1NC Theory

Theory Heavy 1NCs

1NCs often read multiple theory/T shells, usually ranging from 2-4.

This can be strategic at times because (1) many debaters are often uncomfortable with theory debates, especially frivolous shells, because it requires a lot of tech in a short 1ar (2) shells are often harder to generate offense against, especially when the 2nr can just sit on one of the shells. Additionally, the only offense the 1ar can generate at best is an rvi or meta theory shell like multiple shells bad which makes it a relatively no risk strategy.

However, there can be some strategic downfalls to these strategies, because the 1ar can easily (1) group all the shells by answering paradigm issues (2) cross apply generic standards like critical thinking and terminal defense. Additionally, many judges are not receptive to frivolous theory and will hack against theory heavy 1NCs, or at the very least tank speaks.

To counteract these problems, a few tips for theory heavy 1NCs include (1) reading bidirectional paradigm issues such as drop the debater only on neg theory, which prevents affs from cross applying your paradigm issues (2) reading heavily justified paradigm issues that you can go for because half of all theory debates devolve down to this and (3) reading different shells–must spec type of util and must spec favorite saint in the same doc are not strategic because the responses to them would be very similar. Independently, theory heavy NCs should not be 7 minutes of theory–make sure to have a legitimate substantive out!

Here is an example of a theory heavy NC–each shell is different and there are still 4 ways to go for substance if I’m losing the theory debate: [i promise ill add this once i learn how tech works]