We all play a part

By Kenny Wright

Have you ever really thought about what makes a great tournament, league, or even just a desirable hangout? We’ve all noticed some things. Mike Bates has even written about it. However, I think we all overlook a lot.

When we play in our events, we play, maybe stay for a few drinks and go home. Your bartender, server, and sometimes owners stay long after we are in bed sleeping. They clean our messes, restock our drinks and get the place ready to come back the next day and do it all over again. Yes, it is their job, they do get paid, but without them our nights would not be as pleasant and carefree no matter how unpleasant we might have made theirs.

What about tournaments? The bar owners and even a few vendors donate a lot of their own money to make these tournaments attractive to players. I know of other cities where this is absolutely unheard of, yet we still complain about the location only paying 200%.

Of course, we also need a tournament director. How often do you think they get thanked for running it? There are only a few good ones out there, so next time you enjoy the event, be sure to thank them.

Now to the vendors. Without the boards, we couldn’t play. The vendors maintain, update and even repair them when the players break them. Most of them have separate full time jobs, so this really is extra effort.

I know I’m forgetting someone… oh yeah, the players! We all obviously have a better time when more players show up. If we all made an effort to support those locations that support us, I bet the tournaments would double in size.

So the point of this story is this; it takes everyone to make these events great. Bartenders, servers, owners, tournament directors, vendors and players. Any one of the above can ruin the night for everyone. So owners, provide a good staff. Vendors, clean and fix your boards. Players, show up, have fun, treat the staff with respect and add a buck or two to your tip. Servers and bartenders, treat the players with respect, and give great service regardless of the size of tip you think you’ll get.

If we all do our part, everyone will be happier. And thank you to all for all you do!