Pairings: Pairs are female/male. There is no unacceptable rating difference between the two members for this tournament (many registered Pairs are fairly even, but we have some vast rating differences amongst us as well). The best thing to do, if possible, is to select a partner you are comfortable with and enjoy playing with.
Pair Ratings: FAIR rating guesses (per individual) are fine. If you are uncertain of your rating, please attend one of the clubs prior to the tournament (if at all possible) and request a rating guess. If you can't do that, let me know about any on-line ratings, etc, and I will attempt a guess. Anyone who has an AGA rating should enter at an equal or stronger rating. Please be fair! Your AGA rating will not be effected by this tournament, so playing at a stronger rating would not have a lasting impact. The Pair Rating is determined based on the combined ratings of both players. Players need only provide their individual ratings, we will calculate the Pair Ratings. For the curious, here is the math. Kyu Pair example: 3.5 kyu + 5.6 kyu Pair -- 3.5 + 5.6 = 9.1 % 2 = 4.55 kyu. All final fractions are rounded to the stronger rating, so this would be a 4 kyu Pair (and, in fact, it was the Jasmine + Kent Pair in '06). Dan/kyu Pair Example: To handle the dan/kyu discrepancy, all dans are demoted by 1 stone in the calculations. 5.6 kyu + 3.0 dan Pair -- 5.6 - 2 = 3.6 % 2 = 1.8 kyu rounded to 1 kyu (this was the 1st place Pair, Jessica and Stu, in '06). When we have a Dan/Dan Pair I can add that math as well. On the International Pair Go Association web site, they promote the kyu players for the math rather than demoting the dan players. We currently have more kyu than dan players, so we do it the other way to avoid excess opportunities for messing up.
Handicaps: Handicaps, up to 9 stones maximum, are based on the Pair Rating and work the same way as normal Go handicaps. EG if a 6 kyu Pair is playing an 8 kyu Pair, the 8 kyu Pair will be black and take 2 stones for their handicap. In situations where Pairs have a strength difference of more than 9 stones (this will be avoided, except in the event of play-offs to determine Award winners), the weaker Pair will still only receive 9 stones. Working well as a Pair will impact your games more than your ratings and handicaps will.
Communication: NO communication between partners, including body language, is allowed during a game. You may not speak to, gesture to, exchange furtive glances with, or launch disappointed kicks at your partner. You are also not allowed to leave the room at the same time as your partner, though briefly leaving alone is fine. Any sudden overwhelming urges to communicate should be taken outside and addressed to the walls. The exceptions to the no communication rule are 1. asking whose turn it is 2. asking your partner if it is time to resign (when you seriously believe it is) 3. pointing out dwindling clock time to your partner. Breaking the no communication rules will result in a loss (this is not policed by armed guards, as with any tournament the opponents are welcome to declare a foul and request mitigation).
Time Limit: The time limit per game will be 45 minutes per Pair, plus one 30 second byo-youmi period. Please use the 3 turns before yours to assess the board as much as possible. It is advised that Pairs pick one person to control the clock and, of course, keep the clock next to that person. Some players prefer reaching over each other to hit the clock after their own moves. Whatever makes you the most comfortable!
Seating: Pairs sit next to each other, facing the opposing Pair across the board. Picking specific seating (eg the 2 female players sit across from each other) can be very helpful in reducing turn order confusion.
Turn Order: In an even game the black female player moves first, followed by the white female player. Next is the black male player, followed by the white male player. The determination for black and white is the usual nigiri (each Pair can determine which partner will nigiri). In handicap games, the first move will be made by the white female player (followed by black male, white male, black female).
Turn Order Errors: Intentional turn order violations will result in a loss. If an unintentional error occurs there will be no take-backs, and the handling of it will depend on the circumstances. If the turn order error is noticed when it happens, the responsible Pair will take a 3 point penalty (pass 3 stones to the other Pair) and normal turn order will continue with the next person who should move after the one who played (eg if black female played on black male's turn, white female plays next to restore turn order). If the turn order error is noticed after at least 2 turn errors in a row, simply continue the game in the proper order from where it is at the moment (same as above, but with no penalty).
Resignation: As noted above, you may confer with your partner about resigning if you believe it is time to do so. Resignations must be announced by the person whose turn it is to move. If one member of a Pair resigns on their turn, their partner is not allowed to retract the resignation. It is best to make sure your partner agrees before you resign.
Passing: Two consecutive passes end the game. Passing can not be disputed by either of the other partners. When in doubt, play dame and see if your partner does the same (or passes because you played dame).
General Etiquette: Do not kibitz or otherwise disrupt tournament games (watching quietly is fine). If you finish your game early, please relocate any loud conversations, hyperactivity, or other potentially disruptive behaviour to the hall, snack room, bar, or courtyard. Treat tournament participants, Go equipment, and venue property respectfully.
Contact: Jasmine Sailing.
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