Chess Scotland Noticeboard

HughBrechin · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:15 am Post subject:

George is right, FIDE-rating weekenders encourages some (though definitely not all) Open players, but to the extent that it influences the very top guys it's more likely to put them off (usually).

The large entry field to Edinburgh's sections is probably due to a combination of the good venue, the fact that it's an easy location to get to and the convenient time of year. The regular participation of relatively large numbers of 2300+ players is down to the large prize fund, but as Andy points out once the likes of Shaw and Greet are playing most people aren't expecting to walk off with £500 anyway: I'd say a generous prize fund encourages a higher-quality field more than it does a larger field.

johnmcbride · Queen Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 94

I have to agree with Hugh here. Over 230 entrants and only one walked away with a decent prize. Most of the players in the open had no/little chance of winning a good prize.

As for the players in the other sections, they were just contributing towards a good prize fund in the open and were only being offered low/average prizes. With the Edinburgh prize fund structured as it was, location, venue, tradition and timing are a more important factor in determining numbers.

Scarborough and Blackpool have a long established tradition and offer venues that people like, plus prize money is accessible to players in every section. Players feel that they are getting value for money. The strong entry in every section attracts more players who like to play very competitive games against different strong players than they normally meet at normal weekend tournaments.

The Blackpool and Scarborough models cannot be replicated overnight, it is only something you can build up over many years. They are the only tournaments I know that someone will ask if you are going to them many months in advance. For most other tournaments this question is asked a few weeks in advance.

Alex McFarlane · King Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 413

JR · King Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 447 Location: Edinburgh

Alan Tate · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 377 Location: Edinburgh

Yes, Edinburgh has had that prize fund for a long time, and yes it is not as strong as it used to be. But without that first prize, I seriously doubt Shaw and Greet would have played. That would have an impact on the congress as a whole, in that it would become less prestigious.

The stronger the tournament the better, from the organiser's perspective (better publicity etc.), and from the player's (better games, more chance to learn/improve). It's a win/win situation.

£250 for a Challengers event isn't bad. The Open is the main event (the only event where everyone can play!), and should have the highest prizes.

I think in general having it Fide rated reduces the chances of top players playing, but the location is a definite bonus.

johnmcbride · Queen Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 94

Err, more like £150, which is not high for a big event like Edinburgh.
http://www.chessscotland.com/membership/EntryForms10/110401Edinburgh.pdf
Also, no third prize and a low grading prize.
I am not being critical of this though, as I understand that running the Edinburgh tournament is not cheap and the venue has to be paid for. It does have to be remembered though without the supporting events the open would not be viable. This large cross subsidisation did play a small part in me deciding not to play this year.

As for Glenrothes, the clashing with Blackpool always causes a problem for me. This year it was easy, as the cost and time spending a weekend in Blackpool was beaten by the 15 min drive to Glenrothes. In financially better times this decision is sometimes different. It would be better if this clash could be avoided.

Alan Tate · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 377 Location: Edinburgh

Oh, I seem to have got my 'math' wrong. £150 does seem a bit low!

Stuart Blyth · King Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 209

I haven't played Edinburgh for some time. However, I can agree with a couple of things. It is a great venue and a great tournament to play in - not sure what it is, but there's a good 'buzz'.
Prize money. I remember that one year I came third in my section. I felt really pleased and that I'd done really well as there were about fifty or so other players. I then discovered to my dismay that there would be no prize money for me! I think these details are right, though I could be dis-remembering!

AMcHarg · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:30 am Post subject:

William Hulme · Queen Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 84

For me, the main reason was the good TIME CONTROL (30 moves in 90 & 30) and being FIDE rated ensures decent time control. Makes a refreshing change to league chess where the time contol seems to rear its ugly head when you are just getting into the swing of things!

The venue was also excellent (high ceilings dont get as stuffy - even with 200+ people in a hall) and being picturesque just below the castle etc - made a stroll outside refreshing.

Plenty of onsite parking (in the centre of Edinburgh!) and a full canteen - all welcome additions too.

Publishing a list of the entries (and being updated frequently) made it more and more attractive as the event grew nearer. For me, seeing so many strong players (30+ over 2000) made it more and more difficult to resist entering what ended up being a fantastic tournament.

Most enjoyable tournament I have played in years and even beats the ones where my results were better. What more can we ask for!

arf · Bishop Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

GN · King Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 415

SteveHilton · King Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: Greenock

I have no doubt that the venue for the Edinburgh Congress is a good quality venue. However, it is not always practical for me to play the Edinburgh Congress and I have not done so for many years. The fact that is FIDE rated would make it a good proposition. This year I was tempted but because I was commited to play in the Netherlands in a braille event next week I decided on this occasion that I could not play.

Because the Scottish is in Edinburgh this year, I am not prepared to make a 5 hour round trip from my home then play a 6 hour game. It would have been the ideal preparation for the European Blind Championships on the Greek Island of Rhodes which I will be playing in August this year. I may also have to play in the British blind in August as well but I am reluctant to do this as it is very close to Rhodes tournament. I have to be there a week before to be present at the World Junior blind which precedes the European Championships