2014 U.S. Go Congress

Self Paired

The Self-Paired Tournament will consist of any game you want to play during the Congress that both players want the AGA to rate. You may play any other registered player. The AGA will rate a maximum of three games between any one pair of players. Play as many games as you like, any time during the week.

Time Limit. Either player may request the use of a clock. If a clock is used, time limits are set by mutual agreement. However, for a game to be AGA rated, it must have a minimum of 30 minutes per player and byo-yomi of five 15-second segments. (We suggest that 45 minutes basic time is most in keeping with the spirit of this tournament.) Any deviations must be approved by the TD.

Duration. The tournament begins after registration on Saturday, August 9th. All games must be completed and results reported by noon on Saturday August 16th.

Pairing. Opponents are self-paired. Each pair of opponents may play only three games with each other. Be sure to agree to the conditions of play before you start. For example, if you are frustrated by slow play, use a clock.

Results. Game reporting slips will be readily available on site. The winner should be circled and the loser should sign the slip; put completed slips in the box in the reporting area.

Disputes. Try to avoid them as much as possible! Remember that tournament rules apply and take them seriously. The rules themselves allow for resolution of most disputes by continuing play. If a serious disagreement arises that the players cannot resolve themselves, they may consult the director or some other agreed authority (for example Kyu players may abide by the opinion of a strong Dan level player), but this should be a last resort.

Handicaps. Handicaps are derived from the number of rating points separating the two players as follows:

**Rating Difference - Handicap**

0.0 to 0.5 ---------- white gets 7.5 points komi

0.6 to 1.5 ---------- white gets 0.5 komi

1.6 to 2.5 ---------- 2 Stones, 0.5 komi

2.6 to 3.5 ---------- 3 Stones, 0.5 komi

3.6 to 4.5 ---------- 4 Stones, 0.5 komi

4.6 to 5.5 ---------- 5 Stones, 0.5 komi

5.6 to 6.5 ---------- 6 Stones, 0.5 komi

6.6 to 7.5 ---------- 7 Stones, 0.5 komi

7.6 to 8.5 ---------- 8 Stones, 0.5 komi

8.6 and over -------- 9 Stones, 0.5 komi

Be sure to note the handicap level on your game reporting slip!

The rating difference is calculated according to the players’ ratings:

If both players have either positive ratings (Dan) or negative ratings (Kyu), then simply subtract the smaller number from the larger to get the Rating Difference. For example, if a player with a rating of 3.1 were to play someone with a rating of 3.7, the Rating Difference would be 0.6 points, and the handicap would be for white to get 0.5 points komi.

If one player has a positive rating and the other player has a negative rating, then account must be taken of the fact that there are no ratings between -0.99 and +0.99 (ranks go from 1 Kyu to 1 Dan, with no 0 Kyu or Dan.) Add the absolute value of the ranks and subtract 2.0. For example, a player with a rating of 2.4 paired with a player with a rating of -1.2 would have a Rating Difference of 2.4 + 1.2 - 2.0 = 1.6 and therefore play with a handicap of 2 stones.

Prizes

Champion: the player who records the greatest excess of wins over losses.

Hurricane: The player who records the greatest number of wins.

Giant Killer: The Kyu player who wins the most games against Dan players (also known as the “Dan Killer” award).

Keith Arnold: The Dan player who wins the most games against Kyu players (also known as the “Kyu Killer” award).

Grasshopper: The player whose rating increases the most during the tournament.

Straight Shooter: The player who scores the most victories against players of consecutive ranks (based on ranks stated on name tags). For example, victories against a 2 Dan, a shodan, a 1 Kyu, a 2 Kyu, and a 3 Kyu would total a straight shooter score of 4.

Dedicated: The player who plays the most games.

Sensei: The player who plays the most games against weaker players (also known as the “Teacher” award).

Faithful: The player with the smallest rating change.

Philanthropist: The player with the most losses.

Optimist: The player with the largest rating decrease.