HOW TO DIRECT A TOURNAMENT
Decipher's checklist for holding a tournament tells you what's important so that nothing falls through the cracks. It doesn't mean that you won't face tough rules questions - but it won't let you forget to reserve the hall.

Whether you're directing your first tournament or your hundredth, it's a great tool for remembering the details that can make your tournament a success.

BEFORE THE EVENT
Get organized: Find a roomy place to hold your event...
• a local shop is usually the best alternative (helps with ads, prizes and traffic)
• alternatives
• social clubs, church halls, college meeting rooms

Set the date: weekends are best for most players most of the time...
• check to see that it doesn't confict with a major holiday or happening
• allow plenty of time (1 hr. for each timed tournament game, plus 30 mins. for lunch, 30 mins. for registration and 30 mins. for wrap-up.
• give yourself time enough to publicize your event

Set the format:
• format determines price (Sealed Deck or Constructed)
• set a format that puts hot cards in players' hands
• set a format that's right for the players you want to draw: serious or fun

Promote it:
• Post in the Decipher.com online tournaments area.
• Make flyers or a signup sheet for players to register.
• personal email to area players with tournament info. Keep entry fees low: Give good value for the experience.

Get Web site Support Materials:
• tournament software
• Tournament guide
• Rules glossary together with new supplements
• Current rulings document - most recent
• score cards
• game formats explanations

DAY OF THE EVENT
Don't sing it, bring it:
• if you're not confident of your rules expertise, call in a rules expert (not
one of your tournament's players)
• all your Tournament rules and reference stuff
• carry plenty of score cards.
• a one-hour rounds timer
• a camera to record the event
• for Star Trek CCG, dice, variable sided, in case someone ends up playing
Ajur/Boratus and you need to find out which seed cards are left, dilemma guides
• Pens, you can't have too many
• lots of copies of score cards...a pack horse!

Bombs on target, on time: Day of the tournament, be there in plenty of time before tournament to welcome players and register them.
• Check player score cards for legible, complete information.
• Before you begin, share your plan - game format, how many rounds, time, breaks, basic rules, scoring, etc..
• Ask for (and answer!) player questions.

Rulings:
• Your responsibility is to make the best judgments you can. Study the rules, and have reference materials on hand. If you're stuck for an answer, check them. Rule as quickly, as fairly, as you can. You may be wrong - you may have to apologize later - but rule and press on.

Collect the Scores:
remember, it is the player's responsibility to check scores and results on their score card, and to sign it. After the last score card's turned in:
• Tally all results
• Did each player sign his card?
• Distribute your prize support
• Congratulate the winner
• Photograph winners (also get a copy of their deck listing)
• Thank everybody for their sportsmanship
• Touch base with the owner of the venue, to make sure that they are happy with everything
• go home and put your feet up. You deserve it!