[ketsel]

Experience as a Vugraph Operator – Some final thoughts
February 2006



As with anything practice is the way to go.
However practicing on the computer only is not adequate.
I would suggest setting up a game (with real people and real
cards) – boards can be duplicated to correspond with the
hands available in BBO to practice with. Sign yourself in
as a vugraph operator (invisible) and let your friends play
the hands while you operate the vugraph.
Can 2 vugraph operators as invistible practice at the same time?


Don’t get caught up in the technical stuff, downloading etc. – do
it once, it doesn’t matter which hands your friends are playing, you just have
to get use to following the play - eye hand co-ordination
and good eyesight goes a long way!


There is a huge learning curve here for vugraph operators and players.
Players are absolutely focused on the table – as they should be – and are
not accustomed to having their every move tracked.

We found that the players didn’t appear in the room until 30 seconds before
game time. It occurs to me that after the semis – the players who will be on
vugraph could be asked to show up 5 mins before (at least) to let us know
who will be sitting where – vugraph operators have to have their names
written out in large print on a piece of paper to allow for speedy input on
the BBO screen. Players could be given a slip of paper the night
before so that they can specify if and what “other information” they
would like to appear on their profiles.


We found that being elevated (bar stool height or higher) was
necessary – comfortable chairs and an adequate (higher) table
with lots of room for your laptop and notes. (Extension cords may be helpful)
We also found that sitting kitty corner – lessened the obstruction of the
bidding screens and allowed better visibility of all bids and cards. If
possible have a quiet mouse and keyboard, not one that clackity clacks
a lot! Some players get very annoyed by little things.

If they’re playing in a room with windows, check for glare
on the table and cards before play begins and close blinds as necessary.
Players could be given written notification the night before
that there will be a vugraph presentation –
This would allow them to be mentally prepared
for this new situation. (not all of them are familiar with BBO!?)

A hand out that asks for personal information as
well as instructions to them would be handy – including
the advice to fully release played cards to the centre of
the table, try not to obscure their cards when played,
and please confirm # of tricks claimed at the
end of each hand. Nevertheless we found we had to keep
reminding them – which isn’t a problem necessarily,
old habits etc…many times we had to ask for the
result after the play and often got a look saying –
where were you?

They don’t realize that the vugraph operator isn’t
counting tricks, we’re just clicking cards – most
times our results are right but before the final
click I think it’s best to confirm with the players.

If you get a wrong result and have to change it …. Know how!

Lastly, I prefer to open the vugraph rooms and have the names entered 5 mins before start of play.

[Patapon]

Thanks for these useful thoughts, ketsel.