Welcome Comrades to the 83rd edition of the Dispatch
It's been a shakeup here in the Dispatch. It's goodby to [player]Victor Sullivan[/player] ... and so many thanks from all of us at CC! You brought us so much, and now you've gone. We wish you all the best on your next big project in life.
For my sins I receive the reins as your new Chief. So any problems are now my fault and any praise please direct to the diligent team. As to the Team, [player]Leehar[/player] has taken over Clans - a true expert in that Forum, [player]kiintz1973[/player] takes his rightful place as Exec in the Foundry while I am looking after Strategy for now. I am also pleased to announce a return of the INTERVIEWS!! This issue we have [player]TheCrown[/player] telling it like it is. A man of depth and intrigue!
We also have TWO competitions. Another episode from Foundry and a chance to stamp your mark in Clans!!
I reconsider the Mentoring Project and [player]Scorba[/player]'s brilliant exposition on how to play escalating spoils. A veritable smorgasbord of information from the Tournament, Foundry and Clan teams. So much to read, too much to review here. Delve in everyone ... boots and all! And please give us your feedback in the thread.
In the words of Smauel Butler:
Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule.
Enjoy the fruit of our labouring fingers!
[player]thehippo8[/player] Chief Executive
If you would like to apply to join the news team, please visit the thread below for more details! But a special callout for those Tournament experts to make yourself known now to [player]Dukasaur[/player]. Your talent is required!
Welcome back readers. My apologies for not being able to get out an interrogation the last couple of issues. We've got [player]TheCrown[/player] up for this issue, and he talks about his name, maps, and medals. You Stay Classy, CC.
[spoiler=Interrogation of TheCrown]Hi TheCrown!Hello.
Q. Why did you choose the name TheCrown? I chose TheCrown for my respect for Jesus the Christ and the crown he wore in place of us. You asked....
Q. In your opinion, which is the best clan on CC? The best clan in wars would have to be The Pack, but best in all round fun would have to be The New Crusade, but I am a bit biased. Our clan forum includes a constantly played "Mafia" thread led by our awesome BGtheBrain, "Rock, Paper Scissors" led by TheJonah (no relation), "Ready, Aim, Fire" led by BlackKnight_6, "King of Maps" internal tourney led by MoB_Deadly, our own "Map Strategy Guide" led by Thunderhue, a "vent" station to blow off steam, a "brag" station for bragging (duh!), and many other ongoing threads to keep things fun, especially our "Lounge" where we talk about everything and it has over 300 pages now (virtual drinking is the norm there, but I only drink smoothies).
Q. Is it true that you never use BOB? Not even on maps like Monsters? Why not? Is it on principle, or because you aren't sure how to install it? I don't use BOB because I don't feel right about loading it on my computer at work. I don't need it anyways, I make some notes sometimes, other times I just remember all my games. Oh, and I'm kind of a computer dummy, so would probably screw it up if I tried loading it. That's probably what my clan wanted to hear me admit for a good laugh. Suckas!
Q. Why is it that in any form of game against me (Chewie1) you have dice loaded with sixes, I can match you with map experience and knowledge but not with the dice. Is it because you have an incredibly flexible wrist that effects the way you roll? Chewie seems to have the worst luck against me, other than Pixar and Serreski. Don't know how to explain it other than just plain awesomeness.
Q. Ass or breast man? Donkey or manboobs... was that the question? Is there a door #3?
Q. You're 42, so I am assuming you have kids. Every time I (Ace Rimmer) see your name I think of crowning during childbirth. Did you watch your children crowning? I do have kids, and yes, I watched all my kids being born and cut the ambilical cord on at least 1 of them. Birth is such a painful looking ordeal.... gotta hand it to you ladies!
Q. If TNC kicked you out, which clan do you think you'd fall to? Not anything subliminal about that question, eh Icepack? (Wait... that was from Icepack, wasn't it?) Well, if TNC booted me, I think there are a few that would cheer and a bunch of TNC clan guys that would have war withdrawal. I try to keep TNC at about a 6 clan war at one time average. TNC loves to war, so I provide the vehicle for their desire. We don't turn away clans that want to war, who are we to deny someone a war? So anyways, if I was booted, I think I would start my own clan and get about 15 one-stripers and teach them everything I know (about 7 minutes worth).
