Running a Mitchell Movement
Step-by-step directions for the Mitchell movement — the simplest duplicate movement — including odd/even table counts, bye-stands, and half tables.
The Mitchell movement is the simplest form of duplicate play and the one recommended for new clubs and inexperienced directors. It is a pairs movement: each player keeps the same partner, but meets a different pair and a different set of boards each round. Source: Mechanics for Duplicate Clubs with Small Games.
Setup#
Designate one end of the room North and number the tables consecutively from there (it need not be true compass north). For many tables, arrange them in an "L" or "U" so the highest number is near Table 1. Players seat themselves as N-S or E-W and take a pair number matching their starting table and direction (N-S 1, E-W 1, N-S 2, …).
N-S pairs stay put all session. E-W pairs move up one table each round (Table 1→2, 2→3, …, highest→1). The number of rounds equals the number of tables.
Odd number of tables#
Board progression is simplest with an odd count. In a seven-table game (21 boards, three per round), place boards 1–3 on Table 1, 4–6 on Table 2, … 19–21 on Table 7. Each round, E-W pairs move up and boards move down one table (7→6, … 1→highest). After seven rounds every pair has met every opposing pair and played every board once.
Even number of tables#
With an even count the boards need an adjustment. Place the highest-numbered table beside Table 1 — those two tables share and relay the same board set (the highest table gets no boards of its own). Add a bye-stand at the exact midpoint of the section (between 3 and 4 for six tables, 4 and 5 for eight, 5 and 6 for ten), where one set of boards rests idle each round before continuing down.
Half tables#
With an odd number of pairs, leave the N-S seats at the highest-numbered table empty; each E-W pair gets a sit-out when the rotation brings it there. For movement purposes count the half table as a full table — a 6½-table game distributes boards as a seven-table game.