brabo wrote on 07/03/15 at 17:27:48:


Clearly it doesn't. A thousand dollars for entry and they expect players to lug their own equipment to the tournament. That might include a transatlantic flight.

Probably the critical difference is that in Europe, almost everyone is a member of a club and thus the chess equipment is owned collectively. But outside of Ireland, you can travel light. Just a pen needed. If it's in a hotel sometimes even that is provided.

It is fairly common in everywhere to not own a set (at least to bring to a tournament). Everywhere in Europe, like big countries France and Germany, or in South America, like Brazil and Argentina, or Asia, like China and Indonesia, everyone expects the tournament organiser and arbiters to provide sets and clocks. It is just the way that it is everywhere, not sure if FIDE rules? But I heard that big opens in North America still have none of these rules. It does not matter the population, I know players in Europe who I am sure that if equipment is not provided, they would not even think of participating.

Like I was looking at the really big opens in Europe, til example, Sants in Barcelona:

http://www.cotxeres.org/open/

If look at a video of the tournament:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBYDfy-k4Tk

Notice how players are provided each, same chess set, pieces, FIDE clock, scoresheets, as well as name placard (like you get at work in office). 

So what I mean is that you pay like maybe 40€ for a entrance fee. Then you go into the tournament with pairings already known for a one round a day style. There are two scoresheets that are placed on top of the board before the game, by the arbiter. The clock is already turned on and set to the time control, and pieces are already set. You basically only walk into the tournament hall with a writing pen.

DenVerdsligeRejsende wrote on 07/03/15 at 04:24:46:


Bizarrely in Ireland too, it had become the custom not to supply the equipment. That's changing as organisers wanting to use increment timing have to provide the means to do so. 

Why is it an extra expense? You don't own a set and a clock anyways?

I believe USCF is still the only organisation in the world which uses rules prevailing Fide. USCF never bent for Fide and Fide never dared to exclude USCF.

I mention this just to show how USCF always was very independent. Not providing equipment is just one of the many deviations which we see.

I agree that it would be easier to have everywhere the same rules and conditions. On the other hand I notice USCF is often much more practical.

People are very often late subscribing to tournaments and for organizers it is very difficult to afford sufficient equipment for an undefined number of players. 
By letting people play with their favorite equipment, beginners will quicker start in a tournament.
People are also more responsible for the equipment if it belongs to them. I've known tournaments in which several sets and clocks were stolen.

So I don't think there is a clear good or bad choice. Respect and accept different cultures.