Match length versus Event length

[Peter Boyd]

ITTC:

A format under consideration for the 2017 "two teams qualify" Trials will have seven stages. 

1) Round Robin

2) USA1 R16

3) USA1 R8

4) USA1 Semi-Final

5) USA1 Final

6) USA2 Semifinal

7) USA2 Final

(Note:  during the intermediate stages, the losers in the USA2 bracket are playing KO's to eventually reduce to 3 teams when the USA1 final ends. All USA2 matches are of the same length as the simultaneous USA1 matches.) 

Some would like all seven stages to be 2.0 days long (120 board matches, or perhaps 112.) That would mean the whole event lasts 14 days.  Others might prefer to shorten some of the matches to 1.5 days (90 boards) to save on overall event length.  For example, save one day by reducing USA1 R16 and R8 to 1.5 days each.  And/or, save one day by reducing USA2 Semifinal and Final to 1.5 days each. A third day could be saved by shortening the USA1 Semis and Finals to 1.5 days, as well.  

Opinions are welcome as to the merits of a 11, 12, 13, or 14 day event, versus 1.5 or 2.0 day matches at the various stages.

  -- Peter