Calling all Master Game fans! I’m going to need your help on this. The following question comes to us via Brandon M. I haven’t played Master Game in a few years so I’ll need help from those die-hard MG fans out there…
Brandon asks:
I am hoping that you can help my league and I understand how a scenario should be interpreted using the MG BOOKLET.
A second column 6 was rolled with bases loaded. The bases-loaded board indicates that on a double-column card, that 6 becomes a 4.
Our league has a disagreement about what should happen next. Some league members believe that the 6 becomes a 4 and should just be treated as a double. Other league members, including myself, believe that the 4 should then be compared to the PITCHING GRADE TABLE to determine the result.
My feeling regarding the change being correct is based on the following:
On the 1st page of the booklet under OBSERVE THESE PITCHING GRADES the following paragraph is listed,
If there is a number in the block, use it as the result number instead of the original one. NOTE: When 0 is changed to 7 or 8, do not make the normal second dice roll. Simply use the 7 or 8 for the result, neither is subject to further change in this case. Also, numbers 7, 8 and 11 are never changed when they come up after a 0 (that is, on a second dice roll), BUT ALL OTHER SECOND COLUMN NUMBERS MUST ALWAYS BE CHECKED.
Therefore, on a second column card a 6 is not different than a 4. If a second column roll resulted in a 4, you would need to verify the pitcher’s grade per the above.
Why would it be any different for a 6?
If your opinion is that the result stays a 4 without comparison to the PITCHING GRADE TABLE. I would like to have an explanation as to what the comment means that says BUT ALL OTHER SECOND COLUMN NUMBERS MUST ALWAYS BE CHECKED.
Thanks for your time consideration. I look forward to hearing your response. I will always have to add my league to your listing. I am uncertain if it has been included or not.
Again, it’s been a while since I have played the Master Baseball Game. My gut instinct tells me that the 4 is similar to the second column 7 or 8. Therefore, it is not subject to pitching grade alterations.
Master Game fans, I’m open to your interpretations. What is your ruling on this? Can someone help Brandon?
thanks!!
The 4 stays a double and is not affected by grades, L or M. Those apply only to the original 6 in this case. If the 6 survives those potential changes, then it gets changed to a 4, as per the 6 result. The 4 won’t be modified.
My interpretation would agree – first see if 6 changes per L/M/grade first, then stays a 4 with no further comparison to grades. Grade changes first on result but that only time grade changes impact.
A 6 on the Bases Loaded board is not impacted by the L or M for the simple reason there are no Ls or Ms in the 6 row of the Pitching Change Table. The 6 row is blank, so the 6 is intended to be a “full hit” that is, a solid, unstoppable extra base hit. No need to check the Pitching Grade against the 4, as the board clearly states “… score this the same as No. 4” with the emphasis on “score.”
The double-column card caveat merely changes the play from a bases-clearing triple to a double, and the runner on first does not score automatically, as indicated by the advance number provided on the board.
The Master Game is wonderful.
I believe Brandon is correct. The fact that the rule concerning all other results besides 7, 8 and 11 is in ALL CAPS implies there is no deviation. The result would be a single under adjusted pitching grades 22, 20,15,10 and 5 as there would be no second roll under grades 23-28. As Scott mentioned there is no home runs given up by an L or M rating, which I believe accounts for the greater concentration by the pitcher in a bases loaded situation.