“So...how to describe a match that was a "must win" affair? Looking at the TR/TS of the matchup i was a huge favorite, and looking at the rosters that feeling was surely strengthened. Our CR closely equal as well, so nothing there to upset things. So why wasn't i confident i would win this and why the meager victory (2-1 in OT)? Three reasons:

1. With Khemri against anything bashy you really want to recieve the ball first kickoff. I don't have the statistical material to say that there is a strong correlation between doing that and winning the match but it feels like it. The reason for this is obviously the chance to dominate your opponent by numbers and to get that opening foul off. The one that starts with the ball sets the tune of the half. Opponent got to recieve the kick.

2. Handicaps. I was to give away two which was morleys (never played any role in the match) and palmed coin. With "it wasn't me" and morleys on mummies the game could be lost right there. Dodged that bullet luckily.

3. Regen. Extremely important that the opponent fails important regen rolls and you make your own. No amount of planning or l337 sk1llz can stop your opponent from blitzing something, cassing it and you failing your regen. repeat ad nauseam for 16 turns. Opponent blitzed a mummy in turn one, cassing it and regen failed. That really leveled the field, making this game hard.

So...why do i setup so this is possible? Because i like my odds of av9 better than those of av7 or 8. I chose to setup to minimize the effect of the t1 boot. that went down well but my opponent still dominated me throughout the first half, starting out by clearing 3 players (two los skellies and a mummy).

After that horrid first turn my focus was on avoiding further damage to give me a chance at the equalizer in 2. half. Sloppy offense from my opponent gave me a 1d blitz at his carrier which succeded but in the end i was outplayed and outgunned.

Second half was a dull affair, my opponent reduced greatly in numbers and me spending lots of rerolls on important 2d blocks, resulting in me entering the expected OT with only one leftm hard situation. All my fouls and blocks/blitzes which was the result of me dominating the pitch were either KO's or regened.

Summa summarum? OT started with 9 players on each side and me getting chosen to recieve the ball. And so we are back at item 1. You really want to recieve the ball while playing khemri vs. bashy.

I am very sure that had i recieved the kick first half the game would have looked totally different. So a 50/50 roll makes or breaks the game. I love Bloodbowl :)
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