GM Lubabalo Kondlo

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Everyone:

Lubabalo and me had a great week at Nationals. We had a nice trip home to Belpre and he is packing now for his trip home tomorrow. He hopes to return next year for the ACF GAPY Nationals. Springfield, Illinois is one location I heard mentioned ?

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation

[Alex_Moiseyev]

We are looking at Springfield for 2014. Personally I'd like to see a North Carolina bid for 2013, as we have several good organizers and promoters in that region.

We already played 3-moves in Springfield. NC for 3-moves 2014 nat'l would be much better match & NC bid is too good for GAYP haha

Due to upcoming world title match next year, I don't really beleive I can make National GAYP.

But If I would have an extra week, I rather use it for GAYP QT or more likely - help Paul to get ready for college and went on campus.

Alex

[Eric Strange]

OR, we could get away from cousin loving states and have it somewhere that people can have fun when they are aren't playing checkers? You are not going to get any good new players having tournaments ANYWHERE in TN, IL, BFE, etc. There is a large number of players that I know of, who have been waiting for GAYP Nationals to be held in Vegas again. I am pretty sure the Vegas tournament in 2007 was HUGE compared to any GAYP tournament since. At least try....

[Alan Millhone]

I am watching where all of this is headed ...............................

Alan

[Eric Strange]

Because the D9 tournament has been a complete joke. Nobody wants to show up to a tournament where there are no players.
Hence why I did not go last year.

If we have 2013 nationals in vegas, they can piggy back the D9 tournament and and have lots of players for both. win win

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Eric,

Small location is great for Nationals because it's boring enough, not entertain and allow you to concentrate mainly on checkers. Nothing in this case take your attention out of business.

And if you want something attractive then you can use vacation and go somewhere else.

Las Vegas is a great place for family vacation with small kids, alot of activities, attractions. But rather than that - there are only casinos which is quite boring and not interesting. Not ehotic at all in my eyes.

In addition, with new rating processing new players with initial rating can't play in anything more than Minor Division ... Joe, true ?

I think we are well off topic about SA grandmaster Lubabalo Kondlo. When opportunity arise, he just came, played and won ... sometimes Easy enough and good model for other.

Alex

[Chexhero]

Alex,

A brand new checker player coming to their first tournament and very little checker experience will obviously be playing minors. But, if we had a proven high caliber who felt comfortable enough to play in a higher division then I think he should have that right. First 20 games, he can't affect opponents rating so why not.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

But, if we had a proven high caliber

What kind of prove you are talking about ? There is only one way to get high Division - to play and exceed in low Division. It is not a kindergarten where everyone is welcome. It is high ranked college with big admission competition

World Title Match - Harvard, Master Division - Washington University of Saint Louis, major - OSU

I am unaware about other ways to get in high Division except "wild cards" (some colleges / Universities allow this). But in the past 10 years we didn't have any "brand newcomers" in Master Division except Lubabalo Kondlo in 2007.

I think chances to find strong players outside of regular events are relatively miserable. And please don't tell me about Internet players - they are not coming and I personally gaveup on this idea.

Alex

[Chexhero]

What if, the Warrior Max decided to play in an ACF tournament? I know it is slim to none that it will happen, but what if? Are we going to have him play in the minor division?

[Alex_Moiseyev]

What if, the Warrior Max decided to play in an ACF tournament?

Max should definetely play in Master Division but via official channel - Wild card !

Any such case must be reviewed individually. We can set procedure and write it in ACF-BY-LAWS.

For instance - player can be given recommendations of two ACF Masters. Max already has one from myself.

No problems and no complications. If someone without rating wants to play in Masters, they have to apply in advance ... not just showup at tournament and complaining.

Joe, You played in Masters, you earned your rights and you definetely have to support my position and view on this in order to respect.

But as I said - we are wasting time on this. They never will play in real events, forget about this.

Alex

[Chexhero]

Ok we are in agreement then. I support ACF putting something regarding that issue in their BY LAWS.