LoboStele wrote:
Why not just simply run this like all the other events at GenCon?? 4 Rounds of Swiss, and then at the end of it, the top undefeated teams get a certain prize, and then the teams that are 3-1 get something lesser. There should be only 2 teams at 4-0 after 4 rounds. I know last year the prizes were really awesome and required the face-off between the two teams. If that's going to be the case again this year, then perhaps plan to do the team face-off on Saturday evening after the Championships?
Jason, the key is just going to be in getting things moving QUICK. People need to be signed up BEFORE the 8pm slot. Try to track down team members earlier in the day and get them to fill out their squad sheets. Or even have them fill out the sheets during the first round of gaming. Set a 60 minute time limit for the round, and let that include all of the team's setup time as well. When you announce the pairings, give people like a minute to find their spot at the tables, and then announce that time is starting and they will have 60 minutes. Then you leave it in the team's hands to figure out their matchups quickly, get set-up, etc.
Agree with all this very much. Four rounds of minis at is enough for most anyone's night. Declaring them the co-winners could be fun (create some rivalries!) or just bring everyone out Saturday night to play the last two games (which would be fun cause everyone hanging around from the championship could form a huge circle and blow their vuvuzelas). As for keeping it moving, I think it is reasonable to expect every team to have three members, three squads, and three squad lists the instant everything begins. Just tell everyone that that is the setup. Having someone stand up on a chair and yell that anyone who wants to play in the team tourney needs to have a squad list already prepared every so often starting a few hours before the event. Yes there will be some genius who doesn't do it anyway, but you can make those teams play each other so no on else loses any time. Including the matchup-making in the 60 minutes game time is obvious and well-reasoned, too.