Some members ask how do we ensure a fair seating arrangement in the bridge room during major competitions.  The following seating arrangement has been in operation for the last number of years.    It takes about three hours work and the process is as follows.

1^st - All pairs are entered onto a spreadsheet and are accredited grades.   We try to be as accurate as possible but mistakes can occur as most members don’t record their grade on the entry form, so they are asked to check their grade when the seating arrangement is published.

2^nd -  We confer with the Tournament Director to determine the configuration of the competitions (mostly 2 sections but occasionally 3 or 4 sections)

3^rd- Pairs are sorted by name (this fluctuates randomly by surname or first name of 1st or 2nd partner etc)

4^th - Then the number of pairs in each grade is divided as evenly as possible into each section.  Half of each grade will be seated N/S and half E/W

5^th  - Then and again as far as possible each grade is seated in proportion to the number of seats in each section. (e.g A2 normally represent 50% of the players so A2 will be seated at tables 1,3,5,7,etc.  Other grades will be seated at equal distance from each other.   If there were 4 B pairs in a 12/13 table competition then they will be seated at tables 2 & 7 subject to the balancing of other grades.

Again in as far as possible, we try to start each grade at a table of comparable grade.  We do this to settle people and hope they get off to a confident start. This again you will appreciate is not always possible if there is an odd number of pairs or tables.

6^th.  Members who need to be seated are accommodated as N/S in a section that will not move.

So how did this pan out on Thursday 23rd January

How did it pan out on Jan 30th 2014

Summary:

If somebody knows of a fairer way of allocating the seating arrangements then please feel free to volunteer your services to our President.  The next Majora on 20 February and 27 February.