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BGonline.org Forums
Catchup #5 - Vegas Clock Forum
Posted By: Chuck Bower In Response To: Catchup #5 - Vegas Clock Forum (Stick)
Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, at 6:14 p.m.
Thanks for the honorary panel membership. Wish I could have been there but I told Patrick already that I was pleased with the panel -- a good cross section except directors were under-represented (understandably those running the Ty couldn't participate).
Patrick is planning on writing up (and presumably distributing) Justin's notes when he gets a chance AFTER his Ty (this weekend) is over.
Someone asked why anti-clockers weren't represented on the panel. I think the answer is that they have kept anonymity, except for Art Moore who wasn't in attendance (I think that's what Patrick told me).
I believe the problem we have is becoming clear -- unfamiliarity breeds fear. The solution (which isn't obvious exactly how to implement) is to eradicate the unfamiliarity without alienating the fearful.
I know the following couple ideas aren't going to be embraced by the hardliners, but I (at least should have) learned long ago that you can't please everyone.
1) A very interesting attempt was made in Peoria to familiarize players with clocks by offering to practice clock matches. CJC and Chris Knapp exercised this option in the first round of the Main and, lo and behold, before I could open my mouth prior to my LC match with Chris, he asked me if we could play with a clock (for real)! Statistics of small numbers, but I'd say this experiment was pretty successful!! This is an option we ALL should consider for 2009.
2) Option 1 above is a voluntary practice clock. The difference with option 2 is that clocks are required for an event BUT a player gets one or two matches where s/he cannot lose by forfeit. So effectively this is mandatory practice. But after a couple matches, the player is used to the mechanics, etc. Then clock usage (with forfeiture) becomes mandatory the remainder of the event.
I considered (and so should we all) making option 2 apply to multiple Ty's -- i.e. that each player has the option of two clocked matches where s/he can't lose by forfeit for the entire ABT season. But this will be difficult to account.
It would certainly be nice to use 2009 as an experimental/introductory/get-the-fear-out year however it can be done. We pro-clockers should concede that 2009 is a year where anything is OK as long as the understanding that 2010 becomes the year of clocks-required. But that also requires a commitment of pro-clockers to do our very best as making the transition positive for all involved.
If we want something done we must put our full effort behind it, not just our words. Those fearful of clocks aren't going to lose that fear when (forfeit rules) clocks are jammed down their throats. Let's put our heads together and figure out a way to erase the fear in a positive way. Then we get what we want (clocked matches), the directors get what they want (good attendance; happy clientelle), and the fear-of-clocks contingent get what they want -- an enjoyable time at the BG table.
It's possible; it's desirable; let's do it.
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