Ive been slowly trying to get other people (outside me an my kids) to play the best Star Wars game ever.

Our local game store owner asked me to run a tournament later this month to help generate some interest.

My question is, since I've never been to or participated in a IA skirmish tournament is, how do these look?

I've got the kit, Ive read the stuff on the website, but are there other things that would make this run smoother?

We know what maps we're using, but how do you randomize the maps as you are playing? Does everyone play the same map at the same time or does one pairing play Cantina while another is playing Training Ground? How do you split up the prizes? We'll probably have anywhere from 4-8 players show up. Like any gamestore, there are those that take things way too serious and most of us are just playing for fun or to get some more games in. Any tips or ideas would be useful.

There are 3 approved maps (each with 2 scenarios). This can be found in the tournament resources page on FFG for IA. At some point the organizer picks (from the 6 skirmish cards you'd get with the sets) which scenario will be first. Everyone plays that scenario. So it's important to make sure that everyone either brings map tiles (or printed maps...much faster) from all sets (current maps involve core, Hoth, and Twin Shadows I believe) so that you can support all the games, ie. 3 sets of maps for 6 people.

So keep in mind there is prep time. Not just putting the maps together, but writing down your lists including command cards. Give that at least 30 minutes at first and then 10-15 at the beginning of each subsequent round.

Also, keep in mind that you'll likely have ties, with the small number of people playing. However, in the tournament resources there are rules to breaking ties.

Another recommendation I have is that if players have squads with multiple models, they have them clearly marked and have a place in front of them to record appropriate damamge. It will reduce confusion and keep the hardcore, mistrusting complainers happy.

I hope that helps.