ICCF 2015-033: Discontinue Free Two Game Matches
Russell Sherwood, Welsh Delegate
Discontinue Free Two Game Matches
Proposal
The free two game matches currently available on the server should be replaced by a more structured and competitive offering for new players.
We propose a series of double round robin server trios (i.e. three players playing four games each) for new server players only; any player who has entered any other ICCF or national event on the server would be prevented from entering. Only one lifetime entry would be allowed.
The trios would be unrated, but any player winning a trio without defaulting a game would be given a free pass to enter an Aspirer tournament.
Rationale
The free matches were originally conceived as an introduction to the server for postal players; in 2015 the number of postal players new to the server has fallen to almost nothing, additionally correspondence chess by server is now so ubiquitous that it’s hard to imagine the ICCF interface being unfamiliar, even to new players.
Additionally, the current matches are unrated and not competitive; they do not present a challenge to the players and are frequently abandoned.
There is little evidence that new players who take advantage of the free games are more likely to go on and enter paid ICCF events, so the marketing value of these matches is dubious, and many of the players who take advantage of these matches appear to be experienced server players who use the matches for friendly casual games. ICCF should not offer a casual game service.
Other Comments/Considerations
Four games should easily be sufficient for a new player to familiarize themselves with the server. Unfortunately it would be unwise to rate the proposed trios because of the high possibility of ETL, but the ‘prize’ of a free Aspirer entry would add to the competitive nature of the events.
Relevent Documentation
The free two game matches should be removed from the New Events section of the website, and the new trios added.
Voting Summary
- A vote of Yes will mean that the free two game matches continue
- A vote of No will mean that the free two game matches are replaced with free trio events
- A vote of ABSTAIN is not a vote but means the vote holder has no opinion and does not wish to represent the correspondence chess players of his or her federation in this matter.
Comments by Relevant Committees, Commissions, or ICCF Officers
Eric Ruch (EB)
No comments yet
Andrew Dearnley
I agree that the 2 match free games should be discontinued, however by starting trios are we not shifting the problem of silent withdrawals to a new event in proposing trios? Anything that is free of cost has the drawback of 'dropouts', so whilst trios would be a good idea with an experienced player, I think it is better to just have new players pay to play. They can enter the aspirer sections (which are succesful) or the relevant promotion section. IMHO, it is the duty of National Federations and their delegate to guide a new player and the initial/ongoingcontact with new players, to some extent, will determine whether or not that player will remain a player. After the initial ICCF automatic email is sent to a new player, then the quality and speed of the delegate contact is more crucial than anything else. This will be one of the main deciding factors for a potential new player continuing with ICCF or not.
Markus Hömske
Nearly full support.
Maybe even better to introduce this 3 way tournament with the participation of 1 experienced player (for free).
Could (eventually) lower the drop-out rate.