“Diamonds on tables and camels in stables
Gold in my hand and traded satin so grand
Spices are dirt cheap and flour is cheaper
Those are a few of my least favourite things.”
– Matt – 2023
I missed out on the final 8 by a tiny margin and I enjoyed very little of my journey there. This could be said for a number of the ‘maharajas’ of the last couple of tournaments (*cough* Luke and Jason) as they crumbled like old cinnamon for this installement and therefore we saw a new(ish) wave of players battle it out in the top 8.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with Jaipur, it is a card trading game whereby you have to, in turn, take, trade and sell resources such as: diamonds, rubies, gold, spices, fabrics and flour to become Jaipur’s most renowned tradesperson. Doing so will secure you two ‘seals of excellence’ and make you the Maharaja’s seller of choice. The game is woven with tactics, strategy and a sprinkle of luck (and a handful of camels that can decide the game, frustratingly). This is yet another hidden score game so you have no idea who is winning until the grand reveal at the end.
This game had been voted a close second in past tournaments and this time it prevailed in first (by a fine margin). This game proved to really mix things up as, very early on, it was clear that this was going to be a tournament where everyone beats anyone (unless you are called Abbie or John). Consistently strong players from past competitions were being picked apart by previous mid table merchants and it was a joy to see. This meant that places in the playoffs weren’t definitely decided until all the games were played. Heck, my chance of making the final 8 was decided by a game that didn’t involve me…. in a group that didn’t involve me and this was the same for the 3 other final 8 places.
The order of the final 8 changed hands massively in the last 25 games and this was the level of competition we hoped these tournaments would produce. It may be because this game required a lot of luck, but 50% of players improved on their past performances in our tournaments. That aside, there are players who would argue that there is little to no luck involved and those were the people that picked up convincing wins regularly. I’m never playing or even suggesting this game again so I’ll never know.
Honorable mentions:
Dave Thornton nearly had the perfect tournament. He very nearly lost all 8 games without winning a single leg in either of them but that was until he met ex finalist Julian Richardson in his 8th game. Dave picked up a 2-1 win but, having spoiled a perfect record, no one was pleased with the result.
After a no show in group 3, Jason Beckett stepped in on week 4 and played out all the fixtures that had failed to be played. Just as many games in half the time and I’m sure there is a hint of regret for doing so as he was overcome by half his group.
Several games were decided on who owned the most camels. If you are unaware of the game, just know that this is a heartbreaking way to lose.
3 players from Group 1 featured in the final 4. I sincerely apologize to all other members of group 1 for putting all the best people in your group. Following that, you may have worked it out, but this also meant that the wooden spoon final featured 2 players from group 1. Basically, group 1 was where it was all at.
The best of the best:
The final 8 (wins – losses):
Abbi Povey (10-1) **
John Webley (8-3)
Eddie Newbold (8-3) **
Tobias Hector (8-3) **
Robert Freemantle (5-4)
Pete Cook (5-4)
Charlotte Amery (5-4)
Aaron Garrett (5-4)
Charlotte returns to the playoffs following her 3rd place finish in the last competition.
Aaron comes back to the playoffs after a 2nd place finish last tournament
Pete Cook featured in the playoffs for the first time since his 2nd place finish in the Azul tournament.
John’s consistent success is rewarded with a place in the finals, this time around.
Robert makes a 2nd successive playoffs (but is yet to make it past his quarter final game).
** Newcomers to our tournament format.
Into the playoffs:
The players ranked as the top 4 players all won their quarter finals and proving again why they were ranked top 4. Then they were left to battle it out between themselves in that last few days remaining.
Abbi and Eddie swept their opponents aside as they did all tournament and met each other in the finals.
John and Tobias battled valiantly but lost to the eventual finalists in their semi final fixture.
Final results:
1st – Abbi Povey
2nd – Eddie Newbold
3rd – Tobias Hector
Most improved – John Webley
Spoon winner – Dave Thornton
Most convincing wins – Abbi Povey
Bounty award – Daisy Harvey
Seedings introduced:
This was our third tournament which meant that we now have enough information to start ranking players upon previous performances and below is the full list with player’s corresponding scores (please keep in mind that some players have played only 1 competition which is why they may be lower down than others). Participating in future competitions, regardless of your results, will see your score improve and the greater your results, the great the improvement.
Chris Heighway – 2.17
Luke Allen – 2.10
Jason Beckett – 2.06
Pete Cook – 1.87
John Webley – 1.85
Matt Richard – 1.63
Marjorie Jones – 1.54
Julian Richardson – 1.53
Rachel Scott – 1.44
Peter Hughes – 1.40
Dave Thornton – 1.40
Charlotte Amery – 1.28
Robert Freemantle – 1.22
Aaron Garret – 1.19
Daisy Harvey – 1.00
Abi Povey – 0.91
Cheree Low – 0.88
Eddie Newbold – 0.80
Dominic McGrath – 0.75
Colin Smith – 0.73
Tobias Hector- 0.73
Zack Rivett – 0.68
Gemma Oakley – 0.67
Ivy Wales – 0.67
Katie Shimman – 0.60
Melanie Cox – 0.60
Steve Trawley – 0.50
Pablo Richardson – 0.50
James Baily – 0.50
Amy Harris – 0.47
Carl Shirley – 0.38
Matt Rawlins – 0.38
Kev Cross – 0.33
Jess Long – 0.25
Caz Hiscutt – 0.25
Cathrine Harris – 0.25
Hazel Pringle- 0.22
Gwyn – 0.22
Sarah Cross – 0.11