A tournament is a game event that pits players against each other in a series of matches that determine overall winners based on their success in those individual tournament matches. There are many different types of tournaments, but they all follow the same general structure and aim to provide a fun and exciting way for gamers to play their favourite games with other awesome people.
Tournaments can be found at local gaming stores, conventions and other venues. They are often organised by volunteers who make sure the event runs smoothly and in accordance with the rules of the parent company (like Legend Story Studios). Some retailers run weekly or monthly tournaments, which are more casual events that may be a better fit for players joining organized events for the first time.
Before participating in a tournament, players should set clear goals and expectations for themselves. This could be as simple as focusing on learning and having fun, or as complex as aiming for a specific placement. Understanding what they hope to achieve will guide their preparation and training, and help them stay motivated throughout the process.
On the day of the tournament, players should plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare. This will give them a chance to relax, focus on the warm-up and enjoy their time at the venue before the event starts. Aiming to arrive a few hours early will also allow players to test out the venue’s putting greens, which may be different to their own, and get a feel for how much they slow down under tournament pressure.
Players should bring everything they need to play the game, including a squad/deck/army/fleet and tokens. In addition, they should be aware of the tournament’s rules and structure, and bring any required dice, pens or other equipment. Ideally, they should also take a clipboard or other portable table to write down their scores on. This will make it easier to keep track of their progress throughout the day.
A tournament will typically have multiple divisions. These are usually based on skill level, with the most experienced players competing against each other and beginners playing with those of a similar level. This will make the event more fun for everyone and avoid frustrations caused by inexperienced players being paired up with experienced players who are unable to compete on a fair basis. Golf tournaments also use a similar system to separate players into “flights” so that they can play against their peers.
It is important for players to respect the tournament staff, particularly at large events where the staff may be overworked or under-staffed. They are there to ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently, and will have already made efforts to shorten lines and reduce delays. Players should also be respectful of the decisions made by judges, even if they disagree with them. If a player feels that a decision has been unfair, they should consider taking it up with the Head Judge at the end of the day.