Steve Veasey wrote:I am probably reading this completely wrong, but on the website it appears that the Classic is played over 9 rounds, but there are only 9 players...Is there a surprise last minute entrant?
Edit: Doh, obviously only 4 pairings play on each day, I'm used to even numbered events!
I am the Deputy Arbiter for the Classic.John McKenna wrote:I think the idea is to have one elite player free each day, perhaps in order to join the commentary team.
International tournaments are often an odd number of rounds but the origin of that escapes me. Except to say an even no. player all-play-all (or 'round robin', and where did that expression come from?) is bound to be an odd no. of rounds.
PS For prompt answers to questions on the Classic it may be better to post in the 'London Chess Classic 2011' thread (in General Chat).
There is only enough room on the stage for 4 games, so 9 players is the maximum. You're correct that each day the player with the bye will join the commentary team.
The draw was made this morning and the pairings are now online at http://www.londonchessclassic.com/classic.htm.
I'm contacting the moderators to ask if these posts can be merged into the other thread.