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Response to Fort Lauderdale and the "criticism"

Posted By: Bill Riles
Date: Tuesday, 18 January 2011, at 3:30 a.m.

In Response To: Response to Fort Lauderdale and the "criticism" (Chiva Tafazzoli)

Chiva --

I'm disappointed in you and a bit embarrassed for you. You do yourself a disservice in speaking as you have. I know you have chosen a thankless profession, but bite your tongue sometimes and try not to alienate any of your clientele.

I've seen nothing in the recents threads approaching criticism. I've seen encouragement and appreciation from all. I've only seen attempts at enlightenment of certain domestic circumstances (with those recognizing you are from abroad and perhaps are not as well versed as those living here) and, further, constructive input and suggestions -- which you say you encourage: "be a part of the solution if you think there is a problem". While, unfortunately, you immediately dismiss any dialogue or consideration by saying "I don't see any (problems)".

Obviously, you are free to run your tournaments in the manner you see fit. Those are subjective evaluations, the critical decisions are yours. Others have offered suggestions in attempts to, in their minds, make your tournaments better and more successful -- to the benefit of the game and Chiva. To damn those who would only attempt to help is inexcusable.

I really liked your original idea of moving the US Open around the country every year to increase exposure and accessibility to many more players. I can imagine that increases the logistical and managerial complexities for the director; therefore, I'm not surprised you ultimately chose a single location. I wish it were more centrally located -- doesn't affect me but I'd like to see more West Coast participation -- and in a city where we don't otherwise play. Just my preference.

My point regarding the chosen holiday weekend was only meant to ensure your realization that all US holiday weekends are not created equal (no pun intended). Whereas essentially everyone in the States has off a three day weekend for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day (holidays corresponding with other ABT tourneys), a majority of Americans do not have a three day weekend for MLK day. I only made the point in the event you may have thought otherwise. So, this weekend is generally like most non-holiday weekends and requires working folks to take two days off to attend your tournament. A number of ABT tourneys (not counting those on holiday weekends or in Las Vegas) may be attended (if not playing side events) without taking any time off from work.

Again, I do not know but can appreciate your expenses. However, other weekend ABT tournaments are executed with lower fees, lower rakes, and fewer nights -- and most have greater attendance. I assume they, too, at least break even. You compete with these and with the experience/knowledge of ABT players that such events can/do occur. I'm not judging, I'm only stating the facts.

Likewise, it is not, in my opinion, desirable or efficient to have three tournaments in four weeks in January. Many players spread their tournament schedules somewhat -- be it for budget considerations, for work considerations, or whatever; therefore, the attendance of all three tournaments is doubtlessly adversely impacted by the compressed schedule. This couples with my point about the lack of uniqueness to the MLK holiday weekend -- if the holiday weekend factored into the date selection, I think you may want to reconsider its benefit.

I appreciate the social and tourist aspects of a backgammon tournament; however, these need to be balanced against costs, schedule, venue, etc. I've often, sometimes with my wife, went a day or two early or stayed a day or two later for a tournament to enjoy the area -- this was certainly always the case with Denver and is the case with Santa Fe. Las Vegas, of course, has a million things to do. However, with no disrespect to Ft. Lauderdale, it is not Las Vegas, Colorado, or Santa Fe. Additionally, a second tournament occurs in Ft. Lauderdale each summer, so ample opportunity is afforded anyone who wants to play the tourist. From the tourist perspective, I think it much more efficient for someone to allot whole days before or after a tournament rather than partial, interrupted days during a tournament -- my opinion. Las Vegas and Santa Fe will get 5-6 room nights from many -- but they are unique circumstances.

I have no beef with you supplying the playing equipment and clocks, and I recognize an associated cost to be recouped. By all reports, and by looking at Gregg's photos, the equipment is quite nice. There is something to be said for not having to carry a board and for the consistency afforded by like equipment.

Chiva, everyone is not gunning for you, I'm not sure anyone is gunning for you. Everything I've heard that you may regard as 'criticism' is meant, at worst, as 'constructive criticism' and, more likely, as 'beneficial suggestions'.

Sounds like you had another successful tournament. I'm glad. I hope it only grows and becomes more successful -- as do all of your tournaments.

Despite what you may think, your efforts and contributions are noted and appreciated by many. We all encourage you and wish you the best.

Thanks,

-- Bill

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