each move.

Cheers!
~Doug

[DougNicola]

goldglover: H3 to I3 is not legal.

~Doug

[Khamous]

Rethough! H7-F5 :D

[Canis Firebrand]

Rethough! H7-F5 :D

That was going to be my move. :( lol

1) I6-F4

[DougNicola]

Hi all!

This is definitely going to be a fun contest. To keep things managable, I'll post occasional rule reminders.

Both prizes are now worth a $50 iTunes Gift Card.

Please make sure you keep a running list of your moves as we go through the next seven days. For those wishing to try for the "Jamzu Move Champion" prize, you *will* have to give at least a short justification for each move suggestion in your final list.

Have a blast!

(BTW, having to take care of other things while I do this contest, I will not be responding immediately to all posts. Please PM me if you think I may have overlooked something.)

Cheers,
~Doug

[cathy]

H7-B3 so you get that black one out of the way while blocking a blue piece too

[DougNicola]

Canis: I6-F4 is not legal. For one thing, you're moving from a light square to a dark square, which can never happen with a diagonal jammer move.

It doesn't matter if someone else has previously suggested your favorite move. You can still suggest it for a promo code, or any of the contests.

~Doug

[Canis Firebrand]

1) I6-F5 trying to block a blue piece.

[DougNicola]

cathy: a code is in your PM
Canis: I6-F5 still not legal! :) Check out Jamzu Free to get a handle on the rules.

Best,
~Doug

[CzarCastic]

cathy: a code is in your PM
Canis: I6-F5 still not legal! :) Check out Jamzu Free to get a handle on the rules.

Best,
~Doug

I submitted a new move in post #14. I think it's legal. I've been playing the free version. ;)

Good game BTW!

[Canis Firebrand]

Ok. I think I may understand.. I hope. Played a quick game of the free version.

1) I6-C2

[DougNicola]

Thanks to TheSporkWithin, we are adding a new rule clarification.

For the "Jamzu Move Champion" contest only, we will accept private move lists from all contestants. You can send us your list via PM or email, and it will be kept private until the winners are announced. Then it will be published.

Reminder: If there are multiple lists submitted of the same moves, we will draw randomly for the winner.

If you are participating in the Jamzu Move Champion Contest, you are allowed to keep *all* of your suggested moves private. Just make sure you get your list, with your reason for each move, submitted to us before the deadline of 12pm Eastern Time Thursday Feb 18.

Thanks for playing Jamzu!

~Doug

[CzarCastic]

Quick question, Doug. Do you want a PM each day, or can we keep our list for the whole week and then give you the list on the last day?

And, can our current move still be included for the Move Champion competition if we've already posted it publicly?

[DougNicola]

Hi CzarCastic,

Yes, you did submit a legal move in #14! Code on the way!

Your current move can be included in your private move list, and you can submit the list on the last day, as long as it is before the deadline of 12pm Eastern, Feb 18th.

Best,
~Doug

[DougNicola]

Canis, I6-C2 is legal! :) You got the last code for today's promos!

Best,
~Doug

[Canis Firebrand]

Woo thanks..

I was hoping I had how the moves could go.
Neat game.. I look forward to playing more and learning. :)

[DougNicola]

Hi all,

Again, just to clarify:

For the random drawing contest, you must post your moves in this thread.

You can post your moves any time before the end of the contest.

For the Jamzu Move Champion 2010 contest, you can post your moves here, or keep them entirely private and send via email or PM. Either way, for the Jamzu Move Champion contest, your moves must include at least a short reason for each move.

Also, as this progresses, please keep a running list of your moves in your posts (unless you are submitting everything privately for the Jamzu Move Champion contest).

Thanks everybody!

~Doug

[seang]

sorry...i tried out the lite... i think that I2-E6 would be a better move

[DougNicola]

Hi seang,

No problem! Just have a complete move list by the end of the contest, you will be entered to win at least the random drawing contest.

Best,
~Doug

[DougNicola]

Hi all,

If you are playing for the Jamzu Move Champion contest, here's a hint: don't assume that any moves you see posted by the other contestants are potentially the best moves. ;)

If you are playing for the Jamzu Move Champion contest, and you submit your list to us privately, only the moves on your private list will be taken as the ones you choose for the contest.

