Hey guys,

Having explored a few options for the features that Chess.com provides, I'd like to clarify a few points and once again get everyone's thoughts so we can get started with some online play. This is what I'll propose at the Committee Meeting next week:

Concurrent Online Tournament, to match the Senior Club Schedule, in a Rapid 15|10 format. Pairings to be completed Wednesday afternoon, giving us time to discuss with our opponent (on Thursday evenings in person) a mutually convenient time to play the game each week. Designated timeslot of Sunday morning at 10am for games to occur, if no suitable time is found. First pairings would be made -1 day before the next over-the-board tournament starts (Wednesday 23rd April, Autumn Cup Online Tournament).
- Unfortunately, Chess.com doesn't have the tools to do this exclusively on the site as their tournaments are in one sitting.
- Players would have to manually "Challenge" each other at the agreed upon time, with the designated colours from their pairing. I would ask both players to each send me their PGN via email or chat, and hopefully upload that to the website, where we could keep track every week.
Rapid Tournament, 10min format for the two Thursday's during School Holidays each term.
- Where the Senior Club takes a break, we could schedule a 5 Round Swiss (4 rounds if fewer players) scheduled to begin at approx. 7pm each week. This can keep us ticking over until the next over-the-board games.
- Tournament 1: Thursday 10th April, 7pm start.
- Tournament 2: Thursday 17th April, 7pm start
Arena's/Blitz Tournaments
- Having chatted to a few people, there seems to be an interest for a regular meet up online to play some Blitz games. Perhaps Sunday morning could work, in an Arena/Tournament format?
- Chess.com does have tools to support both of these, and would be much easier to implement.
- Arena format is most points in X amount of time, usually 1 hour. Games are 3|2 format usually.
- Perhaps once a month, on the last Sunday of the month we could do these. That way, it doesn't interfere with the regular weekly games, and we ensure player numbers could be high as it's something to look forward to.

Could you all kindly reply to this post, in the following format so I can take some data to the meeting:

Your vote for Concurrent Online Tournament in 15|10 format: YES / NO
Your vote for Rapid Tournament during School Holidays
1. Vote for the idea in general: YES / NO
2. Your availability on Thursday 10th April: YES / NO
3. Your availability on Thursday 17th April: YES/ NO
4. Your suggestion for time format: 10 min flat (approx. 100 minutes) OR 15|10 (approx 3/4 hours).
Your vote for Arena/Blitz - Last Sunday of every month
1. Vote for the idea in general: YES / NO
2. Your availability on Sunday 27th April at 10am: YES / NO
3. Your vote for the competition format: Arena OR Blitz Tournament

As previously mentioned, I'm quite new to this but happy to take the lead. Please let me know your thoughts on all the above too, in case I've missed something. If timings etc don't work for you, please suggest a time that does and I can put it to a vote. Unfortunately, I work most weekday evenings, hence why I've nominated Sunday as the "game day" so that I can be available to administer. Sorry for the long message!

Terv

Croydon Chess Club

Super Admins