Web Movements: Board Layouts for an Odd Number of Tables

The Web Movements use two complete copies of 26 boards. These always come in two shades, 'DARK' (red/green/orange) and 'LIGHT' (yellow/pink/light-blue/off-white).

This is the recipe for odd tables only. However, in case there are late arrivals which entail a change in movement, it is good practice to always use the LIGHT boards on table 1.

Unfortunately when we have an odd number of tables (exactly 4n+2 pairs) at points during the evening three tables require the same two-board set. I have dealt and relabelled the otherwise unused boards 27-36 to satisfy this requirement without sharing. For even tables these extra boards are not required and should be left alone (they arrive in a separate container).

Unlike when there are an even number of tables, the circuit for DARK boards is different to the LIGHT ones. Pairs and boards move as they always do; boards to the next lower table, pairs to the next higher.

The LIGHT copy stays on tables 1-13. LIGHT boards start in order, 1&2 table 1, 3&4 table 2 etc.

Because table 1 passes boards to table 13, they must be adjacent. The loop that enables this is only possible in a 5x5 layout within the hall. This creates a sub-section at the top right as you look at the stage. The relay for the DARK boards will always be the same table.

This is a suggested layout for 17 tables and there are links below to graphics for 15 and 19 tables.

The direction of the arrows indicates the direction in which the boards move.

The DARK set is played on tables 14+. The general rule is to divide the remaining tables into two, on the lower half (14...) put out DARK boards in order (1&2 table 14...) and in reverse order on the others (25&26 on highest table, THEN 1&2, 3&4 etc.).

The extra boards should be set out as below. When renumbered boards are in play immediately, strictly it doesn't matter where they go but labels on the boards give the starting tables as per the diagram. In similar fashion, it doesn't really matter which tables take them from the relay.

In short, low numbered extra boards are in play for round one, those in the teens start on relay. For 15 and 17 tables only extra DARK boards are needed. For 19 and 21 there will be a mixture.

15 Tables

1 extra set required: 13&14 - start on relay. Table layout.

17 Tables

3 extra sets required: 13&14/15&16 - to relay, 1&2 are in play on round 1. Table layout (as above).

19 Tables

5 extra sets required: 13&14/15&16/17&18 - to relay, 1&2/3&4 are in play on round 1. Table layout.

21 Tables

This is slightly awkward in that there are not enough boards with the correct vulnerability. Therefore a MANUAL transfer is required: remove the cards from 27&28 and insert them into old-style boards 5&6 (from cupboard).

7 extra sets required: 13&14/15&16/17&18/19&20 - to relay, 1&2/3&4/5&6 are in play on round 1.