Sunday, November 14, 2010

UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships 2010 - Report, Photos and Videos from the Event!

On Saturday 13th November 2010 The Durell Arms Pub in Fulham, London played host to the 4th UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships, organised by the team from Wacky Nation.



It was a fantastic event with over 80 players battling it out for the title of UK RPS Champion!

Emily was drawn to play in Group B, while I was in Group C. The format of the event saw players face-off in best-of-three Rock Paper Scissors matches (with Rock beating Scissors, Scissors beating Paper, and Paper beating Rock).

Emily finished with a record of Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1.

I ended with a record of Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1.

The event was everything I had hoped for, and then some! There was a massive crowd on hand to witness the organised chaos, with unbelievable noise, support and chanting going on throughout the evening. Players had travelled from far and wide, there were teams, societies and even Superman.

The night also included the chance to win a prize through Challenge RPS Matches which our friend Oliver 'The Machine' Florence and his mate Paul 'The Terminator' Jones took part in (having been unable to enter the main event and not even qualifying for the 'Reserve List'). In these 'Street RPS' matches, you could challenge any other person in the arena to a match to play for Wacky Nation RPS Currency. The player with the most money at the end of the evening would be declared the Challenge RPS Winner.

The Table/Arena where the epic RPS Battles took place!


In the Grand Final Paul Lewis of Woking beat Ed Blake of the Richard Richard Danes Appreciation Society in a best-of-five throws match.

Videos from the event:

The Opening Match


Emily Gottfried - Match 1


Emily Gottfried - Match 2


Emily Gottfried - Match 3


Richard Gottfried - Match 1


Richard Gottfried - Match 2


The Grand Final


Photos from the event:

Richard 'The Rock' Gottfried

Richard Gottfried plays a Challenge RPS Match against Guildford's Oliver Florence


Decisions, Decisions, Decisions - Scissors, Rock or Paper?



Richard tries a sneak attack on Superman!

Richard and some of his 'Paper' Winnings from Challenge RPS Matches

Emily wins

Florence & Gottfried watching from the sidelines

A crazy competitor plays RPS Blindfolded!? He lost



Richard Gottfried and the 2010 UK Rock Paper Scissors Champion Paul Lewis


For further details of the UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships head over to http://www.ukrockpaperscissorschampionships.com/

For more Wacky Nation events check out http://www.wackynation.com/

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

strange games: World Series of Pong Festival

strange games: World Series of Pong Festival: "Andrew Essa, or King Pong to his friends, has written to Strange Games to highlight the marvelous festival of Ping Pong that is currently ta..."

strange games: UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships 2010

strange games: UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships 2010: "Strange Games reader and mini-golf guru Richard Gottfried highlights the running of the UK RPS Championships. It is to be held at the Durr..."

Monday, November 08, 2010

BMGA Season Only Rankings Update - Richard & Emily Gottfried

In the latest update of the BMGA Season Only ranking list - updated after the Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships - I am ranked 9th of 146 players and Emily is in 94th spot.

Finger Jousting for four years

As of today I have been a member of the World Finger Jousting Federation for four years!

My current Goldbergian* winning streak of 66 matches undefeated is unparalleled in the sport of Finger Jousting, with my all-time career record from 117 bouts standing at 105 wins, 3 ties and only 9 losses.

In total I have faced 27 different opponents, in 20 locations (including matches in Finland and Austria).

On the 1st August 2010 the WFJF celebrated its fifth birthday.

Squire Richard of Surleigh's Coat of Arms, with Motto (translation: Through effort to the stars)

Details of official World Finger Jousting Federation (WFJF) 'Point Play Rules' are below:
"In point play, different parts of the body count for different amounts of points. The legs and latent arm count as one point. The chest, back, and neck count as two points. The head counts as three points. Point play matches are played to six for tournaments, but when playing leisurely any number above two is allowed."

Video of the UK's number one Finger Jouster Squire Richard of Surleigh taking on his arch-rival Sir Myles of Hampshire in a point play rules Finger Jousting match.



