|
MAKING
TOURNAMENTS RUN A LITTLE MORE SMOOTHLY By Harry Falk |
There
are a number of things that players can do prior to the start of a
tournament session, which can help the directors run a little more
efficiently. Let's look at a few of these:
1)
DURING THE SALE OF ENTRIES As
a player, I was often frustrated by games that started late--I just
couldn't understand why a 1:00 game started at 1:25. As a director, I
now understand what delays the start of a game and how a little
cooperation from the players can help things run better.
·
Buy your
entry early. Don't wait until 12:55 to buy an entry for the 1:00 game.
Many times we can make decisions about the movement, distribute boards
for suiting, and pass out hand records early when you've bought your
entries. When we get a last minute flurry of activity, we often have
to put our starting plans on hold.
·
Decide in
advance which partner or team member will buy the entry. It is very
frustrating for the directors to have a player return an entry near
the end of the sell because their partner has already bought one. It
often means having to reseat other players to fill holes in the
movement.
·
If you have a
seating preference, ask for it when you buy the entry. Look at your
entry when you get it, and, if you'd rather sit the other way, say so
now--don't make it more difficult by asking for an exchange later. · If you have a physical handicap that requires you to sit North-South, buy early!
·
Have your
entry fee ready. Don't start fumbling for cash when you reach the from
of the line. Have it ready when you get there. If you're planning to
write a check, write it before you get in line. Please don't tie up
the line by writing your check at the entry table.
·
Know what
you're buying. The strata for each event are posted prominently-know
in which stratum you're going to play. Event information is listed in
tournament flyers and the Daily Bulletin.
·
Learn to read
your entries. Entries contain lots of useful information, such as pair
or team number, initial seating assignment, and stratum. Learn to read
what these pieces of paper say--it'll save a trip to the director to
ask where you'll be sitting or in which stratum you're entered.
2)
BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME AND DURING THE GAME
·
Find your
seat promptly at game time. You should be in your seat at game time
ready to sort cards and duplicate the hands. When a couple of players
are missing, the others fall behind in duplication, and this might
cause you to be behind for the entire session. Get your hand
duplication completed in a careful but expeditious manner.
·
Listen
carefully to the starting instructions. Know which section you're
sitting in so that you'll know which instructions apply to you. Pay
attention until the director's announcements arc complete.
·
Note where
everything is around the room. Scout out the locations for water,
coffee, restrooms, time clock, supplies, etc. before you need them.
This will insure that you can use your break time a little more
effectively so that you'll be back at the table on time.
Following just a few of these tips can help make your tournament experience a little less hectic and a little more enjoyable. Remember, the directors are there to help you understand the workings of a tournament and to make it a good experience for you. Help yourself along the way, and you'll enjoy it even more. |
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