Cheers,
~Doug

[DougNicola]

POSITION TWO is up!

A couple of notes. I added a rule about individual participation in the contests. Basically, this is an individual entry contest (although you may have helpers). No team entries will be accepted.

Also, only the first five legal moves each day, for that days position, will get promos. I won't be commenting on which moves are legal until the first five legal moves have been submitted, and the promos sent out.

Remember, even if it is a legal move, it won't necessarily be good enough for the final contests! Final contest moves must actually make some sense.

I will always post all positions both in the first post, and each day here in the thread.

Thanks everybody! Have fun!

~Doug

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg

[TheSporkWithin]

(2) c7-d4

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2 (No need for a code. Got one yesterday. Thanks!)

[Khamous]

For now: B4-C3
Hope this gets me on the random contest :D

[Canis Firebrand]

1) I6-C2
2) B4-C5

Got a code yesterday, just making my move for the drawing. :)

[DougNicola]

Thanks guys for letting me know you already have a code and don't need another. That means there will be more chances to win codes every day.

If anyone enters a move that is legal, but isn't good enough for the contest, I'll let you know via PM so you can try to find a better move for the contest.

~Doug

[cathy]

Hmm... F3 to E2 so you can start to dig the red piece out while blocking a blue

[DougNicola]

Looks like there will still be a couple of codes left to give away for today's contest. Each day's promo code giveaway will run until the following day's position is posted.

Cheers,
~Doug

[Ahiru]

let's see,

1- I2 -> G6

2- B4 -> C5

[DougNicola]

POSITION THREE is up!

Have fun!

~Doug

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg

[Khamous]

I5-E3 for the random choose contest :D
(Already have a code)

[TheSporkWithin]

D7-H3
Don't need another code. :)

[cathy]

B5- D3 to uncover a red and block a blue
I think my reasonings are gonna be the same for every board :p

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2
(3) B5-D3 (Already got a code!)

[DougNicola]

Hi all,

Beginning Monday, February 22, we'll be starting PART 2 of The Great Jamzu Touch Arcade Promotion of February 2010.

The Jamzu Daily Double

$50 in iTunes Gift Certificates will be given away.

Each day for five days we will put up a post with two Jamzu positions.

The first person to post the best move for both positions that day will win a $10 iTunes Gift Certificate.

The Jamzu Daily Double will be started in a new thread here on Touch Arcade.

Should be tons of fun! :)

Cheers,
~Doug

[Khamous]

Will you need to put the positions in that contest into the best Jamzu player contest? or just the ones from this thread?

[DougNicola]

The Jamzu positions will be completely different for the new contest. There won't be any overlap between the the contests going on now and the new one starting February 22.

Anyone who participates in, or wins, the contests going on now will be free to play in The Jamzu Daily Double contests as well.

~Doug

[DougNicola]

POSITION FOUR is up!

Have fun!

~Doug

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg


POSITION FOUR Red to move with a four.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg


Happy Valentine's Day!

-----------------
Beginning Monday, February 22, we'll be starting PART 2 of The Great Jamzu Touch Arcade Promotion of February 2010.

The Jamzu Daily Double

$50 in iTunes Gift Certificates will be given away.

Each day for five days we will put up a post with two Jamzu positions.

The first person to post the best move for both positions that day will win a $10 iTunes Gift Certificate.

The Jamzu Daily Double will be started in a new thread here on Touch Arcade.

[Khamous]

F7-B3 for the random draw contest

[TheSporkWithin]

(4) b2-b6

[cathy]

I3 - E5 not completely sure if that's legal, but it's so you can get the bumper out of the way and most likely get that red piece to the end of the board on your next turn

edit: ok, can't do that so E7-B3 to get it out of red's way and block blue a little bit

[DougNicola]

cathy, looks like you meant F7-B3?

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2
(3) B5-D3
(4) C5-C7 (Already got a code!)

[cathy]

oops, yeah I did. I'm not thinking very well today! So here's my running list which I just realized I was supposed to keep, heh:

(1) H7-B3 so you get that black one out of the way while blocking a blue piece too
(2) F3-E2 so you can start to dig the red piece out while blocking a blue
(3) B5-D3 to uncover a red and block a blue
(4) F7-B3 to get it out of red's way and block blue a little bit

[haffertee]

4)
I see several good moves on this one, but I'm going to say A4 to F4.

