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BGonline.org Forums
The clock debate is over/a request to Neil
Posted By: phil simborg In Response To: Easiest way to cheat at backgammon (neilkaz)
Date: Thursday, 1 May 2014, at 5:18 a.m.
Trying to debate whether clocks are good for the game reminds me of trying to convince people that global warming is a problem. Yes, there are a few people out there who will continue to refuse to listen to logic and reason and will continue to argue against clocks. But every logical and reasonable argument screams to using clocks.
And it is not just about making the tournament run on time, which is part of it. Even if I were to play a single match, at home, against, someone, IT IS A BETTER, FAIRER GAME with a clock.
Time management is a part of the skill of the game, and adds to the game. Without a clock, there is no reason not to take 10 minutes on every move. Why the hell not? We can all make better decisions if we use a lot of time on every move, but it sure would not be an enjoyable game if that were the case. So we all "self-impose" some unwritten rules about how fast to play, and every now and then if someone takes what we think is "too long" in a match we get upset.
What if those of us who believe clocks should be mandatory, and that is most good players throughout the world, decide to insist that clocks be used. I don't mean "boycott" tournaments that don't allow clocks. I mean we simply state the following:
"if you don't put a clock on my match, then I believe I can take as much time as I want to make every move, and I am telling you in advance, that I will not make any move or cube decision without taking at least 10 minutes on each move."
They will be forced to put a clock on your match, and if they are smart, and you make this declaration in advance, they will do so before your match starts.
Neil: you are a great leader and example to all and highly respected by all. If you start this movement, and you agree to do this, I promise you that you will not be alone. I will join you and I think many others will follow, and those few tournament directors and few people who are against clocks will have no choice but to go along. You would not be breaking any rule to take 10 minutes to make a move when there is no clock, and it would not be bad sportsmanship to do this when we all know there is a remedy to assure that you will move at a reasonable pace. By the way, in most tournaments, you won't even need to get the tournament director to go along...the other player will simply agree to a clock.
Think of any mind game or sport played without a clock, or where the players have the right to drag things on as long as they want, and ask yourself how much you would enjoy playing or watching such a competition. (Of course, some of you like baseball anyway.)
Neil,
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