Suggestion for new clock format for chess and other abstract strategy games

[richardhutnik]

I have this thread up on the IAGO site:
http://abstractgamers.org/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=183&page=1#Item_1

The purpose of this clock format is to produce a type of chess that would be more watchable over TV, for more drama and so on. Please comment.

In a nutshell, you have a 10 minute time clock (feel free to make shorter or longer if needed). The clock starts at 5 minutes. First player subtracts time from the clock, and the second player adds time to the clock. Clock hits 10 minutes or 0 seconds, game is over and player wins. You can also track points with the clock, by each time a player takes over a minute to move, their opponent scores a point. These points are used to determine who gets draw advantage in event of their being a tie. Players would also be allowed to take multiple 5 minute time outs if they need more time. I would also like to throw a doubling cube into the mix. Players can also win on checkmate.

The purpose of this approach is several fold:
1. Give chess a time format that works to be managed over TV for pacing.
2. Add something people who don't follow chess an ability to follow the game and gauge who is ahead.
3. Give chess scoring that resembles sports.
4. Have chess resemble boxing in a bit, in that a player can win on points or a knockout (checkmate).

Any thoughts?

[chessandpoker]

That could work. Anything with an abbreviated time control would definitely make it more enjoyable for the casual public when watching it LIVE but...

What about taping the games and then overlaying the broadcast with commentary?

I'd say that this approach, used in presenting Poker broadcasts by networks such as ESPN and GSN, would be the ideal solution IMO. the commentators would have ample opportunities to explain the games, building tension in the moves to follow by providing insights into what each player is planning to accomplish. the analysis would be much more concrete in this postmortem style, allowing variations to be computer-checked and colorful references to be added by the knowledgeable production team.

what do you think of that idea?

[richardhutnik]

I agree that taping it and adding commentary on top is essential. I believe that the play by play commentary needs to be done by people who didn't see the game before. Time compression is essential (along with more uniform spreading out of time). I do believe the format I suggested would help make it more interesting to follow. People unfamiliar with chess, or other games, need stuff they can relate to.

What I do know is the old PBS format won't cut it. Today, everything competes against everything else out there for attention. I mean EVERYTHING. Chess and other games likewise have to compete, and be made more new people friendly. I believe Chess keeps waiting for the next Bobby Fischer to show up to rescue them, rather than make needed changes. This means getting rid of 1/2 - 1/2 for a draw, and making the time between moves more uniform. I would even go as far as adding a backgammon doubling cube to chess. Anything you can throw into a chess match that would generate more surprise for people watching would help.