The clocks- sets - boards were provided by North American Chess Association (Sevan Muradian), so they were all set properly.
Nice!
To clarify: Does 40/90, SD/30, Inc 30 mean that there’s a 30-second increment throughout the game, or only during the secondary time control? Unless it’s the latter, I don’t see how 40/90, SD/30, Inc 30 could be equivalent to 40/90, SD/60.
In my tournament, at least, it was from move one. I suppose it’s more “equivalent” to 40/110, SD/40, but that’s very difficult to set on an analog clock.
Alex Relyea
Increment is applied starting with the first move of the game.
I do not believe the intention is to provide an equivalent time control, only to provide a not entirely outrageous control for games with an analog clock. A properly set increment-capable clock is preferred equipment for such a time control. Players using “substandard” equipment (Bill Smythe’s term, unless I misattribute) should not be rewarded.
For the purpose of determining conformance to FIDE time control rules (such as the minimum time for each player for a FIDE rated event), the game is assumed to last 60 moves.
The increment is in effect from move one. That is standard USCF policy and what FIDE requires for title-norm events that use increment—not that we need to worry about that.
Personally, I prefer the use of increment only for the “SD” portion of slow time control games, a la the Anand-Topalov match and some big international tournaments. I understand why USCF rules say to use increment/delay from move one, though. It makes things simpler and more standardized in an area that still causes some players to scratch their heads.
To answer your question: 40/90, SD/60 and 40/90, SD/30, Inc-30 from move one are both “five-hour games” per FIDE reckoning, i.e. if each player uses all his time apart from increment or delay by move 60, five hours will have elapsed. (90+60=150; also 90+30+30=150)
The two time controls are not identical, but it’s about as close an equivalent as you can get between increment and non-increment controls. A marathon endgame will take longer using the increment control, (unless both players move very quickly), as will a game that ends on move 40, if both players use all their time.
The guys at our club who have tried the increment control all like it, though some now say they want to try G/90, Inc-30. I suspect that will become the most popular semi-slow control for increment games at clubs and weekend Swisses…and not just in Oklahoma.
I’ve been playing in tourneys for over half a century, using over 40 different time controls, not counting 5 sec delay variations. The G/90+30inc at the 2010 U.S. Senior was great!
Good riddance to Adjounments and yes even Adjudications! They were unfair in the “good old days” and would be even more so now that computer engines are available. As for multiple time controls, I once won a tourney title with an 84 move 8 hour final game that finished in a 24 hour Donut Store because the designated hall closed (and the first alternative place didn’t want us either). A player should not assume that the organizer can get the hall 24 hours just as easily as “normal” hours.
I resent and reject the “old dog new trick” comments.
The highlight of this event for me was going into the last round with a chance to represent the U.S. in Italy. Obviously, the U.S. qualifying event should have the exact same time control as the World Championship.
S. Chase
Is there any information on where the 2011 US Senior Open will be held?
And the U.S. Championship as well, since it is a qualifier for that, too, right?
Alex Relyea
The 2011 U.S. Senior Open will be held at the Hilton Houston Hobby Airport Hotel, 18-23 July 2011. I am still finalizing the details. I have increased the prize fund from this year’s $4,000 to $5,000 guaranteed! The hotel is very nice and the room rate will be $89 (plus applicable tax) instead of the $120+ for this year. Two time controls, probably 40/2, SD/1. I have been talking with the Chair of the Senior Committee and, as he recommended, we will have a 3-Day option, merging on Round 4. More information coming up soon…
Thanks for the prompt reply. I will put it on my calendar and see if I can come next year.
I’ll be interested as well, since it will have proper time controls. I note however that the tournament is scheduled for the week before the U.S. Open. This will make it very tough for players who would be interested in both events. Many U.S. Open regulars are seniors. Was any consideration given to this conflict of timing?
– Hal Terrie
I would prefer the tournament be in May before the busy hotel summer season and a more temperate venue. Houston, TX in July? How hot does it get there at that time of year?
The average high in Houston during July is 94 and the average low is 75. The average high in May is 86, which may not meet some people’s definition of ‘more temperate’.
People interested in bidding on a future US Senior Open, which would give them a chance to specify the venue, the dates and other salient details such as the schedule and time control, should contact Pat Knight at the USCF office.
Houston in July is OK if you like trying to breath water. Nothing good to say about the heat index either…
Sometimes those “off season” times are when you can get the best hotel rates.
How hot is it in Houston in July?
I once saw a dog chasing a cat… and they were both walking ! 
Hopefully, the 2011 U.S. Senior Open’s dates/hotel rate info will be posted soon to the “National Events Calendar” webpage:
main.uschess.org/content/view/10015/95