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BGonline.org Forums
Computer Game Play at Tourneys
Posted By: Stanley E. Richards In Response To: Supreme Vindication of Match Transcription Skills (Bill Riles)
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2010, at 5:03 p.m.
I know that you do not like game play on computers at tournaments. However, your post highlights an issue where computers can be quite helpful. If the two opponents must sit across from each other, much of the live tourney feel would remain. Instead of a backgammon board between them, each player would be playing at True MoneyGames on their lap top.
This scenario eliminates slow play complaints. It provides logs of exciting matches from top players to be easily disseminated amongst interested backgammon fans. With any change, there are positive and negative effects. However, eliminating slow play and easily available backgammon logs are such huge positives.
I certainly do not wish to engage in an angry debate. I simply wish to revisit a subject that may be helpful to tournament backgammon. Yet, it must be emphasized that I am not a tournament player. I have only participated in two backgammon tournaments in the blitz event. I am definitely not the player who could best determine if the advantages of computer play are best for tournament backgammon. I believe that it is now an option. Perhaps, it should be an encouraged option.
Although I am not a tournament player, I submit that the opinion of a very active, expert, online player may be useful. The slow play of tournament backgammon is a strong factor why I have not pursued ABT tournaments. The various brackets which greatly restrict the events that would interest me is a strong factor why I have not pursued ABT tournaments. I know many players believe that these brackets encourage learning players to continue with backgammon. Well, backgammon tournament attendance does not verify this theory. I can simply say that the various brackets which restrict my opportunities to play have caused this online player to not be interested in ABT tournaments.
I have discovered that this is a touchy subject where my opinions may anger backgammon purist. Please understand that these are the concerns of somebody who studies, plays, and loves backgammon just as much as you. My greatest objection to backgammon tournaments is that there is not enough backgammon play. More blitz type format with five or nine point games, with the ability to soon join another tournament if one loses without the constraints of brackets may help backgammon tournaments. Encouraged computer play to eliminate slow play and provide game logs may also be helpful.
Stanley
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