The sooner we get over the learning period, the better. Time to get started!
In Europe, the push for clocks began 10 years ago, led by the best and most active tournament players. Their numbers increased; eventually most TDs listened. Ironically a reason cited then in favor of clocks was that international tournaments including in the US (World Cup/U.S. Open) were using clocks.
One reason why "TDs listened" in Europe is that TDs were among the biggest clock advocates -- Tardieu (Paris), Meyburg (Czech), Bodholdt and other Danes (Nordic, etc.) But with few exceptions, the American TDs don't seem to be leading the American charge. At the recent Nordic Open, clocks were mandatory in every round of the Championship flight. Compare:
Southeast Champs -- clock preference in the Open but no mandatory clocked rounds. In 2001, all rounds of the Georgia Championship and Peach Cup were clocked. Seems like a step backwards.
Los Angeles -- clocks allowed in the Open in TD's discretion only -- no mandatory clocks, no clock preference. Flint, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York -- no mention of clocks in the tournament announcements.
Not a single US tournament today, as far as I know, mandates clocks in any round of an Open flight. Makes me wonder if American clock advocates are in the majority in the US today? 'Cos, the discussion today seems much the same as it was in 2005, 2003, 2001 ...
The score is: Ray Glaeser 23, Joe Sylvester 15 (match to 41 points)
Joe Sylvester on roll, cube decision?
| Ray Glaeser | 12 |
|---|---|
| |
| Joe Sylvester | 5 |
Position ID: ZgAA4AMAAAAAAA Match ID: UgkgBXABeAAA | |
This double was an 8 minute cube decision, in World Cup One.
Wish I had a diagram of Giant Sax's 45 minute cube ... By Golly, I think this was it. Vegas 1994, final:
The score is: Hal Heinrich 11, Steve Sax 8 (match to 17 points)
Hal Heinrich on roll, cube decision?
| Hal Heinrich | 123 |
|---|---|
| |
| Steve Sax | 51 |
Position ID: P+9AAQBsu4FBEA Match ID: AQEgArAAQAAA | |
