Director Best Practices

Directors are first and foremost customer service representatives.  The directors set the stage for a fair and enjoyable game.

Game Movement and Boards per Round:  We have determined that while the fairest game setup depends on the expected size of the game, the cryptic nature of the BBO game setup parameters requires us to choose a default setup based on the expected size of the game.  Additional factors to consider are:

1.    If practical, two boards per round is fairest because it provides the largest number of opponents.

2.    Revenge rounds will occur if there are not enough tables in the game or the sections in a multi-section game.

3.    The probability that the players will finish the boards in a round in the allotted time.  We have found that an unacceptable number of players with less than 500 MPs have difficulties of completing the round if the game has two 7-minute boards (14-minute round).

4.    The Mitchell movement is the game movement with 9+ tables if two boards per round and 6+ tables if three boards per round.

Limited Games with a 500 MP limit or lower. Default Director changes in RED.

·   6 x 3 Mitchell if 6+ tables: 6 rounds with 3 boards = 18 boards

·   6 x 3 Howell if 4-5 tables: 6 rounds with 3 boards = 18 boards

·   5 x 4 Howell if 3 tables: 5 rounds with 4 boards = 20 boards

None of the above game formats will have a revenge round.

Open and Limited Games with over 500 MP limit.

·   9 x 2 Mitchell if 9+ tables: 6 rounds with 2 boards = 18 boards

-   Section size of 15 tables and revenge rounds

0 revenge round if 15 tables; 1 section

1 revenge round if 16 tables, 2 sections of 8 tables

1 revenge round for B section if 17 tables

·   9 x 2 Howell if 5-8 tables: 9 rounds with 2 boards = 18 boards

·   6 x 3 Howell if 4-5 tables: 6 rounds with 3 boards = 18 boards

·   5 x 4 Howell if 3 tables: 5 rounds with 4 boards = 20 boards

6 x 3 is the easiest game setup to manage.  All changes in movement type and boards per round need to be made just before a game starts.  Since the number of tables can change before the game starts, we will do our best to make the needed changes, but we will not always succeed.

Adding more time: 7 minutes are allocated per board.  We will add time under the following circumstances.

·             In the last round, add a minute to the time allowed per hand so everyone can finish.

·             If there is an Internet problem and you lose several people, add some time to the round.  Remember to reset the time per hand back to its original value at the end of the round.

Appeal of Director Ruling:  I know it happens to you because it happens to me.  A player does not like the director’s ruling and persists in questioning the ruling.  When this happens, have them call me (Al Smith) at 910-457-6674 during or immediately after the game.  I am generally home.  I will review and discuss the hand.  If I agree with them (yes, it happens), I will adjust the result.  If not, I will take as much time as needed to discuss the hand and why the ruling was correct.  Directors do not have time for extended or repeated chats or conversations while the game progresses.  Using a second party to review things has resolved questions in almost all situations.

Director Calls After the Game Ends: After the game ends, call the director to your table.  If the Director is gone, call Al at 910-457-6674.  The director generally is there until about 10 minutes after the game.  An adjustment can be made up to 20 minutes after the game.