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Four tournaments instead of three, higher
grading limits for Major:
Old hands will remember that we changed to
four tournaments in 2007 but from then on
numbers declined until we could no longer
afford it and reverted to three in 2010.
Entries increased then and this year,
perhaps suggesting three is optimum.
However, given the excellent entry of this
year we’ll reintroduce a Challengers next
year but if numbers decline again we will
almost certainly have to go back to three
simply for affordability.
Shorter lunch break:
Not really feasible I’m afraid. I asked several people
including the arbiters for their views and I
summarise below –
·
the majority of players (especially those
playing in the Open) want a break of a full
hour between rounds.
· making
the draw for so many entrants does need the
full hour, particularly if the draw is
difficult.
· doing
the draw in 30 minutes could just about
be possible. But you have to take other things
into account. If a couple of games go right to
the end the players only get 30 minute break
for lunch and if the draw is difficult (or
needs correction) next round start might be
delayed. Also the pairing sheets still need to
be written out, posted on the wall and
everyone in that tournament would need to see
it with, probably, only a few minutes
available before the start.
· may
not have time to put name cards on table or
correct errors in the draws.
- however
we will look at some kind of activity for the
12 - 2-ish period, though we will try again to
run a commentary/coaching session.
Analysis room:
Perhaps this was from someone who hasn’t been
here before? In previous years the analysis
room has been on the same floor but is a
small-ish, air-less, over-warm, windowless
claustrophobic room. We felt using the lounge
would be a much more pleasant environment for
analysis. It is also close to the bar which
pleased the venue! We did realise there were
too many tables so was a bit cramped but
there’s nothing to stop a board & set being
taken to another part of the lounge.
Spring allegro:
Under consideration.
Much depends on whether the venue can/will
host it.
FIDE rate:
We’ve looked at this previously but there are
several reasons for not doing it – cost,
complexity in setting up, a number of
FIDE-rated players wouldn’t enter (partly at
least because the games are too short, two
games in one day puts rating points at risk).
I would be happy to receive further
comment/suggestions - feedback
form
CS
forum:
Thanks to the organisers for putting on a very
enjoyable tournament. Impressively promptly
graded as well.
***
Many thanks for a Fantastic effort by the
Dundee organisers who have put on yet another successful
tournament.
***
Many thanks to all involved at the
Dundee congress. A lot of thought has gone into this tournament not
only this year but also in previous years and
I was constantly hearing good reports about
it. This was the first time I have been able
to attend and was really impressed with it's
truly fantastic venue. I was also particularly
delighted to see excellent junior prizes in
each section. The importance of this aspect
when organising a tournament should never be
overlooked. Juniors (and their friends) return
the following year and their chess playing
parents return too. I enjoyed it very much.
***
Website forms:
Fantastic congress! Well run, great venue and
great arbiters.
***
Enjoyed this years congress, but, as a regular
participant I would prefer a Challengers event
to be included. I realise this is dependent on
number of entrants, but, entry fees could be
increased slightly to facilitate. thanks.
Email:
Thanks, …, for all of your team's after
services. I shall treasure these mementos
[photos] of a memorable Congress.
***
We both ( my wife and I ) enjoyed the weekend,
Dundee & Angus Chess Congress just gets better
and better
***
… just wanted
to say thank you for organising another very
successful and highly enjoyable congress. Well
organised, excellent venue and facilities.
***
thanks again for organising an exellent
congress and all the lifts to and from the
city centre. Not many congress organisers do
that, and many are in venues which are tricky
to get to and from if you don't have a car.
One which springs to mind is the e2e4 series
of congresses in england which are normally at
DeVeres hotels in the middle of nowhere. Even
though they are fide rated, there are often in
places where there are no buses on a sunday!
***
I enjoyed the congress very much.Itis one of my
favourite events,and I hope that we will be
back next year.
***
So many players said this is one of the best
congresses in Scotland that there may even be
more entrants next year!
***
Usually I find the food very good with the
prices being acceptable; however the bar
staff, although pleasant tend to be slow and
not tuned in enough.On Sat. *** and I had a
burger, two drinks, which without a queue took
5 mins to order and 20mins to be served. On
the Sunday again no queue. I ordered 2 meals
and 2 drinks- the "till computer" broke down
and they were totally stumped- 10 mins to
"manually" give me 2 drinks and again a 20 min
wait for the food.
Point being- excellent food, lovely premises
but spoiled by poor bar staff (although very
polite) hence they are letting themselves down
by simply not correcting this; ie a problem I
feel has been there since 2005. I do not mean
to criticise but only give positive feedback
for their managers etc.
Given a faster service I am sure our players
would not go somewhere else (perhaps quicker
since time is an issue).
***
The venue was excellent, the service on the
whole was great, at least my experience of it.
The staff were very helpful.The breakfast menu
was not only good value, it was great tasting
food!
Just a couple of negative points, but not
complaint's. After all you are always going to
get times where things due to what ever, don`t
run as planned.
-
When the reception was very busy, I had on
two occasions a bit of a wait to get into
the food/drink hall. This at the time was
not an issue, but could have been. Not sure
there is anything you can do about this?
-
I missed the buffet, arriving at
2:30pm(my
fault). My match starts at 2:30pm, but I was
prepared to lose a bit of time and have a
bite to eat. I ordered a meal from the main
menu, but it took 20 minutes before it
arrived. I did not know or expect it to take
so long. Had I known, I would not have
ordered it. I scoffed it down, (It tasted
lovely) and went up to the playing hall. I
could have been defaulted and sick at the
same time! Again, this is not a complaint
as good food can take time, I just did not
think it would take as long,nor did the menu
or staff give an indication of how long it
would be. I may also be at fault partly,
but as I have stated above, I would not have
ordered it had I known.
Apart from that, I could not fault the venue, facilities and
staff for all there hard work and
friendliness.
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