Turf Zone – LugtonCross
Blocking and ghosting, perhaps two of the most annoying aspects in the Game of Turf. But first, what actually are blocking and ghosting? Let’s look at the term blocking first. The official Turf Wiki gives us the following definition:
“A player blocks another player when taking a zone before another player intends to take the same zone. This means that the second player cannot take the intended zone due to block time being applied after the take.”
The Turf Jargon Buster on the ESOC website gives us some additional information:
“Blocked – When a zone is taken, it is blocked for a few minutes. It cannot be taken by another turfer during that time. A revisit blocks a zone for 5 minutes. A blocked zone is shown as striped in the app.”
“Block time – The length of time when a zone is blocked after you take it. No-one else can take the zone during this time. Your block time increases by 15 seconds each time you move up a rank.”
Here’s an example. I’m cycling through Kirk Bank Wood in Eskbank, not far from the house. It’s a linear route with only the four zones so it would be fairly obvious to any other turfer in the area where I was planning to go. I’d taken two of the four zone and was heading for the third when I see another turfer taking the fourth zone.
Turf Zone – MusselShell
This is the point where you mutter such words as, “Oh, I’ve been blocked, what a naughty turfer!” under your breath, or perhaps some alternative and rather more descriptive words, if you know what I mean. That was the zone I was heading for. Now I need to either wait until the block time clears or plan another route. In this instance I was able to detour to zone AncientBattle not far away at the River South Esk thus allowing some of the block time tot ick away. It was still a Neutral, so an extra 50 points.
Now, I should say that blocking another turfer is not illegal, as such, under Turf Law. However, it is widely regarded as not good turfmanship to block someone, at least not deliberately. Not everyone pays close attention to their turf app and it’s easy to miss another turfer in the same area or heading for the same destination. Not blocking someone is just good turf etiquette and most turfers would share the same zone by way of an assist.
Turf Zone – AllenKeyZone
I was once blocked deliberately in Longniddry. I’d met a turfer on an e-bike and we stopped to chat. He asked where I was heading. Of course, I’m thinking he was asking so that he could avoid that route. But, oh no, soon as I’d told him he zoomed off and blocked all the zones along my intended route. I’ve just used my Turf Blog pages and FRUT to work out his name. It was Chesterton. Not seen that turf name since.
The other term mentioned above is ghosting. This is essentially turning off your GPS when moving between zones. And like blocking, is not illegal under Turf Law, but is also considered very bad form. Turning off your GPS hides you from other turfers who are then unable to determine where you are heading which can lead to blocking. Some turfers switch off the GPS to saw battery power but a better way is to get hold of a powerpack. You can pick up 5000 mAh powerpack for about £10.00.
Turf Zone – NewtonChurch
One issue with blocking and ghosting is whether they have been carried out deliberately or not. In Edinburgh the other day, I was heading for a zone and saw another turfer close by, seemingly heading towards the same zone. They then took said zone and preceded to switch off their GPS, in other words ghosting.
Now, was that deliberate or were they simply not paying attention? In this instance, looking at the data on FRUT, it appears they had actually finished their turfing session. And while ghosting may be considered poor form, it’s not against Turf Law, so it’s really all part of the Game of Turf. Back again soon.
Copyright ©2024 Gary Buckham. All rights reserved.
