Post by benji on Oct 24, 2022 22:53:59 GMT -5
Alright, before I get to current player rankings, I'm going to talk about Leah's exit real quick.
In back-to-back rounds, players who otherwise should NOT have been voted out, were taken from us a little too early. While Spencer had his exit mostly due to putting faith into Kyle having a vote (... because why wouldn't he?), Leah was talking herself out of throwing a vote as to not look bad down the road in the game to Taylor. Both decisions were made on low probability moves, but nonetheless, we lost Leah. There was about 30 minutes where Michael wasn't going to play the idol. It wasn't until Rocky told Michael that he was ready to write Leah's name down, because "...asked me if I would be okay with voting Leah, and I have to be lol". I wish we had a little more Leah in this game (and, god, I know she does, too), but we have to take this game in stride. While I was thinking it would be a boring pre-merge into the merge, I was way wrong. Three blindside votes; back to back to back.
Michael definitely is allowed to gloat a little here... but I think his victory lap did not improve his stance with anyone on his OG tribe. Interestingly enough, this creates space for him to work with new players... however, they complain he gives away too much intel. While Michael may be ranked low on my list, I don't see him going until they need an easy vote. So... maybe to live night? Unless he really pushes more people to vote for him.
This merge is so perfectly cracked. The players aren't playing chaotically (well, maybe some), but the intensity level is so high. I can tell that everyone is trying to play their own game. Now that Leah and Rocky are separated, I would go as far to say there are no set duos in this game. I don't see this going down as head to head voting blocs or alliances... it's going to be a very scrappy few rounds. People will be trying to pull their trusted players close, but the lines have become so blurred. I honestly don't know how the vote is going to go yet. Not even a name. I've heard "Michael is the vote we will tell them". Players with immunity this round are: Rocky, Mike G, Jenn, Carlos, Taylor. That leaves six vulnerable. To help, the bolded named players are immune.
NONETHELESS LETS RANK THE PLAYERS AYYEEEE!
1. Mike G
Mike is playing this game so well. He's not overbearing with players, but he's giving this game the right balance of attention. He *almost* plays like a mafia boss, but it's not him giving that perception. He's playing very even keeled. I think a lot of players are a little star-struck? Maybe not the right word, but that's the vibe. Everyone is in awe of his game, but also have no plans to cut him. Okay, HE IS IMMUNE, but if he weren't, I don't think we would have seen his name written down.
2. Jenn
Jenn is so much fun to watch. I am SO glad she decided to come back and play. The Chaos Queen is moving her pawns so quietly in the corner. No one notices that she has great relationships with everyone. I think it's because they all think that she's closest with them. What Jenn is best at? Being so chummy when she lies. She gives close-friend energy and it brings players in. She's not out-right lying to their faces, but she skirts so many truths and sculpts a nice story that feels believable, but should go unquestioned. I don't see a universe where Jenn isn't near or in FTC.
3. Rocky
Rocky is sitting in a very comfortable position. He best summarized his move this round, while describing what Spencer should have done (to Jenn) "Bro, why are you trying to do too much? Just let someone pick you up as a vote!". He's been making his rounds, getting in *decent* with people and letting them tell the plan to him. And I think that's exactly what's going to happen. That might be a bad move one round ago, but with 11 players, it's a nice position to tee up. I know he's ALSO immune (see a trend here?), but he isn't going anywhere for a few rounds.
4. Taylor
So. I don't know how Taylor is in this spot. The only reason she is so high is because I look at the list below her as people in more trouble than her. That isn't to say that she's playing poorly; everyone south of Taylor here has either been considered a threat or disposable. She's in the threat talk. That was mostly coming from Leah last round and it lead to Amber this round. She had a very slow round, so maybe that'll help her. She was camping this weekend and was without good attention/cell service. I think Taylor is priming herself for a late game move that will create a strong path for her. My worry is whoever finds this idol. Advantages seem to be Taylor's weakness.