Q. Who is your favorite clan member? 1st and foremost, was a guy named basic_man2010_20. After that, most guys in my clan are about the same. Basicman left a legacy of bumblings that I still find funny to this day. His name became a verb.... and he became a legend!
Q. Why aren't you a general? Have been to general and even field marshal, but then found it too restricting and less fun. I prefer playing 100 games at a time, than playing 3 games at a time on difficult maps with newbies to make sure I win. Don't know who would prefer that farce.
Q. Who is your favorite currently active clan member in TNC? To be specific. There are just too many to narrow down to 1. Blackknight_6 keeps me straight, pershy is a lovable teddybear, Ragian is comedic relief, BGtheBrain is the strongarm, Epitaph the smart-guy, ckyrias the super-active, tokle the unknown, 77 the spazz, thunderhue the analytical, Walslaf and ironmanbravo the wonder-twins, cooldeals and jonofperu the newbies, JBfloyd the focused, tenbar and winston the silent but deadly guys, TheJonah the poker guy, uyu the survivor, claude-ala-harley, ejph my brother from Africa, see???? too many to chose just 1, impossible.
Q. What is your favorite mafia role? Probably my 1st role ever... Reviver.
Q. I (MoB Deadly) heard a rumor that you like spreadsheets? Approximately how many do you have? Usually between 9 to 14, doesn't everyone? I can't keep all my thoughts in my head, got to put some of the down sometimes or I'll explode. Yes, I'm an organization freak.
Q. What is your next primary goal now that you are number 1 in medals? Now I try to figure out how to get more medals since I am at about at the end of what I can get. Gilligan is catching me quickly and can overtake me by about 50 medals and there will be nothing I can do about it. I can't write code for maps, I'm not a moderator, I don't think I can develop an interesting map. I do like helping members organize into new clans, so maybe I'll pursue that more. Go UM8s! Go AoK!
Q. Score prediction for NC3 1RFG vs FALL? I believe I picked The Fallen to win 25 - 16... they are awesome man.... and 1RFG, well, someday they'll beat us, I'm sure, but they are a bunch of nice guys too.
Q. Which clan would you rather face in NC3 Finals? Why? The Fallen.... because I would love to stick it to them! New clan whippersnappers think they can beat everyone! 1RFG, nah.... been there, beat that (a lot!)
Q. Score prediction for NC3 Finals if you face 1RFG? I could see us winning 25 - 20, or 35 to 10.
Q. Score prediction for NC3 Finals if you face FALL? But of course... 45 - 0, or maybe 24 - 21.
Q. If you could somehow instill a sense of virtue among the members of CC, which virtue do you think they(we) most desperately need? love... can't we all just get along?
Q. Do you like the Thrash/Death Metal Band called "The Crown"? Have never heard of them and have never liked that kind of music, so probably not. Great name though.
Q. Any top secret upcoming tournament plans? I plan on running a bunch of tourneys over winter, and besides "Avalanche" and "Hot & cold" tourneys, have been wanting to do a new tourney based on a tourney run by Walslaf. I love to make up new tourneys that are fun.
Q. Which blows your mind more: finding out the ownership is changing or finding out that classic is wrong? Since I have no idea what changing ownership is in reference to (the lackattack thing?), I would pick classic. What difference is new ownership of CC going to do to the site? I have no idea.
Q. Do you have a favourite tooth? I do not. But I guess if I had to pick, it would be based on if one was missing, which would make my smile look dorkier.
Q. What's your favorite game/type and settings, and how did that come to be? I love having no spoils, it's easier on my brain thinking I have a good strategy. I hate losing because I turn in 3 sets of reds in a row while my opponent has all rainbows. So, I prefer to take out as much luck as possible. And, I love foggy, so a person can't see me coming or what I am doing. So, I guess the othes would be automatic, sequential and chained.
Q. If you could ban 3 maps off CC what would they be? Poison Rome #1! - Still can't figure what the heck makes a bonus on that map Baseball #2 - Boring City Mogul #3 - Too weird
Q. Do you think you will find an avatar that you actually like as much as your old one? I do think there are some cool ones out there... I especially like my crown with the spikes.... but back by popular demand, I have brough back my favorite rotating avatar. Found by BGthebrain.
