CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Discussion and announcements relating to unofficial Countdown competitions, held online or in real life. Observation, discussion, reflection, and other stuff ending in -ion.
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Phil Stanton
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CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

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I'm pleased to announce CO:LON - Countdown in London 2024 – a FOCAL Countdown event, supported by generous sponsorship from Word Game Geeks.

For those who don’t know, Word Game Geeks is the company name used by Countdown Series 63 Champion Jack Hurst to publish his very popular (and better than the official!) Countdown app for Android devices.
Download it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... =web_share


WHEN
Saturday 24th August 2024
Doors open at 10:45 am, with the first round draw taking place shortly after.
Gameplay starts at 11:15.

WHERE & GETTING THERE
“The Venue”, The O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LU
We’ll be in “The Venue”, on the top floor … the event will be clearly signposted.

The O2 Centre is a small shopping centre located just a 2-minute walk from Finchley Road Underground Station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines, or a 4-minute walk from Finchley Road & Frognal Overground Station.

It’s reachable in around 20 to 25 minutes via public transport from all the major train stations in London, as well as being well served by bus routes.

It’s also just a 5-minute walk from JW3, home of the Mind Sports Olympiad, who typically host their own Countdown event the following day, for those of you planning to do the double.

If you feel compelled to drive, there is paid parking in the O2 Centre car park.

If you’re a Parkrunner, the nearest one to the venue is Hampstead Heath, just over a mile away on foot, or a short trip by bus or Overground.
If you’re overnighting the night before, you might also find one closer to your accommodation … London has plenty of them!

WHAT
You’ll be playing 9-round games of Countdown in the “Bristol” format, where everyone plays in pairs from the same selections projected on a big screen, and with each pair choosing their preferred selection during the numbers rounds … all will be explained on the day for anyone unfamiliar, and we’ll start with a practice round.
There should be time for 8 games in total, followed by the top two players on the day facing off in a grand final.

As with most Countdown events, the first round will be drawn randomly, but don't worry if you have a bumpy start - for the remaining games you will be playing opponents that have scored similarly to you, so everyone should get some good, well matched games. The primary aim is to have fun!

And of course there will be prizes!

FOOD & DRINK
Within the O2 Centre itself is an ALDI Local, a big Sainsburys, a Nandos, and a coffee shop. There are also various places outside the Centre within easy reach.
You are also welcome to bring your own food, but please note that alcohol is not allowed to be consumed at the venue.

We will have access to a small kitchen in the venue itself, with tea/coffee making facilities, etc.

AFTER THE EVENT
It’s London … I’m sure we’ll find something to do!
I’ll plan something on that front nearer the time, for those that are sticking around on the Saturday evening.
Keep an eye out either on this thread or on the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/XCauRz3p3YZ8TFrJ/

SIGN ME UP!
The entry fee is £12.
Please pay by Paypal using this link: https://paypal.me/stantonphil/12GBP
Please ensure you select the Family and Friends option when paying, and include a note about what the payment is for, and also who you are if your Paypal name doesn’t match your preferred name for some reason :P
If you can't pay via Paypal, then please contact me and we'll work something out.

Please note that your name will be added to the attendees list on this page and the Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/XCauRz3p3YZ8TFrJ/.
If you would prefer for this not to happen, please let me know when you sign up.

I look forward to seeing you there!