(finally able to post!!)

[Ahiru]

3- i5e3
4- f7b3

[Ossamu]

Is it possible for me to enter now?

[DougNicola]

Hi Ossamu,

Yes, definitely. You can enter any time before the deadline of Thursday February 18th, 12pm (Noon) Eastern Time.

If you are entering the random drawing contest, you have to have a list of seven moves posted in this thread before the deadline. Each move has to make at least a little sense.

If you are entering the Jamzu Move Champion contest, then you can post your moves here or PM or email them to me if you want to keep them private. Each move has to have at least a short explanation.

Also, just to clarify, (and I'm going to post this in the rules as well), if you enter the Jamzu Move Champion 2010 contest and don't win, you are also automatically entered in the random drawing contest. Basically this just means the winner of the Jamzu Move Champion contest is chosen first, and then the winner of the random drawing contest is chosen from the remaining entries.

Cheers,
~Doug

[DougNicola]

POSITION FIVE is up!

Have fun!

~Doug

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg


POSITION FOUR Red to move with a four.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg


POSITION FIVE Red to move with a three.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_5.jpg

[Khamous]

G4-d7

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2
(3) B5-D3
(4) C5-C7
(5) H3 (I assume that is how you indicate that you want to move the red piece off the board? Oh, and I already got a code! Thanks!)

[Khamous]

(5) H3 (I assume that is how you indicate that you want to move the red piece off the board? Oh, and I already got a code! Thanks!)
Yes it is, it's in the 1st post :p

[CzarCastic]

Yes it is, it's in the 1st post :p

Sorry, that first post is like Encyclopedia Jamzu. I think you need a Master's degree just to get through it. :p

[Khamous]

I know right? I read it all in the 1st day and I was like "God... so much to read I'm never going to get a code @.@"

[DougNicola]

Heh heh. Sorry about that long first post. But it wouldn't be a real contest without a bunch of rules, right? ;)

Anyways, I took out some stuff in that post. Both to clean it up a bit, and because I had hit the word limit and I couldn't add position five. :)

~Doug

[haffertee]

5) H3 home

[cathy]

(1) H7-B3 so you get that black one out of the way while blocking a blue piece too
(2) F3-E2 so you can start to dig the red piece out while blocking a blue
(3) B5-D3 to uncover a red and block a blue
(4) F7-B3 to get it out of red's way and block blue a little bit
(5) G4-D7 to unblock red and block blue

[TheSporkWithin]

(5) d3-a6

[Ossamu]

All right! Just one more question: while I was playing Jamzu there were restricted moves. In this contest you need to take these into account for the best move? Or not?

[DougNicola]

Yes, all the Jamzu game rules apply in the contest, including the restricted moves.

A short explanation of the two restricted move rules for those new to the game:

1) In position two, you can't move the jammer at H5 because this jammer was just moved by the opponent. This jammer is marked with a dot.

2) Also in position two, you can't end a jammer move in lane 6 (your jammer can't land there). The opponent "controls the lane" because they just moved a jammer from that lane. This lane is marked with x's. You could move a jammer across lane 6 if necessary to make your move.

~Doug

[DougNicola]

For everyone participating in the contest, a very important rule to understand is the jammer rebound rule.

This rule allows a jammer to rebound off of other jammers (but not runners!) and off the edges of the board. The rebound can happen in any direction left, right, or backwards, and can rebound back and forth multiple times in the same path. This rule allows for some very unexpected move possibilities. A great way to learn is to watch how the computer plays (and use the slow mode) to really see what is possible with jammer rebounds.

~Doug

[DougNicola]

POSITION SIX is up!

Have fun!

~Doug

You can enter this contest any time before the deadline of Thursday, February 18th, 12pm Eastern.

The Jamzu Daily Double contest starts February 22.

Please see the first post for contest rules and more information.

