Some assistance in the running of Mitchell Movements,
and WBF Simultaneous events in particular.
Balance your sections.
In order to do this effectively, seed 25% of the pairs in each direction. In other words, if you are running a 8-table Mitchell, you will seed 2 pairs each way. If 12-15 tables, 3 pairs wll be seeded each way (2 if less better players.)
Do not commence with two seeded pairs pitted against each other.
If the first round is for making up the boards, and there is no play, do NOT allow two seeded pairs to sit at the same table, and so miss playing each other. If you can arrange that the boards be made up (with extra help) just prior to the event, so much the better!
Do not allow two seeded pairs to skip each other at the half-way stage.
For an even number of tables (8-tables, 4-boards per round, e.g.), 5E/W will skip playing 1N/S at the half-way skip. Ensure that they are not both seeded's.
For this reason, a "share and relay" movement for even numbered tables is recommended. NOTE: Do ensure that this kind of movement is not curtailed, as the boards will have been played an unequal number of times.
How to seat them then?
If you have 2 seeds each way. Place them at Table1E/W, Table2E/W, and place the seeded N/S's at the next higher tables - i.e. at Table3N/S and Table4N/S. This way, they will not miss each other in round 1, nor at the half-way skip.
For 3-seed Mitchells, place the E/W seeds at Table1E/W, Table2E/W, and at Table3E/W and the seeded N/S's at the 1-higher table, i.e. 4,5, and 6.
Do remember that for the WBF Simultaneous, the E/W pair numbers are NUMBER OF TABLES + TABLE NUMBER at time of commencement.
Here are the xls versions for 8-, 12- and 14-table Mitchells with SKIPS: 8-Table Skip 12-Table Skip 14-Table Skip
Sid Ismail
May, 2001