This match took place on the 25th March 2007.

Check out the WFJF Website for more information.

Previous blog posts about Finger Jousting.

* Bill, not Rube

Sunday, November 07, 2010

BMGA Order of Merit Rankings Update - Richard & Emily Gottfried

In the latest update of the BMGA Official Order of Merit ranking list - updated after the Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships - I am ranked 9th of 95 players and Emily is in 40th spot.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Luton, Gluten and Gluton - 'typo' signs

As someone with Coeliac Disease I am intolerant to foods containing Gluten (with an 'e'), but recently I've spotted some 'sign typos' at a Restaurant and a Butchers with the word 'Luton' included!?

If I had a pound for every time I've had people say the 'joke' - "Isn't it odd, you live in Luton, but can't eat Gluten." - I'd have about a tenner ha ha.

The www.MiniatureGolfer.com Best/Hardest 10 Hole 10th Anniversary Tourney

Report by Tim 'Ace Man' Davies of www.MiniatureGolfer.com via the UnOfficial Minigolf Forum:

Yes http://www.miniaturegolfer.com/ is 10 years old and 13 hardy souls braved the elements to test their mettle in the shortest but most meaningful tournament in the World.

The miniaturegolfer.com best/hardest/most feared/favourite 10 hole 10th anniversary tournament.



The reigning champion left before it started, that's how tough it is.

After 10 testing holes (Holes 2,5,8,9,10,13,14,16,17,18 on Hastings Seafront Crazy Golf - The Arnold Palmer Putting Course) it came down to a play-off.

Both Big Top Ted and Hole in One Kenobi were 2 under. They played holes 15, 7 and finally hole 11 to decide the winner. Unfortunately the winner, Michael Smith, has been banned from the WCs. A prize everyone else didn't want. Still it wasn't announced until after it was decided.

Other noteable moments included MISS Chapman imploding at the 16th and Donkey Gringo being DQ'd for scoring 27 and coming last.

1. Michael Smith 18
2. John McIver 18
3. Sean Homer 19
4= Nick Chitty 20
4= Squire
4= Ace
7= Chris Harding 21
7= The Fist
7= TK Max
10= Emily Gottfried 23
10= Miss Chapman
12. The Crazy Aced Assassin 26
13. Donkey 'Ketamine' Gringo 27


Results of the www.miniaturegolfer.com '9 Best' Crazy Golf Championships held in October 2009.



WRH Crazy Golf Championships 2010

Results of the WRH Crazy Golf Championships 2010

1. Richard Gottfried
2. Leo Kukielka
3. Paul Johnson
4. Cindy Kukielka
5. Jas Kukielka
6. Owen Johnson
- Emily Gottfried - DNP

* The rankings of this competition are based on the final results from the World Crazy Golf Championships and player eligibility was determined as 'BMGA players who were staying in the White Rock Hotel over the WCGC weekend'.



Planet Hastings/Clambers Adventure Golf gets a new fence


Photos: October 2010

The Inaugural Luxton & District Busman's Holiday Crazy Golf Competition

The Inaugural Luxton & District Busman's Holiday Crazy Golf Competition

1. Richard 'Stan' Gottfried - 249 (7 rounds)
2. Brad 'Jack' Shepherd - 251 (7 rounds)
3. Phil 'Olive' Exall - 218 (6 rounds)

* The competition rankings are based on the final results from the 2010 World Crazy Golf Championships and entry was open to players who like to watch (and talk about) "On The Buses" far too much!

Hastings Minigolf Course is no more...

The 18-hole Minigolf Course on the Seafront in Hastings, East Sussex has been demolished to make way for a new course.


The course has been the location for a number of BMGA Tour events, over the years, and I have played there for both competition and fun since 2007.
























The Minigolf Course is being replace with a new Pirate Themed Adventure Golf course, due to open in Spring 2011.



I can't wait to play the new course.

The 18-hole Adventure Golf, and the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf Courses remain at the Seafront Adventure Golf Complex. They are well worth a visit if you're in the Hastings area.

