Why is block considered to be so important?

[Pedait]

I've read everywhere you should get block as fast as possible, but I don't get it why it's so important. I mean, when you roll the block dice, block only affects it 1 in 6 times. I've found that my blitzers only used this skill very rarely, or is this because I don't use them enough to block the opponent?

[Anthony_TBBF]

I only half agree with that statement, but generally you're going to want block at some point, mostly for defensive purposes.

[SixFootDwarf]

think about it numerically though, Pedait...a skill-less player goes down 50% of the time (theoretically. Both Down, Pow-Dodge, and Pow). Block takes away 1/3 of those chances...down to 33%. It's the same with Dodge, but that can be nullified with Tackle. AND you don't get pushed back. Block/Dodge of course means you only go down 1 time in 6. Theoretically, of course. Murphy's Law states that the chances of getting knocked over are directly proportional to the importance of the player.

I personally prefer the old 2nd Ed. rule of Block levels. It made it so that Block wasn't just a mandatory coverall that everyone takes. A BETTER blocker could still knock you down...but alas, it is no more.

[DoubleSkulls]

Blocking is normally the most common die rolling action you make, and therefore one of the biggest sources of turnovers.

On a 1 die block, Block halves your failures (and may make POW/SKULL work in your favour) and on a 1 die block the odds of failure drop from 1/9 to 1/36.

It helps defensively too - as others have pointed out - making it less likely for your players to be put down.

[Mestari]

Blocking is normally the most common die rolling action you make, and therefore one of the biggest sources of turnovers.

A rather important note, as minimising the possibility of own failure and mazimising the possibility of failure for the opponent is a rather important factor of winning in this game. Block is a basic skill that, if given to enough many players, will enhance your odds quite a bit. Dodge is another.

That theory in practice: I trashed humans yesterday 5-0 with my high elves (cas 2-2, he got his blitzer permanently killed, while I got only 2 bh's). Both teams had played three games - my skill choices had heavily favoured block (and secondarily dodge), which both help alot in making the odds work for my cause.

About blocking levels: the idea is good, but then people would start asking why not have dodge lvl 2 to counter tackle, then tackle lvl2 to offset dodge lvl2, and the same for other skills.

[DoubleSkulls]

The only argument against this is the added complexity. Having a single skill (and counter skill) keeps it all very simple, even if it does make block a very important skill. I like the idea of Cutblock (anti-block) since it would give a counter to Block, making it a little less crucial.

Ian

[McDeth]

Blocking levels etc must be a no. When your playing on the table top, all the extra time spend working out whose got which level etc, will make the game too tiresome, and detract from its playability.

Block is most definitely the single most important skill ( IMO ).

However it is not needed by all players, but for those on your LOS, and of course Blitzers designed tyo punch holes in the defence it is crucial to most gameplays. Block on defence also enables ytou to hold up the play enough to perhaps be able to get through to the ball carrier. Without it, your first line of defence is likely to crumble quickly and you'll be overrun. Anything that can stop your players going down, means firstly: You've got a tackle zone on the opposition, and may be in a position to get in a block in your turn, and secondly, if you are on the floor, the chance of getting injured enters the game.

[Zy-Nox]

Block is most definitely the single most important skill ( IMO ).
However it is not needed by all players,.

Agreed. It can cause opponents without it great trouble when they block you.
But not every body needs it, for instance, you arent going to take it as a throwers first skill, Are you?

[Dinaturz]

I agree,

Block is really an important skill.
Think about Catchers with both Dodge and Block.
They become like wet soaps!

[Pantera]

As previously said, blocking is the most common roll. And as Block improves blocking it is really the most important skill. In some cases it almost inevitable, like the first skill a Witch Elf should take. I even saw a player rolling doubles on the SP table, but choosed Block anyway.

For linemen it means they can double as blitzers, and does stay up more in the scrimmage line.