Background
Our experience running tournaments goes back many decades. In 1998 local players hosted the US Go Congress at St. John’s. We are planning to hold more tournaments for all levels of play and hope to attract all players from New Mexico and neighboring states.
Rated Tournaments & Rules
As a chapter of the American Go Association (AGA) we plan to make our tournaments AGA Rated. This means that everyone entering will update or get a new AGA rating. The tournament will be run in accordance with:
our Tournament Policies and
the Official AGA Tournament Rules (2005).
The rules in effect with be the AGA Rules of Go. The AGA is the controlling body for amateur players in the US and provides many benefits for its members. Membership in the AGA is required for participating in an AGA rated tournament or the player has to pay a one time AGA tournament fee (currently $10). Joining the AGA for youths is a ‘no-brainer’ since the annual AGA membership fee for Youths (22 and under) is the same as a tournament fee ($10/yr) allowing the youth to play in as many AGA rated tournaments in the year as possible.
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- In case of a dispute, stop the clock and seek help from the Tournament Director.
- Accessing go software other than game recording is prohibited.
Prizes
In addition to getting an updated AGA rating, we hope to offer players prizes (cash, books or Go paraphernalia) for their section. Prizes may be offered for Handicap and Open Sections, Dan and Kyu sections or may be even Adult and Youth Sections or Strong and Beginner section. The possibilities are endless and depend on the particular tournament director/manager/committee and, of course, players’ participation!
Time
We plan to use either our Ing or JS-230A clocks for our tournaments and use either Byoyomi Time or Fischer Time.
In Byoyomi Time players are given so many minutes of basic time (typically 45 mins). At the end of the basic time there will be several periods of so many seconds (typically 3x30sec). When one period runs out the player can continue and use the next period. If all periods are used up, the player will forfeit the game. If a player makes a move and ‘hits’ his/her clock before a period runs out, the number of periods stays the same. Making a move within the first 30 sec retains the 3 periods, for example. This time is generally referred to as byo-yomi time.
In Fischer Time players are given so many minutes of base time (typically 30 mins). After each move an increment of time is added (typically 10 secs). A game is forfeit to a player that runs out of time.
Handicap and Open Sections
A Handicap Section in a tournament allows players of different strengths to meet each other over a go board and with relatively accurate ratings have a 50/50 chance of winnings. Handicaps are based on the difference in ratings, so a 11 kyu player will take black against an 8kyu player with 3 stones and no komi. When using AGA ratings, generally the player that has improved the most since their last tournament has the best chance of winning. Opponents may be paired for each round depending on their entering rank so that beginners will play other beginners and strong players will play strong players.
In an Open Section players of any strength meet over a go baor d with no handicap. White is compensated with a komi of 7.5 points. Generally the strongest player has the best chance of winning.
Rounds
A one day tournament allows enough time for about 4 rounds. A two day tournament can fit in as many as 7 rounds.
Etiquette
With new players coming to tournaments all the time, here are some etiquette guidelines designed to ensure enjoyable games for all:
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- White chooses where the clock is placed.
- Use the same hand you use to place a stone to tap your clock.
- Once a stone lands on or touches the board it is played.
- Only short stone sliding to your desired position is acceptable.
- Minimize hovering you hand over the board for your next move.
- Generally, we don’t say ‘atari’.
- No kibitzing: third parties must not comment on a game or talk, sign or make any gesture to a player during a game.
- Third parties must refrain from helping to count.
- White counts Black’s territory and prisoners; Black does the converse.
- After your game discuss it quietly with your opponent in the tournament room or preferably in another room.
- Winner circles their name and defeated initials the round pairings slip.
- Silence your cell phone in the tournament room.