Oliver Florence Blogs from the Asian Open Minigolf Championships

Fellow BMGA Tour Players and Great Britain Internationals Oliver Florence and Richard Skeggs are currently in Kunming, China representing Great Britain at the AMF Asian Open Minigolf Championships, which is being played at the Hello! Minigolf Club.

Florence, a fellow minigolf blogger is charting his adventures on his trip, and you can read all about it on his blog.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Hastings Putting Course - Miniature Golf - Crazy World of Minigolf Tour visit

Prior to the Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships we went for a wander around and found a Miniature Golf Putting Course, over the road from the Clambers/White Rock Gardens/Planet Hastings Adventure Golf Course!







As it was out of season, it was closed.

Gluten Free meal at The Black Pearl in Hastings Old Town

On Friday 29th October we had a great meal at The Black Pearl Restaurant in Hastings Old Town.

They were able to cater for Gluten & Wheat Free diets and I had a great starter of Scallops and Duck Breast with an Orange Sauce, followed by the Whole Plaice and New Potatoes.

The "Home Counties Invitational Masters Championship Title Tournament of Champions Cup Trophy Shield Salver Classic" 2010

"Home Counties Invitational Masters Championship Title Tournament of Champions Cup Trophy Shield Salver Classic"

The 2010 Edition of the Tournament* saw the rankings as follows:
1. Michael Smith (Guest?)
2. Pasi 'Bruiser' Aho (Guest)
3. Keith Kellard
4. Tony Kelly
5. Adam Kelly
6. Richard Gottfried
7. Steve Gow

* The competition rankings are based on the final results from the World Crazy Golf Championships

The Flavours of India Cup - Minigolf Tournament in Hastings

The Flavours of India Cup 2010

The 2010 Edition of the Tournament* saw the rankings as follows:
1. Marc Chapman
2. Pasi Aho
3. Keith Kellard
4. Scott Lancley
5. Richard Gottfried
6. Kevin Moseley
7. Steve Gow
- Emily Gottfried - DNP
- Anna Green - DNP



* The rankings of this Unofficial Competition are based on the final results from the World Crazy Golf Championships and player eligibility was determined by those players who went to the Flavours of India Restaurant in Hastings on Saturday 30th October 2010.

Crazy Minigolfers Play Air Hockey Tournament in Hastings

After the first day's play in the 2010 Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships a group of Crazy Minigolfers hit the Amusement Arcade for a £2 Tat Challenge which was followed by a great Air Hockey Tournament, which was won by Kevin Moseley.





Full results:

First Round
Scott Lancley beat Marc Chapman 6-5
Steve Gow Lost to Pasi Aho (Fin) 4-7
Kevin Moseley beat Phil Exall ?-?
Alex Exall beat Richard Gottfried 7-4
Owen Johnson beat Paul Johnson (6)5-4
Keith Kellard beat Chris Harding 7-5
Peter Jones beat Emily Gottfried 7-4
Brad Shepherd received a bye to the Quarter Finals

Quarter Finals
Pasi Aho (FIN) beat Brad Shepherd 7-5
Scott Lancley lost to Kevin Moseley 4-7
Alex Exall beat Owen Johnson 7-2
Keith Kellard lost to Peter Jones 4-5

Semi Finals
Pasi Aho (FIN) lost to Kevin Moseley 2-7
Alex Exall lost to Peter Jones 6-6 - 6-7 AET

3rd/4th Place Play-Off
Pasi Aho beat Alex Exall 7-3

Final
Kevin Moseley beat Peter Jones 7-4

Note: All players are GB, except where stated.

Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-man spotted in Hastings

Spotted in Hastings, East Sussex on Saturday night.




Marc 'Al' Chapman & Richard 'Harrington' Gottfried recreate the Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-man's action!


Scott 'Donkey Gringo' Lancley doing his finest Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-man impression!

Click here for more blog posts about Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-men.

The Crazy Air Squash in Hastings Amusements is Gone...

...a sad bit of news indeed.

