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BGonline.org Forums
It's about time to change these rules
Posted By: Phil Simborg In Response To: Thankfully the director clocked this after 3 hours! (Fernando Neumark)
Date: Monday, 23 November 2015, at 5:38 p.m.
Not only should every tournament use clocks, but the current clock rules are still too slow. In Akiko's first round match with Mochy they both got down to just a few seconds left at the end and had to play speedgammon at the end, however, the match took so long that when Mochy lost it was far too late for him to buyback, as many other first-round losers were able to do, because their match, even with the clock, was one of the last to finish (it may have actually been the last to finish, I'm not sure.)
Why do we need clocks, and clocks with faster settings? First, because the game is more enjoyable for both the players and the spectators.
Why have a second after the first...isn't that enough reason right there? Isn't this a game that we play for enjoyment? Yes, some people also make a living at this game, but it still must be enjoyable for all if we want to see the game grow. Faster matches mean more spectators, and more growth.
Now, as for the second, with faster clocks matches can be scheduled better and tournaments will move faster and there will be more time for meals, sightseeing, side events, lectures and special events, and just for relaxing and resting between matches. All the above adds to the tournament experience for the players and spectators which will help grow the game.
So what are the current rules? 2 minutes per game with a 12 second delay. So a 15 point match allows both players 30 minutes with a 12 second delay per move, and that match can take close to 4 hours with a couple of breaks.
I believe that the 12 second delay could be cut to 10 seconds (that will make a big difference and 10 seconds is all that is needed for many moves), and that the total time should be cut in half. If you want to make the finals 1.5 minutes per game, I can understand that.
As I have stated before, I believe these rules should apply only to the Intermediate and Championship divisions, and no clocks for Novice...their matches should be of a short enough length not to matter and they should not be put under time pressure.
By the way, I watched part of the Akiko/Bishop match and wanted to watch it all, and I wanted to stay and watch Akiko and Falafel, but it was just too frigging long and there are too many other things to do in Las Vegas, especially after getting in 6 days before and playing a lot of backgammon. And I wasn't the only one who left...people have families, flights, and other priorities than just backgammon, no matter how much you love the game.
It's just too long and too slow...we've got to keep this game exciting and fun if we want to attract more players, spectators, and sponsors.
How is this all going to happen. You can't leave things up to each individual tournament director, in my opinion. That was the Old School backgammon. We need to have standard, international rules and standards for the game for the world...not just about clocks, but about dice rolling, checker movement, cube rules, standards of practice (and the ability to take action against bad actors), standardized point systems, and protection for the players to be sure standards and rules are properly applied by tournament directors and organizers.
Europe is headed in that direction by the Federations working together, and some day I hope the rest of the world will join and we will finally have rules and policies made and maintained by a true player organization.
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