BGFed.be

In just under 2 months, Bert Van Kerckhove and Robin Bilderbeek completed a series of ten 7-point matches.  They played these matches during the weekly club evening at the Sandeman, the home of Ghent BC.  This series of matches is known as a Master Series and it grants both players a spot on the BMSB GT (Grading Table).  This GT is meant to reflect players’ performances in longer matches – as opposed to the BPR RT (Ranking Table), which also includes matches of shorter length.

Here are the numbers which quantify both players’ performances :

Bert Autumn Series 2015

Robin Autumn Series 2015

As was to be expected, Bert outplayed his opponent  by some margin.  It is not illogical that he won 7-3.  However, his overall PR of 7,78 might raise an eyebrow here and there.  The relaxed atmosphere at the Sandeman is of course an extenuating factor, but insiders nevertheless expected a better performance by this experienced player.

Robin has worked hard in previous months to improve his game.  He records almost every match he plays and analyses them attentively.  As we can see from the info above, his checker play is expert.  It is – as for most of us – the cube handling that needs more careful attention.

Below is the updated BMSB GT : (enlarge by double-clicking)

BMSB Grading Table December 2015

Other Master Series currently underway :

Winter Series Michel Lamote v Geert Van der Stricht (10 x 15) : 0-3.

Winter Series Geert Van der Stricht v Johan Huyck (10 x 15) : 0-2.

Autumn Series Maurits Pino v Zsolt Tasnadi (8 x 9) : 2-3.

MS1 2016 Walter Meuwis v Ronny Connaert (10 x 15) : … (?)

If you feel like playing a Master Series, send an e-mail to kynos8000@gmail.com.

M.

Like I said before, I enjoy participating at BMS(UK) events.  Since all matches are recorded, transcribed and analysed by the tournament organiser, you can get a pretty accurate idea of your playing performance without the hassle of having to record and transcribe your matches yourself.  Win or lose, you know  if you played well or badly.

This was my second participation at Castle Donington.  This time, I flew cheaply to Manchester, rented a car for four days and enjoyed the scenery of the Peak District on my way to and from the venue, which is situated just south-west of Nottingham.

The event takes place at the Holiday Inn Express, close to East Midlands Airport.  The hotel is great : it is compact, sound-proof (at least to noise from outside), reasonably cheap (45£ / night),  has friendly staff and serves good food.  Free coffee and water all day through.  Comfortable playing conditions.  Entry fee : 75£.  I especially like the playing schedule which involves no play after dinner.  On Saturday, play starts at 11:30am.  Every player plays three 11-point matches, which takes till about 6 or 7pm.  Then there is dinner and time off.  On Sunday, play starts at 10:30am and again all players play three 11-point matches.  This guarantees a prize awarding ceremony at 6pm at the latest.

All playing and recording equipment is provided by Rick Janowski, the TD and mastermind behind BMAB and BMS events.  So there is no need to bring anything along, except toothpaste and some fresh clothes.

Last time I participated, I won 2/6 (or 3 – who cares), but this time I had a good run with 5/6.  Ok, that’s nice (it takes care of the expenses), but most important are the PRs of course, which will be made public in a week or two.  Last time I felt I under-performed with a PR of 5,3.  I hope I did better this time, but one can never be sure.

Below is a picture and the final leaderboard :

M.