The two Crazy Air Squash Tables have been replaced by two Penalty Shoot-Out Game Machines.

It's also likely that, in Hastings at least, Scott Lancley will be The Undisputed International Worlds Crazy Air Squash Champion forevermore!

Air Hockey in Hastings versus Finland's Pasi 'The Bruiser' Aho

Prior to the 2010 Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships I faced Finland's Pasi 'The Bruiser' Aho in a best-of-three International Air Hockey Competition at 'The Buttons' in Hastings, East Sussex.

On Thursday 28th October 2010 I lost 8-5.

On Friday 29th October 2010 I lost 8-4.

Back in September 2010 I played in The Undisputed International Worlds Crazy Air Squash Championships where I lost 9-0 to Pasi's German colleague Gerhard Zimmermann.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Minigolf Report – Gottfried 17th in 2010 Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships

1st November 2010
Press Information
For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report – Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships


Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried represented England for the fourth time since his debut in 2007 as he competed in the eighth annual Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships at the Sea Front Adventure Golf Complex in Hastings on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October.


For the third consecutive year Richard made the ‘cut’ to qualify for the final round to finish in 17th place of 54 competitors. Richard also finished 17th in 2008 and 2009.

The competitors played six qualifying rounds (four on Saturday, two on Sunday) on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course, with the top ranked 18 players making the cut to take part in the final round. After the six qualifying rounds, Richard and London’s Nick Chitty were tied on a score of 210(-6), which meant a play-off was required to see who would take the 18th and final place in the seventh round. The sudden-death play-off was won by Richard on the 5th extra hole, after BMGA British Number One Chitty scored a three, with Richard hitting a two.

The overall winner of the World Championships was Birmingham’s Chris Harding, who took the title for the second time following his win in 2007. Second was Brighton’s Peter Emmerson, with Oxford’s Michael Smith in third place. Harding won with a seven round total of 222(-30). (Videos of the final hole of the final round - 1 & 2)

Richard’s seven round total was 249(-3), an average of 1.97 shots per hole, after rounds of 34, 34, 35, 36, 36, 35 and 39. He said “I was very pleased with my performance over the weekend, I qualified for the final, after a nervy sudden-death play-off win and then managed to gain a place to finish 17th for the third year running. I only dropped 12 shots all weekend, and was a bit unlikely to miss out on a few more Aces, as I was getting very close quite often. Congratulations to Chris for a well deserved victory.”





Prior to the main-event Richard and Emily were invited to compete in the “www.miniaturegolfer.com ‘Ten Best' Crazy Golf Championship” to celebrate the tenth year of the Miniaturegolfer.com website. The competition was held on Friday 29th October and took place over the ten hardest holes on the Crazy Golf course. In the field of 13 players Richard finished in tied fourth place on 20 (par). Emily was tied in tenth place on 23(+3). Michael Smith took the win following a play-off victory over Ted McIver after both players scored 18(-2).


Richard is now ranked 26th of 260 players in the Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Rankings for 2003-2010, Emily is 55th. The BMGA Order of Merit and BMGA Season Only Rankings will be published later this week.

Ends

Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2010 - Final Hole - video 2

Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2010 - Final Hole - video 1

Gottfried's in the WMF World Minigolf Rankings (November 2010)

The latest World Minigolfsport Federation (WMF) World Rankings List has been updated and released (dated 1st November 2010).

Both Emily and I have moved down in the rankings from our previous positions.

In the last rankings Emily was ranked 109th and is now 138th in the Women's World Rankings.

I was previously ranked 358th and am now 413th in the Men's World Rankings.

Great Britain is now ranked 20th of 31 Nations (up from 24th of 30 Nations).

The WMF World Minigolf Rankings are those of the World Minigolfsport Federation (WMF) and are published twice annually. Competitions that earn WMF Ranking Points are predominantly played on Eternit, Beton and Swedish Felt Courses. Emily and I each have one Great Britain International Cap from our appearance in the 2008 Nations Cup in Tampere, Finland.