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BGonline.org Forums
Need to know for your first ABT tournament
Posted By: Dan Pelton In Response To: Need to know for your first ABT tournament (Stick)
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2008, at 6:57 a.m.
Excellent suggestions Stick!
On #2, rooming with someone. If you don't know anybody else that is going to the tourney but want to room with someone, let the TD know as soon as you decide to go. They are probably the best bet to being able to match you up with someone in the same boat. I was lucky enough to get paired up with MCG in Michigan in 2006, and it turned out fine. I'm still coveting the Taki board he bought.
The same goes for Doubles events. Doubles are fun, and you get the benefit of discussing how to play different rolls or cube decisions, and hear your opponents discussions. If at all possible stay in the hotel where the tournament is held, or at least is recommended by the director in the flyer. The director often gets a better deal on the hotel expenses, ie. cost of the playing room and any amenities like coffee or water, and the more "room nights" booked the better deal the director can get. I don't know of any directors in the business of hosting tournaments to make huge amounts of money, because it just aint gonna happen. But helping a TD make ends meet and a little more is a good way to be sure the tournament will return the next year.
If you're looking for your next opponent and don't know what they look like, ask the tourney staff to page for them. Usually they either raise their hand, or sometimes the director/staff can point them out to you.
If you're flying and taking a cab to the hotel, try to see if there are others arriving at the airport at about the same time so you can share expenses. In Vegas definitely take the shuttle.
Chouettes are fun, but don't play for more than you can afford. If you see people playing in a chouette and want to join, ask them how much they are playing for and if that's acceptable, if you can join in.
I like to play in Blitzes and Mini-Matches (2 pts) because they are a great way to meet people, and are an opportunity to play against top-level players that you may not normally get to play against.
I've found the backgammon community to be the friendliest people that I've ever encountered. If you're a poster here, be sure to introduce yourself to people and include your nick. I'm normally a bit reserved, but having been to a few events now, I have no problems going up to people and introducing myself.
If you don't leave until the day after the event, usually on Monday, see if there is an after-tournament tournament to play in, if you haven't got your fill of backgammon already. If not, be sure to enjoy the city that is hosting the event.
Be sure and thank the TD and Staff for running the tournament. These people work long hours trying to keep the tournament running smoothly, and a sincere "Thank You" goes a long way.
If you want to watch matches, its generally ok, but you don't want to say anything about the play. It's not your job to point out irregularities, incorrect plays, you just have to be a "fly on the wall". If you do have a question and can remember the position or take a picture, you can always ask the player afterward about their play. Don't take a bunch of pictures tho, leave that for your own matches.
Above all, HAVE FUN!!!
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