Just wondering what you guys think. It was allowed at 10ks, and the MegaWeekends but not the PC. Given that Worlds is effectively what the PC was though you could definitely make an argument for that.

So yay or nay?

My gut says that viewing other matches would be fine if people could keep their pie-holes shut. But most of the time, someone makes a comment or groans or cheers or something that could influence the match.

I say "NAY". Especially since this is the World Championship. I'd hate to make a miss-play during the most important match of my life because someone's fat yapper won't stay closed.

They allowed people to view matches at the PC; remember the "Feature Match" area? The main reason why you couldn't stand around and watch at the regular tables was time control and distractions. I know most will agree, that while watching a high intense match, you want to whisper to your neighbor, or if someone makes an unbelievable play, everyone goes "OOOHHH". These distractions can be rather burdensome. In regards to time, having someone hover right behind you (which is what happens because the tables are so close together) generally forces players to play slowly because they don't want to make a big error in front of people and look stupid.

The feature match area also has these problems, but they are aleviated by having only a set amount of space to view the match and that you are elvated and away from the players so as to no hover behind them or be so close that a whisper could catch the players ear.

I for one, love watching other peoples matches and I made the most bone-headed play of my competitve vs. career in a feature match (KOing my Solomon Grundy to take Metamorpho only to have my opponent ko his Metamorpho in response...and still win). It was embaressing to have my friends watch that, but at the same time, I will never forget the look on their faces!!! ;)

I say nay, there were to many times at Indy where I was near the ropes and My opponent was talking to his friends while the match was going on. It ticked me off and it seemed that a few judges didn't care that that was happening.

Like someone else said, viewing matches should be allowed as long as people know how to shut-up while waiting them.

It isn't really that hard, I've watched my friend make boneheaded plays a lot at tournaments and would never say anything because I thought it would be unfair to his opponent. Also, I have to say watching other people play and how they play is one of the fun parts of going to tournaments.

Quoted for truth. I had a couple of brain farts that cost me a lot:

1) Accidentally "scooping" to Calabrese during round 6 of our feature match at PC Indy 2006 when we were both 5-0... I finished 5-5 and he won the PC... talk about a bad beat. Michael Barnes was there to catch all of my unglory on metagame.

2) Not paying 1 endurance for Angel Dust to go into hiding at PCSF (Day 2) during the last draft pod (I got hit for 17 endurance loss), which cost me my Top 8 chance... Hager, of course made it. Jeremy Blair was there to catch all of my unglory on metagame, too.

Something about those TAWC guys, lol.

As for the question, I don't mind, I mean, how are they supposed to enforce rules against watching? It's an open play area, we aren't in booths.

The judges could give the watchers warnings, and when they get like 2-3 warnings they get a game loss.

edit maybe not watchers but Talker/Watchers.

If they allowed it when big money was on the line, I don't see it changing for Worlds.

will the world champs have a feature match area?

I say nay. Not only will an idiot open his mouth but Knowing what your opponent is playing and what cards he has before hand is to much of an advantage for some people.

its really hard with a control deck to finsih in time....let alone with a ton of people around...however it is fun when there is a crowd...so i vote yay and nay

yay for fun
nay for being realistic about time

another reason it could be problematic is blocking the paths for other people, including judges. However, if possible I liked watching other people's matches.

I'll never forget watching BigSpooky burning his opponent for 60 with double Unravel Reality AND still have init for swings.

I don't know about allowing people to watch... but they should require players to wear a watch.*

*Trivia reference!

They should allow 10 minute naps before a feature match.

Michael Jacob in the top 8 (or was it top 4?), I think at PCSF.