Double Round Robin

At the end of the 2012/2013 season, we decided that the upcoming President's Challenge will be in Double Round Robin format, with 4 players in each section. Each player will have the opportunity to play all the other players from the same section twice, once as Black and once as White (6 rounds total).

Here's how the pairings will work for each section, with players being ranked based on current CXR Chess ratings:

W H I T E		B L A C K
		Player 1	Player 2	Player 3	Player 4
	Player 1		Round 3	Round 5	Round 1
	Player 2	Round 6		Round 4	Round 2
	Player 3	Round 2	Round 1		Round 6
	Player 4	Round 4	Round 5	Round 3

There are several advantages to a Round Robin format. First, it allows players of similar strength to play each other. Secondly, it allows players to prepare for their games, since players will know well in advance who they'll be playing with, and when.

But this format has its challenges, especially with the way we run our club. Since pairings are done at the beginning, it will be difficult to accommodate changes in the roster. This includes new players who enter in the middle of the tournament, as well as players who need to take a BYE. Since this is our first time trying out the Double Round Robin format, we'll need to roll with the punches.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.