The BBO Clock -- How Accurate?

[McBruce]

In order to ensure that my tourneys start as close to 7:30 as possible, I usually set up a clock program (nthClock, one of those cute little free programs that synchs your clock to some atomic clock somewhere) in the corner of the screen before I log in.

 

Before I make my first promo announcement at 36 minutes to go, I check the time the minutes left figure changes and make sure the exact start time is somewhere between 7:29:31 and 7:30:30. To make sure I am in the right minute I write on my tourney worksheet* the seconds off that the BBO clock is every time I make a promo announcement. I also write the number of entries so far. Here is last time's table:

 

36 mins . . . 36 players . . . -34 seconds

30 mins . . . 44 players . . . -27 seconds

24 mins . . . 51 players . . . -34 seconds

18 mins . . . 53 players . . . -25 seconds

12 mins . . . 34 players . . . -34 seconds

06 mins . . . 78 players . . . -25 seconds

03 mins . . . 93 players . . . -34 seconds

 

Why the fluctuation? It happens every time like this. (I have checked the clock program against my musician's feel for 60beats per minute rhythm and the nthClock program doesn't miss a beat.)

 

And why, on occasions when I need to change the start time by a minute or so to get it closer to 7:30, does the clock usually skip a minute?

 

No big problem here, just wondering...

 

 

*worksheet: TDs: make a standard form worksheet to have nearby. On mine (set up for unclocked indy tourneys) I jot down the requests for adjustments, players who seem to be on slow connections, players delayed by these people, misbehaving players, which tables are currently in the slowest group, and other info. I have a check list of the things I need to do each time to make sure I don't miss any. I have a bottom strip that charts the rounds and times and reminds me to make certain announcements. It's handy and useful and keeps things running smoothly.