steve wrote:to keep the record straight as far as i know this was the 2nd national 11-man ballot tourney. in november 1968 one was held in philadelphia,pa and the top five were:1.fuller-$1,000 2.grover-$500 3.lowder-$300 4.long-$150 5.sprangle-$150.keep in mine that with 11-man ballot the need for checker book would decline also the need to burn the midnight oil to study a game.it would benefit the true crossbord player as with over 3,000 openings in the ballot it is practically beyond analysis.since i havn't master the orginal 137 three-move openings let along the new ones it would be to my advantage-but anyone who has spent a lot of time studying the game might not like it.
Also one was held in 1974 in Phila....won by Asa Long.
Gonotsky won an 11 man tourney in 1928. (The Cedar Point Tourney....masters was held on 11 man style)
Not in anyway meant to detract from Mr. Laverty's accomplishments in this most recent tourney....
Congratulations Mr. Tim Laverty !!!! Well done !!!
Regards,
since i havn't master the orginal 137 three-move openings let along the new ones it would be to my advantage-but anyone who has spent a lot of time studying the game might not like it.
what we ended up finding is that even though we might not have the published play knowledge on the openings, the knowledge from similar looking positions do in fact help you tackle how to defend and attack the 11-man ballot openings. In 4 of my games in this tournament i was able to find a transposition, twice in the midgame and 2 around 8 moves into the opening. it scored me 3 wins and a draw from knowledge of these positions my opponenets did not.
your right victor about the advantage of recognizing similar positions.also the end game is the same no matter how you start and studying that part of the game will pay off in wins.congratulations on your fine showing -the competition was strong.
Dr. Beckwith and myself roomed together and I may have snored some ! Dr. B. made some comment about the window curtains moving towards my direction -) J.R. Smith is to be commended for the fine location and well lit and spacious playing room. Personally I had a great time and finished about my usual average. I like 11-Man style and hope J.R. & the N.C. Association sponsors another National in this style of play. As Vic says some openings looked familiar to him or may have transposed into a 3-mover. But for the most part 11-Man is like being out on the Ocean with no compass,etc. and you have to rely on on your crossboard ability and 'gut' feeling to navigate. J.R. had lovely souvenir cups for each player who attended, thanks J.R.
This year had 16 entrants and I hope that doubles for the next event .
Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation
" MORE CHECKERS "
I took pictures using a throw-away but when I had them developed to a cd I discovered this camera was used at my son's wedding. I will have to get photos from Alan and Ted.
Newspaper was going to come in Sunday and shoot pictures and get an article on the final standing and conclusion but we finished on Saturday evening so the out of state guys could get an early start and be home for the Super Bowl.
I used some old pictures so BJ Drye could supplement his story.
Again I want to thank all that attended, I was a little disappointed we did have more NC players.
I will be bring Certificates of Participation at the 11-Man National to Lebanon this week so please plan on playing in this trournament and pick up your signature official certificate.