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg


POSITION FOUR Red to move with a four.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg


POSITION FIVE Red to move with a three.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_5.jpg


POSITION SIX Red to move with a two.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_6.jpg

[Khamous]

O wow, did red win in that one o.o

E4

[TheSporkWithin]

(6) e4-g4

Khamous cannot comprehend a world in which the player bests the computer in Jamzu. :P

[DougNicola]

Khamous: Yes, Red won! :)

[Khamous]

(6) e4-g4

Khamous cannot comprehend a world in which the player bests the computer in Jamzu. :P
I can, just not in that scenario :p

Khamous: Yes, Red won! :)
Then you sir (if you were the one playing) are very very good, lol.
(Although I can see how micromanaging can win, is still awesome, lol)

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2
(3) B5-D3
(4) C5-C7
(5) H3
(6) E4 (Already got a code!)

[Khamous]

Lol, as we can see, there's only 1 interesting move in scenario 6 (apparently)

[TheSporkWithin]

I can see two others which might be worth pursuing, but they offer no immediate gain.

[Khamous]

I can see two others which might be worth pursuing, but they offer no immediate gain.

Time is of the essence :p

[CzarCastic]

Time is of the essence :p

Yeah, but Red is leading. Seems to me that offers a bit of time to consider other options. If I were...I don't know...participating in some sort of "Best Move Contest" I might consider them. :p

[haffertee]

6)a8 - a6

[cathy]

(1) H7-B3 so you get that black one out of the way while blocking a blue piece too
(2) F3-E2 so you can start to dig the red piece out while blocking a blue
(3) B5-D3 to uncover a red and block a blue
(4) F7-B3 to get it out of red's way and block blue a little bit
(5) G4-D7 to unblock red and block blue
(6) E4 so you can move red closer to the end of the board

[DougNicola]

POSITION SEVEN, the final position, is up!

On Friday, 12pm Eastern, the winners of the $50 iTunes Gift Cards will be announced in this thread.

Whether you are submitting your move list in a post for the random drawing contest, or in a post or privately via PM or email for the Jamzu Move Champion contest, the list must be submitted before the deadline of 12pm Eastern tomorrow.

Please post here or PM me if you have any questions.

Thanks for playing in the contest, and thanks for playing Jamzu! :)

Have fun!

~Doug

You can enter this contest any time before the deadline of Thursday, February 18th, 12pm Eastern.

The Jamzu Daily Double contest starts February 22.

Please see the first post for contest rules and more information.

POSITION ONE Red to move with a six.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg


POSITION TWO Red to move with a five.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg


POSITION THREE Red to move with a four. Even though it looks tough for Red here, Red actually won this game.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg


POSITION FOUR Red to move with a four.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg


POSITION FIVE Red to move with a three.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_5.jpg


POSITION SIX Red to move with a two.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_6.jpg


POSITION SEVEN Red to move with a one.

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_7.jpg

[Khamous]

So many possibilities o.o
H3-I4

All the entries will be sent soon.

[CzarCastic]

(1) I2-E6
(2) F3-I2
(3) B5-D3
(4) C5-C7
(5) H3
(6) E4
(7) H3-G4 (Already got a code!)

I think this completes my entry for the random draw. Thanks! I've had fun participating in the contest!

[haffertee]

7) b5-c6

[cathy]

(1) H7-B3 so you get that black one out of the way while blocking a blue piece too
(2) F3-E2 so you can start to dig the red piece out while blocking a blue
(3) B5-D3 to uncover a red and block a blue
(4) F7-B3 to get it out of red's way and block blue a little bit
(5) G4-D7 to unblock red and block blue
(6) E4 so you can move red closer to the end of the board
(7) H3-I4 because it will block a blue and allow red to go on to the other side of the board your next move(s). And then when that blue piece wants to move out, it'll get the jammer out of the way for the other red

[TheSporkWithin]

(1) I2-E6
(2) C7-D4
(3) D7-H3
(4) B2-B6
(5) D3-A6
(6) E4-G4
(7) H7-G6

There's my entry for the random drawing.

[DougNicola]

OK, time is up! Good luck to all the contestants, and thank you for playing! :)

Results will be posted tomorrow at 12pm Eastern.

Cheers,
~Doug

[DougNicola]

Hi all,

It's been an absolute blast running this contest. Everyone who participated seemed to have a lot of fun, and that was the most important thing for us!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

In the end, nine brave souls stuck it out to complete this very rigorous contest. They all submitted move lists with good reasons for each move.

Here are the winners.

