How is FFA different from Solo?

It seems to me that the strategy in both games is very similar. In the 4 player stage you want to eliminate one player in both. Even though in Solo this doesn't guarantee you won't lose points, however it does make it more likely you will win vs. 2 others as opposed to 3. 

In the 3 players stage (above 2000 rating) in both FFA and Solo there is no difference (almost none in FFA) whether you are 2nd or 3rd. Therefore the only reasonable strategy is to do whatever increases your chances for first place!

i don't really think so, in FFA second always gains a rating, and third always loses a rating.

Noah, above 2000 2nd gets about 1 point and 3rd loses 1 points. 1st gains a lot more, depending on the ratings. 1st wins approximately 20-40 points so logically that should be the goal since losing 1 points is not very scary.

You're right. They really aren't that different, since the gameplay in the 3-player stage is quite similar (fight for a win, ally against the strongest player). In the 4-player stage however, there is more opposite cooperation in Solo than FFA, because even if your opposite is eliminated in Solo, you can still get "last place", whereas this is not the case with FFA.
For these reasons, when 4PC moves to variants in two months or so, FFA and Solo are merging. The new format will be +4 for a win, -1 if 2nd or 3rd, and -2 for a fourth place.

I am glad they will be merging because it will make things less complicated for new players and also enlargen the pool of players. I still think even in the 4 player stage the idea is the same since if you eliminate a side player in Solo you are that much closer to first. Therefore there is plenty of motivation to team in Solo as well. Anyways making 2nd and 3rd both -1 should encourage illogical people to play for first in the 3 player stage since if they are not first they will lose points even as 2nd

Btw does anyone know what they will call the merger of the two?

Sorry I misunderstood your post. You said Solo has MORE cooperation. I think you were saying the reason is that in FFA if your opposite is getting killed you might not want to save him since if anyone loses it saves you from dreaded 4th in FFA which is the only spot that loses real points! I find this logical but also amusing because most people think Solo has LESS cooperation!

if ffa and solo are merging that's good news. I hated solo after I lost t20 in it. Lost 200 points and still couldn't get it back lol

Haha but what will we call it? People don't seem to like the FFA term since there is cooperation in the 4 player stage. How about Free Chess as in you are free to do what you want?

so... you can't play for second anymore sadge

Its dumb now to play for 2nd in FFA unless ur low rated

It's still going to be called Free-For-All (aka FFA), but is currently being referred to as Solo-For-All (SFA)