I've been throwing an idea around for a few days, having to do with pool tournaments and the deficiencies of their format. I'm namely speaking of smaller local tournaments that bars and pool halls host.
As long as I can remember, pool tournaments always follow the same basic format: either single or double elimination brackets, narrowing the field until one player is left standing. The problems I see with this format:
*) Lesser skilled players are deterred from playing because they lose two matches and they are quickly ousted from the tourney. They got very little enjoyment for their money.
*) As the tournament progresses, the number of players is (basically) halved upon each match. This ends up in players (losers) leaving in droves, with the last couple of hours consisting only of one table and the last 2-3 players.
*) Tournaments can be quite lengthy, 6-8 hours is not uncommon. Many potential players may not show up knowing they will kill the entire day playing.
So, how to fix these problems? How about a tournament format that accomplishes the following:
*) All players who enter play the entire tournament. Every player plays the same number of matches and games.
This gives everyone incentive to play. They will enjoy their time playing, and this makes efficient use of the tables for the entire tournament. Establishments will also be happy to see all the players sticking around the entire time.
*) Tournament directors can be quite precise on the length of the tournament. They can confidently advertise the tournament will take approximately X hours.
By choosing the numer of matches and the games (predicted by the number of entries and number of tables available) a tournament director can accurately control the length of the tournament. This also be handy to safely run tournaments back to back in a single day.
*) built-in rating system, the matches adjust in a weighted round-robin format, giving everyone (at any skill level) at least a chance in making the money.
This can be optional, it helps even the field. Each match is determined by the players accumulated score cards.
So now onto the game format. I have only done this on paper so far, so feel free to contribute thoughts/ideas!
Basically, the game is based on point accumulation instead of match wins. For instance: a 9-ball tournament. Each match consists of 3 games of 9-ball. Each ball is worth a point, and the 9-ball is worth 5 points. Players keep track of their score accumulation and game wins (used for tie breaking.)
After a match is completed, the players take their score cards to the scoring table. Once all matches are finished, the tournament director begins pairing up the next matches based on accumulated score: The player with the top score is paired up with the 2nd top scorer. If they have played previously in this tournament, then skip to the 3rd top scorer (and so on.) Pairing goes like this down the list until all players are paired, and the next match begins.
This format will end up in a constant weighting... the stronger you play, the more likely you will be matched up with a stronger player. And conversely, the weaker you play, you will match up to weaker players. (There is no advantage to sandbagging, you want the most points possible.)
That is the gist of it. The tournament ends when the predetermined number of matches are played out, and the score accumulations are presented. So here are some caveats I thought of:
*) odd number of players
When there is an odd player, you will have to draw a player at random each match, and that player receives a "bye" with the average available match points awarded to them.
*) not enough tables
When there are not enough tables to run all matches simultaneously, you must divide the players into half and play half at a time (or thirds or more.) This will end up with part of the field waiting for a match to end. This gives players ample time for smoke break and refreshments.
*) stragglers
Slow players could potentially hold up an entire match. It is important to keep matches short, such as 9-ball 3 game format. Again, more time for refreshments.
*) tie breakers
In the event of a tie in score (for pairing), use total game wins. If that is also a tie, draw straws or have players lag.
*) everyone plays everyone
In the event that there are N players and N-1 matches, everyone will play everyone once, eliminating the weighted round-robin effect of the tourney. In that case, you may want to introduce a handicap.
*) player handicaps:
You could give handicaps to known-rated players. Such as: C players get 30 points added to their final score. B players 20, A players 10. (it is important to add these at the end so they do not affect weighting.)
Here is a simple score card I made for this format:
http://www.ohrt.com/billiards/PointsTourney.pdf
I will be giving this a trial run soon, I'd like to hear any input you may have. Maybe I'm off my rocker, maybe something like this already exists? Thanks for your time!
As long as I can remember, pool tournaments always follow the same basic format: either single or double elimination brackets, narrowing the field until one player is left standing. The problems I see with this format:
*) Lesser skilled players are deterred from playing because they lose two matches and they are quickly ousted from the tourney. They got very little enjoyment for their money.
*) As the tournament progresses, the number of players is (basically) halved upon each match. This ends up in players (losers) leaving in droves, with the last couple of hours consisting only of one table and the last 2-3 players.
*) Tournaments can be quite lengthy, 6-8 hours is not uncommon. Many potential players may not show up knowing they will kill the entire day playing.
So, how to fix these problems? How about a tournament format that accomplishes the following:
*) All players who enter play the entire tournament. Every player plays the same number of matches and games.
This gives everyone incentive to play. They will enjoy their time playing, and this makes efficient use of the tables for the entire tournament. Establishments will also be happy to see all the players sticking around the entire time.
*) Tournament directors can be quite precise on the length of the tournament. They can confidently advertise the tournament will take approximately X hours.
By choosing the numer of matches and the games (predicted by the number of entries and number of tables available) a tournament director can accurately control the length of the tournament. This also be handy to safely run tournaments back to back in a single day.
*) built-in rating system, the matches adjust in a weighted round-robin format, giving everyone (at any skill level) at least a chance in making the money.
This can be optional, it helps even the field. Each match is determined by the players accumulated score cards.
So now onto the game format. I have only done this on paper so far, so feel free to contribute thoughts/ideas!
Basically, the game is based on point accumulation instead of match wins. For instance: a 9-ball tournament. Each match consists of 3 games of 9-ball. Each ball is worth a point, and the 9-ball is worth 5 points. Players keep track of their score accumulation and game wins (used for tie breaking.)
After a match is completed, the players take their score cards to the scoring table. Once all matches are finished, the tournament director begins pairing up the next matches based on accumulated score: The player with the top score is paired up with the 2nd top scorer. If they have played previously in this tournament, then skip to the 3rd top scorer (and so on.) Pairing goes like this down the list until all players are paired, and the next match begins.
This format will end up in a constant weighting... the stronger you play, the more likely you will be matched up with a stronger player. And conversely, the weaker you play, you will match up to weaker players. (There is no advantage to sandbagging, you want the most points possible.)
That is the gist of it. The tournament ends when the predetermined number of matches are played out, and the score accumulations are presented. So here are some caveats I thought of:
*) odd number of players
When there is an odd player, you will have to draw a player at random each match, and that player receives a "bye" with the average available match points awarded to them.
*) not enough tables
When there are not enough tables to run all matches simultaneously, you must divide the players into half and play half at a time (or thirds or more.) This will end up with part of the field waiting for a match to end. This gives players ample time for smoke break and refreshments.
*) stragglers
Slow players could potentially hold up an entire match. It is important to keep matches short, such as 9-ball 3 game format. Again, more time for refreshments.
*) tie breakers
In the event of a tie in score (for pairing), use total game wins. If that is also a tie, draw straws or have players lag.
*) everyone plays everyone
In the event that there are N players and N-1 matches, everyone will play everyone once, eliminating the weighted round-robin effect of the tourney. In that case, you may want to introduce a handicap.
*) player handicaps:
You could give handicaps to known-rated players. Such as: C players get 30 points added to their final score. B players 20, A players 10. (it is important to add these at the end so they do not affect weighting.)
Here is a simple score card I made for this format:
http://www.ohrt.com/billiards/PointsTourney.pdf
I will be giving this a trial run soon, I'd like to hear any input you may have. Maybe I'm off my rocker, maybe something like this already exists? Thanks for your time!
