Is Collegiate Chess the Future for Spectators?

Seeing quite a few people whinging about the quick draws, it seems the tremendous skill of the WC contenders is a turn-off for casual spectators. At that level it is simply too dangerous to play more than one or two exciting games in a 12-game match.

Ruminations on how best to alleviate this reminded me of my own opinion about American football, which is that the pros, where players are much more talented and better at shutting down risky play, are less exciting than their relatively inexperienced counterparts at the college level, where I've seen all kinds of crazy plays that have worked out. The comparative lack of talent opens up the field for more creativity, risk-taking, and excitement.

I wonder if broadcasters will come to a similar conclusion and start pushing lower-level (especially collegiate) events, drawing on excitement and school spirit rather than sheer talent. Just a thought from a brain on too much caffeine and not enough sleep.

 I have thought of something similar but with an Open type of format. When Players have no idea on who they will play in any given round this will minimize the impact of opening prep and perhaps lead to more fighting chess. Top flight chess is a bore and has been for awhile......

An interesting analogy (football). But, in the end, chess is not a game that draws people, no matter the level.

Add scotch and sorority girls and yeah - you got something going there.

I can dig

Agreed.

The only chess audience will be chess players/enthusiasts.

And why would chess players/enthusiasts want to follow players who simply aren't as good as the best ones?

I just don't know if it's a good comparison, to sports...

I think it is a good analogy. College football is (many times) much more interesting than professional games. Those that actually like watching a chess match might be more compelled to watch the amateurs.

Still, the audience is small.

Hmmmm you must be a New York Giants fan this year!

Your comment is a result of those people who just scan the channels looking for something to watch and do not know the history of the NFL.

Um, no.

Who won the Superbowl and do not say the Baltimore Bats. lol.

And if you hope they play football in a pool dream on. I think the only thing you know about football is that they use a football.

Seems like you took personal offense at the tongue-in-cheek first sentence and leaped over the whole point of the thread to say what has been said many, many times already. I was hoping for some original thought and content, such as discoweasel's helpful suggestions, instead of more whinging.

I want to see Anand gone so i do not hear any more talk about how great this Aging Old man is in games. Plus his cowardice plan to draw games before they start. Then call me shinging.

I want some real excitement in chess games at that level. The only way is if Anand is gone ..... and never comes back in any form at all.

I apologize for not being original. I will track discoweasel, and try my best not to whing.

Collegiate Chess ....... ok the joke is over.

They watch the titled games.....   from IM to GM players

I watch the games with titled players and that is not going to change. If you want to learn watch the best. If you just want to see 2 players go at it then watch the Collegiate players.

Yeah, the 2.5 million prize fund of the WCC materialized from nothing.

@OP
Interesting idea, it sounds good.

2.5 million compared to other championships is peanuts.

Elephants are commonly associated with peanuts.

See?  I can make observations that don't follow the conversation as well.

Got me!

Me, too.

I always wanted to be in a death match