Pazaak Changes

Good afternoon. Based off the comments provided on the website (30 comments on a report is a record for any report I’ve ever done) and via email, it's clear to me that a cluster reward reduction is the only way to mitigate the Turbo Pazaak phenomenon. Some comments were well thought out. Others were not. But the simple fact is, I can't validate whether or not a side-deck was utilized or if people are simply hammering on the "end turn" button and letting RNGesus take the wheel.

That said...

Pazaak IS the lowest common denominator for gaming. While a cluster reward reduction is necessary to bring the time per cluster reward balance in line for those who wish to play “Turbo Pazaak”, a heavy-handed nerf does have the potential to do more harm than good.

The original nerf was based off of a 25% reduction ( dropping to .33 CFs per match). I have decided to lighten that nerf a little bit more to a 20% reduction, or .4 CFs per match. This makes the game worth playing for those who only have Pazaak as their gaming option, while at the same time adjusting the reward due to the speed at which the game can now be played.

So as of now, Turbo Pazaak is allowed. Cluster rewards have been adjusted to reflect this. The win/loss modifiers and PvP score modifier remain unchanged.

To address the other elephant in the room: Pazaak’s utilization for PvP score, Vendettas, and GJW events.

A common thread throughout this process is that the overwhelming majority of the DB seems to agree that Pazaak has no place in determining the winner of club-wide events.

I do not disagree.

Follow on analysis by my staff will focus on Pazaak's utilization in Vendettas and GJWs, and a potential replacement for the game altogether. The rules for replacing Pazaak are pretty basic: The game must be

• 100% free
• easy to learn
• playable on all platforms
• a true 1v1 PvP platform.
  

We're working through options now, and hope to have something available for testing in the next month or so. I challenge the club at large to provide viable options that meet the above criteria should they find them. No, I don’t think internet chess or checkers is a viable option. If you find a game that shows promise, email me and my staff [Log in to view e-mail addresses].

I don't think Pazaak will ever go away, as it is truly the most basic game our members can play in order to earn gaming credit in this club. Until a suitable replacement is found, it’s the game we have. I fully intend to retain it unless something just as easy to learn and playable by the masses is found. I might retain it anyway, considering it is hands-down the most played game in the DJB.

Thanks to all for your comments, support, and understanding during this process.