I live here in Ventura and am happy to call Jerry and Peggy Matchin my friends. I don't know Oscar, Ernesto, or Desiree very well, but they were very kind and professional. Regardless of that, the following is my objective observations of how the tournament was run. I had a list of things I felt could be approved upon, but if it's possible to get input from the players and spectators that would be best. Honestly, it's nothing that can't be fixed rather easily.
1. I have never been at a tournament that was run better. I was there from open to close on both days and can't recall a single hitch. I didn't have the stream open, so I can't comment on that. New matches were called IMMEDIATELY when a table became available and the fluidity of it all was impressive.
2. It was a bit crowded, but the outside seating was helpful and there was even a chess board to help pass the time. Considering the size of the room, I don't think it was bad at all. I'd need to hear from others though as I got a bit of liberty as to where I was allowed to sit. The majority of those standing I believe were watching the TV table. Honestly though, if you were there to support your friend or favorite player I'd say it was very manageable.
3. The menu is somewhat limited, but Jerry usually doesn't make a big deal about outside food as long as a person is reasonable. There are several places within walking distance.
4. Every time a match was finished, houseman John was there to wipe the tables and keep the equipment clean.
5. I only heard one player complain, but after observing his demeanor on the table and towards his opponent I decided he wasn't very nice anyway. Unfortunately, he reminded me of myself a bit.... I wouldn't yell at a tournament director to attract attention to myself though. Typically I limit myself to breaking my own equipment.
6. The tablets were a GREAT idea and it was easy to see the score from across the room. Additionally, the realtime live scoring is something that has been lacking for a long time. I can't remember how many times I paid for a live stream, but had no idea what the scores(where my friends were playing) were of other tables.
7. This has little to do with the tournament, but it was really nice to see the love between Oscar, Ernesto, and Desiree. I know it's cheesy, but during setup and take down it was readily apparent how much of their heart they put into making the tour successful.
There you have it from my point of view.
Jerry put an enormous amount of pressure upon himself and gave up his busiest night of the week to allow his venue to be used. With the shape pool is in and with halls dying(especially on west coast it seems. 3 in last 10 years within 5 miles radius of us) left and right, I was happy to see him step up. He is already talking about next year and I can hardly wait..
1. I have never been at a tournament that was run better. I was there from open to close on both days and can't recall a single hitch. I didn't have the stream open, so I can't comment on that. New matches were called IMMEDIATELY when a table became available and the fluidity of it all was impressive.
2. It was a bit crowded, but the outside seating was helpful and there was even a chess board to help pass the time. Considering the size of the room, I don't think it was bad at all. I'd need to hear from others though as I got a bit of liberty as to where I was allowed to sit. The majority of those standing I believe were watching the TV table. Honestly though, if you were there to support your friend or favorite player I'd say it was very manageable.
3. The menu is somewhat limited, but Jerry usually doesn't make a big deal about outside food as long as a person is reasonable. There are several places within walking distance.
4. Every time a match was finished, houseman John was there to wipe the tables and keep the equipment clean.
5. I only heard one player complain, but after observing his demeanor on the table and towards his opponent I decided he wasn't very nice anyway. Unfortunately, he reminded me of myself a bit.... I wouldn't yell at a tournament director to attract attention to myself though. Typically I limit myself to breaking my own equipment.
6. The tablets were a GREAT idea and it was easy to see the score from across the room. Additionally, the realtime live scoring is something that has been lacking for a long time. I can't remember how many times I paid for a live stream, but had no idea what the scores(where my friends were playing) were of other tables.
7. This has little to do with the tournament, but it was really nice to see the love between Oscar, Ernesto, and Desiree. I know it's cheesy, but during setup and take down it was readily apparent how much of their heart they put into making the tour successful.
There you have it from my point of view.
Jerry put an enormous amount of pressure upon himself and gave up his busiest night of the week to allow his venue to be used. With the shape pool is in and with halls dying(especially on west coast it seems. 3 in last 10 years within 5 miles radius of us) left and right, I was happy to see him step up. He is already talking about next year and I can hardly wait..
