What is Perfect Play in Singles for the First Four Exchanges? Posted on April 16, 2023 at 10:32:15 PM by jatna77
Hypothetically, let us say that we have an android programmed to play Jai-Alai within human speed limits but with pinpoint accuracy. The android is also programmed to win the point as soon as possible. We then test it against a human player of tiptop ability.
Why not test it against an identical android? Because then the receiver would always win the point, with a return kill shot headed to the outside, that would be impossible to get to in time, at human speeds. So we test it against a human.
If we put the Android, in the server position, it will most likely serve an ace, every time.
But if by some miracle, the human catches the ball, what can he do here? Could the human receiver, throw a long two-wall or a long dejada and win the point? I doubt it but I am open to arguments. He is probably stuck in the very corner, so the human throws back a great passing shot that flies off the back wall, close to the side wall.
What would happen on the 3rd exchange? I am guessing on the third exchange, the android would throw some kind of rebote kill shot that would end the point decisively, with perfect placement and top speed if necessary.
OK, let us now put the android in the receiver's position and have the human serve. The android would easily catch the serve every time. Then what? Most likely it would throw an irretrievable outside placement, or even fancier kill shot and that would be that.
But let us say that we asked it to just throw an excellent passing shot to the back wall on the second exchange. So, on the third exchange, the human has to quickly move forward, out of position, to get the rebote save. This is probably the human's best chance to win the point. He has to turn that rebote into a first-class kill shot, probably headed to the outside, that not even the android can reach in time. Go Humans!
If however, the human tries to pass or rally with the android on the third exchange, he is doomed. The android will once again turn the fourth exchange into a perfect kill shot and that will be that.
What does this tell us? Well for me, it tells me that developing the accuracy of your kill shots to the outside is a very good idea for a player.
That is my current take. I would love to hear yours, if you are so inclined.
