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Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 50: 01/12/08]

Postby Gozar on Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:13 pm

Issue 50: 01/12/08

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Hello, tournament fans, players and organizers.
We hope you are enjoying the new additions to the newsletter. Be sure to drop our writers a line to comment on their contributions.
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


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Hello all and welcome to another week of the News Hound. This week has seen some heated discussion about ‘Point Restriction’ Tournaments in the General Info/Q&A/Discussion Sub-Forum. I will be running through both sides of the argument and seeing what either side has to say on the issue.

The initiator of the thread Bones2484 has raised the issue that there have been way too many Point Restricted tournaments that have been created recently. More than ten point restricted tournaments have been started over the last couple of weeks, mostly for people 2000+ in points with the highest point restriction tournament being for 2500+. The point has also been raised that there should be restrictions on how many tournaments a person can have priviledges for at one time, the example was given of one organiser creating 11 tournaments in 2 days...

After the thread started the organiser who is responsible for most of these tournaments changed the description in some of his tournament threads to "All players welcome" but left the title as "2500+" so as to deter the lower ranks. There is also the issue of easy medals, many of the long-time organisers have worked hard for their medals, they have organised long tournaments and put a lot of work into them. Now all it has taken is a few "medal thirsty" players who want to be worshipped to come along and organise these short 1v1 tounaments, with 16 players and just change the map 12 times and you have yourself 12 medals while a more competent organiser is still earning his second medal because he can come up with more interesting and a more appealing tournament which require the hard yards to be put in for a medal.

Some of these tournaments include…
JR’s 1v1 challenge II 2500+ (organiser: JOHNNYROCKET24)
Coral Coast 1v1 2300+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Charleston 1v1 2300+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Solar System 1v1 2100+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Arm’s Race 1v1 2300+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Poker Heads Up 2100+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Extreme 1v1 2100+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Super Max 1v1 2100+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Malta 1v1 2500+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
AoR 3 1v1 2500+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Midkemdil 2500+ (organiser: Blitzaholic)
Major+ 2009 Winter Doubles League 2200+ (organiser: AndrewB)
However, to their credit some of these organiser’s do create tournaments open to all…

Please Note before reading on: The content of this article is not the entire content of the discussion thread, there is more info that has been left out for the sake of the article, to get ALL the details please visit the discussion thread.

Here is what Bones2484 had to say on the issue…

Bones2484 wrote:All of the above tournaments are announced for 2500+ only. This probably eliminated close to 90-95% of the players who play tournaments. Sure I may be whining because I don't qualify myself at this point in time... but I am of the opinion that ALL tournaments should be made available to every player on the site.

If anything, these elitist games can be ran by PM or in the callouts forum. Trying to pass these off as "tournaments" are a complete joke. This blatant discrimination and conceited attitude has already ruined most aspects of this site, and I don't want to see it ruin the only thing I am still on CC for… Tournaments.


Other Opinions include…

Timminz wrote:I don't see a problem with point restrictions on entry, as long as there is an equal tournament being offered for all the other ranks. Something like the "League of...." tournaments that are going on now. But, to offer half a dozen tournaments that are only open to the top 250 (or so) players is just elitist *expletive*. The tournament forum is not the place for it.


And now the rebuttal…

Blitzaholic wrote: As I discussed in length with some in here on these 2500+ tournaments, this will be my last batch, several liked them and wanted more, I thought I was sparking cc by trying to get more involved in tournaments as many high ranks don’t, but many started to come around after I invited some. Again, I have no problem not making anymore of these after these are done if that makes all happy.… and the reason many don’t play them is because they lose a ton of points! why do 90% of the people that win tournaments feel good when the top 10% in scores are never in them, do you feel like you really competed against the best players on the site? cause you have not….I guarantee you that of the top 300 players on the scoreboard, they are 90% of the best players on this site.


Unfortunately, the TD’s have declined to comment in detail in both the thread and via PM however, they did say that it is within the rules for these tournaments to be organised. Former TD Optimus Prime did comment on the issue however, and this is what he had to say…

Optimus Prime wrote: Blitz, you are blind if you think that those players in the Top 300 are the best "all around" players this site has to offer. I would venture to guess that a majority of them got to that point specializing in one type of game play, and doing that does not mean that they are the best.

Until all of you up there on the first page of the scoreboard start showing up for any and all tournaments regardless of player score or style of play, I will continue to believe you do not have what it takes to truly play in them. You cannot claim to be the best if you aren't willing to play others who truly are the best at their craft.


So what do you think about the issue? Should there be a restriction on “Point Restricted” tournaments? For all the latest discussion and to voice your opinion on the issue, please visit the “Point Restricted” Tournament Discussion.

