Oortael

That's an interesting thought. Maybe I'm cynical, but I see it as too smart to be considered by the banzuke makers. IMO, Daieisho was spoiled of a sanyaku spot for Hatsu, and now double spoiled of a Sekiwake spot for Haru. These early Daieisho vs Yokozunae bouts feel more like a gift falling into their lap than a well established plan.

This is how the rikishi are spread out among the heya, with some oyakata info. Still incomplete because we don't have the whole newcomers' list despite the best effort of our local experts. Also, some personal preferences and simplifications.

Man, I'm the perfect exemple for this : I took the 4-man Komusubi route for Hatsu ... finished dead last. Still think that was the best option.

Makuuchi covid guys are far enough from each other that they don't need to bother moving them around to make room for others, imo. I'd go as far as calling that 12 easy points. But nobody can trust the banzuke makers. I wouldn't bet $10 on where Daieisho will be spotted.

FTFY

Let's say that among all sources of injury, the raised dohyo is not a major one. That I'm totally fine with. But the raised dohyo HAS ACTUALLY caused injuries : just rewatch Tomokaze or Tsurugisho recently (and there my be others in lower divisions). So the "anecdotal evidence show otherwise" goes out the window. If they wanna keep the raised dohyo for ceremonial and visibility purpose, they could just widen the area between the tawara and the ledge. That would cost 1 or 2 rows of crowd.

Sometimes, you just need to rely on the wisdom of the crowd. There is always someone smarter than oneself in the crowd. Or someone who has already been there / done that. Thanks for the heads-up, @Gurowake and @Kashunowaka !

Well, I didnt think about that ...

@Golynohana as, I think, you are the master of Sekitori Quad game : Let's say everything goes somewhat right and the basho happens for 15 days ... which already would be a net positive ... How is Quad going to be scored/handled with not enough sekitori to fill out 15 days (54 sekitori able to walk, and 60 selections needed for 15 days) ? Do you have any recommandations ? Does the whole game goes kyujo until brighter days ? Help me, Goly-wan Kenobi, you are my only hope !

Ms13w Kaisho

In November, Hakuho (maybe) took a bullet to get Kakuryu out of the NSK's line of fire. But there is nothing to gain for Kakuryu here, as he is on a white-hot seat and Hakuho pulled out because he got sick, not because of lingering injuries. I believe he wants a last chance to retire on the doyho, but he was not fit to compete here. He just hopes to get in competitive condition in March, which might be wishfull thinking, as his health doesn't seem to get any better even after more or less 6 months of rest.

1-5 Pandaazuma 6-10 Chishafuwaku 11-20 Kaito 21-40 Oortael 41-80 Joaoiyama 81-120. Gansekiiwa 121-200 Takanorappa 201- Mariohana

Sd15e Ofukasawa

Jk25e Atamifuji

This is true, even for Murayama who joins soon. Hagiwara is still a question mark, as his only technique so far is : step left at the taichai, left outside grip, throw (confirmed by one of our SF amateur expert who called him a henka-specialist). Until he demonstrates something else against better competition than Jonidan, I'm gonna reserve my jugement.