Tweet
We are all disappointed with the absence of the Canadian Open this year. So, what about next year? Are we going to let it slip away as well? There is an interesting discussion taking place at the CFC annual meeting currently underway. I am particularly delighted to see this post from Aris Marghetis.
I might be offbase here, but one of my suspicions is that the CO has in recent years morphed into trying to be something bigger than it is. I'm not sure how many COs and QOs I've played in, maybe a dozen? and I can say that Sackville was one of my favourites! In my humble opinion, once you start aiming for the big foreign names, it starts to jig the whole financial structure, quickly leading to a daunting challenge to accommodate 300 players, etc. I suspect the vast majority of 1500-2000 players just want a chesscation where they can regularly meet up with old friends, maybe golf during the day, grab beers after their round, etc. At the same time, we keep pressuring different people to run the event the same way, 9 rounds over 8 days, right after the CYCC (which is right after the World Open), before the Quebec Open, etc. I think we could see more interest if we let potential Organizers figure out winning formulas FOR THEIR SITUATION. That's what the Quebec Open has done for decades. That's what North Bay did for years. I think we might be pleasantly surprised at some fresh new ideas, and not jump all over them on ChessTalk. But this is going to take time and genuine effort. I am quite disappointed at what appears to be complaining towards the CFC that we didn't have a CO. The CFC is just a bunch of volunteers. More people need to step up more, drive rather than complain.
Great post Aris. I completely agree. So, what can we do to encourage bids from organizers willing to host such a Canadian Open? I suggest we start a players pledge list.
Canadian Open 2016 - Pre registered list
1. Bob Gillanders - anywhere in Canada
2.
3.
4.
Post on this thread and I'll add your name.
If you can only pledge for your city or province, that’s okay, just specify.
For me, anywhere in Canada. A great opportunity to meet many great people I only now meet by email.
Let’s encourage those organizers who maybe sitting on the fence.
I might be offbase here, but one of my suspicions is that the CO has in recent years morphed into trying to be something bigger than it is. I'm not sure how many COs and QOs I've played in, maybe a dozen? and I can say that Sackville was one of my favourites! In my humble opinion, once you start aiming for the big foreign names, it starts to jig the whole financial structure, quickly leading to a daunting challenge to accommodate 300 players, etc. I suspect the vast majority of 1500-2000 players just want a chesscation where they can regularly meet up with old friends, maybe golf during the day, grab beers after their round, etc. At the same time, we keep pressuring different people to run the event the same way, 9 rounds over 8 days, right after the CYCC (which is right after the World Open), before the Quebec Open, etc. I think we could see more interest if we let potential Organizers figure out winning formulas FOR THEIR SITUATION. That's what the Quebec Open has done for decades. That's what North Bay did for years. I think we might be pleasantly surprised at some fresh new ideas, and not jump all over them on ChessTalk. But this is going to take time and genuine effort. I am quite disappointed at what appears to be complaining towards the CFC that we didn't have a CO. The CFC is just a bunch of volunteers. More people need to step up more, drive rather than complain.
Great post Aris. I completely agree. So, what can we do to encourage bids from organizers willing to host such a Canadian Open? I suggest we start a players pledge list.
Canadian Open 2016 - Pre registered list
1. Bob Gillanders - anywhere in Canada
2.
3.
4.
Post on this thread and I'll add your name.
If you can only pledge for your city or province, that’s okay, just specify.
For me, anywhere in Canada. A great opportunity to meet many great people I only now meet by email.
Let’s encourage those organizers who maybe sitting on the fence.
Comment