I have yet to hear any player express a concern about not wanting the first elimination round to be held the first night of the tournament -- only room owners/managers. I really don't think it is an issue for our players. Of course none of us is eager to lose and especially to go 2 and out, but we are not just coming for the tournament wins! We are coming for the competition, yes, but also the camaraderie -- probably first and foremost!
Then there is the idea of a second chance tournament, which obviously gets more people competing a second day, at least.
I still think we can push the rounds in a 3/3 double elimination further Friday and Saturday night -- neither of which have we ever done -- in order to get to something like 6 players on Sunday, and that would go a long ways toward avoiding a 3 AM final. We can start earlier on Friday of course. We can also very simply go to races to 2 on the one loss side -- or only as needed if any matches are not starting by their designated time. We can also have shot clocks available, for use only if a match is behind. All of these things without any tweaks to the rules.
The host pool hall would not want players going out the first day, but players would be ok with it, now that's a dilemma! Obviously the decision is not to have the players to go out the first day, as it was with the last Cal. MOT, and I assume the previous MOT's.
The Cal. MOT I would of been ok with going out the first day if it was a 3/3 format. And ok going longer into Friday night but not to the point of exhaustion. A final starting time of 9-10 pm. seems reasonable. And if it is not down to 16 on the one loss side, just play the remaining matches the next morning.
mr3cushion posted up a site that will bracket a tournament in respect to format, # of players, and time allotted. Sounds pretty good, and if he says it works, there is a very good chance there is something to it.
Miller and Crabbcatjohn that started this thread have stated; "that every rd. needs to be 3/2 to be successful". They claim to have worked the #'s, and the proof is in the pudding.
Going to a race of 2 on the 1 loss side rd. of 16 would work for me just dandy, and through out the rest of the tournament, for what it is worth. I'd rather see this than run these elderly players into exhaustion by both playing late Friday and also again Saturday night with an endless time sucking up 3/3 format. Possibly players need to discuss this.
I like your once idea of a 8 man single elimination final. I like, as you stated it; "that a lesser skilled player just has a slight more chance for an upset". Plus, you'll agree, it keeps Sunday on track. Plus you have mentioned that the final 8 are in the money! It kind of compliments each other!
The second chance tourney, I think that its ok, or ok for players to use their free time to match up. Probably most players would prefer the tourney, for they will still have time to match up!
As far as players leaving the tournament after being out, that only pertains to players that can drive to the tournament. So players that flew will stay, and the host pool hall should be aware of this so there is no a concern about players not staying, and being out the first day.
That's my opinion as it pertains to MOT 3/3 format. And there just might be a possibility that with players going out the first day, it then will keep the tournament on schedule with a 3/3 format, for it has not been tried yet. I think this is what your essentially saying! thanks, Whitey