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BGonline.org Forums
GBr-USA differences
Posted By: Chuck Bower In Response To: Advice for a virgin (Mike Main)
Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2008, at 4:33 p.m.
Very thoughtful and thorough recommendations. But I can see some differences between the two different sides of the Atlantic so here are my comments:
C) Empty your bladder before a match.
US Rules allow/guarantee one five minute break per player per match (sometimes more but only for very long matches which are seldom played here, and probably never played below Open level). Breaks must be between games (technically), although if it's an 'emergency' I always allow my opp to leave. Also note that one can only ask for one break (but of course when opp calls for his/her break you get that one).
G) Tradition says you should “play towards the light.”
I've only seen this exercised (or even being an issue) in a bar/club. Virtually all US tournaments have good lighting, and when the light is a bit low it is not directional (i.e. occasionally some parts of the playing room are darker than others, but in those cases the illumination is still uniform).
H) Do not let yourself be bullied in any way, shape or form by your opponent. Face to face backgammon is far more physiological than online backgammon.
I don't know if it's the language difference but I assume you meant 'psychological'. This can happen but it's rare. I agree one should be aware of the possibility so that if happens you aren't caught off guard but one doesn't need to automatically be on the defensive when you sit down against an opp. 99% (here, anyway, in my experience) are good sports and don't apply gamesmanship.
I) It’s traditional to shake hands with your opponent before a match starts. Get used to this routine by actually doing it.
Definitely not the convention here, although you wouldn't be scolded for doing so. Here (often, but not always) you make a small verbal gesture such as "good luck" or "let's have a good match". I usually say "play well" which isn't meant to be distracting but if it leads to a temporary loss of concentration, I'll take it. :) It is customary in the US for the loser of the match to offer his hand in a shake and make a short comment, such as "good match", "well played", or whatever. (Notice I didn't put quotes on the word 'whatever'. ") Winner can also make a positive comment but often "thank you" is all that is said. "Good fortune the rest of the tournament" is one I use sometimes after I win, assuming there is more (consolation/LC) to be played.
S) Watch your opponents play. S/he might make an illegal move. If they have be ready to gently take a hold of their arm before they pick up their dice and hence prevent him/her from taking away the evidence of the true roll.
I don't ever remember seeing this done -- grabbing someone's arm. I doubt it would be looked on as proper in the US. What I do is verbally try and stop my opp as soon as s/he makes an illegal move. Of course I always play 'legal moves'. I.e. I never exercise the option to allow my opp to move the checkers inconsistenly with the dice rolled. If you play 'illegal moves' (which most do) it's not so clearcut. I'll let others here say how they react when playing 'illegal moves'. In any case I don't think you should physically touch your opponent, not matter how gently. Not in the US.
T) I’d advise a “virgin live player” to keep chat over the board before and during a match to the minimum because every time you open your mouth your opponent has another opportunity to know you’re new to this type of backgammon and hence you are giving him/her a psychological and actual advantage.
U) Reserve your chat with your opponent until after your match. Then, sure, chat away for a little while.
The 'psychological advantage' probably isn't a big issue here. But it's a good idea for the smooth flow of the tournament to limit conversation. I often make short conversation right before the match begins or even after the opening roll, but then it's best to wait until the match is over, as Mike recommends.
In summary, Mike has taken a strict (but, IMO, reasonable) approach to advising a newbie to face-to-face play. But keep in mind that he has emphasized some things that will very seldom happen while others you will see your opp's doing ALL THE TIME. For example, using both hands to move the checkers. I watch one nationally known US player do that several times this weekend.
Do not be surprised, in fact expect some of these etiquettes/rules to be broken. But if you always do your best to follow the rules to a T, you will find many fewer disputes/misunderstandings will occur (not that there will be that many, anyway).
Whenever an issue comes up, it's a good idea to use as much tact as possible. Here I would even recommend being honest about being a newbie "Excuse me. I'm an online player new to face-to-face play. It was suggested to me that a player should always.... Was I given the wrong advice?" If calling for a ruling: "I'm unsure about the proper action here, would you mind if I brought in a director to explain..." But if your opp resists, be firm and do it anyway.
Keep in mind that most opponents (and, again, I'm talking >95%) are there to have fun, are not going to try and intimidate you, will be friendly at least before the match. However, expect them to be sloppy in following the rules strictly and don't be surprised if they clam up after you beat them. Expect it and be surprised when they can find a smile and warm comment after being beaten by a newbie. :)
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