A Parent’s Perspective on the Chicago Open
Mark Schein, Chess Life-Online
It seems like Mark makes one point and then takes the opposite stance in
this debate. Perhaps he is playing “devil’s advocate” There is no question
that preparing to play opponent “A” and then when “A” withdraws at the
last moment, or simply does not show, that one is paired with “B” can be
annoying as no preparation has been made for “B”, but most players are
interested in actually playing, rather than receiving byes, esp, in the early
rounds. Generally when players do not show up for tournament rounds,
in fact, they are usually withdrawn forfeiting any prize chances. Tournament
directors may be able to minimize this activity by announcing that those
planning on leaving for whatever reason, formally withdraw at the
scorer’s or tournament director’s table. This is simply the polite thing to
do. In latter rounds repairing is far more difficult, esp when prize money
is on the line. Most often a player is simply late to his round. They deserve
the right to play, denied if they are prematurely ejected.
How to “guarantee” both players show-I have no idea–this has been a
problem for some world championships, much less other events.
Rob Jones