STTC League Changes

June 14, 2018

After assessing the second trial introduction of prize money for Group A, it looks like it is working towards what I hoped for; filling in the wide gap between Group A and B. As I mentioned, I plan to continue for two more weeks and assess again if this trend will continue down to other groups. With any new program changes, new problems and issues needs to be resolved but, this is a good problem.

I'm predicting the league will reach a saturation point due to limitation of space. I've tried different configuration of table set-up without tables being too close to each other and found the single line of seven tables the best, but this also means I have to limit the number of participants. Last week, we had six groups with 33 players. When and if we get to the saturation point, participation will be limited to the top 35 players by rating/ranking with five players per table per group. Anymore players per group will cause too much waiting time between matches with just one table to work with.

In the event when more than 35 player sign-up, players who came just for the league and did not make the draw, fee will be refunded. If you came earlier for Open Play and the league, fee is not refunded.

Please read/review earlier posted note on "How seeding and player advance is done". An old question related to this post was recently asked that happened only once before but it may happen more often with this new program.  If you win group A in previous week, you are not guaranteed to be seeded in group A . All are seeded according to player's rating. Winner of group A can potentially seeded in group B if number of higher rated players enter.      

I'm open to questions and ideas, so let me know if you have any.