online events

Running Chess Tournaments
1

does anyone else shy away from joining online tournaments due to the zoom requirement? i would probably enter some events if not for this mandate.

…scot…

Scot L Henderson

2

I have other reasons for not playing online, but the Zoom requirement would definitely be a deal-breaker, as I don’t have the necessary hardware, nor do I have any interest in buying said hardware.

3

It’s just too big a hassle for me, so I have stayed away so far. I’ve considered giving up prize eligibility and entering without using Zoom, but so far I haven’t done that either.

4

i didn’t realise that was an option. i would have no problem relinquishing prize eligibility to play an event without “big brother” watching. “little brother”? is that standard practice?

…scot…

Scot L Henderson

5

I think CCA online events (run through ICC) often provide that option, not sure about others.

Bill Smythe

6

I am aware of multiple active members, both old and young, who are uncomfortable playing chess in front of strangers while using a camera on Zoom. All who I have spoken to use Zoom or similar software in their daily lives, either for work or school.

Personally, I would feel more comfortable knowing that my behavior is being monitored, and also the behavior of my opponents. The fear of being accused of cheating simply because I played one or two good games looms large. The camera represents an additional piece of evidence to corroborate claims.

Michael Aigner

7

There’s an interesting debate about this in the educational community as well. Some professors require that cameras be enabled during class. Some students don’t like the fact that they are then on display to everyone else throughout.

8

It doesn’t bother me. In every OTB tournament I’ve played one can have strangers (or the director) walk up and watch what you’re doing anytime. No functional difference to me. But I can see where some might be troubled.

I’d think it would be more a problem that for some like CCA one has to be able to provide a side or back-camera view and/or be able to move the camera perspective around to show the environment. One can’t show a ‘side view’ using a built-in camera and so would have to connect using a cell phone, maybe. (Although for me I have a detachable webcam.)

If anything I’d be enthused that I could have music playing in the background instead of having to wear headphones and/or have my MP3 player questioned.