TS4 Cheese Statement (Fair Play at the ITST)

[djarvik]

ITST Member:

As you may or may not know, "cheesy" is a term used to describe a style of play that most players consider to be unfair. The style takes advantage of the games limitations, making it completely unrealistic compared to real life tennis. I will list some examples at the end of this post to clarify this.

The main point is, cheesy tactics are used in an attempt to gain a cheap and easy win. The ITST is a place where like-minded players get together and compete. It is a safe place where our members play fairly. We are all here to enjoy the structure the ITST provides and to enjoy the friendly community that has been established here for many years. If we do not ask our members to abstain from using certain tactics our tour will offer no advantage over the World Tour.

We have always resisted the temptation to place restrictions on the type of shot(s) that can be played during ITST matches. We've done this to allow a variety of playing styles to be present on the tour so everyone can enjoy the game to its fullest.

That said, there are universal "unwritten" rules concerning "cheesy" play. We've never had to make firm rules because the ITST community respects their existence. They involve playing fairly and not using the known "cheesy" tactics that lessen this game. With the release of Top Spin 4 we have seen a big number of new players emerging. This is putting pressure on our core values and understanding of these “unwritten” rules within the community.

We are proud to say that the majority of our community (including many of the new players) already follows this ethos closely, but if you are someone who doesn't, consider yourself warned: "cheesy" play in ITST matches is never tolerated.

If you are uncertain whether your style of play is considered "cheesy", then simply ask the question in the Forum, or contact an ITST manager.

Also, if you encounter tactics in an ITST match that you consider "cheesy", don't keep it to yourself. Contact the tournament host and/or manager immediately. Only by speaking up can we rid the tour of any and all unfair play. Only by virtue of your feedback can we identify and relate to these tactics.

Below is a list of tactics that are considered cheesy by a majority of the community. This list is by far not complete. Listing everything is just not doable nor would we be able to foresee every cheesy tactic that emerges. This means that we could warn players about other tactics as well. The ITST management will use its best judgment to determine what is considered cheesy and what is not, as it has been doing for years with great success.

The List:

Continuously playing drop shots or drop volleys. This tactic seems to be used a lot in futures and challengers lately. Especially new and fair players should not have such a first experience with ITST. Saying that you have to use this tactic because it is a coach skill is not an excuse. You can still play to the strength of your coach by occasionally using the drop shot. We can’t say what too many drop shots are unfortunately. Try keeping it realistic. When you have pushed back your opponent in a rally it is the perfect moment to hit a drop shot. If you want to know what is realistic, try watching some real life tennis matches, note when and how often drop shots are used.

Using the return glitch. There is a return possible where the server has no option other than to run backwards after this return. We see this as a glitch that should not be exploited at any time.

Tramline serves. Moving your player out wide for serving is considered cheesy and should not be done. Throughout the match, your player also moves towards the forehand side. It is a good practice to move your player one step back to the middle of the court at least once a set, or whenever you notice he has moved towards the tramlines.

Regards,

The ITST Team

P.S. Please understand, this post is not a discussion, rather an announcement and show of intent. We are here to lookout for the best interest of ITST as a community and organization. Make an attempt to look past the "game" title on the box and try to understand what makes the sport Tennis fun for so many fans around the world!

[RainingAmoeba79]

Great list! Thank you djarvik!

[lincolnshirelad]

Great work djarvik & team

[ANILTJE]

Thanks man.....

[MrMackNasty]

Yea great work ITST team. I am glad some of the community brought all these up for concern and came up with the idea of finally making a list to better the community.

One question though. With drop shots are volley drop shots included? I have noticed these a TON lately, so I am curious about these also.

[Rob ITST]

Yes. The post has been edited to include drop volleys.

[Indiantonike]

Nice job

One week earlier would have been perfect since my Wimby opponent was cheesy

[ANILTJE]

Yes. The post has been edited to include drop volleys.

Great. That was really needed.

[ANILTJE]

Ah forgot one.....slow serving ??

[Chederer]

i have not been to sleep in 3 days....i need more pizza

[Ali-Iqb93]

Great but one question. " what is the return glitch "

[OuiMr BersonBANNED]

Great but one question. " what is the return glitch "

It when you play Julius Jackson and you win

[SIeeepy]

Great but one question. " what is the return glitch "

It when you play Julius Jackson and you win

Lololololol. Best. Comment. Ever.

[MrMackNasty]

Great but one question. " what is the return glitch "

It when you play Julius Jackson and you win

LOL! He has blamed quite a few peopel hasn't he?

[Tuurbine]

mmmm, players standing 10 feet behind the baseline everytime , perfect victims of a drop shot every single time, works like a charm, I dont think there should be a "limit" to drop shots specially in that situation.