I was watching the Survivor finale last night and it pissed me off again. Never mind that people seem to be overlooking the bullying, sexist, and arrogant hypocrisy of winner Tom, it shouldn't matter because he shouldn't have been in the final two in the first place. Here was a strong, generally liked amongst his tribemates player who dominated challenges, and in their two real chances to vote him out, they didn't. It was obvious to everyone that if he made it to the final two, he would win the game.
That said, despite some wavering most of his alliance stuck to the alliance, and that's what got him there. One of the things that really gets me in these games, Survivor and Big Brother and the like, are people getting scared or making a move too early and screwing up their alliances. Normally you want to stick with it, but when one player is so completely dominant you need to change your plans, or you're screwed.
I watch every season of Survivor and Big Brother and keep seeing the same stupid mistakes each time. If I was American and if I had any desire to be on television (quite the opposite, I enjoy anonymity and hate being photographed) I guarantee you I could win either of those shows as long
as I don't end up with an alliance that doesn't get scared and start falling apart, and as long as I'm not on a tribe that doesn't lose every immunity (who would have thought it before this season).
Seeing as I don't plan on going on any of those shows, let me share with you some of my strategies after watching many seasons of each...
First of all, work when you get there. Sunny beaches seem great, but you need to put in some effort around the camp/house. Laziness rarely works in anyone's favour. In the same vein, don't work too hard. That can throw people off as well. Find the right balance.
Unless you plan it out in advance, don't fight with anyone. A planned fight can help disguise an alliance, but otherwise people like to vote out at least one of the people in an argument. So don't.
Rewards are great, but keep your eye on the prize. The most dangerous reward challenges are those where tribes take each other out. I would tell the people in my alliance to take me out first. If they wish to do the same, great! If not, close your eyes and pick a name at random. Otherwise people take it personally if you go after them. This is one of the worst mistakes I've seen people make, and too often it's revealed a pecking order and I've seen alliances broken wide apart because of this. Losing can be a good thing. If your teammates are willing, try to give the reward to the people you plan on voting out if you can do it without making it look obvious.
If by some unfortunate chance beyond your control you win a reward, discuss with your core alliances beforehand who should be taken. The best choices would be people you need votes from but aren't in your core alliances. Discuss strategy with these people, work with them, but make sure that in the end you stick to your plan, your core alliance knows you'll stick to your plan, but try to make sure you have the vote of the people you take with you.
Now I've said "alliance" and I've said "core alliance". You need to make alliances you absolutely plan on sticking to unless one of the members looks far too tough or is far too dominant. You need to plan ahead to the final six, final five, final three, and final two. It is ESSENTIAL that nobody other than the final two has any idea of your plans. One of the things you should discuss with your alliance is that nobody should make deals beyond the final five (or six, as you should tell the extraneous sixth teammate), remind them of how this almost always blows up in people's faces. Of course you will have the final three all planned. The thing is, shouldn't this raise suspicion in the mind of the final three person not planned for the final two? Of course it should, but you can allay this by mentioning how the final two are often worked out in the final immunity challenge (this will work for Survivor or Big Brother) by deals being made.
I know you're thinking all you need is a solid final three, and you can do with just that if done right, but a solid final two shows loyalty, and don't forget you have to then defend yourself against those voted out. Loyalty to where you promised to get people is good, as it gives some truth. But you will have to lie during the game. Admit to it. It's strange to say, but there is an almost honourable lying to can commit in reality game shows that as long as you're honest about it in the end, most jury members will be willing to forgive. If you stick with your strategy and work at it as nicely as you can, you can count on votes. And this is where having a final two counts the most, because you are at once honourable for carrying that person through, but if you pick right, they will lose votes for having got there on your coattails.
There is more to my strategies for these games, and I'm sure I could clarify and expand on what I'm saying, but it's busy here at work and this is getting aggrivating trying to write and work so that's it for now. Besides, just in case "never" becomes "why not" I do have to keep some secrets.