[mrdct]

bearmum, on May 13 2005, 03:00 AM, said:

The other thing is -- I guess that all the players are using screens and therefore I would find it enlightening to get the "alrets" they have to use at the table (if I understand the way screens operate)

From an operators perspective, there are a few issues with alerts when screens are in use (which is usually the case for vugraphed events):

1. Players alert via a variety of means ranging from placing their "alert" card in front of their screen-mate, pointing at their bid, waving their finger in air and even just making subtle eye contact with their screen-mate. A lot of the time the operator will simply not see the alert as he or she is entering a closed room comparitive score or taking care of some other task that only be done during the auction.

2. Generally explanations are given in writing which quite often cannot be read by the operator without overtly leaning forward and peering at the players' notes. This of course is a serious breach of protocol and could be passing unauthorised information to the other side of the screen.

3. Quite often, albeit contrary to the rules, players give whispered verbal explanations and/or sign language (such as a clenched fist = "strong") which the operator may not be able to dechipher.

4. Many alerted bids don't have explanations sought or given so even if the operator sees the alerts there are no explanations available.

Roland's comment that some operators "don't always remember" to highlight alerts is a little bit unfair as non-alerting to the BBO audience is generally completely out of the control of the operator for the reasons described above.

Fortunately, as Roland pointed out, the commentators usually pick-up on the artificial bids and indicate as such to the audience. Also, there is often someone in the audience who knows the players' systems well and will privately message a commentator the meaning of bids (such as in a relay sequence) that the commentator can pass on the the audience.

[bearmum]

Walddk, on May 13 2005, 10:25 PM, said:

bearmum, on May 13 2005, 03:00 AM, said:

The other thing is -- I guess that all the players are using screens and therefore I would find it enlightening to get the "alrets" they have to use at the table (if I understand the way screens operate)

In most of the high level tournaments we broadcast on BBO screens are in use. As far as the alerting procedure goes, it works in exactly the same way as here. Self-alerting is used. You show your screenmate the alert card or put it on the bid to tell him/her that this is not necessarily a natural bid.

Then he can ask for a wrtitten explanation if he wishes. Note written, since talk might be too loud. The 2 players on the other side of the screen are not supposed to hear/see the explanation.

When the bidding tray comes back to the other side of the screen, the convential bid will be alerted once again by partner. Then his screenmate can ask for a written explanation if he wants to.

Our operators during BBO broadcasts are requested to highlight a bid if it is alerted at the table, but they don't always remember. Then our commentators, in most cases, will tell that this and that call are conventional and explain them to the audience (if a system card is available that is).

Even if that is not the case, most commentators can spot when a bid doesn't have its natural meaning.

The only difference between alerting in real life with screens and on BBO is that when you self-alert here, both oppenents can see that alert. Therefore, partner will not alert too and only explain if asked.

Hops this is clear and makes sense.

Roland

Thank you for explaining the screen system to me -- now it makes sense

[Deanrover]

Originally all were ungagged and it was terrible, terrible and terrible. This was back in the day when BBO had at most 500 people online.

[fifee]

Bearmum wrote:
As a person who only occasionally watches VuGraph( due to time restraints rather than indifference ) may I ask is it OK to pose questions to "chat to kibitzers?" as sometimes I would like to know (for example) what system the players are using (in the vain hope that I might begin to learn some of the other systems out there)

Sometimes we even see the players agreements posted on the web, bearmum. Its always good to ask. The other thing is -- I guess that all the players are using screens and therefore I would find it enlightening to get the "alrets" they have to use at the table (if I understand the way screens operate)

[color=purple]Yes, it is helpful to have the alerts and the vugraph operators do a fantastic job of showing them, sometimes with an explanation and even comments heard from the table. The vugraph operators have an overwhelming task that requires great focus and all their efforts are much appreciated. Many times you will find a commentator or fellow countryman in the audience who is familiar with the system being played and who will answer your questions. Patty Anderson

[Walddk]

The most critical factor in determining the success of vugraph broadcasts is the quality of the operators. It is vital that these people become familiar with the software before the actual broadcast takes place. The software is easy to learn and it is subsequently easy to use, but operators should spend at least a couple of hours practicing before the actual event.

Unfortunately this is not always the case, and it's usually not the operators' fault. Organisers/convenors are often too slow with getting the required operators, and therefore they have little, if any, time to practice.

This is very unfortunate because it spoils the fun and excitement for the spectators, and it's quite annoying for the organisers, BBO and the staff.

We have a very detailed rewritten technical manual available. If the people involved always take the time to follow the instructions, it really can't go wrong. Connectivity problems occur, that's beyond anybody's control obviously, although we strongly recommend that the organisers have some kind of back-up.

We can't cope without capable operators. If we can add expert commentary to go with this, it's a bonus, but that is not the most important issue when a broadcast is in pogress.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the operators we had from Estonia, Poland and Croatia this past weekend. Jane, Triinu, Marek, Stanek, Marcin and Pawel. Enthusiasm and professionalism par excellence. What a pleasure it was for everyone involved.

There is no substitute for class!

Roland

[mrdct]

Walddk, on May 30 2005, 03:11 PM, said:

Connectivity problems occur, that's beyond anybody's control obviously, although we strongly recommend that the organisers have some kind of back-up.

Connectivity problems can be controlled through proper venue selection, testing and contingency planning (i.e. having a dial-up connection on stand-by). Prospective vugraph operators need to be in close communication with convenors/organisers many months before the event they are planning to cover to ensure that a quality internet connection will be available.

My personal policy is that I will not undertake vugraph coverage of any event unless there there is redundant dial-up connection available to at least one table.