5. Kyle
Kyle is in a good position, to be honest. His name has been said so much by people (even on call right now with Amber/Taylor) as someone to not trust. I think that will be old news if they keep him around, and someone will want to trust him. All Kyle needs is an 'in' to maneuver into a better position. The biggest blow he took today was when Rocky was on call with Jenn. He said "People are saying you and Kyle are a strong duo and can't be broken up". Jenn is in a much better position, especially since Jenn's bond to Kyle is as strong as anyone left in the game. I think Jenn will coordinate a vote (or gently guide people to a vote) of Kyle. He should strike first, but I don't think he notices she's the one he should be looking out for.
6. Allie
I can't believe I'm saying this now, but Allie's name is out there. Not everyone has heard it (seems to be mostly Carlos and Jenn's master plan), but they are going to try and generate some interest. I'm not sure who else they have in on this vote, but I don't exactly seeing it stick for every player. That being said, I have absolutely loved watching Allie play. She is tight with just about everyone and plays a lot like Jenn. Allie loves to talk about how players care too much about the challenges... and I think that shows her style of play. Very loose. She's on call with Mike G right now and I really hope he plans to keep her. He will decide her fate and I think he's going to keep her.
7. Carlos
Carlos' game is giving me life. He's playing almost a troll-like game. Not deliberately, but people have put him in a position to play a little harder, and having fun while he's doing it. I think he really felt something after that idol play and is now digging his way to the top. Even look at tonight. How the FUCK did Carlos, 7th on my list, get in with the top 4 on the list? He gamed hard this round to ensure that he was immune. It was impressive and I think no one noticed, because they were all so damn confused. Anyway, Carlos is still my pick to win it all. He's got enough spotlights and targets on him, that people will get bored and move to bigger fish. I just hope it's not too late until they notice he's on a path to the finale.
8. Ben
Ben isn't playing poorly, but his "backseat gaming" he's doing here is starting to catch up with him. He lacks agency and the remaining players in the game are a LITTLE MORE ready for what's to come. Ben let Nina go and gave up on Carlos (although they've repaired since Carlos needed more allies). I think that speaks to the fact that he's playing other players games. There's a lot of value to keeping people you trust the most in a game like this. Ben's closest allies are Carlos and Amber. Amber is in a similar spot to Ben, although I'd argue her social game is quickly catching her up to Ben. All that to say, Ben still has a great chance to find himself in the late game. But, my GOD Ben, make a move! Now's the time for resume building and you have got to show that you can protect an ally.
9. Lamont
Lamont is low on the list because his chaotic energy is slowly catching up to him. Telling Spencer about Carlos' idol (even though he didn't know), and now he worked with Michael in the poker challenge (although it was fruitless). Not that no one should work with Michael, but I don't think many would find it commendable that you made an unpredictable play to potentially help Michael. Michael is a bit of a black sheep and people aren't keen on directly working with him. Although, he is a number and I don't see Michael leaving this round. Lamont is good at communicating, though. He's around when he's around and will want to work with whomever he can. There's also a probability for a late game surge from him, too. His path looks easier than Ben's, but he has to put in some different energy.
10. Amber
Amber is playing a similar wishy-washy game as Ben is, except it's not deliberate. Amber relies on her humor, observations and directness to get her through the game. A lot of players realize that they don't know where she stands, but they also like having her around. She tends to be a cheerleader for the majority vote when she plays. After the Carlos idol, her game was rocked a little bit. Since then, she's been playing very defensive/laying low. It's being perceived as indecisive and unpredictable, I think. Amber could be the vote tomorrow, but these players are getting antsy. She might be spared.
11. Michael
Michael has alienated himself a bit from the cast. He's not quite a pariah, but he's on the outs. Interestingly enough, I think it's to his advantage for this round. People need **numbers** to get other players out. Michael is a number. I don't even think Michael is playing a bad game. He isn't! He is starting to wear on this cast a bit. Michael should take a note from Rocky and back up a bit. Stop telling people ANYTHING. He knows he is on the bottom, so he should play like he has no power... because he doesn't. He still leans in to give some big player energy when on call... or very honest energy that makes them pause in response. He's verbose in some conversations and he should allow the other players to offer things to him. I hope Michael turns his game around, because there's going to be some opportunities he could take advantage of...
