Go against the Big Boys or Go for the Easier Win

Granny's Gang Barbeque · 02-12-2013, 06:57 AM

Hypothetical Question: You have a choice of two upcoming competitions. One competition you know will have some pretty strong teams, actually some of the best in the area. The second competition does not feature the same caliber of teams as the first. State championships are on the line at both competitions.
Would you:
Compete against the stronger teams to see how you measure up, and face less of a chance at a championship.
Or
Compete in the competition that gave you better chances for Grand Champion.

SCSmoke · 02-12-2013, 07:22 AM

This is a personal choice. On one hand you have the a better chance to win some money to help offset your costs and maybe get a Jack draw/ royal invitation. On the other hand if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.

Big Ugly's BBQ · 02-12-2013, 07:23 AM

I believe you have to ask a few more questions before tackling something like this.

-What are you really trying to accomplish? Getting a GC or evaluating your skills/competing against other teams?
-How do you know the "stronger" teams aren't going to be at the other contest also?
-Which one makes the most logistical and financial sense to attend?
-Will both contests have enough teams to be qualifers for the AR and/or the Jack?

Not trying to discourage you, you should do what is best for you and team. Nothing is guaranteed, you could get shut out at both events, OR you stand a great chance of walking at either event. Do what is comfortable, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

RangerJ · 02-12-2013, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Ugly's BBQ

-How do you know the "stronger" teams aren't going to be at the other contest also?
-Which one makes the most logistical and financial sense to attend?

Nothing is guaranteed, you could get shut out at both events, OR you stand a great chance of walking at either event. Do what is comfortable, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

^^ See the above.

I suspect should you choose the perceived "weaker" event at some point you will say.."what the hell are they doing here.."

Expensive hobby for sure, logistical and financial have to jive. Focus on having fun, the rest will fall into place.

DawgPhan · 02-12-2013, 07:36 AM

If you have to ask yourself questions like that it doesnt matter which contest you attend.

Cook the fun contests and do your best.

Sawdustguy · 02-12-2013, 07:44 AM

It's a coin toss because you are not guaranteed to win the "easier" contest either. Sometimes this hobby is like the NFL. On any given Saturday or Sunday..............you know the rest.

bam · 02-12-2013, 07:51 AM

Cook the stronger contest and if you don't win you'll feel a little better maybe.

Podge · 02-12-2013, 08:40 AM

Buaaahahahahahahahahahaha !!!..

there is no such contest!!!...

They are all HARD!.. about 10 years ago, you could think like that, but these days the caliber of the competition is stiff... just because you may not recognise a few names, doesn't mean they've not been to a few classes, practiced their a$$ off and can wax you and everyone else!!.. Which ever one is closer, and/or more prize money, you can access your benefit to risk ratio.

timzcardz · 02-12-2013, 08:59 AM

Doesn't matter. The fact that you ask this question, IMHO means that you've already lost.

Now, no matter which contest you do, at some point you're going to end up thinking, "I should have gone to the other one."

I'd go for the fun, that is, pick which one we'd have more fun at. Anything after that is gravy, or sauce, or whatever.

Dan - 3eyzbbq · 02-12-2013, 09:00 AM

Big Ugly has had his coffee today. Well spoken

ibrisky · 02-12-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podge

Buaaahahahahahahahahahaha !!!..

there is no such contest!!!...

They are all HARD!.. about 10 years ago, you could think like that, but these days the caliber of the competition is stiff... just because you may not recognise a few names, doesn't mean they've not been to a few classes, practiced their a$$ off and can wax you and everyone else!!.. Which ever one is closer, and/or more prize money, you can access your benefit to risk ratio.

Amen! Be pleased with a call.....be surprised with a win no matter where you are competing, good good times is what you're chasing.

Goddahavit · 02-12-2013, 09:11 AM

Might depend on where in the season you are, perhaps you get tired of having the same team, or teams kick your ass and want to meet some new teams or change it up.

On the other hand perhaps your gung ho and are ready to see how you stack up.. No wrong answers in my book, as long as your having fun.

I can say after loosing over and over to the team of the year, that it didn't and doesn't matter who is at a contest, I choose the best weekends for my family, and sometimes the ones with friends that I know I will have a good time at, doesn't matter who is there. Sometimes we step out and try a new contest for us, but that isnt because of the competition.

Its all up to judge # 6 so on any given day......

NRA4Life · 02-12-2013, 09:11 AM

Pick the contest that you know your food will land on the luckiest tables of judges.

dmprantz · 02-12-2013, 09:12 AM

There's absolutely nothing wrong with making a decision between two contests, nor with making that decision based (in part) on the number and caliber of teams competing. Not considering that shows that you just don't care about results and you're there for an expensive drinking party. (Yes, I was being sarcastic by responding to a generalization with one). No need to call the OP a loser for thinking things through and asking questions.

dmp

Swamp Donkeyz BBQ · 02-12-2013, 09:12 AM

I would rather evaluate my team at the stronger contest. Also, if you walked, the payout would probably be better because that is what drew the strong teams to begin with.

02-12-2013, 06:57 AM	#1
Granny's Gang Barbeque Found some matches. Join Date: 09-13-12 Location: Attleboro, MA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Go against the Big Boys or Go for the Easier Win Hypothetical Question: You have a choice of two upcoming competitions. One competition you know will have some pretty strong teams, actually some of the best in the area. The second competition does not feature the same caliber of teams as the first. State championships are on the line at both competitions. Would you: Compete against the stronger teams to see how you measure up, and face less of a chance at a championship. Or Compete in the competition that gave you better chances for Grand Champion.

02-12-2013, 07:22 AM	#2
SCSmoke Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-30-11 Location: Chicago, IL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	This is a personal choice. On one hand you have the a better chance to win some money to help offset your costs and maybe get a Jack draw/ royal invitation. On the other hand if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. __________________ Andrew --Second City Smoke --

02-12-2013, 07:23 AM	#3
Big Ugly's BBQ Take a breath! Join Date: 05-27-08 Location: Perryville, MD Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I believe you have to ask a few more questions before tackling something like this. -What are you really trying to accomplish? Getting a GC or evaluating your skills/competing against other teams? -How do you know the "stronger" teams aren't going to be at the other contest also? -Which one makes the most logistical and financial sense to attend? -Will both contests have enough teams to be qualifers for the AR and/or the Jack? Not trying to discourage you, you should do what is best for you and team. Nothing is guaranteed, you could get shut out at both events, OR you stand a great chance of walking at either event. Do what is comfortable, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!! __________________ Chris, the quiet 1/3 of 3-Eyz BBQ Big Ugly's BBQ & 3 Eyz BBQ www.biguglybbq.com, www.3eyzbbq.com http://3eyzbbq.blogspot.com/ Cooking Class June 8-9 (details @ http://3eyzbbq.com/rubsales.htm) Backwoods Competitor, Char-Griller, WSM, MC BBQ-60 Thanks to our sponsors: The BBQ Guru, Grizzly Coolers, The Ingredients Store (FAB), Yoder Smokers, 1st Mariner Mortgage

02-12-2013, 07:44 AM	#6
Sawdustguy Babbling Farker Join Date: 09-14-05 Location: Manorville, Long Island Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	It's a coin toss because you are not guaranteed to win the "easier" contest either. Sometimes this hobby is like the NFL. On any given Saturday or Sunday..............you know the rest. __________________ Guy (Brewmaster and Pitmaster) BBQ Team: *Two Fat Polocks BBQ Team* Brewery: Black Dog Brewery BBQ Equipment: "Sam I Am": XL Big Green Egg "Barbra Q": Lang 84 Deluxe "R2 and D2": Twin 22" Weber Smokey Mountains Brewery: Custom Made Automated Souped Up Sabco

02-12-2013, 07:51 AM	#7
bam is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-22-08 Location: Philly, PA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Cook the stronger contest and if you don't win you'll feel a little better maybe. __________________ AKA "Huck" BBQ Resource: [URL="http://www.huckshut.com"]www.huckshut.com[/URL] Streaming BBQ Podcast: [URL]http://www.inthehut.com[/URL]

02-12-2013, 07:36 AM	#5
DawgPhan is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 08-09-07 Location: Atlanta, Ga Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	If you have to ask yourself questions like that it doesnt matter which contest you attend. Cook the fun contests and do your best.

