Introduction: Are you tired of playing the same opponents all the time, with even games? Try something different! This is a brand new tournament where most of the games will have handicap stones, some of them will have loads! This could be your chance to beat a high-Dan player!
Location: Main Playing Area (Grand Ballroom).
When: Friday July 31st. There will be three rounds starting at 7pm, with each round taking about 1 hour. You do not have to play in all rounds.
Eligibility: Any Congress participant can play, but you must register in advance. Registration details will be announced at Congress.
Rules: AGA rules will be used. In non-handicap games, komi for white is 7.5 points; otherwise it is 0.5 points. (Note: The pairing of players will be deigned such that most games will be handicap games.)
Time Controls: Bonus time will be used. Each player will get a base time of 10 minutes and a bonus time of 9 seconds per move.
Handicaps: The number of handicap stones is the full rank difference between the 2 players. For example, if a 30k gets paired with a 7D, the 30k gets 36 stones. For handicaps up to 9 stones, the handicap stones will be placed on the star points.
For handicaps greater than 9 stones, the first 9 black stones will be placed on the star points. Black’s clock will then be started, and Black will place the remaining handicap stones anywhere Black chooses. After all handicap stones have been placed, Black’s clock will be stopped and White’s clock will start.
Prizes: The top prize will be awarded to the player with 3 wins and the best SOS tie-breaker. The tournament director can elect to award prizes to some additional players who have 3 wins. (Note that, in rounds 2 and 3, players will be paired based on number of wins, so that the winners keep playing other winners.)
Additional Info: This tournament is not AGA-rated.
Tournament Director: Jonathan Green (jonathan.green.dyonn@gmail.com)