Jamzu Move Champion 2010 Winner: Khamous

http://www.realfunart.com/images/JamzuMoveChampion2010.jpg

Khamous got four out of seven best moves correct, for a clear win in the Jamzu Move Champion contest. Congratulations, Khamous! :)

There was a four-way tie for second place between Ossamu, Kevd, CzarCastic and Ahiru, each with three out of seven correct.

Random Draw Contest Winner: haffertee

Congratulations, haffertee! :)

This is the list of best moves:

(1) H7-F5
(2) F4-E7
(3) I5-E3
(4) A4-F4
(5) G4-D7
(6) A8-A6
(7) H3-I4

I'll post our analysis for each move in this thread.

We had selected each best move for the position before posting it in the contest.

Here is Khamous' Best Move List, with his reasons:

(1)H7-F5: BEST MOVE
This is the strongest move because it lets you get one closer to going in, not allowing the enemy to jam it more in order to prevent it. It also adds pressure in one of the only 2 blues that you can still jam, stopping it in its tracks.

(2) F3-E2:
A nice nice answer, only move that can free a red (somehow) and trap a blue. Not only that, it traps the blue in place, not only blocking the point but giving 0 chance of movement. Being that that's the only blue that is free, it is a point stopper move.

(3) I5-E3: BEST MOVE
Helps uncover your most trapped red one, not giving position to the competing blue in that lane (who also needs to uncover those 2 jammers) and also blocking another blue.

(4) F7-B3:
Eye for an eye, levels the field in that lane while freeing the most buried of your pieces. Running your A4 As it would leave the blue easy to score, while not countering any move or stopping you enemies progress, ultimately if you decide to run as opposed to counter, both of those blues would have a really easy time scoring.

(5)G4-D7: BEST MOVE
Tricky one as you could, with that same dice, get one in. The reason why this is the best move is that it increases the ammount of fronts blue has to focus on. It buries a blue one even deeper, and sets free one red, making that a total of two, so even if blue decided to counter, it wouldn't be able to reach two. Also, the red that could be run is far enough in so that it is hard to jam and easy to free.

(6)E4 :
You cannot really free your buried red with that one, and can't really jam blues, at this moment in which you are winning, you want to minimize the amount of fronts you need to worry about, by running E4, you give that piece a harder to jam position, only needing a 3 to score, and also, once you get that one in, dejamming the remaining red while jamming the blues will be an easier to deal with problem.

(7)H3-I4: BEST MOVE
Many possibilities. I consider this one to be the best as it not only frees your red, but also blocks a blue at starting position, the weakest position in the game. I didn’t consider moving another jammer blocking red because those also help the blues, this is the only position that moving doesn't help the blues in any way. Also there’s no good in running when you have such a strong move at this position.

---------------

Cheers,
~Doug

[Khamous]

Omg! I still can't believe t!!! Thank you so much this is great!!!
(so excited words can't explain)

[CzarCastic]

Bah! It was fixed!

;)

Congrats Khamous.

[haffertee]

Congratulations, Khamous!
This was a very fun contest, and my whole family got involved.

I am very excited to be the winner of the random draw contest! I'm also looking forward to next week...

[Khamous]

Thanks :D
I'll put that banner in my sig as soon as I get to a real comp :D

[DougNicola]

I want to get the winners their $50 iTunes Certificates first, then I'll post all the moves with our analysis.

Cheers,
~Doug

[TheSporkWithin]

Grate Khamous! I'm pretty surprised how badly I apparently did. I look forward to looking over the move lists when I get home.

[DougNicola]

POSITION ONE

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_1.jpg

BEST MOVE: H7-F5 (Khamous, Kevd)

- Unblocks and controls lane 7 for a potential good runner move off.
- Adds a block to Blue in lane 5.
- Blue's blocks in lane five cannot be flipped back to Red, especially if G7 runner is off.
- Red's blocks in lane 2 and 3 can still be used in upcoming moves to attack Blue in lane 6.
- With H7 out of the way, Red also has the chance, with a roll of 4 or 5, to open lane 6 by swinging the I6 jammer around to block Blue on E6 or D5. This would almost certainly mean the end for Blue.

OTHER GOOD MOVES: I2-G6, I2-E6 (haffertee, Ossamu, CzarCastic, TheSporkWithin, Ahiru)

- This does unblock Red and block Blue.
- But does not provide an open lane if Red gets a high roll.
- If Red moves a jammer to G6, this block could easily be flipped by Blue to counterattack Red in lane 2, 3 or 7.
- A jammer at G6 decreases Red's options for the jammer at H7.
- Of these two, I2-E6 is better.

