I was considering running a Swiss Pairs tournament, hoping to get about 45 tables but was dismayed to find that BBO will automatically split this into three sections. That doesn't work for me for the following reasons: 1. That will make it feel like three separate tournaments. 2. If a strong pair happens to end up in a section of predominantly weaker pairs they are likely to do very well. The reverse is also true. 3. There is a high chance of playing a pair more than once in an event, a so-called 'Danish Option' which I avoid at all costs in real life and should not happen if there are 45 tables! SURELY the obvious solution is for BBO to provide TDs with an option which prevents splitting either by use of a descriptor or an option which they can tick before the tournament starts. This would be useful for all pairs tournaments. For example if I have a 17 table tournament BBO splits that into 8/9 table sections. To prevent pairs playing each other twice in the eight table section I have to change the number of boards per round from two to three, if I want an 18-board tournament. It would be SO much better if I had an option which prevents splitting allowing nine two-board rounds.
