"Wlodzimierz Holsztynski (wlod)" writes:

Why class prizes are wrong?
======================

Chess players are often divided into
classes according to their playing strength.
E.g. in the US there are, in the increasing
order of strength, classes E D C B A

False. USCF classes begin with class I and progress through:

I, H, G, F, E, ...

then
experts, then masters (never mind details
and variations/extensions). There is also
the harmful custom of providing the class
monetary awards at USCF tournaments
which are open to more than one class.

The class prizes (in mixed competitions)
are wrong for the following reasons:

1. It is unethical for a player to win $$,
when another player who had a better
result won less or nothing;

Begs the question.



2. Class prizes induce some players into
the unethical sandbagging;

Perhaps.


3. Class prizes cause a higher entry fee;
on the total,

Not demonstrated. Most Organizers believe that class prizes INCREASE
participation.

more chess players are pushed
away from the tournament chess by the extra
cost than are attracted by the gambling on
winning the prize;

Data, please?

--
Kenneth Sloan
Computer and Information Sciences (205) 934-2213
University of Alabama at Birmingham FAX (205) 934-5473
Birmingham, AL 35294-1170 http://www.cis.uab.edu/sloan/