The time has come to limit the number of players that can compete in tournaments because the server obviously cannot cope with 100+ entrants. i suggest a limit of between 64 and 100 players. It's been done on Funkysnooker and so can be done on here. At the moment, tournaments are as much about luck as they are about skill, because half the users get logged out. Limits should make it fair again.

I agree, In my opinion, tournaments were too big anyway. They take up alot of time resulting in players having to leave due to other things too.

I agree to that anall make sure loads of people see this cause the more people agree the more chance of it happening.

ill fourth this idea!!

Fantastic Idea!!

The majority of tournaments take over two hours, and i (and many others) just dont have the time to be around for two-three hours.

A strong example in the 10am which i entered this morning, there was only 70 odd people, which is a small compared to the average amount these days, yet is still took just under two hours to complete!

I think a limit would benfit older players, who with work and other commitments are more likely to be able to stick around for 1-2 hours, than close to 3!

Also, i totally agree with mach on the technical issues involved, many people log on just to play tournaments, and if they dont get in the people limit, they will log of, taking the strain out of the server!

Server problems should not be involved in this decision mind, US pool includes a few new server patches which should see a more responsive server.

If there are less tournament places I'd be more inclined to prevent access for newbies as a first option with a limit of 128, and take it from there.

Not like newbies stand a chance anyway...

I agree with the newbie thing Nick, this would also stop the top players playing on lots of different names, and creating new names for tournaments every five minutes, this is not essential, but it does annoy a lot of people!

i always get booted out of the server by that 1/8 crap so think this idea is awsome

I also agree with the newbie idea. Hopefully when US 9 ball is introduced properly the server problems should be prevented.

Still, the popularity of the site is increasing rapidly and it's easy to notice how much more users are taking part in tournaments. As will it be ever more popular when US 9 ball arrives.

The tournaments go on for an average of about 2 hours which is very long in some cases. Getting to a final and losing after a 2 hour tournament can be frustrating. Still it's a challange! Us professionals like a good challange ;-)

Could the time in every round be reduced a little? Or time for shots be reduced as you get towards the final? The effect would be minimal but would help a little. Seems the 4:00pm and 7:00pm are most popular.

As for the amount of entrants, it's about 100+ on a work/school day! Can't believe how much are signing up recently! Hopefully this should double when US ball arrives.

many people log on just to play tournaments, and if they dont get in the people limit, they will log of, taking the strain out of the server!

Good point. the amount of people that log on during or just before a tournament is much higher that at other time and can cause some strain on the server in the range of a small time.

"Could the time in every round be reduced a little? Or time for shots be reduced as you get towards the final?"

I was going to suggest this. 20seconds is a long time to wait for someone and it doesnt take near that time to set up any shot, no matter how awkward.

10secs a shot an 10 mins max for a game. Extending that as we approach the final.

The Newbie idea is also excellent.

Is this the reason almost everyone gets a bye in the first round?