I've been reading about how SO2R is a must if you want to maximize your contest score, and rate versus multiplier strategy guides were useful before SO2R but not anymore. This got me thinking about how contest strategy has evolved.

In the "old days" you had to choose between running for rate or searching for multipliers, but with SO2R you can theoretically do both simultaneously. However, I'm finding that it was a weekend of one radio CQing and the second radio always tuning, never really had two bands open enough to try 2BSIQ - it was old-fashioned SO2R.

How do current top contesters balance rate optimization with multiplier hunting when propagation doesn't cooperate for true dual-band operation? Are there specific techniques for maximizing the efficiency of the "search and pounce" radio during slow periods on the run frequency?

The use of SO2R enables the proficient operator to listen to the second radio in at least 3 out of the 4 moments of a QSO, and thus maximize multipliers. SO2R is an infinite series of 3 seconds, where your brain toggles back and forward between two radios. The key is learning to use those micro-moments efficiently rather than trying to force 2BSIQ when conditions don't support it.

I think the modern approach is more nuanced than the old "rate vs mults" dichotomy. When you get a good rate going on one radio, go ahead and disregard the second radio and concentrate on running the pileup. With experience, you'll be able to handle a big pileup on one radio while S&P on the other, but if you're having a hard time dealing with two radios at any time, just concentrate on one.

The real skill is in recognizing when to prioritize rate over multipliers in real-time. During major contests, I use spotting data to identify multiplier opportunities between CQs, but when the rate drops below my target threshold, I'll dedicate both radios to finding a new run frequency. It's all about maximizing QSO*multiplier, not just one or the other.