Everything you wanted to know about tournaments
This article is for members entering grand prix and similar tournaments for the first time. The best way to find out more is to ask other members of the club.
Most tournaments are listed in the ETTA diary, which is about £3.50 and can be ordered by phone (01424 722525) with a credit card. Organisers addresses and phone numbers are listed. Ask for an entry form in good time so you don't miss the closing date. Entry forms are often also available on the ETTA website .
Study the entry form carefully. Somewhere in the small print will be most of what you want to know. Ask around who went last year; they may be able to tell you more.
Most events have an all-play-all group of three or four, with one or two going through to the knockout stages. Most tournaments don't have a consolation. It's usually worth entering more than one event or you may only play a couple of matches.
Leave home in plenty of time. Allow for roadworks, trouble finding the venue and time to settle down and have a knock up when you get there.
Don't assume you'll be back by any particular time. Events sometimes run late, or you may do better than you thought. Take plenty of water or squash and a packed lunch and tea.
If you've got spare seats in the car, offer someone a lift.
They'll probably do the same back next time. It's more fun going with other people and if they've been before they can tell you what to expect.
Mums and dads: always be positive and encouraging - especially after a loss.
Bad sportsmanship is rare. If you meet it in an opponent it is probably best ignored. If you feel upset yourself after a loss, shake hands with a good grace and go outside for a few minutes until you feel better.
You'll probably hear people talking about the national ranking list (a coloured A5 booklet). You can get a copy of the list and a leaflet explaining how it works by sending an A5 stamped addressed envelope to: Doreen Nightingale, ETTA, Queensbury House, Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1HF or download it from the ETTA website. Basically, to receive an initial ranking, you need at least two wins and two losses against other ranked players in an event which the entry form says counts for ranking.
Don't expect to win very often to start with - it's tough at the top!
Good luck!
Updated: July 2007