[andych]

What service does the pro normally provide?

Does the pro only play with you in a session? Any other service you get? e.g. system note before the session, a post mortem analysis after the game?

Would there be any refund if the results turn out bad ?

[MickyB]

I think it is quite common to get given a write-up of the hands. Some offer to be paid by masterpoints earned.

[mr1303]

Jason Hackett (probably the only pro that I've sat down and had a beer or 20 with) says that it's normal for a price to be agreed in advance of the event, and that performance is usually unrelated to the payment.

He will also learn a system in advance of a tournament, although I belive there is an extra fee for this service.

[MickyB]

mr1303, on Jun 27 2005, 04:12 PM, said:

He will also learn a system in advance of a tournament, although I belive there is an extra fee for this service.

How much extra does it cost to get him to play Acol?

[SoTired]

Depends on pro, price, and what is agreed in advance.

I have never heard of pros giving a poor result discount/rebate. Seems customer would just not hire them again. Does anybody ask their doctor for a refund if they don't get better?

Many pros give post session, written analysis of mistakes geared to the customer playing level.

Online is much cheaper than f2f, but services are the same.

Most pros are hired for one of 3 reasons:
1) Customer wants to succeed in event
2) Customer wants to learn (beg/nov to inte or inter to adv). Teaching is primary role
3) Customer wants to raise level of play from adv to exp.

#1 is more single-shot type of thing, although customer may repeatedly hire the same pro(s) that they are familiar and comfortable with. Post-session written analysis may be waived and only a post-session walk-thru with customer

#2 might include pre- or post-session lessons.

Difficult for #3 to occur without playing with an expert.

[pigpenz]

and sometimes it depends on what sex you are

[Winstonm]

pigpenz, on Jun 27 2005, 04:19 PM, said:

and sometimes it depends on what sex you are 

See, this is where Justin/Justine has the advantage.

[reisig]

No professional player gives a refund...ever! I talk with the student (client) before we play and after the session - to review the relevant hands. If all you care about is winning some small tourney (and not learning the game) - then you should find someone else. Notes about bidding methods and defense are always provided...depending on the level of the student.

[FrancesHinden]

I've never heard of a refund for bad results, but many pros (including Jason I am certain) agree a fixed fee per session + a win bonus, particularly for a long teams event. This is more for events where the sponsor is paying the pro in order to do well in an event, rather than to learn.

As for system, system notes etc that depends on the pro. Some will play whatever you want them to; others will play anything reasonable, others will only play their pet methods.

It's a good idea for the pro to know why they are being paid: if it's to win the event they will protect you as much as possible from decisions in either the bidding or the play. If it's to learn they will not do that but, will be much more down-the-middle and not hog the declarership.

[Fluffy]

You pay for playing, but pros that want to be hired again will answer any question you want to make them after play.

Normally when you first hire a pro he will ask you these question:

-Do you want to learn or win?

As long as I know 80% people pick win. (most of the sponsors here are women, dunno if it has something to do).