Q. Which of your numerous medals was the most difficult to achieve? Probably my first tournament win. Isn't that always the hardest to get? I found out that to get tourney wins I had to play more than 2 or 3... but if I played 20 at a time, that I would eventually win some.
Q. I (thehippo8) see your first tournament win was Take out the Officer - what an awsome way to start! What made you pick that tourney and how did it feel to win it? I actually was the TO on it and won my own tourney. It was my 1st concept to run a tourney and have it be different. I have morfed that tourney into the current "Avalanche" series that I run. I think the funnest tourney I won was with teammates Walslaf, happyfeet, and chapcrap.
Q. You have already won 30 tournaments and are in at least ten more - what would be a good number of tournament wins for you? I don't really think of the number of tourney wins, but just the adrenaline rush of winning one. I can ignore the feeling brought on by losing tourneys... it's just common practice now. Am looking forward to winning VioIet's current tourney on Das Schloss. Oh, and I just need to keep ahead of chapcrap in tourney wins... sucka!
Q. Did you pick TNC, or did TNC pick you? I petitioned to RA and T4C when I started to wonder what a "clan" was. I didn't like the clans that used skulls and crossbones to look tough, or names that I found questionable. I picked T4C when the leader, TheSaxLad, was quick in returning answers to me, and was enthuisiastic about adding me. I later found out that there was actually a 4th crusade and that it was a bad thing, so I told the clan that I would be leaving unless the name was changed. That's how T4C became TNC.
Q. What's your favourite map? Waterloo, I love the complexity and options.
Q. If you could conjure up a map, not already on the site, what would you want to see as a map?Maybe some kind of "Indiana Jones" map.
Q. Will you host a Mafia game? Never. I'm way better with numbers than letters and words.
Q. What was your favourite tournament you hosted (out of the amazing 30 tournments hosted by you so far!) and why? I believe I have finished 47 now, but my favorite would have to be "Mini-Clan War" tourneys because I love getting people in there and see the light go on as they discover team play and how a clan war works. As I said before, I love to help people get into clans, as being in one myself has enhanced the fun on CC by hundreds-fold.
Q. Is the DTX ranking the best thing you've ever seen? The DTX ranking system is amazing and the best ever! I love telling clans that we (TNC) are #1!
Q. What's gonna happen if G1 wins our war? Unforetunately I think G1 is going to win... we've had a rough couple of weeks as a clan as a lot of people are going on or have gone on vacation. Plus, one of our strongest silent members got banned somehow and got booted from all his games. I had put him in a lot in the 1st 2 rounds, so I think that is going to be the decider and why we lose. G1 is playing tough though, and I don't understand why we can't dominate them. Also, I think it will suck when we lose because that will give Gilligan another medal and he will be the medal-god sometime soon or it will pad his lead.
Q. What's gonna happen when I (Gilligan) take over in medals? I'm going to cry on your wall everyday.
Thanks for your time TheCrown. No problem, it's been fun. Just want to give a shout out to chemefreak and all the other clan mods who have put up with a heavy workload because of TNC . Also a shout out to all who work as mods and who help make this run smoothly. A special shout out to whoever created the Waterloo map... I love you man![/spoiler]
Welcome one and all to my second helping of bringing you the Strategy Division.
This is the stuff that's important, so listen up!!
I have a look at the Mentoring Pilot Project. After sending out some PMs I received some interesting feedback. Have a read for yourself and do please post your own comments or thoughts.
I also have a look at Scorba's Tacticus Escalatus in the second article in the Collected Wisdon series. One very clever man that [player]Scorba[/player]. And, I have to add, not only did I learn something but by jingos what he says works! So whether your serious or whether you are here just for fun, there's something for everyone here!
I present an interview with long-time Tournaments afficionado musteriuz.
Generalhead, actually a new reporter recruited by the Foundry section, gives us a guest article about his experiences hosting a tournament and advice for first-timers.
DaveH presents the twenty-seventh (!!!) installment in his Tournament Tips.
Tournament Tipsby DaveH [spoiler=Automating a Round Robin Tournament.]In the last issue I showed how a spreadsheet of match-ups can be used to make the invites and tournament thread information easier to manage. In this one I will describe a macro to automate the creation of this information.
