I think I now understand Cohen

[Zapmeister]

Like some others, I've been critical of the behaviour, attributed mainly to Cohen, of going AI as soon as a the slightest setback is encountered in a game. Recently, in a couple of games, I've been strongly tempted to do the same myself although I like to think that the motivating circumstances are more significant than a slight setback.

In one game, I've encountered an SC and a nation-specific tactic to which I have no answer. I've looked for an answer, taken advice etc but had no success whatever and in light of that, see my winning chances in the game as zero. Perhaps, if I were a stronger player and knew of these things beforehand and was able to prepare (probably by madcastling) then I'd be OK, but that's not really the point.

The point that is irking me is that my plan to go AI is being viewed as unethical by the game's administrator (and my nemesis in the game). When the game started, he explicitly said that he didn't want players that would drop when the going got tough. My view is that the situation is more than tough, it's hopeless, and that it serves no purpose to force a player to play on in those circumstances.

I think Cohen has been here before me, and I failed to properly appreciate the situation. My apologies to Cohen, if that's the case.