Millionaire Chess 2!!

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maskedbishop

>Magnus Carlsen should join and win the whole thing<

Sure. Or maybe Cameron Diaz and Emma Stone could sign up. Keep dreaming. 

>This tournament is good for the game<

Why? What makes it "good" for the game?  The players aren't of caliber enough to provide games worthy of anthologies.  It's far too expensive to encourage any non-USCF member to become one.  The only "good" is that a few well-heeled players get to compete for larger prizes than usual.  That's "good" for a few people...but the game?

I know Millionaire Chess has consistently and mind-numbingly promoted themselves as some kind of selfless saviors for the world of amateur chess. Unfortunately, while flaunting a large checkbook gets you a little attention for a little while, it's not a game-changer in American chess.

I'll say it again: MC is not going to increase USCF memberships. Whatever your opinion of THAT benighted organization, the USCF membership roster is finally the only metric that matters when assessing the popularity and viability of rated chess in the USA.  And as several others have pointed out...that number is mature. It's not going to change. 


edmundich

I will definetly play 

claudiob66

I'd like to go, but there are some of the rules, which sound strange.

For example this one: "Players are not allowed to leave the playing area without permission from a TD.

A player who anticipates possibly receiving an emergency call during play should notify a TD at least an hour in advance and will be provided with an alternate number for the caller."
I hope someone who has been there could tell me.
Does it mean one cannot go to the restroom for more than 2 hours?
 
claudiob66

Did anybody buy the tournament book for MC1? Are there all the games in it?

Jion_Wansu
maskedbishop wrote:

>Magnus Carlsen should join and win the whole thing<

Sure. Or maybe Cameron Diaz and Emma Stone could sign up. Keep dreaming. 

>This tournament is good for the game<

Why? What makes it "good" for the game?  The players aren't of caliber enough to provide games worthy of anthologies.  It's far too expensive to encourage any non-USCF member to become one.  The only "good" is that a few well-heeled players get to compete for larger prizes than usual.  That's "good" for a few people...but the game?

I know Millionaire Chess has consistently and mind-numbingly promoted themselves as some kind of selfless saviors for the world of amateur chess. Unfortunately, while flaunting a large checkbook gets you a little attention for a little while, it's not a game-changer in American chess.

I'll say it again: MC is not going to increase USCF memberships. Whatever your opinion of THAT benighted organization, the USCF membership roster is finally the only metric that matters when assessing the popularity and viability of rated chess in the USA.  And as several others have pointed out...that number is mature. It's not going to change. 


Why wouldn't Carlsen join? It is a guaranteed win for Carlsen

maskedbishop

Cause world champions don't go slumming in amateur opens. 

woton

MB

It's probaby more that in the rarified environment that the top players live in, they get free entry fees, expenses, appearance money, etc.  The $100,000 first prize (which they are not guaranteed to win) is not a big incentive.

maskedbishop

That's true too. But I'm pretty sure players of Carlsen's level stick to invitationals and closed tournaments at this point. 

Part of the reason is their own protection. You don't want to be the WC and blow a game to some dude rated 2150. It's unlikely but footballs take funny bounces and the last thing you want is to be on the wrong of the the big chess news that week. 

Bulla
claudiob66 wrote:

I'd like to go, but there are some of the rules, which sound strange.

For example this one: "Players are not allowed to leave the playing area without permission from a TD.

A player who anticipates possibly receiving an emergency call during play should notify a TD at least an hour in advance and will be provided with an alternate number for the caller."
I hope someone who has been there could tell me.
Does it mean one cannot go to the restroom for more than 2 hours?
 

There is a player's only bathroom that's available.

woton

The MC2 registration list is out.  Pretty impressive, 107 players as of Jan 3.  

The interesting thing is the number of players in the Open Section rated under 2200, particulary the one rated 965 (could be a mistake that will be corrected later, but I'm taking it at face value).

The list does have some mistakes.  There's an FM rated 2497 in the <1600 section.

cavallo2014
woton wrote:

The MC2 registration list is out.  Pretty impressive, 107 players as of Jan 3.  

The interesting thing is the number of players in the Open Section rated under 2200, particulary the one rated 965 (could be a mistake that will be corrected later, but I'm taking it at face value).

The list does have some mistakes.  There's an FM rated 2497 in the <1600 section.

I just counted them, and they are 108!!!

108 players already registered in the first couple of days!

It will be really hard this year. My guess is: likely 2000+ players will show up!

This will be the greatest tournament in history, and who doesn't want to be part of it?

maskedbishop

>My guess is: likely 2000+ players will show up!<

Happy pills! They are fun, aren't they? When you come down, drink a lot of water, it will help the headaches. 



Cezar99

Have they announced the location of the tournament? I didn't see it in Amy's email. seems like another amateur move. I think that there will be less people this year.

woton

Las Vegas --  Site and hotel accomodations to be announced soon.

maskedbishop

They aren't going to be in a huge hurry to plop down a non-refundable deposit on some Vegas venue until they know they don't have to cancel for lack of participants. That, uh, is still a possibility.

The initial rush of MC-devotees has already signed on. 

maskedbishop

A worthy analysis. One wonders how much, if any, of his suggestions have been considered. 

https://millionairechess.com/mc1/m-derek-meredith

woton

MC 2 is somewhat bizarre.  As of now, no playing site, no "official" hotels with discounted prices.

I can see changing the prize structure by eliminating the 21st thru 50th place prizes, and using the money to increase the 1st thru 20th place prizes.  But, lowering the top prizes in the class sections seems to be counterproductive.  The bulk of the entrants will be class players, and MC have reduced their incentive to participate.

I don't know what to say about the deadlines and the entry fee increases.

SocialPanda
How has your life changed since you won one of the major prizes in the MCO?: 
No desire to play competitive chess right now... because nothing will top your event!

Interesting reaction after winning $20,000 in the MC#1 by Mr. Meredith.  

maskedbishop

>As of now, no playing site, no "official" hotels with discounted prices.<

Right. But please, trust them with your $880 to not house you in some dump off the strip.  

>But, lowering the top prizes in the class sections seems to be counterproductive.  The bulk of the entrants will be class players, and MC have reduced their incentive to participate.<

Assuming that the final number can be called a "bulk." 

maskedbishop

>Asking for entry money before the site has even been procured takes some serious ovaries.<

Hah, they've never been shy about asking for money. Trouble is, no-one will give them any except a bunch of class USCF players who can't think of anything else to spend it on.  

Remember, they are taking chess to the "next level." So go ahead and crowd-fund their promo movie, or pre-order Ashley's now vanished book on MC1, or hell, just enter MC2 and get your credit card out...who cares that there is no venue, or even city, listed on the website?  This is MC, man...you want a playing hall? Then go call Bill Goichberg, Sheesh.