Winner pick as of today? JENN FROM GO GO !! WOO!
In back-to-back rounds, players who otherwise should NOT have been voted out, were taken from us a little too early. While Spencer had his exit mostly due to putting faith into Kyle having a vote (... because why wouldn't he?), Leah was talking herself out of throwing a vote as to not look bad down the road in the game to Taylor. Both decisions were made on low probability moves, but nonetheless, we lost Leah. There was about 30 minutes where Michael wasn't going to play the idol. It wasn't until Rocky told Michael that he was ready to write Leah's name down, because "...asked me if I would be okay with voting Leah, and I have to be lol". I wish we had a little more Leah in this game (and, god, I know she does, too), but we have to take this game in stride. While I was thinking it would be a boring pre-merge into the merge, I was way wrong. Three blindside votes; back to back to back.
Michael definitely is allowed to gloat a little here... but I think his victory lap did not improve his stance with anyone on his OG tribe. Interestingly enough, this creates space for him to work with new players... however, they complain he gives away too much intel. While Michael may be ranked low on my list, I don't see him going until they need an easy vote. So... maybe to live night? Unless he really pushes more people to vote for him.
This merge is so perfectly cracked. The players aren't playing chaotically (well, maybe some), but the intensity level is so high. I can tell that everyone is trying to play their own game. Now that Leah and Rocky are separated, I would go as far to say there are no set duos in this game. I don't see this going down as head to head voting blocs or alliances... it's going to be a very scrappy few rounds. People will be trying to pull their trusted players close, but the lines have become so blurred. I honestly don't know how the vote is going to go yet. Not even a name. I've heard "Michael is the vote we will tell them". Players with immunity this round are: Rocky, Mike G, Jenn, Carlos, Taylor. That leaves six vulnerable. To help, the bolded named players are immune.
NONETHELESS LETS RANK THE PLAYERS AYYEEEE!
1. Mike G
Mike is playing this game so well. He's not overbearing with players, but he's giving this game the right balance of attention. He *almost* plays like a mafia boss, but it's not him giving that perception. He's playing very even keeled. I think a lot of players are a little star-struck? Maybe not the right word, but that's the vibe. Everyone is in awe of his game, but also have no plans to cut him. Okay, HE IS IMMUNE, but if he weren't, I don't think we would have seen his name written down.
2. Jenn
Jenn is so much fun to watch. I am SO glad she decided to come back and play. The Chaos Queen is moving her pawns so quietly in the corner. No one notices that she has great relationships with everyone. I think it's because they all think that she's closest with them. What Jenn is best at? Being so chummy when she lies. She gives close-friend energy and it brings players in. She's not out-right lying to their faces, but she skirts so many truths and sculpts a nice story that feels believable, but should go unquestioned. I don't see a universe where Jenn isn't near or in FTC.
3. Rocky
Rocky is sitting in a very comfortable position. He best summarized his move this round, while describing what Spencer should have done (to Jenn) "Bro, why are you trying to do too much? Just let someone pick you up as a vote!". He's been making his rounds, getting in *decent* with people and letting them tell the plan to him. And I think that's exactly what's going to happen. That might be a bad move one round ago, but with 11 players, it's a nice position to tee up. I know he's ALSO immune (see a trend here?), but he isn't going anywhere for a few rounds.
4. Taylor
So. I don't know how Taylor is in this spot. The only reason she is so high is because I look at the list below her as people in more trouble than her. That isn't to say that she's playing poorly; everyone south of Taylor here has either been considered a threat or disposable. She's in the threat talk. That was mostly coming from Leah last round and it lead to Amber this round. She had a very slow round, so maybe that'll help her. She was camping this weekend and was without good attention/cell service. I think Taylor is priming herself for a late game move that will create a strong path for her. My worry is whoever finds this idol. Advantages seem to be Taylor's weakness.
