Introduction: Go across the ages. Leonard Baum loved playing (and often losing to) young kids. The idea of the Baum Prizes is to encourage play across generations. Grandfathers often are the most successful teachers of Go (and other games) to children. Young players (15 and under at the start of the Congress) are encouraged to seek out the older players and get a game.
(Photo courtesy of Phil Straus)
Location: The Main Playing Area (Grand Ballroom)
When: Tournament begins after registration/check-in on Saturday, July 25, at 10am. It end on Friday, July31, at 9 p.m.
Eligibility: Anyone with an AGA ID.
Rules: AGA rules will be used. In non-handicap games, komi for white is 7.5 points; otherwise it is 0.5 points.
Time Controls: You can use Bonus time controls or Japanese Byo-yomi time controls. When using Bonus time, a minimum base time limit of 20 minutes per player and 15 second Bonus (increment) time is required for games to be rated and count towards prizes. When using Byo-yomi time, a minimum of 30 minutes per player with 3 periods of 20 seconds Byo-yomi is required for games to be rated and count towards prizes. Any significant deviations must be approved by the TD.
Handicaps: Handicaps are computed by subtracting the difference in ranks. If the ranks cross the dan/kyu border, add the two ranks together and subtract one. E.g. if a 2 dan plays a 3 kyu, the handicap is 2 + 3 – 1 = 4 stones. Games with more than 9 stones handicap are not counted as a win or a loss but will count towards games played.
Prizes: $50 in cash, plus a medal, will be awarded to each winner in the following categories:
– The Badger: The player age 11 and younger who plays the largest number of older players
– The Striver: Youth age 12 to 15 who plays the largest number of older players
– The Elder Slayer: Young player who beats the largest number of adults
– The Dan Destroyer: Young player who beats the largest number of dan level adults
– The Old Hand: Adult who plays the most games
– The Encourager: Adult who loses the most games
– The Teacher: Player who gives the most 9 stone (or higher) teaching games
– Across the Ages: Three prizes of $20 Go Bucks each ($10 per player) and a medal for the youth player
for the three games with the greatest age difference.
– Five Games: All players who play at least five games will receive $20 in cash, regardless of any other wins.
Additional Info: Arrange your own rated handicap games and report the results. Game reporting slips will be readily available on site. The winner should be circled, and the loser should sign the slip. Put the completed slips in the designated box in the playing area.
Pairing: All pairs of players must have a minimum age difference of 40 years (see above for three special prizes). You may play any other registered player. Only one game between any two players will count toward the Baum prizes.
Etiquette: All games are to be played with a spirit of sharing the joy of playing Go. Of course, competitiveness is permitted. Children must be gracious and respectful of their elders (even when they are beating the adult) and the older players must be kind and encouraging to the youngsters. The older player may help the younger player, if they so choose. Enjoy the moment with someone from a different time.
Tournament Director: TBD (name and email).