What is a Reverse Discard? Unveiling the Strategy Behind It

If you've ever played strategic card games or been involved in some deep game theory discussions, you may have heard of the term "reverse discard." It's a concept that might sound a bit complicated at first, but trust me, once you break it down, you'll see how useful and intriguing it can be in certain game scenarios. Let’s explore what a reverse discard is, why it matters, and how it could change the way you play games.

What is a Reverse Discard?

Well, the concept of a reverse discard can be a bit tricky at first, especially if you’re not familiar with certain types of games. A reverse discard essentially refers to a strategy or action in card or board games where you intentionally discard a card (or move a piece) in such a way that it actually benefits you in the long run, despite appearing to be a disadvantageous move at first glance.

In most games, discarding cards or pieces usually means losing an option, right? But with a reverse discard, you’re setting yourself up for future success by getting rid of something that might seem unnecessary in the moment but could give you a strategic advantage later. It's like intentionally passing up a small opportunity in favor of something bigger down the line.

How Does Reverse Discard Work in Games?

Reverse Discard in Card Games

Actually, I first encountered the concept of reverse discard while playing poker with friends. One of my buddies, Kevin, made a move where he seemed to deliberately discard a seemingly strong hand. Everyone at the table was baffled. But later, when the game continued, it became clear that he was setting himself up for a better play. That’s when I realized the power of reverse discard.

In poker, reverse discard might involve discarding a high-value card early on, knowing that it will help you position yourself for a better combination later in the game. It’s about sacrificing in the short term for a longer-term gain.

Reverse Discard in Strategy Board Games

The concept also applies to many strategy board games, like chess or Settlers of Catan. In chess, for instance, sacrificing a pawn (which is technically a discard) can open up opportunities to trap your opponent’s pieces or even set up a checkmate later in the game. It's about seeing moves ahead and understanding the bigger picture.

In games like Settlers of Catan, reverse discard can occur when you intentionally choose not to collect certain resources (or discard them) because you are strategically aiming for a better build in the long run, like getting the longest road or aiming for a city upgrade that will yield more points later.

Why Use Reverse Discard?

Okay, so why even bother with reverse discard? Honestly, it’s all about controlling the flow of the game. Reverse discard allows you to manipulate the game in such a way that you seem to give up something valuable, but in reality, you're positioning yourself to get something even more valuable later.

Strategic Control and Deception

In my experience, one of the key reasons to use reverse discard is to keep your opponents off balance. When they think you’ve made a mistake or missed a good opportunity, they may overestimate their position, giving you the perfect moment to strike. I remember a time when I thought my opponent had made a terrible move in a card game. He discarded a high card that I thought was essential. But, a few rounds later, he played a reverse discard move that left me scrambling. He had planned his move all along!

It’s a form of strategic deception that keeps you in control without being overt. By discarding something that seems “important,” you confuse your opponents and lead them to make wrong assumptions.

When Should You Use Reverse Discard?

Knowing when to use reverse discard can be the hardest part. It's not always clear when the right moment is, and sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error. You don’t want to discard just for the sake of it—there needs to be a solid plan behind it.

Timing is Everything

For example, if you're playing a game like Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh!, reverse discard might come into play when you’re dealing with card advantage. Discarding certain cards at the right time—especially when you know the game's momentum is shifting—can force your opponent into a situation where they can't play their strongest moves.

A few weeks ago, I had a chat with my friend Sam, who’s a big fan of card games, and he mentioned how he uses reverse discard when he’s ahead. The idea is to force his opponents to make desperate moves, all while keeping his hand clean and ready for the final strike.

Risks of Reverse Discard

Of course, just like any strategy, reverse discard comes with its risks. If you discard too early or without thinking it through, you might end up leaving yourself vulnerable. The key is balancing between short-term losses and long-term gains.

Overcommitting to the Strategy

I once tried using reverse discard too aggressively in a strategy board game. I discarded an important card early, thinking I had everything under control, only to realize later that it had left me with fewer options when my opponents advanced. I learned that it’s critical to assess the situation thoroughly and not overcommit to a move unless you’re certain it’s the right time.

Conclusion: Is Reverse Discard Right for You?

So, is reverse discard a strategy you should try? Honestly, it depends on the game and your playing style. If you enjoy thinking several steps ahead and keeping your opponents guessing, reverse discard can be a powerful tactic. But it requires patience, observation, and, most importantly, timing. If you use it wisely, it can shift the game in your favor, but if you misuse it, you might just find yourself in a sticky situation.

Have you ever used reverse discard in any of your games? How did it work out for you? Let me know your thoughts or share your experiences in the comments!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.