20-06-2015, 07:59 PM
I am speaking as someone who is not a top class player and who only occasionally plays in the Richardson and even less frequently in congresses in Scotland. Why? I derive more enjoyment from playing in tournaments abroad - better playing conditions, sensible time controls with increments, one game only per day, and the opportunity for chess tourism as well as playing, and the chance to watch top-class players in action.
For what it is worth, I too favour the Current Richardson knockout format with 8 players per team. As regards a central venue, common sense should prevail in the event of two two teams from the same region being drawn together, even in the final. The one change I would support would be to allow more flexibility in player eligibility - I see no reason why a 'sponsored' team should not play whoever they like so long as they can afford the expense of doing so, as happens in the 4ncl and European club cup and elsewhere in Europe. That might open the way to possible sponsorship of teams and more money coming into chess in Scotland.
For what it is worth, I too favour the Current Richardson knockout format with 8 players per team. As regards a central venue, common sense should prevail in the event of two two teams from the same region being drawn together, even in the final. The one change I would support would be to allow more flexibility in player eligibility - I see no reason why a 'sponsored' team should not play whoever they like so long as they can afford the expense of doing so, as happens in the 4ncl and European club cup and elsewhere in Europe. That might open the way to possible sponsorship of teams and more money coming into chess in Scotland.