SYSTEM?

Would someone be so kind as to tell me what this stupid SYSTEM opponent is, and why it's allegedly I who am on move (and whose time is ticking away), when he/she/it is Black and therefore should be moving first?

In Infinity tournaments, when there is an odd number of players, instead of getting a Bye, you play against SYSTEM.  It will never move, and therefore will eventually lose.

Actually, it occasionally happens that, due to a bug, the SYSTEM's clock does not start when it should.   You should message the webmaster, Richard Malaschitz, and he should be able to straighten it out for you.

Good luck!

Thank you, Art and William both.  I did wonder whether the purpose might be something like that, but it was the stalled clock that foxed me ... and also caused the frustration which led to my immoderate accusation of stupidity.  I'm sure old SYSTEM is really a jolly nice chap when you get to know him, even if a bit forgetful on occasion. :)

Anyway, I'll take the advice and notify Richard.  Thanks again.