From

The Director's

Corner

 

MAKING TOURNAMENTS RUN A LITTLE MORE SMOOTHLY

By Harry Falk
(Unit 128 Director)

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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