26-04-2016, 12:46 AM
Inclusive and competitive are not always compatible Jonathan. The 'modern' approach whereby everybody should be allowed to participate tends to make a mockery of the competitive aspect of sport and games at times, particularly when it occurs within a small pool such as Scottish chess.
The Richardson is meant to be the premier club KO competition - having 16 teams, only 4 or 5 of which at most have any realistic chance of winning it, would just be silly in my view. Much more useful is to find a way to make it even stronger in terms of top players - getting the best players to participate in events in Scotland and find out who has the best club team, which is the point of the competition.
I didn't say numbers weren't important, just that they are not hugely important. Quality competitions which allow anyone who wants to compete the opportunity to do so, is important. If our general level of club chess is, say, around 1600 level, then that's where the focus should be when deciding on the format, location, etc. of the Spens/Campbell Rosebowl. The Richardson, to my way of thinking, should be a separate issue.
Elitist? Maybe, but it's supposed to be the elite event!
Anyway, it's probably not the main point under discussion here so I'll leave it at that.
The Richardson is meant to be the premier club KO competition - having 16 teams, only 4 or 5 of which at most have any realistic chance of winning it, would just be silly in my view. Much more useful is to find a way to make it even stronger in terms of top players - getting the best players to participate in events in Scotland and find out who has the best club team, which is the point of the competition.
I didn't say numbers weren't important, just that they are not hugely important. Quality competitions which allow anyone who wants to compete the opportunity to do so, is important. If our general level of club chess is, say, around 1600 level, then that's where the focus should be when deciding on the format, location, etc. of the Spens/Campbell Rosebowl. The Richardson, to my way of thinking, should be a separate issue.
Elitist? Maybe, but it's supposed to be the elite event!
Anyway, it's probably not the main point under discussion here so I'll leave it at that.