01/30/00

The Sunday tournaments were paired against each other for the kick-off of the Spring Tournament. In a "fun get acquainted" tournament we set the HOUNDS against the FOXES, then watched as it turned into a typical Ryder battle.

Innocent observers in the lounge were quickly introduced to the lounge talk which has become standard on Saturdays. The room filled with howls, growls and barks. "Unfair" called one of the FOXES, "what sound does a FOX make anyway?" - "What are you talking about?" became a much repeated question from those who had never experienced such "nonsense". Even some of the players were confused as they must have thought either we were nuts or they had joined the wrong tournament. We finally got everyone settled down enough to announce the first round pairings and off ran the HOUNDS to open the tables. This worked great for all the players who have experienced the casual atmosphere of the Saturday Ryder, but to anyone who was there for a serious tournament, it must have seemed like a nightmare. "What do you mean HOUNDS get the table?" - "Who am I supposed to play?" - "Now what?" - "Am I a FOX or a HOUND?" Little by little the pairs got sorted out and to the tables where they belonged. Now is the time I generally check into the rooms to see if all is ok, answer any questions and welcome our newcomers. As I looked over the tables, I spotted a table with two newcomers, but who were the opponents? I didn't have them registered in the tournament. That brought up the question - what happened to the opponents? They were gone - no trace. Knocked off or scared off, at this point there was little difference. I went to the table to question if the opps were subs and found that they had no idea they were in a tournament. The pair who were registered thought they were playing the assigned opponents. "We're getting killed here" said one of the strangers. No wonder - they had never played together and were playing two of the best players in our tournament. I made a quick retreat to the lounge to try and recruit someone to finish out the tournament in place of the poor strangers who were in no way interested staying. Thank you Cathugo and Dittny.

The HOUNDS won the battle by a lopsided score of 34 to 12 which once again shows the value of the Ryder format in establishing an unchallenged measurement and positive identification of absolutely nothing. As long as everybody has fun, the score doesn't matter. My only regret on this day was, I'm not sure we met our prime objective. It is my observation that people come to the Ryder on Saturdays to play in the Ryder (already knowing the freestyle attitude of the tournament). The format is great for whiling away some time with friends, but it shouldn't be thrust on unsuspecting innocents. Anyone who arrives at a Ryder with the expectation of a serious tournament will probably experience confusion, frustration and consequently an unpleasant afternoon. To those who fell into this category, and to Ron for any damage done to his players, I offer my sincere apologizes. To those who do not fall into this category, we meet at 3:30 every Saturday in Social #2 for registration and start playing at 4:00 EST and we would love it if you joined us.

Perfect 3-0 rounds were recorded by Oli_euro/Cortic; DrAnnaLee/Sockit2u; Realbetis/Bebe_k; Ytme/Scarlettme2; and Salescoach/Nuageman.

Slams were reported for: Oli Euro/Cortic (2 small slams)

The HOUNDS were: Kenny/Amalekite; Oli Euro/Cortic; Drannalee/Sockit2u; Realbetis/Bebe; Ytme/Scarlettme2; Salescoach/Nuageman; Tiss/Pom_Two; Rzzjohn/Sunny; Felden1/Dinanb; Voices/Jean; Clear Blue/Singangrel

The FOXES were: Dittny/Cathugo; Junglejorge/Pomfretd; Usrtcgs/Jacartlidge; Prissie/Amuzyka; Billsgirl/Dpman; Rojohn/Kael; Happilyeverafter/Sbrude; Redrover/Qatsmeow; Connie/Lazydazy; Elaine/Magienolia; Novelty/Sunshine