Randomised Starting Positions on RealBridge
Our club recently started "randomised starting seating positions" in routine duplicate club sessions on RealBridge. Whilst one can see obvious advantages of such a concept, I would like to invite TDS on this forum to provide their views in terms of pros and cons of a random start on RealBridge, recognising, of course, it is the club's ultimate decision at the end of day! What is the EBU position on this?
Appreciate your comments please- thanks.
Comments
In my experience, where it's applicable randomised starting positions are used in Realbridge events. Certainly for competitions like Swiss Pairs, which is in line with the use of draw slips in face to face competition.
From a purely competitive viewpoint it's a bit of a no brainer. Saves questions about where to sit and who to avoid, which I appreciate as a player. Also, for two player movements, percieved imbalances between the sections are randomised, although obviously they can still occur.
There aren't really any downsides, I guess players might have their favourite opponents to start against in a club game where everyone knows each other. And at club level there's a certain case for keeping the players happy. Most club players won't have a strong preference I expect.
Thank you James for your views- much appreciated.
I would like to receive as many contributions from fellow TDs as possible. Thank you.
I agree with James, assuming you aren't going to seed pairs for starting positions.
I can't see any downside for randomising starting positions in online games. Indeed I prefer randomising starting positions for club games as well, but I believe it's not preferable for most players and impossible for some players who need a stationary seat.
Most of the games I've played in person at the club (as a player, not Director) also used randomized positions (when entering you would draw a card and it would tell you where to sit and at which direction). I think there was an allowance for pairs which needed to sit N/S for whatever reason (difficulty in moving, or being the Director).
For face-to-face, random (or seeded) starting positions needs entries in advance, and knowledge of player who should be stationary NS.
For online, I see no downside for random seating positions. It save people hanging around in the lobby trying to second guess their first round opponents of which line to play in.
Random seating can also be used for teams events - and avoid concerns about seating rights. The teams sits as two pairs and for each match the system random decides which pair from one team will play against which pair from the opponents.
On RB in Round Robin (2x1/2) events you can specify that teams swap after half a round / match, removing any advantage that otherwise might have accrued.