For a long time, GDW has not run game tournaments at the various game conventions we have attended. (Actually, we have, but nobody noticed.) The question seems to be whether tournaments are actually worthwhile events at a game convention - whether they are actually a reasonable attraction or are only included to make the convention program look bigger.

In an effort to try to find out, GDW has decided to undertake a serious tournament program at both Origins 79 and GenCon XII in the coming year.

This plan is still in its formulative stages, and we invite any thoughts or feedback on its particulars. Your input will help shape this tournament idea into a workable and enjoyable project.

SERIES 120 GAMES

Most mainline Workshop games are, of course, too long or too complex for any kind of play-off tournament at a convention. Our Series 120 games are designed to be played in under two hours, and can certainly be played in the three hours normally allocated to a tournament. I expect that we will run about five separate tournaments using the following titles:

1. The Battle of Raphia, 217 BC
2. The Battle of Agincourt, 1415
3. Mayday
4. 1942!
5. Guilford Courthouse

Each tournament will be open to 16 players and will consist of elimination rounds to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Should more than 16 register for the tournament, separate tournaments of 16 players each will be held, each with its own winners and prizes.

ENTERING

We are going to work to make entering the tournament as easy as possible. It will consist of showing up, paying the $2 entry fee, showing that you have a copy of the game to be played, getting a copy of the tournament rules, and getting your first game assignment.

Winners of the first round will have to report back to tournament headquarters by a certain time, and will then receive their next pairing.

We will run ads in the convention programs indicating where and when to show up. Preregistered gamers usually get their program by mail before the con, so you'll know ahead of time where and when to show up.

THE RULES

The major problems with tournaments to date have been that their rules are unclear and/or not followed. Unless properly run, a tournament can be a tremendous drain on manpower, and will soon get to be quite a drag for the players. To help avoid this, a set of rules will be written for the tournaments, and a copy will be distributed to each entrant.

In overview, the rules will run like this:

A. Each player must have a copy of the game to be played. This ensures that there are copies of the game available, and helps insure that the players already know how to play the game.

B. Each player is responsible for reporting results to tournament headquarters after a game. Central records will be kept of game assignments and wins. No tournament can proceed smoothly if an official has to run around trying to find out who won what game.

C. A roving official will be available to adjudicate disputes. In the event that he is not around, tournament headquarters will have a person who can make a ruling.

More rules will probably be necessary, and will be added before the season starts.

THE PRIZES

At present, we anticipate that at least the following prizes will be awarded per 16-player tournament:

First Prize: Any two GDW Games.
Second Prize: Any GDW Game.
Third Prize: One-year Grenadier Sub.

COMMENTS?

If you like to play in tournaments (or even if you don't), what do you think? If you have any opinions at all, now's the time to let us know and help shape this into a good time at Origins and GenCon next year.