NW Regional

[dloeck]

Hey, I took a look at the list of events for this tournament and I have a question.

I get the fact that there are a lot of great players in the NW, I could list them but that is not the point. This tournament we are holding in Oregon will draw all the good players into town and we will get to watch them compete, and even participate.

Unless an Amateur (rated 5 or less) really overachieves, the chances of an amateur to place is unlikely in the Open. I do like the Pro/AM concept, and there will be some fantastic games. But I don't know that many Pro's and I don't think I will get paired up easily.

That said, what is the goal of this tournament? Isn't it to draw in players for a massive turnout? If that is the case, then why isn't there an "Amateur Doubles" event?

I think this kind of event would allow more people like me to compete with people of similar skill sets. Players like me would benefit from having the Pros's watch us amateurs and would hopefully pickup on some hints from the Pros's watching.

Just a thought!
David

[om]

The answer is really simple. You will never be a good player unless you learn to compete with good players. You can't practice it unless you get the opportunity such as this and it is precious to have such opportunities. To be able to go up against the Lenty's, Sherrells, Foz's and a bunch more is a total treat. Hey, it's on you how you want to play them and where you think you are going in the game. But trust me, unless you get these chances at them and play your best, well you aren't going to advance much. This is a real good thing, these tournaments Issac and Harold are putting together. You can't buy this kind of practice. Anyone who takes this game seriously has a vision of the player they think that they can be. The thing is is to see if you are getting there against the best. The best in the NW is totally right up there with the best in the country which then translates into the best in the world. Nice company! Be realistic about your skills and try to make the most of them at tournaments such as this, then build on it. Everyone who is a "who" has done this,,,. As for an amateur event, well it is fun too, I agree, but my rewards come from how I play against the "big boys".

[dloeck]

Thanks OM,
Lets be clear, I never stated anything about "being a good player" though I am trying.
I willl compete in every event I can, meaning I fully expect to get thrashed by all good players. An hopefully, I can take away something good from the experience. So, I agree, you can't but this kind of practice.

All that said, How many people will not show because of the afore mentioned reasons? Perhaps some people don't want to get embarassed. Perhaps some people want to play with new people of their own caliber. Heck, even the Big Tournaments have Amatuer only events! Why should this tournament cater to only the pro's! I have even played games where the competition should have anhililated me and my partner but because they were so much better than us the other team "took it easy" on us. Thus, playing us did nothing for these players.

So, simply put, I plan on playing with the Pro's, in the Open and in the Pro-Am. I also think there is value to be added for an Amatuer only event as well.

Way to go OM, getting this all riled up!
DL

[om]

I'm not arguing against an amateur event, I'm just saying going against the big boys is worth spending the money regardless of the outcome. For myself I know exactly where I am in this game and where I am going. Without the challenges offered by playing the powers that be, well, I probably would lose interest. I don't want it easy and I'm not getting it thank God.

[dloeck]

OM, on that we can agree!

[hhutch]

Point taken about the amatuer event...should have, I guess. The thought at the time was that the pro-am would fill that need. There is, too, one other aspect to remember: the top placing all amatuer team in both the open byp and the proam will be recognized. So in a way, that is provide *some* added incentive to mix it up with the big dogs. I remember winning just this award about 15 years ago...it was the high point of my foosball career;').