Hey, don’t forget about Dizz on that “multiclub” list…. I know it’s still tax season, and I’ve started back playing tournament chess, but I’m lurking… ;)
Okay, so, 1 game between the top two at this point is ludicrous with all of the activity here. Gamer, I know that players for the most part don’t play just to win the league. However, there is always that element (I’m usually in it) that likes to have the chance to play the best of the best by qualifying for something cool, something important, something league championship oriented…
So, here is my off-the-cuff solution. Remember, I’ve been running the “tournament” thing for over 23 years now, so I hope at least everyone can humor me.
Someone mentioned a 6-player round robin final. That is a really interesting idea. I think the problem is the number of games that players would be playing at once. So, how about we modify that? Why not two 4-player round robin semifinals and a 4-player final? The only chance where a tiebreak would be needed (other than head-to-head) would be if 3 of the 4 players went 2-1 and the 4th 0-3. Well, somebody can figure out a tiebreak for that. So, 8 players qualify, and the top 2 in each round-robin semifinal make the finals. 3 games to play at once. Certainly not an overload. And, this allows more players to qualify while still allowing the cream to rise to the top.
In that scenario, my goal would be to make the playoffs, knowing that I would be probably NOT making the finals. But, to lose those games honorably would be a very cool experience…
Of course, the number of players could be modified and is certainly worthy of discussion.
Then, the qualification scheme. Win percentage for FOUR games?? That is statistically cavemanesque. Anyone interested in a postseason (and remember, not everyone is!) should at least have to play 8 games or something. Or, you could do this. If there were 8 qualifying spots, perhaps allow 2 in on the rules already set out regarding win percentage, 2 more for total wins overall (THIS factor would certainly increase games played, wouldn’t it? And, isn’t that the point??), and 4 more spots to be divided any way you would see fit (1 for most different opponents beaten, 1 for hottest girlfriend (or boyfriend), etc. etc., or heck, 2 - 4 for top players on Gamer’s list not already qualified for one of the other slots).
Now, that’s a playoff system, isn’t it? What’s not to like? :mrgreen: