0153 - Leland:  The best series of Saturday tourneys I have ever been to were the old "Ram" and "Phi Kappa Blanca" tourneys that Robert Singletary used to run. They were held on a college campus in a meeting room setting, which meant no noise. The tables gave ample room to keep your scoresheet beside your board weather you were white or black. (A problem at Wendys) The time control was 40/90, G/30 with three rounds, which meant a long day, but frankly, if I have set the day aside for a chess tourney, I have nothing else going on that day anyway. The prize fund was very minimal, (maybe $50 first in each section with no other prizes...by my recollection...someone correct me if I"m wrong) and the entry fee was about $15. The chess, however was always very competitive and the games in general would be of much higher quality than we get at Bertuccis. No doubt times have changed and I can see where it might be thought these days that 40/90 G/30 for three rounds on a Saturday is a bit excessive, but I think a change to G/100 as Patrick suggests would be a great improvement for a one day tourney. Also, while on the subject of time controls, why have the TC on move 30 on Wednesday nights? I suggest a G/90 or G/100. If we start at 8PM sharp, the G/100 would be do-able. Back to the playing conditions... I personally would prefer that a non-restaurant site be used for Wednesdays AND weekends. If it is an issue financially, I would be in favor of reducing prizes on weekend tourneys and increasing entries for Wednesday night to cover for the location. I have no idea if I am speaking for the majority here, but that's my opinion. Finally, just to make sure this is taken as intended, I want to thank you for what you do to keep the chess club going. You need to (and I'm sure you will) do what the majority of players want, and I support your efforts under any circumstance. This just seemed to be a good time to give my opinions. See you soon...Gary