The 3rd Annual De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) Tournament at this year's Advance the Colors had record attendance. With published room for 16 players, the event ended up with 20 people actually playing! Fortunately, I had left room on my score sheet for an overflow, and the site had plenty of space for all of us.

We approach this event as an introductory affair, encouraging new players, even those with no familiarity at all with the rules, to play. This year eight first time participants entered the tournament. A couple had played a few games, but most were brand new. During the introductory session, we paired experienced players with beginners to help them learn the basic mechanics of the game, or answered questions for those with a bit more familiarity with the rules. In the first round of the actual event, we, again, paired "veterans" with "recruits," so that the learning process could continue in the tournament context. A special thanks to those long time DBAers for their bringing new players rather gently into the game, and "Welcome!" to all the newcomers.

With such a crowd, we ended up with three undefeated players. A tie break procedure settled the event, but the 3 were all close. Next year, we'll have to consider a four-round event to help break up the pack. Thanks to all of those who've made other suggestions for improving the event, and to The Quartermaster for sponsoring this year's affair. This year's results:

1. Phil Fry 3-0 Late Ptolemaic 20 pts.
2. Paul Ohtonen 3-0 Alexandrian Imperial 19 pts.
3. Steve Agricola 3-0 Burgundian Ordnance 18 pts.
4.(t) Terry Hollern 2-1 Marian Romans 16 pts.
4.(t) George Soika 2-1 Later Carthaginian 16 pts.
6. Dick Keyel 2-1 Marian Romans 15 pts.
7. Mike Demana 2-1 Thracians 15 pts.
8. Raj Doshi 2-1 Vikings 14 pts.
9. Greg Rabut 2-1 Gauls 14 pts.
10. Chris Carroll 2-1 Early Crusaders 11 pts.
12.(t) Robert Kirby 1-2 Vikings 11 pts.
12.(t) Sean Hoyt 1-2 Early Crusaders 11 pts.
14. Scott Jeske 1-2 Early Imperial Romans 11 pts.
15. Neil Molyneaux 1-2 Mycenaens 10 pts.
16. Tony Guido 1-2 Gauls 9 pts.
17. Kathleen Molyneaux 1-2 New Kingdom Egyptains 8 pts.
18. Adam Caudill 0-3 Vikings 7 pts.
19. John Chattin 0-3 Marian Romans 6 pts.
20. Jim Williams 0-3 Mongols 3 pts.

ATC 2000 Convention Report