CONFIRMED ENTRANTS
1. Adam Latchford
2. Coral Heath
3. Fiona Titcombe
4. Mauro Pratesi
5. Jessica Pratesi
6. Joseph Bartram
7. Sandie Simonis
8. Darren Godfrey
9. Annie Gallagher
10. Joseph Henry
11. Tim Scott
12. Adam Dexter
13. George Armstrong
14. Ashwin Abinashi
15. Mark Murray
16. Matthew Brockwell
17. Jason Turner
18. Taz Turner
19. Eeshan Malhotra
20. Tom Stevenson
21. MSR
22. Tom Cappleman
23. Amar Chotai
24. Edward Mason
25. Jonathan De Souza
26. Rob Foster
27. Gabriel Thallon
28. Etho Burrow (did not attend)
29. Chris Marshall
30. Ronan Higginson
31. Toby Pereira
32. Adrian Fletcher
33. Ross King
34. Tim Down
35. Phil Hannan
36. Dan Byrom
37. Jack Hurst
38. Callum Todd
39. Andy Evans
40. Matthew Tassier (had to withdraw on the day due to a personal issue)
41. Lynne Cumberland (had to withdraw on the day due to a personal issue)
42. Tim Hebbes
43. Ian Linton
44. Suzy Turner
45. Samuel Stock
46. Mike Lee
47. Oliver Garner
48. Liz Furness (signed up on the day)
Last edited by Graeme Cole on Sun Sep 08, 2024 6:32 pm, edited 45 times in total.
Reason: Past event: change post type from Global to Normal
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Thomas Carey
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Re: CO:LON 2024 - Countdown in London

Post by Thomas Carey »

are there multiple word game geeks or is it just jack
cheers maus
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON 2024 - Countdown in London

Post by Phil Stanton »

Thomas Carey wrote: Mon Apr 15, 2024 12:24 am are there multiple word game geeks or is it just jack
I cannot comment on the size of Jack's geekdom.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Tony Atkins »

I can now confirm that COMSO will be the following day, Sunday 25th August - more details when registration for MSO is open.
CO-MSO every August
CO:Rea 20th April 2024
Fiona T
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Fiona T »

Tony Atkins wrote: Thu Jun 06, 2024 10:04 am I can now confirm that COMSO will be the following day, Sunday 25th August - more details when registration for MSO is open.
Excellent - looking forward to a grand weekend's countdowning :)
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Registration for CO:MSO is now open ... book your tickets at the link below, to complete your weekend of Countdowning!

https://mindsportsolympiad.com/product/countdown/
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Fiona T »

Phil Stanton wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2024 5:37 pm Registration for CO:MSO is now open ... book your tickets at the link below, to complete your weekend of Countdowning!

https://mindsportsolympiad.com/product/countdown/
Blimey 100% price increase since last year!!
JackHurst
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by JackHurst »

Phil Stanton wrote: Sun Apr 14, 2024 10:05 pm
As with most Countdown events, the first round will be drawn randomly, but don't worry if you have a bumpy start - for the remaining games you will be playing opponents that have scored similarly to you, so everyone should get some good, well matched games. The primary aim is to have fun!
Have you decided which algorithm you will use for this?

Bit of a discussion around it here

For reference, Graeme provided an explanation of how the options in Atropine work here.
Graeme Cole wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2024 3:50 pm If you're involved in the running of co-events, this is likely to be of interest to you. If you aren't, it's less likely.

Version 1.2.3 of everyone's favourite Python-based co-event administration tool is out now. It can be found at the usual place: https://greem.uk/atropine/
[*] Variations on the Swiss fixture generator. The Swiss fixture generator page now has a couple more options on it, as a result of the Co-event suggestion box thread and general popular demand elsewhere.
  • One is a checkbox which will cause the generator to match players only on their win counts rather than their standings position. After that it's random. This is the "Draw Against Someone On The Same Number Of Wins" method. As always, this is subject to other constraints such as avoiding rematches. A couple of predictable questions about details are answered here.
  • The other is a drop-down box to specify whether to consider all previous rounds (the default) or only the most recent round. This implements the so-called "Pot Draw" method.
  • These are both off by default. If you ignore them you'll still get the classic "draw against someone near me in the standings table" method.
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

JackHurst wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 11:53 am
Phil Stanton wrote: Sun Apr 14, 2024 10:05 pm
As with most Countdown events, the first round will be drawn randomly, but don't worry if you have a bumpy start - for the remaining games you will be playing opponents that have scored similarly to you, so everyone should get some good, well matched games. The primary aim is to have fun!
Have you decided which algorithm you will use for this?