This is one of the most challenging positions, partly because the best move may be difficult to see.

Red is ahead in the race both in squares and runners off, but behind in blocks. So we want to find something that will help Red in blocks. Both I2-G6 and H7-F5 help Red with blocks. H7-F5 however, allows you to control lane 7 for a good runner move, where otherwise Blue is certain to try and block using the jammer at I6 on any odd roll in the next move.

If G7 runner moves forward at least 3 or more on the next roll, that runner is either off or safe. If Blue tries to free himself by moving I6 out of the way, then H6 runner can easily move off also, strengthening Red's lead.

With H7-F5, Red and Blue both have 4 blocks to deal with, but Red is overall better positioned to win the race and continue to counterattack.

Note: H7-D5 may be as good a move here as H7-F5, as this move may make it a bit harder to flip the block back to Red. But we see H7-F5 as the overall best.


POSITION TWO

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_2.jpg

BEST MOVE: F4-E7 (Nobody got this one! :) )

- Perfect time to begin unblocking Red's most vulnerable runner while attacking Blue.
- While unblocking in a series of moves you can attack Blue at his most vulnerable runners in lanes 6 and 7.
- By unblocking with F4 first instead of B4, you are set up for a potential maximum long move when you do get B4 out of the way.
- Moving F4-E7 allows the jammer in G3 to be free to potentially block blue in lanes 5, 6 or 7 on a future turn.
- As part of the unblocking series of moves for lane 4, B4 jammer can also potentially be used to block in lanes 5, 6, or 7.
- F4-E7 is a "one way block." It is impossible for Blue to flip that block back in front of Red on F4 again.
- Given the position, it will be also be nearly impossible for Blue to use the E7 jammer in the future to block Red anywhere else.

OTHER GOOD MOVES:

B4-C5 (Kevd, Ahiru)

- This move definitely has the right idea as in F4-E7, but the wrong jammer.
- It does stop Blue in lane 5.
- But if you unblock with B4 first, you give Blue an unnecessarily early chance to escape in lane 4, and you would more likely lose the chance to jump him there.
- This is really a quesion of timing. The F4 jammer should be moved first, then B4 in a following move.

F3-E2 (haffertee, Khamous, Ossamu, CzarCastic, cathy, TheSporkWithin)

- Does stop Blue from making a potential big advance in lane 2 on his next roll.
- Does unblock Red and block Blue.
- Does not unblock the more vulnerable runner.
- Using the F3 jammer at later point in game to attack blue in 5, 6 or 7 would be more effective.
- Blue can easily flip a block at E2 right back to Red in several places: Either at F3 again, or G4, C4 or even H5 when Red clears that block.

OK, I admit it, this postion was tough and tricky almost to the point of being sadistic. :) Certainly the toughest one of the contest. Nobody mentioned it as a possible move in their analysis, so I'm thinking that no one even saw it! Definitely Kevd and Ahiru came the closest with B4-C5. They had the right idea.

The best move in this position is all about timing. Red has established a decent lead in squares, and now he can even the blocks and help his position by going for the kill with a strong attack on Blue in lanes 5, 6 and 7. If he hesitates with trying to free his runner in lane 4, he is leaving himself vulnerable for too long and missing a great opportunity.

F3-E2 is really a tempting mirage. Although it looks good to block Blue here, this is likely to be a very temporary gain, and could easily be used against Red later. Better to let Blue go here (if he gets a high roll) and concentrate on hurting him in lanes 5, 6 and 7 while helping yourself.

[DougNicola]

POSITION THREE

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_3.jpg

BEST MOVE: I5-E3 (Khamous, Ossamu, CzarCastic, TheSporkWithin, Ahiru)

- This unblocks Red and blocks Blue.
- Starts a series of moves to clear and control of lane 5.
- This is by far the best use of a four here. You will need to unblock the jammers in I5 and J5, and if you have the chance to do this while also blocking blue, take it!
- This move holds Blue at F3, for the potential miracle roll of a 6 by Red and the following move of J5-D3.
- The jammers at B5 and C5 can be used in multiple other ways to attack block Blue. Using a four for this purpose not necessary here.

