I was talking to some friends recently and we started discussing what we didn't like about tournaments.
You know the added money not being enough, the distance, the tables.
So I started to think what other people might like or dislike so I propose this question to you:
What are the things you like or dislike about a pool tournament?
I personally don't like sharking. I have found if somebody is sharking you they do not like to have it done back to them. So it works in reverse.
What about you?
Now I am not familiar with large tournament such as DCC, US Open, Swanee, etc. But I have frequented monthly tournaments and larger one time tournaments in the my area which consist of at least a two hour drive, one way.
Dislikes,
1) I have noticed is that it seems like 90% of them will say players meeting at 10 am and wouldnt start the first match until at least 11:30 and that is just annoying as all get out. Its not because of an auction going on, its mostly because of the draw taking so long and players coming in at the last minute to pay entry fees, or the TD calling everyone he knows to come and play.
Now I have to give props to the Golden Fleece in Kenmore, the TD/owner does not allow late entrys into his bigger tournaments and is started on time which is really nice and makes me want to go there more often.
2) Tournament flyers show an added amount on the flyer, but I wish they would actually show the payout on the flyer also based on a full field. The reason I am saying that is, if I am going to a two or more day tournament, I hate getting there and seeing they are paying like %35 of the field. That causes the payouts to be low and I would have to finish in top 4 just to recoupe my expenses which is not likely. I do not want to make my entry fee back if I finish in the last paying position, that just doesnt seem like an achievement to me. I would rather see the players that beat me get more money because they apparenty are more prepared than I was. It is a competition for money, to either loose or win money, not to break even.
3) Tournaments that give top woman money. I think women are great for the game of pool and there are some really great women players, but in my opion I think that should be worded to say, Top B player receives $100 if the tournament is looking to give some incentives for the B and below players. I just dont think gender should play a role in how the prize fund is distributed.
4) Now this is something that I just learned and have not really confirmed yet. Seeding, I have always wanted to go to the US Open and just donate and have a chance to play against the "pro's". Now I hear that they get seeded and the likelyhood of playing one is pretty slim. Just dont understand how seeding is fair for an "open" tournament and that is why if it is true I will not enter. I can understand seeding if it was a tour finally that accumulates points throughtout, but not for a once a year event.
Likes,
1) A cutoff date for payment into a tournament, usually like 7pm the night before the tournament.
2) The tournament brackets if not done by a computer, done the night before the tournament starts.
3) A tournament that uses a computer based program to run the tournament becasue after the action, they can just press start and it does the draw and brackets automatically (less time to start, and most programs will tell you what time the next match will start).
4) A TD that is straight and to the point, no beating around the bush, treats everyone the same regardless of ability.
5) A designated Referee, dont like having to ask one of your competitors to make the call.
6) The etiquette shown by three cushion players and snooker players,,,now that would be something I would really enjoy in a pool tournament. Not saying you have to get all dressed up for a pool tournament, but pool manners/etiquette should be explained by the TD during the players meeting and strictly enforced by the TD.
Thats long enough for now, I am sure there is lots more out there.
!!!
.