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BGonline.org Forums
Another Survey Response
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: Atlanta Tournament Reviewed (Stick)
Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2009, at 1:31 p.m.
1. Overall a very good event. Perhaps staff could have been a bit more informative to players, particularly local players new to ABT events, about format (progressive consolation and progressive last chance -- that you always have another match till you lose three) and their responsibilities to be available and on time for their events. I know Richard Munitz had to wait a long time for a match because some local guy had went home and came back late -- I don't know if penalty points were enforced but they should have been. I know the entire staff was new and learning (and I fully appreciate how much work goes into putting on a tourney) but I think they could have been a bit more firm, fair, certain, and timely in rulings -- the recording controversy was ridiculous in duration; and, since Ray G. had already allowed two of his matches to be videorecorded, and since Brian stated the event next year will allow recording, I think the decision was unfortunate. However, I think it also most unfortunate, and most inconsiderate, that a rookie tournament and tournament staff was presented with such a dilemma in the first place. I think the ABT needs to take a stand.
2. Extremely nice hotel. Nice location, nice restaurants, nice appointments.
3. The space seemed very suitable. I have mixed emotions about having split space rather than one large space. Split space typically provides for one quieter room but makes keeping everyone informed and aware of all going on becomes more difficult.
4. The staff was attentive and accessible.
5. There are always problems associated with the early/late start of Masters style events, especially when the brackets ultimately are not totally filled. The allocation of byes becomes very problematic. In the Georgia Masters, the afternoon started 16 players in a 24 player section of the 32 player bracket. Thus, 50% got byes. Only 4 started in the evening in an 8 player section, thus all got byes. In LA in December Patrick didn't think he would completely fill the 32 player bracket and gave some afternoon byes, then had more that wanted to play in the evening (including rebuys) than could be accommodated. He had put the afternoon byes against each other and let them play their second round matches -- so he couldn't go back later and fill those slots. Had he made them conditional byes perhaps he could have solved the later problem. But in his case, it was more advantageous from the perspective of byes to be in the afternoon. It is always difficult.
6. The early only start may be okay but you have to decide if the bracket if fixed at that point -- or do you allow later rebuys. And if you allow later rebuys you may as well allow later entrants. Tough calls.
7. Mike is always both entertaining and informative. The lecture is a good feature -- and I thought was very well attended and received.
8. I go to most ABT events but Atlanta is convenient to get to, usually nice weather, a nice venue and lots to do in the immediate area. The hotel made it even nicer than the two events of Gregg's I'd attended the previous two years.
9. As I said earlier, overall a very nice event. I heard a bit of grumbling about the timing of the lecture, calcutta, and start -- being spread out a bit too much. Perhaps they could be compressed and that could favorably affect both the lecture and calcutta attendance; and maybe the breakfast and lecture overlap more to enhance attendance to each. Those that ate early this weekend may have wandered off doing something else prior to the lecture and/or calcutta. Also, perhaps you know I am a recording advocate and a clock advocate -- I'd like to see affirmative policies on each, but I think some stated policies on each would be a positive.
I plan to attend next year and will comment favorably on the tournament to any with whom I have the opportunity to do so.
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