The reason a delay box helps is it is easier to react to the first flash you see rather than have to watch the ambers drop and anticipate it...plus with most delay boxes you can cross over and use the other guy's top bulb if you are faster...that way you KNOW when it's coming(just after you both stage) if you are faster than the other guy and his tree starts and your top bulb isn't on yet you never really know when it's coming...sorta.if that makes sense.