ogg

games /og/ (CMU) 1. In the multi-player space combat game

Netrek, to execute kamikaze attacks against enemy ships

which are carrying armies or occupying strategic positions.

Named during a game in which one of the players repeatedly

used the tactic while playing Orion ship G, showing up in the

player list as "Og". This trick has been roundly denounced by

those who would return to the good old days when the tactic of

dogfighting was dominant, but as Sun Tzu wrote, "What is of

supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy."

However, the traditional answer to the newbie question "What

does ogg mean?" is just "Pick up some armies and I'll show

you."

2. In other games, to forcefully attack an opponent with the

expectation that the resources expended will be renewed faster

than the opponent will be able to regain his previous

advantage. Taken more seriously as a tactic since it has

gained a simple name.

3. To do anything forcefully, possibly without consideration

of the drain on future resources. "I guess I'd better go ogg

the problem set that's due tomorrow." "Whoops! I looked down

at the map for a sec and almost ogged that oncoming car."

(1995-01-31)