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BGonline.org Forums
Why not variable side pools?
Posted By: Mike Main In Response To: Why not variable side pools? (stw672)
Date: Thursday, 28 July 2011, at 12:36 p.m.
1) The biggest problem is getting backgammon players (generally a pretty conservative group of people) to understand the concept of Variable Optional Pools (VOP.) Most (especially established) Bg players will leave Registration until the last minute and cannot be fully trusted to read explanatory material before an event, so if something new to them is introduced it needs to be easily and rapidly explainable. Hence apply Ocham's Razor and make it as simple to understand as possible.
2) Therefore I second the suggestion of 3 rates (High, Medium & Low) of entry in a VOP in which players may only enter 1. This makes it far more understandable to players and far more manageable for the T.D. Note: If 2 players want to put down £1million they are far more likely to just play a head-to-head.
3) Having gained the trust of players that this new (to them) fangled VOP system is actually going to work, it is highly important to make it as transparent as possible during the event. Hence on the tournament spreadsheet in the cells containing players’ names, have whatever VOP they have paid flag up with their names.
This is actually achieved by inserting another cell for the VOP value just right of the cell containing the players’ name, but to the viewer the two cells look to all intents and purposes as one cell. The Excel formula is something like: =IF(J9="","",IF(VLOOKUP(J9,G7:H11,2,FALSE)=0,"",VLOOKUP(J9,G7:H11,2,FALSE)))
4) I certainly, especially if a rake is taken, favour rounding-off payouts to the smallest denomination bank note used wherever the tournament is held. Sure, the T.D. might lose a tiny bit or a player might lose a tiny bit or sometimes neither loses and neither gains. The alternative of handing out coins in Prize Fund envelopes is just a pain for all. =ROUND(D15/5,0)*5
5) Yes, the T.D. needs to be fully on this ball if s/he introduces a VOP. I myself had some trouble in getting my head around this one before I reduced VOP entry to 3 Options and was hence slow to introduce it because I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew. Now, down the line a bit, I’m far more comfortable with it, it has been used numerous times at BGinL events, our regular players like it a lot and it is generally they who nowadays explain it to those that are new to it.
6) My suggestion: Go for it (but with the use of an Excel spreadsheet & formulas.)
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