Playing in melBG Tournaments
Chouettes
Avoiding Problems
and finally ...
Registering and playing in melBG tournaments
melBG conducts a range of tournaments to suit all players, described elsewhere on this site.
Each tournament format has its own information sheet and player registration
page.
As soon as enough people have entered, the TD collects the entries, does the
draw, and off you go!
Usually 5-6 names are sufficient to get started. If you get knocked out, just put
your name down again.
When the draw is full, a new tournament starts - so there could be more than one
running concurrently.
Although you are encouraged to play in several events at a time, matches must be
completed reasonably quickly.
The draw is kept updated by the TD, and is available for inspection at all
times.
It is your responsibility to check the draw regularly, and play your matches promptly.
Tournament Play
melBG offers continuously running tournaments for players of all levels from
beginner to expert, all matches played at the club.
Our aim is to minimize the time you spend waiting to play your next match. The quicker
people register for tournaments, the shorter the wait! All matches are expected to be played in sporting spirit, with regard for the
rules and consideration for opponents.
The match is officially over only when the completed score sheet has been handed to the tournament
director (TD).
The TD has absolute discretion regarding everything to do with conduct of
tournaments.
Completing your matches.
There is nothing worse than a tournament that drags on
(yawn!).
The TDs job includes ensuring that tournaments progress at a good pace, usually 2 or more rounds
per club night.
If a player is able to play
in 2 different tournaments, the TD decides which is played first.
Tournament matches take precedence over other forms of the game, including
chouettes. Even the box
or captain must leave the chouette at the earliest opportunity if a tournament
opponent is available to play.
Undue delays will not be permitted - the TD will
sanction players causing undue
delays.
Chouettes
Keeping Score
The losing captain or box is responsible for ensuring that the game is scored
correctly. If an error is discovered which cannot be corrected with the
agreement of all parties, the responsible player makes up the difference.
Consulting
The captain may consult regarding any 3 turns during a game. Only active players
whose cube is on 2 or more may participate. The discussions should be kept
brief. The captain's decisions are final, and no criticism should be made,
during or after the game, unless the player specifically invites comment.
Throwing the dice
Either play may insist on using a dice tower, which is used with a dice cup.
Dice may be cast on either side of the board, but must land on the same side.
The dice should rebound from the side or end of the board.
Dice must land flat on the board, for a throw to be legal.
Mistakes
Moves should be legal - active players should point out any errors.
Once the opponent has thrown the dice, previous moves stand.
Avoiding disputes
Don't move the pieces around too much. If you really must do that, put them back
where they were originally after each try, getting your opponent's agreement
every time.
Be very careful not to touch the dice until you have made your move and you both
agree that the move is legal.
If you have to move the dice get your opponent's assent in advance.
Dice towers are available for use by either or both players.
Tournaments take precedence
If a tournament match is scheduled and both players are present, the match takes
precedence over other games including chouettes. Even if you are the box or the
captain, you must leave the chouette at the earliest opportunity to play your
match. If you don't, and this causes significant delay,
you may forfeit the match.
Avoiding big losses
Any players with a score of -20 or worse is 'frozen'. The score must be
returned to zero immediately by paying other players.
Dispute Resolution
We're all human - even best friends disagree occasionally.
The best form of dispute resolution is not to have disputes in the first
place!
With a little care, problems can be prevented.
While we do our best to be fair and reasonable, we also need you to be
understanding and patient.
Win some - lose some. That's backgammon - and life!
By
playing at our club you undertake to accept all rulings with good grace.
How to avoid problems? Simple, really!
Don't move the pieces around too much. If you really must do that, put
them back where they were originally after each try, getting your opponent's
agreement every time. If you get the position muddled up, judgment will probably
be against you!
Be very careful not to touch the dice until you have made your move and
you both agree that the move is legal.
If you have to move the dice get your opponent's agreement in advance.
Maybe even say the roll out loud after rolling.
If you move the dice without permission, you may be in trouble when da judge
rolls up!
Be polite and friendly at all times. Refrain from comments and criticism
Criticizing players' moves, doubles, etc will NOT achieve anything. Everyone has their own style
and that is quite legitimate.
When playing chouette with someone whose play you do not trust, be extra careful doubling
or being doubled. That's all!
When adjudication is needed.
Clearly, the arbiter may not
know for certain what has happened. Most arguments revolve around the numbers
that were thrown (the dice may have been picked up or moved), or the original
position of the pieces, or a combination of the two. Both players should succinctly put their cases, and leave it to the judge. And then accept the
decision with a smile.
The rules of
backgammon take precedence if players cannot agree between themselves.
For example, if a player moves
the dice because they are 'in the way', the opponent may insist that this
signifies the end of that player's turn. The rules state that "picking up the dice
signifies that you've finished your turn". If you follow the rules of backgammon
to the letter and treat your opponent with respect and consideration, you'll rarely have a
problem.
When in doubt, commonsense is applied.
If the dice were moved or picked up before both
players agreed that the move was OK, the player who moved the dice may well not
get the benefit of the doubt. Similarly for a player who moves pieces around a lot.
Use common sense, and support the adjudicator, who is doing his/her best. If you
think you can do better, you're welcome to try.
Either player may ask that dice towers be used, to prevent problems involving
dice.
If position of pieces is a recurring problem, the TD may decide that 'touch move' be enforced
(if you touch a
piece, you must move it).
For important matches, such as final rounds of a tournament, a mutually agreed
observer may be appointed. It that case, the observer's decision is final
and must be accepted without argument, discussion or appeal.
The TD will do what is necessary to ensure that tournaments are completed quickly.
If a tournament match is scheduled and both players are present, the match
must be played at the first opportunity.
Matches should be started before 10.30pm to allow time to finish. It is wise to
avoid carrying a match over to next week, as
complications can ensue.
If a match could have been played but wasn't, the TD may disqualify both
players.
It is the duty of all players to examine the draw to see if they are due to
play.
Notwithstanding the above, the TD has complete discretion and may allow the
match to be played later if there are extenuating
circumstances.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep an eye on the status of tournaments you are involved
in and play your matches promptly.
No-one wants anyone to be disqualified!!!
Please consider!
Backgammon is a wonderful, exciting game, but only a game.
Everyone gets runs of bad luck - things go wrong - we have all experienced it.
We're here to have
fun, not to get upset.
So take it easy - laugh when things go badly - congratulate your opponent.
It may be your turn to get lucky next time!
Please play only for amounts that you can afford.
A hard-fought $1 match is just as
exciting as the final of a $50 tournament.
Don't take anything personally,
we are all friends here.
Don't criticize other players, for any reason. They're doing their best.
Occasionally 2 players can't agree, and need an adjudicator to resolve
an issue.
We will do our best, but sometimes a player may feel that justice has not been done.
C'est la vie. That's life, baby. That's backgammon, aka 'The Cruelest Game'.
Accept the ruling and forget it happened.
We hope that you come along and have many enjoyable evenings with us.