Ducks in a Row

My ducks are absolutely not in a row! I don't even know where some of them are, and I'm pretty sure one is a pigeon.

— someone who forgot their Ducks

The meaning for "Ducks in a Row" is to have everything organized and to have everything in its place, at least outside this particular neighborhood. However, among The Birds Ducks in a Row means something a little bit different. It can either mean a strategy combining precise timing, organization, and simultaneousness, or something like a check-list for large assignments.

Ducks in a Row is a basic strategy taught and employed by Offenders-in-Training.

The Grand Plan

This is how a plan falls pefectly into place. When everyone does exactly what...HE FELL OFF THE ROOF?!

— someone who lives with imbeciles

Ducks in a Row: The Strategy (DRS) is a three-fold plan typically used for a quick grab-and-go hiest. Once the basic overview (information concerning the house and various roles) is completed, the DRS will come into play. The three folds will happen all in two minute incriments, sometimes less depending on how fast the team wants to get in and out.

First fold: enter house through agreed opening. Second fold: prepare back exit for those entering the house. Third fold: pull up to the Hit House.

With DRS the heist is five-six minutes. Although this is an excellent strategy for quick and easy heists, it puts a lot of stress on the people entering the house. They have two minutes to enter the house, grab the item, and leave without touching anything or showing any trace.

The Grand Check-List

So, uh, please don't kill me, but I don't know where all my ducks are.

— someone who forgot the check-list

Ducks in a Row: The List (DRL) is common among small groups with big assignments. DRL is really just a fancy name for a check-list. This is to make sure everyone got out and everything was taken.

The overview will proceed the same by establishing roles and the route through the Hit House. The difference is when the heist officially begins. Those who are chosen to enter enter, and either give a sound or state their name. This tells the getaway driver who's in and who's not.

As the items are taken, whoever grabs the item states the items name. The getaway driver will make a note of what was taken and what is not yet taken.

And lastly, as the Offenders are leaving they state their name again.

Composition

Manpower

For the Ducks in a Row: The Strategy, there needs to be at least five people in order to use this strategy. At least two to enter the house, at least two to prepare the back exit, and at least one person in the getaway car.

Most would not go past seven people for this heist. Many think anything greater than that would be too much and slow down the heist.

Training

Everytime I think I have my ducks in a row I turn around and one of those ███ fluff-bums has wandered off and started some ██ worthless, garbage, nonsense of a situation.

In DRS, many basic maneuvers, such as scaling roofs, walls, or fences are needed. There needs to be a knowledge of the team and how they work together and an idea of their athletic capabilities. If these factors are estimated incorrectly it could end disastrously.

In DRL, all that's needed is the ability to read, listen, and draw a check or X mark.

History

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck; don't assume it's just a duck.

There are two major things to note about this strategy. First, although they are basic they are extremely important to the foundation of heists. Second, performing these strategies will help improve the team dynamic.

Originally, the Ducks in a Row was even more simple and was just a saying Offenders used once the item had been taken and was leaving the house.

Over time, the term grew to include multiple items or multiple teammates. (This evolved itno the DRL).

And the last stage of evolution was fairly recently with DRS. This came about through a basic training exercise that the participants had to run as fast as they possibly could. Eventually, turning into an efficient machine that looked smooth, calm, and cool. But behind the scenes (or underneath the water) everyone was paddling like heck.

Badge by Tillerz using MJ

Overall training Level

Semi-trained

Assumed Veterancy

Recruit

Used by

• The Birds