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BGonline.org Forums
Why we should publicize our illegal moves
Posted By: Tom Keith In Response To: Why we should publicize our illegal moves (Michael Sullivan)
Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2014, at 1:03 p.m.
All sorts of problems can arise when spectators are allowed to point things out. I'll mention a few.
1. Suppose player A rolls the dice, makes a misplay, and his opponent B picks up the dice. Spectator C sees the misplay and says something. But B isn't paying attention to C (because C is just a spectator) and proceeds to roll. C repeats his assertion, but what can be done now? Is it too late to change the play (because the dice have been rolled) or should the play be changed anyway (because C actually said something before the dice were rolled). If so, should the dice then be rerolled? It could lead to a sticky situation.
2. Spectators come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, you may have an expert spectator with a good view of the board, who never misses a play, and always alerts the players in a timely manner. That would be great. But how often is that going to happen? More likely spectators are going to pop in and out. Their mind might be on other things. Many won't know when it is appropriate to say something and when it is not. A novice spectator might see an expert say something and mistakenly infer that it's okay to make other comments during a match. Especially when it comes to spectators, it is better to keep the rule simple: Don't speak at all.
3. Suppose this became a rule. It takes a lot of concentration to diligently follow opponents' checkerplay throughout the course of a tournament. I would like to relieve myself of this burden so I bring along a friend to watch my opponent's moves for me. Even if my friend is completely fair (and alerts on all misplays, good and bad), it still gives me an unfair advantage because I know I can depend on him but my opponent doesn't have the same security. And being human, my friend likely won't be totally fair, even if he is trying to be. Subconsciously, if you are cheering for one side, you are more likely to see mistakes that hurt that side.
4. It doesn't look professional for spectators to point out irregularities. I want to see backgammon taken seriously as a mind sport, like chess and go. (Does chess allow spectators to comment?)
5. The upside of a rule like this is marginal at best. Sure, you might prevent the occasional misplay, but you might actually create new misplays. To my mind, an error caused by a spectator is much worse than an error made by the players.
There is no way to totally eliminate illegal plays (unless you do live computer transcription). Your best defense against illegal plays is to sharpen your own play (so you don't make errors yourself) and to learn to carefully watch your opponent.
Tom
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