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.
