Computer Pairing
Author: Mark
Kaprielian
January
1998
I.
Computer Pairing
1.
It allows us to have pairings that
are extremely consistent by applying the rules in the same manner each time a
round is paired. The USCF
pairing rules have many options and variations that may be applied at the
discretion of the TD. In addition,
there are some rules that are difficult to interpret in certain situations.
2.
It limits TD pairing errors to operating the software and the
entering of the player information correctly.
3.
It allows us to have less experienced TDs create the pairings.
4.
It provides the ability to re-pair a section to correct an
error in player information much, much faster than can usually be done by a
human.
5.
It allows the club the flexibility of not turning away late
entrants. This is a very important
feature in making the club a friendlier place in that we don't have to be torn
between turning someone away because they just missed the pairing deadline. The pairing deadline is reduce by as much as
twenty minutes for large turnouts with multiple sections.
6.
It allows us to pay the minimum amount possible for tournament
submittal fees because we can submit the tournament report on disk.
7.
It allows us to generate clean reports after each round suitable
for posting on the Web.
1.
We lose the ability of the TD to make what might be considered
the less harsh pairing in certain situations.
Because the rules have built in uncertainties for certain situations, it
becomes problematic for any program to render a perfect interpretation of the
rules since the rules are themselves imperfect.
1.
The options available for configuring the program must be
carefully selected and consistently applied.
2.
The program itself must render a very good interpretation of
the rules.
3.
The people operating the program must operate the program
correctly.
1.
The program we are using, WinTD by Estima software has been
carefully monitored for accuracy and continues to be second-guessed to continue
the process of verification.
2.
The selection of pairing options has been carefully selected
to yield the most consistent and fair pairing deemed possible by the senior TDs
of the club.
3.
A process has been developed and documented to ensure
consistent and correct operation of the program.
4.
The makers of the software have been very responsive in making
repairs and usability enhancements at the request of the club.