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BGonline.org Forums
USBGF Rules Reboot - proposal - public comment welcome
Posted By: Mike Clapsadle In Response To: USBGF Rules Reboot - proposal - public comment welcome (Rich Munitz)
Date: Sunday, 9 July 2017, at 2:24 a.m.
Clocks:
I think clocks should be required in the Open division, and used if either player prefers it in the Advanced/Intermediate division. I’ve been playing in the Advanced division and most players objection to using a clock is that they haven’t used one and therefore don’t want too. How will you get used to using one if you never start? I feel there are many Intermediate level players who need to play with clocks in order to keep the tournament moving at a desired pace.
I do like the rule which states that pictures can only be taken on your turn with your clock running. I’ve played matches where my opponent will take over a dozen pictures. This gets annoying when there isn’t any repercussions for wasting time. But, if they’re eating their reserve time…snap away!
Legal Moves:
Initially I was a proponent of Legal Moves, and I still don’t mind playing with them in chouettes. Now I’m starting to change my tune on them as to ABT events. We all know the argument that the only person that is going to benefit from this rule is the person that knowingly breaks it by not pointing out their opponents illegal moves that adversely affect them. This is one reason I don’t like it. The other is, what happened to being responsible for your own actions? Personally, playing legal moves or not, I’m going to point out all checker errors to my opponent under normal circumstances. But, what if you don’t feel that your opponent is going to provide you the same courtesy, or they just don’t pay attention that closely to point out the errors?
One Set Of Dice:
I think all divisions should play with one set of dice, and I can’t really think of a good reason why two would be used. One set of dice has three clear advantages. 1. Roll disputes can be settled because the dice roll will still be visible. 2. It eliminates fast rolling. 3. The end of the turn is clearly defined if a clock is tapped. It’s a could still be sort of vague if you tap the bar, but still better then picking up the dice when playing with two sets.
Baffle Box:
I think if any player wants to use a baffle box, then they should be allowed to even if the other player doesn’t use it. I also would like to see tournament directors make baffle boxes required for certain players if they’ve determined that the player is repeatedly rolling the dice improperly. It amazes me how many players roll the dice poorly. Now, I highly doubt any of them are actually influencing the dice, but I shouldn’t have to worry about that while playing my match. On a side note, even if the dice roll is as random as any other, I hate the fact that some players try to manipulate their rolls (ex. Soft tossing when they need low numbers), the spirit of the game is to receive a random roll, and then play accordingly.
I also like just tossing the dice into the baffle box without using a cup. One reason is it takes more time to put them in the cup, shake them, and then drop them in the baffle box. This goes against other rules that are trying to speed up the matches. The other reason, which also deals with time, is the fact that more dice miss going through the baffle box when dumped from a cup, rather than just being dropped in.
Dice On Checkers: I’ve played with this rule at Rory’s tournament in Chicago, and it worked well. However, what is the reason for this rule? If it’s to save time, then I equate this to the MLB’s new intentional walk rule. I don’t think it’s going to save much time. If you’re playing on the home board side, try being more diligent in rolling in open space or across the board horizontally. Or, use a baffle box! Honestly how often has clock time been an issue due to dice landing on checkers? I do however foresee tournament directors getting called over more often to rule whether or not a role on top of the checkers is valid or not, more often than if they’re required to be flat on the board.
While we’re at it, if we’re allowing dice to land on checkers, then why not on the opposite side of the board, or on the table next to the board? I’m saying this tongue-in-cheek…but why not?
Rule Consistency:
Most of these rules I could ultimately go either way on, however I would like to see consistency among tournaments, especially with the dice on checker rule, and single set of dice. If players are to train themselves to play either way, and develop muscle memory to not pick up dice that land on checkers, we should be playing the same at all tournaments.
Checkers Above Points:
A question about the rule stating that when testing possible plays, checkers should be offset above their intended destination. I personally practice this, but am curious if this is an actual rule, or merely a suggestion. It didn’t seem clear in the rules.
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