Author: Peter Berger
Date: 09:17:05 06/09/04
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On June 09, 2004 at 11:23:11, Robert Hyatt wrote: >The _real_ problem with this is that 11 rounds, 13 players, means that 1/2 way >thru the event, the top programs have played each other. The rest of the event >is just burning CPU cycles, burning operator time, and providing no drama or >interest for the last half of the event. Yes there can be an "upset" with a >weaker program. But who really cares? Should interest in the last half of the >unnecessary rounds be dependent on the hope of an upset? I agree, but when organizers were preparing the event, they couldn't really know how many programmers would take part. And they did in fact suggest a solution by planning a two-stage-tournament - only that it was very unpopular with potential amateur entries posting here, so they abandoned it. It's still too early to tell as people could sign up shortly before the deadline of course. I agree that most potential spectators will probably lose interest once Fritz, Shredder and Junior all played each other which should be done by round 6 the latest. Maybe a bit longer if some other entry does surprisingly well. But although it's an anti-climax it might well happen that the tournament is decided during the last rounds this year IMHO. Whoever wants to win, will have to score near perfectly against the rest of the pack. Except for FIBChess that no one seems to know so that it is impossible to tell, there are no free points as all amateur entries are very respectable and mature. It might even happen that the huge number of rounds makes luck a *more* important factor (e.g. one non-optimal opening or move by one of the leaders loses half a point and the title - to some extent this already happened to Junior in Graz). Peter
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