question for >=2200 players who play in Ottawa weekenders

[Aris Marghetis]

At the end of the last Ottawa weekender, the Ottawa Winter Open, I conducted a simple paper-on-the-wall exit poll, where I asked players to identify their rating range, and then indicate their preference for sections defined across smaller or larger rating ranges. The results were relatively consistent within rating range. For example, it became really clear that everyone wanted a separate U1600 section. Anyway, this question is about >=2200.

Most of the >=2200 players wanted a separate section, but the challenge we face is if we unfortunately have an odd number of players, it is unlikely we can find a floater rated that high. In other words, with a relatively small (say 10-16 players) top section, there is a 50% chance that the 5 of the lowest-ranked of these very good players, would each get a forced bye. In the past, I sometimes floated up an Amateur from the U2200 Section, but with a now "regular" U2200 1st place of >=$300, we get very few, if any, U2200 Amateurs.

In summary, if you are rated over 2200, and play in Ottawa weekenders, would you prefer a smallish top section with the risk of a forced bye, or a larger top section, like >=1900? (that cutoff point works very well for us, as I am rated slightly over that, and can float in)

I welcome any input, but especially interested from the top guns at Ottawa weekenders.

Thanks and regards, Aris (considering some tweaking for the Ottawa Spring Open in April)

P.S. Assume no change to prizes available to top players.

[Denton Cockburn]

Re: question for >=2200 players who play in Ottawa weekenders

It's a big drop from O2200 only to >1900 though.

Here is a bit of a compromise idea:

O2200 first, if less then 16 players, then fillers to get up to 16 can be added, in order of rating.

Perhaps you can add an incentive for these U2200 players to play up; something like a prize for scoring over 50% in the U2200 section. Maybe the prize can be for performing at least X points above their actual rating (creating incentive for a 2000 who's unlikely to score 3 points to still play).

Denton

[Aris Marghetis]

Re: question for >=2200 players who play in Ottawa weekenders

It's a big drop from O2200 only to >1900 though.

Here is a bit of a compromise idea:

O2200 first, if less then 16 players, then fillers to get up to 16 can be added, in order of rating.

Perhaps you can add an incentive for these U2200 players to play up; something like a prize for scoring over 50% in the U2200 section. Maybe the prize can be for performing at least X points above their actual rating (creating incentive for a 2000 who's unlikely to score 3 points to still play).

Denton

Hi Denton, food for thought, thank you! At first glance, I think we need, for at least the rest of this season, to keep the cut-offs at 2200 and/or 1900, as that is where they are for the EasternOntarioCA Grand Prix. Then there are some players (very rarely in the top section) who take byes, which can be quite unpredictable. In the past, I have received very strong feedback that players want to know their section when they are registering, especially if they are trying to decide between paying for Amateur and non-Amateur.

Offhand though, I do like your approach, and it reminds of what Herb did in Arnprior, where he split prizes along top third, middle third, bottom third. However, when I have tried similar splits in Ottawa, I received clear messaging for pre-established sections! ;)