Any tips? Anything new about running a tournament I should know to help him out?
I'm helping a friend TO his first tournament this weekend?
MAKE SURE YOU BOTH KNOW THE DAMNED RULES.
No, seriously. Make sure you know how FFG's version of Swiss pairing works, even if you're using some kind of software to pair for you. Also make sure you have at least two paper copies of the rulebook, tournament rules, and most current FAQ on hand. You probably don't/won't have them memorized, but you should be familiar enough with them to know where to look for the information you need.
Other than rules stuff, for a small or medium local-ish tourney I'd make sure you have time to review squads between submission and the start of the first match. I've seen people with flat-out illegal squads (accidentally, I think--EPTs on pilots who don't have them, lists at 101 points, etc.) as well as squads that are technically legal but make obvious mistakes (like a Vader+Squad Leader/Soontir/Turr+VI list--Vader has no legal targets for Squad Leader). Picking up those things before things get underway can help alleviate a lot of frustration down the line.
I'm very familiar with the rules as a participant, but running the thing is another story.
What's the deal with swiss pairing?
I would HIGHLY recommend using the Crydoex Software to help you run the event. It takes a lot of the possible mistakes in placements and table assignments out of it. It also does ALL of the paring and Swiss paring for you!
You can find a link here, under the downloads:
www.afewmaneuvers.com
MANY great tournaments are run with this. Fire it up, play with it and get to know the software, and have a great event!
I would HIGHLY recommend using the Crydoex Software to help you run the event. It takes a lot of the possible mistakes in placements and table assignments out of it. It also does ALL of the paring and Swiss paring for you!
You can find a link here, under the downloads:
MANY great tournaments are run with this. Fire it up, play with it and get to know the software, and have a great event!
Its under the download tab near top of the page.
I downloaded it and could not get it to work. Does it work on Macs?
Edited by Sergovanwhoa cryodex rules so hard
Good question on the Mac thing... I believe Chris compiles that on a MAC so I would hope so. I'll check with him and let you know.
Here's how I run tournaments:
Set the event star time 30 minutes before the time you actually want to start the first round.
Check squad lists for correct math and legality before the event, giving the players time to fix their mistakes.
Run full 75 minute rounds, unless you have already announced a different time. You don't want to surprise players with changes to the standard format. If you choose to run shorter rounds, let the players place asteroids and deploy ships before starting the clock.
Schedule 15 minute breaks between each round, and if you're going to run more than three rounds you should schedule a half hour break somewhere. If the players are all ready to play before the break time is up, start the next round.
Announce the time remaining at fifteen, ten, and five minutes.
Use good play mats. Vinyl is horrible. Felt is decent. Yoga mats are best.
Be generous with prizes. I make sure everyone leaves with at least a couple of acrylic tokens or an alt art card. There are lots of great tokens available from third party manufacturers if you don't have official prize support, but you need to order that stuff well in advance of your event. Finishing last sucks, and it's usually a new player who ends up in that spot. Try to give that player an extra little prize to lift their spirits and wish them better luck next time.
I strongly recommend Cryodex. After inputting the results from each round, have the players visually check your work before you start a new round. That is, let them look at the screen to verify the information is correct.
If possible, avoid byes. The TO or an assistant should be ready and willing to play in the tourney only if it evens out the number of players. But the TO should step out before cutting to the top players, so that only paying competitors have a chance to win.
Be friendly. Take pictures of the event and post them to your Facebook group or whatever you use to organize events.
Keep your nose out of the games unless someone asks for a ruling. If you're not sure about a rule, chances are good that another player does. Go ahead and ask an experienced player at another table if you're not sure, or if you're not sure where to find the answer.
And if you can, schedule the next event before you even run this one, so you can tell a lot of players about it when they show up this weekend. Print up some fliers and have them ready to hand out, and include the address of your Facebook group or whatever. Tournaments are a great opportunity to grow your X-Wing community.
Good luck! I hope your tourney's a big success.
Edited by DagobahDaveHow I would normally run an event (may sound harsh for a local event, but you can do it in a nice way, and when people get used to it, it just flows).
My first round is 15 minutes longer than the rest of them.
As part of round 1 each player is responsible for checking their opponents list and referring any problems or issues to the TO, and each player is responsible for checking their opponents damage deck (i give each player an A6 laminated card with a complete damage deck list on it). Should a list be found to be illegal, or a damage deck illegal after the tournament has begun, both players have their results recorded as a full match loss for the opening round.
If any damage decks or lists are found to be kaput during this checking, the player has the chance to fix it, and I have 4-5 of my own damage decks there to loan out if needed.
Doing this I've never had a player with an illegal list (after the checking time - lots with minor errors before, which have been stacked).
I've also encountered 1 player with a dodgy damage deck, loaned him one of mine, and not an issue since then.
Edited by godofcheesegodofcheese, your way is pretty harsh wow full match loss. but i think your intent is good.
prep time and knowing the rules is good.
godofcheese, your way is pretty harsh wow full match loss. but i think your intent is good.
prep time and knowing the rules is good.
I've never had to do it to anyone, as just saying it encourages people to check thier opponents squads carefully.