OTHER DECENT MOVE: B5-D3 (haffertee, Kevd, cathy)

- This move does block Blue in lane 3 and unblocks Red in lane 5, but also unblocks Blue in lane 5 too early.
- Using the jammers in B5 and C5 to block Blue right now is not critical, as there will be many potential rolls that could be used with these jammers on future moves.
- This move would prevent the future miracle move J5-D3, possibly wasting a roll of 6 for Red.

Red is in a bit of a pinch here. He's ahead in squares, but behind in blocks and sitting with two runners very vulnerable on the starting squares. From here on out, it was a heavy battle for Red to save his life. But the move I5-E3 was critical. This kept control of lane 5 for Red, preventing more damage here, and Red was able to use a subsequent roll of 6 to move J5-D3. Red also followed with multiple attacks on Blue with the jammers at B5, C5, B7 and D7. After a very big tussle, Red managed to free himself and get across for the eventual win.


POSITION FOUR

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_4.jpg

BEST MOVE: A4-F4 (haffertee, mel)

- Gets the lane 4 runner off the opening square.
- Gets the jump on Blue for an extra square.
- Maintains Red's lead in the race.
- Red is not in any big trouble right now anywhere else, so take advantage of a good roll and get the jump on Blue to move a runner forward.
- After this move, jammers at B2, I3, and F7 can all be used to attack Blue in multiple ways, so there is no hurry to use them with this move.
- It's fairly likely you could still block Blue in either lane 3 or 4 later with B2 or E7, so letting one go now is not a big deal, especially as Red has a decent lead in the race.
- Leaving Blue on the starting square in lane 4 is risky if Blue gets a 1 or a 3, where he could move C5-B4, blocking Red in lane 4 for more potential attacks later.

OTHER GOOD MOVES:

F7-B3 (Khamous, Kevd, CzarCastic, cathy, TheSporkWithin, Ahiru)

- Does unblock Red and block Blue
- But the timing of this move is not critical right now. Red's blocks in lane 7 can be moved to block Blue in lanes 3, 4, 5 or 6 probably several ways in the future, so no hurry to do this just yet when you can get a runner off the start in a good way instead.

B2-F6 (Ossamu)

- Does unblock Red and block Blue from a potential long run in lane 6
- But this frees the Blue runner in lane 2 for a potentially long run and score too early.
- Better to wait a bit with this until lane 4 runner is advanced, then go after Blue with B2 in lanes 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 later.

This was the only runner move in the contest. Red is working with a fairly open position here. Blue is also rather open, but verging into trouble in lane 5 and possibly lane 6 if he doesn't get moving.

So Red's best strategy is to maintain his lead in squares while removing a potential vulnerability in lane 4. Then go after Blue with the multiple jammers he can use for counterattack blocks. The timing of moves here is the important thing. Take care of a potential weak spot while you have breathing room and a good roll, and then attack when you are in a safer position.

[DougNicola]

POSITION FIVE

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_5.jpg

BEST MOVE: G4-D7 (Khamous, Ossamu, Kevd, CzarCastic, cathy, Ahiru)

- Unblocks Red and blocks Blue
- Opens a nice path in lane 4 for a potential high roll on Red's next move. A big run by Red now would likely seal Blue's fate.
- Red is already ahead both in squares and blocks. Adding this new block to Blue only increases his advantage at no cost to Red.
- There is no particular hurry to score with H3. H3 is very slightly vulnerable to a desperation attack from Blue with I2, but this is unlikely in the next few moves where Blue is going to be more preoccupied with trying to unbury all those blocks.

OTHER DECENT MOVE: H3 (haffertee, TheSporkWithin, mel)

- Scoring now is a somewhat reasonable move, but not necessary just yet when G4-D7 is much more of a knock-out move against Blue.

In an end game position like this where you have an advantage, it is always the best idea to increase your advantage with a strong move if you can. If the die rolls suddenly went really bad for Red here and really good for Blue, Blue would still have to overcome a larger deficit in blocks because of G4-D7.

Never, ever let up in an end game in Jamzu! With a twisted streak of bad luck, you can suddenly be quite surprised by what you are facing!


