The PRBA is one of the few associations in the country to own a dealing machine. For years now, this machine has been used to deal board sets for all monthly events (with the exception of DCH Board a Match). There was a group of volunteers who used to get together on Tuesday mornings and make sets for the next few tournaments.

The problem with this is that theoretically, the person doing the dealing can take a look at the hands. That would lead to the worst form of cheating.

A ‘solution’ to this problem was accepted at the PRBA AGM. Three changes were made to the procedure –

1. The person making the sets is not allowed to play.
2. This person will be paid Rs. 500/- per tournament.
3. To compensate for this expenditure, entry fees will be increased to Rs. 150/- per pair (from Rs. 100/- earlier)

Note that this does nothing to address the original concern – that cheating via leaked hand records could take place.

Now, in order to get pre-dealt boards, the organising club has to look for a person to make the board sets who (a) has the technical know how, (b) is willing to sit out and (c) is willing to spend his time to make the sets and deliver them to the venue.

Also note that the increase in entry fees is permanent. Since this change, many monthly events do not provide pre-dealt hands, but still charge the increased entry fees.

Can we not come up with a solution that actually solves problems instead of creating new ones?