Bit of a discussion around it here

For reference, Graeme provided an explanation of how the options in Atropine work here.
Graeme Cole wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2024 3:50 pm If you're involved in the running of co-events, this is likely to be of interest to you. If you aren't, it's less likely.

Version 1.2.3 of everyone's favourite Python-based co-event administration tool is out now. It can be found at the usual place: https://greem.uk/atropine/
[*] Variations on the Swiss fixture generator. The Swiss fixture generator page now has a couple more options on it, as a result of the Co-event suggestion box thread and general popular demand elsewhere.
  • One is a checkbox which will cause the generator to match players only on their win counts rather than their standings position. After that it's random. This is the "Draw Against Someone On The Same Number Of Wins" method. As always, this is subject to other constraints such as avoiding rematches. A couple of predictable questions about details are answered here.
  • The other is a drop-down box to specify whether to consider all previous rounds (the default) or only the most recent round. This implements the so-called "Pot Draw" method.
  • These are both off by default. If you ignore them you'll still get the classic "draw against someone near me in the standings table" method.

Sorry, I stopped getting notifications so hadn't seen this until now.

We will be using this method:

match players only on their win counts rather than their standings position. After that it's random. This is the "Draw Against Someone On The Same Number Of Wins" method.
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

As I'm a fan of the D, here's a Dictionary Drama Decision!

CO:LON - Countdown in London will be using Oxford Dictionaries Premium (ODP) as the dictionary for this event.

As this is a Bristol (classroom) style event, there shouldn't really be any issues with checking things ... Fiona's RoboRiley software's word list should be pretty much or completely in line with ODP by the time of the event, and in the event of any dispute/confusion, I will have access to an ODP subscription as the final arbiter.

If you like checking your own words in your games (much less necessary in Bristol style events), then Jack's app should also be updated by then.
Apterous may or may not be, so for now the advice is just to look at the maxes shown on the big screen at the end of each round, and if you think something isn't right, query it with me and I'll check ODP.
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Who wants a pizza the action?

I've made a booking at Pizza Express Baker Street for 7:00 pm on Saturday evening. It's for 25 people currently, but we can flex that, and they can handle up to around 50.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zNox3KrbikP1FR9G7

It's just 3 stops on the tube from the event venue, and will leave us in Central London for easy access back to wherever you're staying over or travelling back to.

Please vote in the poll on the Facebook event page (link below) if you are DEFINITELY in for this, so that I can track the numbers! Thanks :)

If you're not on Facebook, drop me a message or post here and I'll add you to the list.

Facebook poll link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/AVMa1cJyKHM2fWk4/
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Pizza? OK, I'll come to the Countdown then.
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

There's a poll on the FB Event page about what makes a good prize for a Co-Event.

Feel free to go and take a look and add your thoughts, if you're on FB.
If you're not, drop me a message if you have any input.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/T9PdBgYxRf4HKwp6/
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Who is doing a parkrun before this? According to the post above, Hampstead Heath is closest. Chris Marshall was talking about maybe doing Gladstone because it's nearest where he is staying. I've not massively looked into it yet, but I will be doing a parkrun nearish the venue somewhere. So if people have a definite parkrun in mind, post it here if you want!
Phil Stanton
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

I'm not a parkrunner, but Gladstone Park is basically opposite my house. It's a 10 minute walk (max) from there to Dollis Hill tube, and then 4 stops to Finchley Road for the venue.
Or you can hire a Lime e-bike and you'll be at the venue in 15 minutes.

Callum and Maus have both done the Gladstone Park parkrun in the past, so they can tell you what it's like from that point of view.

Hope that helps!
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Gavin Chipper »

OK, thanks for the info.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Fiona T »

I'm intending to do Hampstead Heath. Am v slow atm tho!
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Win £1,000!

OK, this is deliberately click-baity, I know, and I'm not here just to promote Uber, but ...

Uber have a promo on at the moment where you get entered into a draw to win £1,000 in Uber Credits (to use on trains, food or rides) if you book a train ticket on the Uber app by 15th September.