POSITION SIX

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_6.jpg

BEST MOVE: A8-A6 (haffertee, Kevd, CzarCastic, Ahiru)

- The only way Red can block Blue.
- Red is ahead in the race, but blocks are even. Red can get a slight advantage with this block. It may be small and fleeting, but it is definitely the only way to slow Blue down here.

OTHER OK MOVE: E4-G4 (Khamous, Ossamu, cathy, TheSporkWithin, mel)

- E4-G4 is only just OK in this positon.
- With this move, there is a slightly better chance Red could then use G2 and H2 to block behind the Red runner on G4, but Red can also deflect those jammers backwards off the edge of the board, and potentially block Blue at D4, C4 or D6.
- It is more likely Blue will escape entirely if Red gives him an easier jump by moving E4-G4.

This position was intended to be tricky. Adding a block to Blue is really the only good option Red has here, and A8-A6 is the only shot. E4-G4 is too dangerous for Red to try now. Better to wait at least one or two more rolls for a potential 5 or 6. And if Red got a 4 next roll, he could even leave E4 in place, and block behind E4 with G2 or H2 instead.

If Blue got a good jump over G4, Red could be in some trouble if he couldn't quickly free his A2 runner. Of course, if Blue gets a 5 or 6 next roll, Red will really have to hustle. Red's advantage, though, is stronger than it appears, as he has already scored 4 runners. Blue has only scored one.


POSITION SEVEN

http://www.realfunart.com/images/contest/jamzu_day_7.jpg

BEST MOVE: H3-I4 (Khamous, Ossamu, cathy)

- Unblocks Red at D3 and holds Blue in place at J4. Two clear advantages with one move.
- Allows Red a good shot at a long run in lane 3, if he gets a decent roll next move. The guaranteed jump over E3 is a plus.
- Keeps Blue tied up in lane 4 for a bit. Red is ahead in the race. Why give Blue a clear shot at catching up right away?
- This move not only prevents Blue from easily catching up in the race, but by opening a full lane, and potentially moving off with a 6, could give Red an even bigger lead on his next move.

OTHER GOOD MOVE: B5-C6 (haffertee, Kevd)

- Unblocks Red and blocks Blue.
- Gives Red some decent room to run (up to a 4)
- But not really necessary right now. Only really keeps things even in lane 5.
- If Blue decides to block lane 4 on the following move wth either C3, F5 or E6, then Red is blocked if he rolls a 5 or 6, and that roll is wasted.

The idea here is to keep Red's position very open, with more than one opportunity to use a high roll, while still tying up Blue, at least for a bit. Red's lane 5 runner is not in any real danger yet, so waiting on moving B5 is fine. There should be several ways to use B5 later to attack Blue, especially in lane 7.

Several players suggested C1-B2 with this roll, but this move really doesn't really accomplish much. The C2 runner is as good as gone already, and the other two moves are both stronger right now. Letting C2 score now is no harm to Red when he has an easy score in H2, and better ways to use the roll of 1.

[haffertee]

POSITION FOUR

BEST MOVE: A4-F5 (haffertee, mel)


Shouldn't that be A4-F4??

[DougNicola]

Thanks haffertee! Good catch on that typo. If you see anything else, please let me know. That was a lot to type. :)

~Doug

[Khamous]

Confirming that I received the GC, thanks a lot, great contest :D

(Also new sig :D, and supporting the game)

[DougNicola]

Thanks for your support, Khamous! Awesome having you in the contest.

This really was a brutal competition, especially considering that pretty much everyone who entered was trying Jamzu for the first time, and I made all the positions difficult.

I really don't think anyone did badly at all, and I was completely blown away by the level of detail that some players showed with their move analysis.

I think next week's Jamzu Daily Double contest should be a lot of fun. This will be more of a mix between easier and difficult positions.

Congrats again Jamzu Move Champ Khamous!
~Doug

[haffertee]

so,

The first person to post the best move for both positions that day will win a $10 iTunes Gift Certificate.

Right?
You spelled that out well last week, but it isn't clear at the beginning of this post.

Any rules to add about previous winnings affecting this contest?;)

[DougNicola]

Yes, the first person to post the best move for both positions wins the $10 iTunes GC.

Both best moves must be in a single post, and you get one post for each of the first two rounds. Then as many as you want if it goes into the open round.

Anybody who won the previous contest is very welcome in the new one. ;)