The round robin matchups were in tables (as described in the last issue):
The round number is above a table of the 1 vs 1 player number match-ups. Once one table is created (as described in the last issue) it is simply copied sequentially as many times as required to complete the round robin series.
This spreadsheet is called "Round Robins" and a different spreadsheet ("Games") has the detailed game information with the VLookup function to assign the player names to their respective numbers.
This spreadsheet is as follows: Note that there are two blanks in the table. This is where two players ave dropped out and, since this particular tournament was in its final stages, they are not being replaced. The blanks mean that the opponent has a bye that round. Also, at the end of the tournament all players who played a dropped out player and won must have their total scores reduced by one.
Once one table is created, the following macro can be used to create the next one. The descriptions of the stages are described in the coding:
Sub AddRound() ' select the "Games" spreadsheet Sheets("Games").Select
'select the row number of the last table's map reference number cell - this we will call LineStart LineStart = InputBox(Prompt:="Last Row Number", _ Title:="Enter the last row number", Default:="Enter Previous Row Number of the Round Number")
'select the map number in column "B" and Referenced Map in column "C" Range("B" & LineStart, "C" & LineStart).Select Selection.Copy
'add 23 to LineStart (depth of the table) for a variable we can call LineDest linedest = LineStart + 23
'Select and paste the two values to the destination cell Range("B" & linedest, "C" & linedest).Select ActiveSheet.Paste
'get the previous round number and increment it iRoundNumber = Cells(linedest, 2).Value + 1
'paste this value into the destination cell - the VLookup function that we pasted next to it will automatically update the map to the new value Cells(linedest, 2).Value = iRoundNumber
'select the Round Robin sheet Sheets("Round Robin").Select
'Look for the next round number (starting at column 8 and incremented by 3 for the next table I = 8 While Cells(1, I).Value <> iRoundNumber I = I + 3 Wend
'select the table below this round number Range(Cells(3, I), Cells(22, I + 1)).Select Selection.Copy
' go back to the games spreadsheet Sheets("Games").Select
'select the next table start position Cells(linedest + 2, 2).Select
'paste the values into the table - not the formulae! - using paste special. Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteValues, Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks _ :=False, Transpose:=False
'Move the second column; selecting it first.... Range(Cells(linedest + 2, 3), Cells(linedest + 21, 3)).Select
'...cutting it... Selection.Cut
'...selecting the new position for it... Cells(linedest + 2, 5).Select
'...and pasting it there ActiveSheet.Paste
'select the VLookup function from the previous table... Range(Cells(linedest - 2, 3), Cells(linedest - 2, 4)).Select
'copy it.. Selection.Copy
'and paste in the first row of the second table Cells(linedest + 2, 3).Select ActiveSheet.Paste
'select the whole table and copy the functions down Range(Cells(linedest + 2, 3), Cells(linedest + 21, 4)).Select Selection.FillDown
'copy this table... Selection.Copy
'and paste alongside - this is pasting the values not the formulae - for safety in case of changes to the player list Cells(linedest + 2, 7).Select Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteValues, Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks _ :=False, Transpose:=False
'search for any "0" values and replace them with blanks For I = 1 To 19 If Cells(linedest + 1 + I, 7) = "0" Then Cells(linedest + 1 + I, 7) = "" If Cells(linedest + 1 + I, 8) = "0" Then Cells(linedest + 1 + I, 8) = "" Next I
'Now paste in the formula for allowing players to join - this is complex! a = "=IF(I" & (linedest + 2) & "="""",G" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&H" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&"" has no game this round.""," & "" a = a & """Round ""&B$" & linedest & "&""; ""&G" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&"" vs ""&H" & (linedest + 2) & "& "" [to]""&I" a = a & (linedest + 2) & "&"" R""&B$" & (linedest) & "&""[/to]"")" Cells(linedest + 2, 10).Value = a
'Paste the thread formula into the next column a = "=IF(I" & (linedest + 2) & "="""",G" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&H" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&"" has no game this round.""," & "" a = a & """Round ""&B$" & linedest & "&""; ""&G" & (linedest + 2) a = a & "&"" vs ""&H" & (linedest + 2) & "& "" [game]""&I" a = a & (linedest + 2) & "&""[/game]"")" Cells(linedest + 2, 11).Value = a
'copy down the two formulae Range(Cells(linedest + 2, 10), Cells(linedest + 21, 11)).Select Selection.FillDown
'Add the headers that can go into the invites and tournament thread Cells(linedest, 10).Value = "Round " & Cells(linedest, 2).Value & " is on map " & Cells(linedest, 3).Value & ". Join just 1. 2 players have byes." Cells(linedest, 11).Value = "Round " & Cells(linedest, 2).Value & " is on map " & Cells(linedest, 3).Value & ". 2 players have byes."