Regardless of whether you win, all train bookings through Uber get you 10% of the fare back in Uber Credits as well.

So, if you've not signed up for CO:LON yet (or any other event come to that!), then maybe this is an added incentive for you!
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Fiona T »

As requested by Phil (in line with the FOCAL suggested guidelines) the wordlist for RoboRiley for London includes the ticketed changes not yet implemented on apterous in order to reflect ODP as accurately as possible - specifically:

The following words are not valid

BUILDED
ROTISS
PISCARIES
GYPED
BLOWED
FORESHOWED
LADED
SPREADED
SPRINGED
STICKED
THROWED
UNDERSOWED
UNKNOWED

The following are valid

SFORZATI
OCREAE
JackHurst
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by JackHurst »

https://greem.co.uk/cgi-bin/colive/tour ... ondon_2024

Event link for those who want to view standings on their own phone
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Tom S »

Great event Phil- very well run and liked the declaration and QR code sheets.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Gavin Chipper »

What happened to Matthew Tassier? I don't think I imagined talking to him but he's not in any results.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Thomas Cappleman »

Gavin Chipper wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 2:42 pm What happened to Matthew Tassier? I don't think I imagined talking to him but he's not in any results.
Good question! He and Lynne were definitely there near the start, and they were announced as sign ups on the Facebook event, but then seem to have disappeared without playing.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Adam S Latchford »

Thomas Cappleman wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 4:44 pm
Gavin Chipper wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 2:42 pm What happened to Matthew Tassier? I don't think I imagined talking to him but he's not in any results.
Good question! He and Lynne were definitely there near the start, and they were announced as sign ups on the Facebook event, but then seem to have disappeared without playing.
there was a personal emergency and they left right at the start, hopefully all is okay
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Gavin Chipper »

He did a run this morning, which could be a positive sign.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Fiona T »

Fantastic weekend - thank you so much Phil, Sam and Jack/Word Game Geeks for a fantastic event, as well as to Tony for the MSO fun today. :)
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by JackHurst »

Great to see everybody again this weekend. Well done to TCap on a great win on Saturday!

Thanks Phil for putting the whole thing on, and Sam was a great co-host/atropine whizz.


I think the silent declaration idea worked quite well, kudos to whoever invented that 😊
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Tom S wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 11:21 am Great event Phil- very well run and liked the declaration and QR code sheets.
Thanks Tom!
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Adam S Latchford wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 5:13 pm
Thomas Cappleman wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 4:44 pm
Gavin Chipper wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 2:42 pm What happened to Matthew Tassier? I don't think I imagined talking to him but he's not in any results.
Good question! He and Lynne were definitely there near the start, and they were announced as sign ups on the Facebook event, but then seem to have disappeared without playing.
there was a personal emergency and they left right at the start, hopefully all is okay
Indeed. I messaged him yesterday, and fortunately everything is now OK, but was a real shame that they had to leave, and they were very much missed.
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

Fiona T wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2024 8:33 pm Fantastic weekend - thank you so much Phil, Sam and Jack/Word Game Geeks for a fantastic event, as well as to Tony for the MSO fun today. :)
Thanks Fiona!
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Re: CO:LON - 24th August 2024 - Countdown in London - sponsored by Word Game Geeks

Post by Phil Stanton »

JackHurst wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 9:25 am Great to see everybody again this weekend. Well done to TCap on a great win on Saturday!

Thanks Phil for putting the whole thing on, and Sam was a great co-host/atropine whizz.


I think the silent declaration idea worked quite well, kudos to whoever invented that 😊
Thanks Jack, and of course thanks for your sponsorship as well ... the snazzy trophies and branded goodies really added to the event.

The silent declaration sheets were my idea (although the intention was to print them without typos!), although I was told by someone in a hosts meeting that something similar had been done at some point in the past.

Really glad that they worked well though, I think we should definitely adopt them for Bristol events going forward.
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