Following on from last week's blog about there being no secret to why BGiE can handle record numbers of players, I thought it would be a good idea to blog about the other side of the coin too....
So, what does a great club member look like? Now, let's be clear from the outset, this isn't some Love Island or blind date type of question. Nor is the answer a 101 course in comparative morality (what's that anyway, you may well ask.) Rather it's about being aware of the contribution you make to a successful club.
To ensure this doesn't become a journey into the aforementioned morality, but to acknowledge the very important part that etiquette plays in enjoyment of the game we all love, it's good to know that we already have this quick and easy to read guide on tournament etiquette and that the UKBGF has a code of conduct which BGiE follows. Both worth a read to know where you stand and to be able to make a positive contribution yourself.
With that out of the way, let's focus on some club night practicalities - three simple things you can ensure that you do that can make a big difference to a successful and enjoyable evening for everyone.
Sign up and pay up as soon as you can - The sign-up link for the next tournament is typically shared over the weekend beforehand. Life is unpredictable, we all know that, but how much time passes between when you've decided you're coming and when you do actually sign up? The point being, the BGiE tournament process is designed to allow front-loading of all the tasks, so that the TD can check pool payments and how to assign players to groups well in advance. For each player that signs up and pays up in advance, the TD has at least 2 minutes freed up when it counts - at tournament start time.
Arrive in good time and check in with the TD - I can remember the bad old days when players arrived earlier and earlier to ensure they got on the Swiss tournament list. Thankfully, we don't have that problem now, but we do have almost the exact opposite happening, where players arrive on the dot of 18h30 because they're 'guaranteed' a place as they've signed up on hub. The reality is that you're not included in the tournament until the TD has physically set eyes on you in the room on the evening. To help this check step happen, always go up and say hello to the TD when you arrive.
Arriving in good time also means that you can sample the excellent fare put on by the Rose & Crown. Whilst we don't demand that you spend at the pub, there is no such thing as a free venue. Valérie and I recently scouted another venue that was looking for a payment per evening which would easily add the equivalent of the cost of a drink or two to everyone's night out. And it was nowhere near as nice as where we play now.
Lastly, if you're running late, let the TD know as soon as you know.
Use a clock - Ealing is a 'clock preference' club which means if one player in a match wants to use a clock, then the other player is obliged to do so too. Use this to your advantage - if your opponent has a reputation for being a slow player, use a clock. Typically it is first round matches that go on the longest, so even using a clock in one match of an evening, can be a very good idea. And then there is the added benefit of significantly reducing disputes over dice rolls when a clock is used, as there is only one pair of dice in use.
Do you have anything to add on what makes a great club member? If so comment below, or mention it to one of the Ealing crew and we'll look to include it in a future blog.
Meanwhile, this week we played 4 Swiss tournaments, won by Anna Price, Jonathan Shaul, Tariq Siddiqi and Peter Benson. Congratulations to all of them, and thanks to the many of you that turned out for another great evening of backgammon.
Next Monday is 3rd March, apparently world hearing day - why not show you've heard what makes a great club member and sign up now for the next great night of backgammon. That will go nicely with #IWantYouToBeHappyDay which is also next Monday....
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