End Sub
To use a new block of code a pm is sent to all the players in the tournament with the block of data below column 10. This can be used for the players to join their correct game. The block of data in column 11 can be written into the tournament thread to track the rounds and provide access information.
In principle, any required sequences of operations can be written into Excel using the Record Macro function. So, even if you don't know or fully understand the above coding, you can still use this recording function to automate a sequence of Excel operations.
(These "tips" are ones that I have tried to make it a bit easier in managing my own tournaments. I am sure there are different and better methods than these, so please let me know. Any queries on the above I'll be glad to respond to! Please note that I use Excel 2003, so there may be variation in the menu instructions if you have other versions of Excel)[/spoiler] TPA Wrapby DaveH
We are all so used to seeing thehippo8 name associated as Newsletter Foundry Executive that it seems just plain weird to see anything else. Anything else other than his promotion to King of the river that is! Congrats hippo on the promotion! So now it is my fifteen minutes of fame.
Now, down to business, this issue I would like you all to welcome generalhead who has come on board to help us flesh out what can only be described as the best part of the dispatch. He has gotten of to a flying start with a look at his map in the foundry now. We have another competition for all you eager beavers. And after lasts issue calamity, we will be stricter on the medals. Classic Cities comes to Conquer Club for the first time with a look at Jakarta and Sydney in New beta maps. Another run down of Maps in Development. Lots of movement over the last two weeks, so make sure you see where your favourite map is this week. Be honest, how many of you spotted the mistake on the Classic map? Well the bishop spotted it.
Q. What do John Wayne and a map key have in common? A. Both are legends.
This fortnight in Clans has seen the conclusion of the majority of Clan League 4 with only Division 1's final left on the agenda. CC3 also reaches boiling point as the battles in the Quarter-finals heat up! I'm excited to document Random League 2 results, and I'll admit to some bias in my narrative on the 1v1 challenge
My name has also been praised and lamented in equal measure (ok, perhaps more disdain) in the AoC vs Emp & Otp vs Myth threads, so with my exams complete, I am free to cast my lightning bolts on those who try to blemish my perfect visage
Stay Tuned for the next issue of the ConquerClub Dispatch for an interrogation of [player]El_Jefe[/player]. Post any questions you may have for them here --> Interrogation with El_Jefe
Submitting Your Own Articles
If you have a story you think the ConquerClub Community would find interesting, you can submit your articles to [player]thehippo8[/player] and you may just see your article published in the Newsletter!
Subscription
Did you enjoy this Issue? Have you subscribed to the Newsletter yet?
If you want each and every issue of the ConquerClub Dispatch delivered right into your Inbox, then Subscribe Here!
Secondly, well done Dukasaur. Shiny medal coming your way.
Next issue is going to be a lot harder.
Ah ... my editing skills are not so good when I'm on the fly ... lol.
Also, I should have said that Safariguy of course continues to head Freestyle and Dukasaur valiantly runs the Tournament division ... hippos ... huh ... can't live with them .. can't shoot them ...
Here's a suggestion ... maybe we can have a 24 hour delay between posting the issue and when people are allowed to answer the comp (a bit like manual deployment)?
Dukasaur wrote:Operation Drug War Bamboo Jack American Civil War
yea what he said, but a couple hours to late......but did he have inside information?
Let me ask but you might be onto something.
thehippo8 wrote:Here's a suggestion ... maybe we can have a 24 hour delay between posting the issue and when people are allowed to answer the comp (a bit like manual deployment)?
Dukasaur wrote:Operation Drug War Bamboo Jack American Civil War
yea what he said, but a couple hours to late......but did he have inside information?
No, we deliberately changed it so that the contest isn't posted in the newsletter office ahead of time. Only koontz and hippo know what the contest will be before the moment it hits the Announcements. I saw it here first, just like you did.
“Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.” ― Voltaire
TheCrown wrote:Q. What's gonna happen if G1 wins our war? Unforetunately I think G1 is going to win... we've had a rough couple of weeks as a clan as a lot of people are going on or have gone on vacation. Plus, one of our strongest silent members got banned somehow and got booted from all his games. I had put him in a lot in the 1st 2 rounds, so I think that is going to be the decider and why we lose. G1 is playing tough though, and I don't understand why we can't dominate them. Also, I think it will suck when we lose because that will give Gilligan another medal and he will be the medal-god sometime soon or it will pad his lead.
A lot of this seems rather short-sighted. Your "strongest silent member" who was banned was only banned from two active games in the challenge, and those two games were all but wrapped up. You won one game, we won the other. So saying that is the decider is rather insulting since it didn't affect the challenge one bit.
Anyways - the challenge is not over and either side could still take it. Anyone who thinks they can "dominate" us better come prepared to play. We might take things easy and encourage participation from all our members, but don't forget that we've beat (or tied) some of the best clans on the site and we've been together for nearly 5 years.
DoomYoshi wrote:There should be an alert of when the newsletter is about to come out. People can set their alarm clocks etc.
It should come out on the 1st and 16th of every month. No idea on how the hippo decides to publish it and a certain time but he is away and Leehar is going to publish the next one. That should give us a different time.
We also have TWO competitions. Another episode from Foundry and a chance to stamp your mark in Clans!!
I dont see any clan competition?
I was curious about that as well. Since he'll be away for the next fortnight, we may not get an answer anytime soon, but I assume he meant Tourneys, and their TPA design contest underway
TheCrown wrote:Q. What's gonna happen if G1 wins our war? Unforetunately I think G1 is going to win... we've had a rough couple of weeks as a clan as a lot of people are going on or have gone on vacation. Plus, one of our strongest silent members got banned somehow and got booted from all his games. I had put him in a lot in the 1st 2 rounds, so I think that is going to be the decider and why we lose. G1 is playing tough though, and I don't understand why we can't dominate them. Also, I think it will suck when we lose because that will give Gilligan another medal and he will be the medal-god sometime soon or it will pad his lead.
A lot of this seems rather short-sighted. Your "strongest silent member" who was banned was only banned from two active games in the challenge, and those two games were all but wrapped up. You won one game, we won the other. So saying that is the decider is rather insulting since it didn't affect the challenge one bit.
Anyways - the challenge is not over and either side could still take it. Anyone who thinks they can "dominate" us better come prepared to play. We might take things easy and encourage participation from all our members, but don't forget that we've beat (or tied) some of the best clans on the site and we've been together for nearly 5 years.
Not meant to be insulting... I only saw he was in 10 games and just figured him being banned was a big part of the war.
We also have TWO competitions. Another episode from Foundry and a chance to stamp your mark in Clans!!
I dont see any clan competition?
I was curious about that as well. Since he'll be away for the next fortnight, we may not get an answer anytime soon, but I assume he meant Tourneys, and their TPA design contest underway
Agreed - the second competition is about designing the TPA cup. Not clans.
Why is this issue only accessible from the Announcements? I remembered seeing the headline on the home page, but since I was already on the forum index, I decided to click in through the Conquer Club Newsletter forum, then the Newsletter Issues subforum, and.... nothing.
ender516 wrote:Why is this issue only accessible from the Announcements? I remembered seeing the headline on the home page, but since I was already on the forum index, I decided to click in through the Conquer Club Newsletter forum, then the Newsletter Issues subforum, and.... nothing.
Another good issue, anyway.
This may not give you the 'why' you're looking for, but it does seem to be intentional, according to this post from Sully in the Newsletter Issues forum:
This issue we have [player]TheCrown[/player] telling it like it is. A man of depth and intrigue!
. Also a shout out to all who work as mods and who help make this run smoothly. A special shout out to whoever created the Waterloo map... I love you man![/spoiler]
Note that there are two blanks in the table. This is where two players ave dropped out and, since this particular tournament was in its final stages, they are not being replaced. The blanks mean that the opponent has a bye that round. Also, at the end of the tournament all players who played a dropped out player and won must have their total scores reduced by one.
Congrats hippo on the promotion! So now it is my fifteen minutes of fame.
