General Launches exeeding total points

[Wasted Eagle]

I joined @OVA international 's green launch.
There were already 808 points in of the total 1600, a sure fire gold medal for OVA...
I kept adding to the total until the point I only needed 16 points. Due to timing issues I decided use a 40 point Large Fuel Tank for completion. This however put us over the green launch limit with 1624 points and me in first with 816 points, making me mistakenly a hijacker.
Any ideas how this could be possible? Or has anyone had any similar experiences?

 

[Harcourt]

I have noticed that the points that take you over the total points required are credited to you in full.

However I have set myself a target of the number of points that are appropriate for a 2nd or 3rd place.
Green - 384, Blue - 480, Red - 720.

This means that I am unlikely to become a 'Hijacker'

Having said all that, I like to think that Neighbours will always forgive genuine mistakes the first time. However next time around they may be less charitable.

Regards
Harcourt

 

[Bali Hi]

Most people assume that if they had put in slightly more than 50% of the total fuel needed, then they have secured #1 position.
This is not true.

The #1 winner is the person who has the highest fuel points the moment total fuel exceeds 1600 fuel points (for a Green Launch).

If the launch leader has 978 fuels and the 2nd placed person has 620, total points is 1598 (2 less than required), the laggard can stlil put in a PEB (360) to win the #1 place with 980 fuel. Of course he can complete the launch by putting in anything less than a PEB, but that would not get him #1 position.

In the old days when hijacking was more common, hijackers often spend more fuel than necessary just to overtake the launch leader who thinks he / she already secured #1.

 

[Wasted Eagle]

Thank you @Harcourt and @Bali Hi for the replies.
A good piece of wisdom for many users!
Too bad OVA draws the short stick on this one...

 

[OVA international]

Thanks for explanations. I was wondering this as well, but this seems to be the reason.

No hard feelings @Wasted Eagle, I have just been busy with other issues lately and that's the reason I haven't replied this earlier.

 

[R3d_F1v3]

FYI if you want to start a launch and guarantee that you can not be overtaken for first place, add half of the total points required, plus half of a PEB and add 2. If you stick to this rule, second place can not get within a PEB without completing the launch. Do the math and see for yourself!

 

[Wired Parrott]

FYI if you want to start a launch and guarantee that you can not be overtaken for first place, add half of the total points required, plus half of a PEB and add 2. If you stick to this rule, second place can not get within a PEB without completing the launch. Do the math and see for yourself!

Indeed or you could just say 982 for green, 1182 for blue and 1682 for red.