02-12-2013, 08:40 AM	#8
Podge is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-25-06 Location: Elk Creek, Ky. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Buaaahahahahahahahahahaha !!!.. there is no such contest!!!... They are all HARD!.. about 10 years ago, you could think like that, but these days the caliber of the competition is stiff... just because you may not recognise a few names, doesn't mean they've not been to a few classes, practiced their a$$ off and can wax you and everyone else!!.. Which ever one is closer, and/or more prize money, you can access your benefit to risk ratio.

02-12-2013, 08:59 AM	#9
timzcardz is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 07-22-05 Location: Long Island, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Doesn't matter. The fact that you ask this question, IMHO means that you've already lost. Now, no matter which contest you do, at some point you're going to end up thinking, "I should have gone to the other one." I'd go for the fun, that is, pick which one we'd have more fun at. Anything after that is gravy, or sauce, or whatever. __________________ GRIM REAPER SMOKERS - "BBQ To Die For" ™ Weber Smokey Mountain x 2 Weber Genesis Silver x 2 Weber One Touch Gold Weber Smokey Joe Weber Performer Bottle of Absolut Bottle of Beer Everything Ripken "Cards and Que. One tastes of cardboard, the other sweet blue." ©

02-12-2013, 09:00 AM	#10
Dan - 3eyzbbq is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-10-07 Location: Owings Mills, MD Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Big Ugly has had his coffee today. Well spoken __________________ Dan Hixon - Pitmaster 3 Eyz BBQ www.3eyzbbq.com Cooking Class June 8-9 (details @ http://3eyzbbq.com/rubsales.htm) Extreme BBQ Trailer, Backwoods Competitor, Backwoods Party, WSM, Traegar 124, Yoder YS640 Thanks to our sponsors: The BBQ Guru, Grizzly Coolers, The Ingredients Store (FAB), Yoder Smokers, 1st Mariner Mortgage, Big Poppa Smokers (Elite Team)

02-12-2013, 09:11 AM	#12
Goddahavit Take a breath! Join Date: 08-18-08 Location: PA, Fleetwood Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Might depend on where in the season you are, perhaps you get tired of having the same team, or teams kick your ass and want to meet some new teams or change it up. On the other hand perhaps your gung ho and are ready to see how you stack up.. No wrong answers in my book, as long as your having fun. I can say after loosing over and over to the team of the year, that it didn't and doesn't matter who is at a contest, I choose the best weekends for my family, and sometimes the ones with friends that I know I will have a good time at, doesn't matter who is there. Sometimes we step out and try a new contest for us, but that isnt because of the competition. Its all up to judge # 6 so on any given day...... __________________ Fire & Spice Cook Team Backwoods Authorized Dealer fireandspicebbq@gmail.com Backyard Jambo Backwoods Gater Stump's Stretch Bubba Keg Meadowcreek PR60 Weber WSM Old weber gasser

02-12-2013, 09:11 AM	#13
NRA4Life is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-07-09 Location: Newark, OH Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Pick the contest that you know your food will land on the luckiest tables of judges. __________________ - Kevin Team: Smitty's Real Pit BBQ KCBS CBJ 2 Custom Built Reverse Flow Stickburners 22.5" WSM Weber 26.75" OTG Weber 22.5" OTS Weber Blue 2000 Stainless Performer

02-12-2013, 09:12 AM	#14
dmprantz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-11-08 Location: Nashville Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	There's absolutely nothing wrong with making a decision between two contests, nor with making that decision based (in part) on the number and caliber of teams competing. Not considering that shows that you just don't care about results and you're there for an expensive drinking party. (Yes, I was being sarcastic by responding to a generalization with one). No need to call the OP a loser for thinking things through and asking questions. dmp __________________ The Beast - Custom Vertical Offset by Bates FEC-100 Large Big Green Egg® Weber Performer

02-12-2013, 09:12 AM	#15
Swamp Donkeyz BBQ Take a breath! Join Date: 07-25-12 Location: Huntsville, Tx Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I would rather evaluate my team at the stronger contest. Also, if you walked, the payout would probably be better because that is what drew the strong teams to begin with.