5. Kyle
Kyle is in a good position, to be honest. His name has been said so much by people (even on call right now with Amber/Taylor) as someone to not trust. I think that will be old news if they keep him around, and someone will want to trust him. All Kyle needs is an 'in' to maneuver into a better position. The biggest blow he took today was when Rocky was on call with Jenn. He said "People are saying you and Kyle are a strong duo and can't be broken up". Jenn is in a much better position, especially since Jenn's bond to Kyle is as strong as anyone left in the game. I think Jenn will coordinate a vote (or gently guide people to a vote) of Kyle. He should strike first, but I don't think he notices she's the one he should be looking out for.
6. Allie
I can't believe I'm saying this now, but Allie's name is out there. Not everyone has heard it (seems to be mostly Carlos and Jenn's master plan), but they are going to try and generate some interest. I'm not sure who else they have in on this vote, but I don't exactly seeing it stick for every player. That being said, I have absolutely loved watching Allie play. She is tight with just about everyone and plays a lot like Jenn. Allie loves to talk about how players care too much about the challenges... and I think that shows her style of play. Very loose. She's on call with Mike G right now and I really hope he plans to keep her. He will decide her fate and I think he's going to keep her.
7. Carlos
Carlos' game is giving me life. He's playing almost a troll-like game. Not deliberately, but people have put him in a position to play a little harder, and having fun while he's doing it. I think he really felt something after that idol play and is now digging his way to the top. Even look at tonight. How the FUCK did Carlos, 7th on my list, get in with the top 4 on the list? He gamed hard this round to ensure that he was immune. It was impressive and I think no one noticed, because they were all so damn confused. Anyway, Carlos is still my pick to win it all. He's got enough spotlights and targets on him, that people will get bored and move to bigger fish. I just hope it's not too late until they notice he's on a path to the finale.
8. Ben
Ben isn't playing poorly, but his "backseat gaming" he's doing here is starting to catch up with him. He lacks agency and the remaining players in the game are a LITTLE MORE ready for what's to come. Ben let Nina go and gave up on Carlos (although they've repaired since Carlos needed more allies). I think that speaks to the fact that he's playing other players games. There's a lot of value to keeping people you trust the most in a game like this. Ben's closest allies are Carlos and Amber. Amber is in a similar spot to Ben, although I'd argue her social game is quickly catching her up to Ben. All that to say, Ben still has a great chance to find himself in the late game. But, my GOD Ben, make a move! Now's the time for resume building and you have got to show that you can protect an ally.
9. Lamont
Lamont is low on the list because his chaotic energy is slowly catching up to him. Telling Spencer about Carlos' idol (even though he didn't know), and now he worked with Michael in the poker challenge (although it was fruitless). Not that no one should work with Michael, but I don't think many would find it commendable that you made an unpredictable play to potentially help Michael. Michael is a bit of a black sheep and people aren't keen on directly working with him. Although, he is a number and I don't see Michael leaving this round. Lamont is good at communicating, though. He's around when he's around and will want to work with whomever he can. There's also a probability for a late game surge from him, too. His path looks easier than Ben's, but he has to put in some different energy.
10. Amber
Amber is playing a similar wishy-washy game as Ben is, except it's not deliberate. Amber relies on her humor, observations and directness to get her through the game. A lot of players realize that they don't know where she stands, but they also like having her around. She tends to be a cheerleader for the majority vote when she plays. After the Carlos idol, her game was rocked a little bit. Since then, she's been playing very defensive/laying low. It's being perceived as indecisive and unpredictable, I think. Amber could be the vote tomorrow, but these players are getting antsy. She might be spared.
11. Michael
Michael has alienated himself a bit from the cast. He's not quite a pariah, but he's on the outs. Interestingly enough, I think it's to his advantage for this round. People need **numbers** to get other players out. Michael is a number. I don't even think Michael is playing a bad game. He isn't! He is starting to wear on this cast a bit. Michael should take a note from Rocky and back up a bit. Stop telling people ANYTHING. He knows he is on the bottom, so he should play like he has no power... because he doesn't. He still leans in to give some big player energy when on call... or very honest energy that makes them pause in response. He's verbose in some conversations and he should allow the other players to offer things to him. I hope Michael turns his game around, because there's going to be some opportunities he could take advantage of...
Winner pick as of today? JENN FROM GO GO !! WOO!