Walter Montego: OK, Walter, I respect your decision to quit playing the ponds. But I really think it's not necessary and would like you to think it over again, if you can. In my opinion, it's one of the best games played here and a lot of fun. As for conspiracies, I have participated in more than 400 pond games and I have NEVER seen any sign of conspiracy (once I had a suspicion but it revealed itself to be a clever play by one of the players instead). I know the Scooter situation may have hurt people who didn't notice what he wrote in the discussion panel but it was just one game and I'm pretty sure a situation like that will not be repeated. There were no conspirations, Bry and I just saw it and took the chance. We both could pay for the risk and end up in the pond if Scooter was not saying truth about betting 1.
I see ponds as a very fair game with no cheating which fact I value a lot. You can't successfully use any programs like in other games played here. Please reconsider your decision. Don't let one person and one situation ruin your view of this awesome game. I'm saying this because I want more people to start fighting for the top positions in ponds. So far, it's just a few. And I regard you as an intelligent person who can master the game soon if you're going to play enough ponds to gain some experience.