Quick Guide to Mix & Match

VEX IQ’s 2025-26 “Mix & Match” is a cooperative challenge where two teams (Red and Blue) collaborate on a 6×8-foot field for a 60-second match. Teams manipulate Pins of three colors (Red, Blue, Orange) and Beams to create stacks within designated Goals to score points. This game emphasizes color matching, connectivity, and alliance teamwork, requiring comprehensive mechanical design, programming, and team coordination skills.

Field Setup and Game Objects

The field contains 36 Pins: 10 Blue (1 preload, 6 loader-delivered, 3 starting), 10 Red (same configuration), and 16 Orange (all pre-placed). Additionally, two Gray Beams start fixed on the field. Goals include Red and Blue Square Goals (1 stack capacity each), Red and Blue Triangle Goals (3-stack capacity), a central Floor Goal (4-stack capacity), and a Standoff Goal placed above the field to earn additional points.

Scoring System Breakdown

Points are awarded according to the following rules:

• Each Pin: 1 point; each Beam: 10 points.
• 2-color Stack bonus: +5 points; 3-color Stack bonus: +15 points.
• Matching Goal placement or Beam-connected bonus: +10 points each.
• Standoff Goal bonus: +10 points.
• Clearing Pins from starting brackets: +2 points per Pin.
• End-of-match robot touching 2 or more scoring objects: +2 points.

For example, a 3-color stack (Red, Blue, Orange) with a Beam scores 3 (Pins) + 10 (Beam) + 15 (3-color bonus) + 10 (Beam bonus) = 38 points, representing an optimal scoring strategy.

Key Game Concepts

• Connected: Objects within a stack must be vertically connected; disconnected or toppled objects are not scored.
• Placed in Goal: A stack fully within a Goal area earns the Matching Goal bonus. Stacks can simultaneously earn Beam and Standoff Goal bonuses if conditions are met.

Strategic Recommendations

1. Prioritize High-Value Stacks: Forming 3-color stacks with Beams maximizes scoring potential.
2. Optimal Goal Placement: Use Square/Triangle Goals for high-value, small-capacity stacks and the Floor Goal for mass accumulation of Orange Pins. Secure the Standoff Goal early for consistent bonuses.
3. Loader and Driver Coordination: Loaders must maintain steady color supply; Drivers need precise stack creation and Goal placement. Load Zones allow only one object at a time, requiring coordinated, alternate loading.
4. Bracket Clearance and Endgame: Quickly clear Pins from brackets early for easy incremental points. Position robots strategically at the end of matches to touch scoring objects for bonus points.

Robot Skills Challenges

In Robot Skills, a single robot operates under modified conditions. The Autonomous period requires initial contact with the Red Triangle Goal (). This phase emphasizes precise automation, sensor accuracy, and strategic programming.

Conclusion

“Mix & Match” integrates color strategy, mechanical innovation, programming precision, and teamwork. The strategic use of 3-color Beam stacks, matching Goal placements, and reliable Standoff Goal scoring—coupled with Loader-Driver synergy and Robot Skills accuracy—will define competitive advantage. Mastering these elements is essential to excel in teamwork matches and skills challenges this season.

References:

Resources – Ashland Falcobots