2NC Counterplans – Really?

1. Gonzaga Debate Institute 20082NC Counterplans and Maximizing the Block Ron StevensonWayne State University

2. 2NC Counterplans demonstrate quick thinking 2NC Counterplans have unique strategic value 2NC Counterplans can put substantial pressure on the 1AR 2NC Counterplans – Really?

3. When should they be run? • In the 2NC – obviously • To solve 2AC add-on advantages • To solve uniqueness arguments and external impact turns to your DA’s • To solve inevitability claims being leveraged by the 2AC against your case turns

4. Running CP’s that are not reactive to the 2AC are frowned upon by many judges Agent, Consult, or PIC’s face an uphill theory battle when run in the 2NC When shouldn’t I run one?

5. Structuring 2NC Counterplans • There are 2 approaches • 1) Create a new off-case argument • 2) Put the Counterplan in direct response to argument it addresses

6. Example – New Off-Case • Text: • Observation 1 – Its competitive – • Observation 2 – It solves….

7. Example – In the Line-by-Line • In response to our nuclear power bad turns they say nuclear power is inevitable. • 1. Counterplan – The USFG will ban nuclear power and shut down all current nuclear reactors. It’s competitive because its mutually exclusive with the plan, and it clearly solves by eliminating nuclear waste and the risk of a meltdown. • 2. 2NC Counterplans are legitimate • A) Insert a reason • B) Insert another reason

8. Preempt their theoretical objections. Emphasize that it is still a constructive. Identify which new 2AC arguments prompted you to run the counterplan. Addressing Theory

9. Sample 2NC Theory Block • 2NC Counterplans are legitimate • A) No abuse -- its still a constructive – we are allowed to make new arguments. • B) Key to competitive equity – 2NC counterplans prevent the affirmative from sandbagging their best advantages. • C) Increases education – these counterplans require quick thinking and allow for the best evolution of the debate.

10. Consider whether you want to run them unconditionally. How do they work if you already have a counterplan in the debate. Give them a try – you’ll be surprised at how effective they can be. Final Thoughts on the 2NC CP

11. Improving the Block • 2 Goals • Sufficient Argument Development • Put Pressure on the 1AR

12. Horizontal Vertical How to Divide the Block

13. Keeps lots of different issues alive with less development of individual arguments Benefit: Puts lots of pressure on the 1AR Drawback: Sometimes arguments aren’t developed enough to win on the issue Horizontal

14. Keeps few issues alive with substantial development of specific arguments Benefit: Strong development of specific issues. Drawback: Easier for the 1AR to cover and can put pressure on the 2NR. Vertical

15. 2NC Read new link and impact scenarios to DA’s and Kritiks Read new DA’s off of 2AC Permutations. Develop your arguments in ways that make the affirmative arguments not apply. 1NR Keep an entirely separate strategy from the 2NC alive. Cover theory. Extend Topicality and other procedural arguments. 2NC and 1NR Tricks

16. Make choices – don’t go for everything. Exploit arguments and issues with inadequate 1AR coverage. Don’t forget 1NR arguments – they can win you the debate. Using the Block in the 2NR

17. Good Luck!