Grand Prix Tournaments around UK

[Pricey 11]

Hello everyone

Just a quick question, I've been thinking about entering some Grand Prix tournaments around the UK however I'm not sure if I'm up to a high enough standard to enter (I play in the local league in division 2 80% win ratio can play in higher but the premier is just a bit too hard for me at the moment)

Do any of you know if I should enter into a GP in the lowest band e.g band 6 or do I need to be playing at a higher standard before I enter?

I'm asking this as I don't really want to enter get there and get trashed 11-1 3-0 and have to leave in an hour.

Many Thanks in advance



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[Tinykin]

What's wrong with getting thrashed -1 and -3? It's only a learning process.
Band 5 & 6 is the first tier for almost every player. You may come across a strong premier div player on his first GP outing or a 10 yo beginner. But it's all good fun and you get to watch some good matches. Also you will get to practice with players better than you if you stay till late.

BTW, are you over 40yo?

 

[Pricey 11]

Ah that sounds alright and I don't mind losing it's just if I've travelled 2 hours to not have a chance at winning at all.
No I'm 21


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[vvk1]

Well, you can enter in 2 bands - your current and the one above, don't you? Assuming 4 player groups, you'll end up playing 6 matches against decent opponents. Treat it as "free" coaching sessions - players of good standard showing weaknesses in your game. At least you'd know what to really work on to improve.

Plus it's a chance to browse the stalls of UK tt equipment vendors, and buy a sheet of Tenergy for a couple of quid less than online price

 

[AndySmith]

I've done a few in recent years. Bands 5-6 are really random. Because anyone can enter them, you can end up playing any level. I've actually found band 5 to be easier on occasion because I've had the eventual winner of band 6 in my group. Luck of the draw.

I did beat the seed in my group last time out in Blackpool, which gave me points and a nice buzz. It's expensive considering the random level of your opposition, but if you treat it as an experience rather than a competition then it makes more sense. I umpired a band 1 knock out match once and was blown away by the ability on display.

I'll be in Liverpool in a few week's time, so I still enjoy it.

 

[FlyRyder]

Grand Prix used to be awesome but now they are just full of jumped up academy kids & vets.
A real shame because the social side of it was brilliant not to mention the strength in depth in the higher bands.

As others have said band 6 really is random & full of ringers. Even so you'll have a few good games & the experience will be good. Just make sure you enjoy yourself.

 

[Tinykin]

I don't know about you, but seeing jumped up academy kids against good vets who have to use their wits and experience makes for some very interesting matchups.

 

[AndyCouchman]

Hello everyone

Just a quick question, I've been thinking about entering some Grand Prix tournaments around the UK however I'm not sure if I'm up to a high enough standard to enter (I play in the local league in division 2 80% win ratio can play in higher but the premier is just a bit too hard for me at the moment)

Do any of you know if I should enter into a GP in the lowest band e.g band 6 or do I need to be playing at a higher standard before I enter?

I'm asking this as I don't really want to enter get there and get trashed 11-1 3-0 and have to leave in an hour.

Many Thanks in advance





Hi
I intend to enter a few in the following season.
My intention is to use this as tournament experience which is what I need.
I'm not bothered by the result at the moment and at the end of the day, I've nothing to lose, just experience to gain
regards
Andy

 

[Tinykin]

Taking part in the Grand Prix circuit is a great learning experience. I know as I've been to many over the years. But guess what, I've never actually played a GP.
I think I'll rectify that this season by entering my home GP, Bristol.

 

[corbytoffee]

I played in my first GP in the 2013-14 season and played in a further 2 GPs in the 2014-15 season. They are a great experience and provide you with the chance to play different players from the guys you face week in, week out season after season in your local league. The Band 6 event can be a bit of a lottery as to the standard of player you compete against. You could be playing against someone who plays in the 2nd or 3rd tier of their local league and then be playing against someone who should be playing in a much higher band but as they have no rating they have to enter the lowest band. The Band 5 event is less of a lottery but there are still large differences in the ability of the players entering it.

And of course, you get to watch some great matches in the higher bands.

 

[corbytoffee]

I don't know about you, but seeing jumped up academy kids against good vets who have to use their wits and experience makes for some very interesting matchups.

Never sure who displays the worst behaviour, the jumped up academy kids with their annoying shouting and cho allezs or the miserable vets complaining about everything!

 

[Tinykin]

As I said, interesting matchup

 

[corbytoffee]

As I said, interesting matchup

Definitely

 

[vvk1]

I played in my first GP in the 2013-14 season and played in a further 2 GPs in the 2014-15 season. They are a great experience and provide you with the chance to play different players from the guys you face week in, week out season after season in your local league. The Band 6 event can be a bit of a lottery as to the standard of player you compete against. You could be playing against someone who plays in the 2nd or 3rd tier of their local league and then be playing against someone who should be playing in a much higher band but as they have no rating they have to enter the lowest band. The Band 5 event is less of a lottery but there are still large differences in the ability of the players entering it.

And of course, you get to watch some great matches in the higher bands.

This was pretty much my experience in this month's London Grand Prix. Entered bands 5 and 6 on Saturday and the vets next day on Sunday. Saw and said hello to Dan. I may have also seen Tinykin umpiring.


The level of my group in band 6 was about average for premier division in a local league here. 4 players per group. Was runner-up in my group and after two rounds made it to the quarter-finals when a very good Irish junior beat me in 5.


Band 5 was tougher. Had 3 very good juniors in my group, including the one who beat me in quarter-finals in band 6. He won the group, and I was runner-up again (both matches won in 5 on deuce ), then lost in the next round to a lefty blocker/counter-hitter.


The veterans group next day was the hardest for me. Had the #2 seed in my group, and the other two players were also pretty strong with no obvious weaknesses.


Overall, this tournament was a great experience for me - played 10 different players, saw lots of amazing rallies on other tables.