Well that’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, I hope you have enjoyed this weeks issue.
If you have an idea for a good story please feel free to PM samuelc812



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New man on top – killmanic has a 2 tournament win lead over Godd and BaldAdonis (16 wins to 14).

Welcome the newest Team CC member: iancanton the cartographer!

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Bundesliga
Organizer: Forza AZ

Major+ 2009 Winter Doubles League
Organizer: AndrewB

Pick a Partner
Organizer: reptile

Cops and Robbers
Organizer: true2paintball

Pacman Triangle
Organizer: Blitzaholic

Club World Cup
Organizer: Forza AZ

Harbor of Pearls
Organizer: Blitzaholic

Pacman Squared
Organizer: Blitzaholic



1 versus 1 Tournaments

The Army Warfare Bracket
Organizer: max if gr8

Gilligan’s Bracket Tournament V
Organizer: Gilligan

TO; League of Colonels+
Organizer: killmanic

TO; League of Cadets
Organizer: gameplayer

TO; League of Privates
Organizer: Serbia

JR’s 1v1 Challenge III
Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

Race to the New World
Organizer: darbselod

NBA 2008-09
Organizer: SNARF17WD

Super Max Singles
Organizer: Blitzaholic

JR’s 1v1 Challenge II
Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

All Around CC Maps: Bamboo Jack
Organizer: coded


General Tournaments

Trippel Trappel
Organizer: PaulusH
Waiting for reserves to join. Based on St Nicolaas 36 individual people will be trapped in tripple games. Planned start date: 6 December. Using a 6x6 windmill system.

Poker Night at the Club
Organizer: Dragonah

The Epic Final War for World Domination
Organizer: Beko the Great

Beat Every Player
Organizer: max is gr8

Thug Life
Organizer: bigreuben
Team games and standard games

NHL League
Organizer: sensfan

Pokemon Pearl
Organizer: Zoebear1

Doodle Deathmatch!
Organizers: LFAW and DAT_WAT_SHE_SAID

Hitman: Asia
Organizer: ralpcptc

My Map is Better than Yours
Organizer: ralphcptc

Tupence’s Little Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Bigger, Better, European Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Big Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

The Dungeon Explorers
Organizer: cupid1080

One Chance to Assassinate
Organizer: coded

2009 Guild Wars
Organizer: Sir. Ricco

Battle of the Hemispheres
Organizer: JoJo123

11 Round Classic Art Escalating
Organizer: BeakerWMA

Tupence’s African Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Premium I.G.K. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Realms War
Organizer: Megadeth666

Stephan’s 4 Man Freestyle
Organizer: Stephen Wayne

Wolfman’s Champions
Organizer: Natewolfman

Art Attack
Organizer: Boss_oss_ss

Around the World in 80 Days
Organizer: stahrgazer


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Doubles American Civil War Reenactment
Organiser: Moran555
First of nine rounds is underway

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
Still 8 people can become overall winner. :geek: Four tables continue with their tea.
Planned end date: 25 December

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Everybody left NYC and Brussels.
Last group send to Pearl :shock:
Planned end date: 25 April.

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Seven is beginning.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
5/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

7 Man Madness From Gilligan
January 1, 2009

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Here are some recent tournament winners.


"Star Wars II" -MudPuppy, ultraman, otis89 and magneto_acolyte
"Supreme Feudal Doubles Tournament" -Tammy Delee and Homer_Jay
"Assassins of the World" -RAM16
"Square Dancing" -Gehrem
"Fantasy World Cup Championship" -Gehrem and Endar1077
"Short WW2 Tournament" -blockhead15
"The Private/Lower Tournament" -scottishleaf
"The 8 Thoughts" -Zissou2
"Ultimate All Maps 1x1 Tournament" -ubcman64
"H-O-R-S-E" -LFAW
"Literature Prize" -killmanic
"Don't Take Too Long: Bracket Edition" -amazzony
"CC Gaming Tour 08" -NoobX200
"Snowy Rock Races" -Shino Tenshi
"Battle of Actium" -elmerfudd
"US Pro Sports Showdown" -killmanic
"Battle of the N00Bs 3" -Watsy
"Championship Series: Cairns Coral Coast" -Natewolfman
"Foundry Update 5.2" -lunatic96
"Foundry Update 5.1" -knighthawk
"President of Conquer Club" -lostatlimbo
"Assassin Newbie Tournament" -Bones2484
"Battle to Rule Doodle Earth 1v1 Tournament" -lostatlimbo
"2008 MLB Season" -BaldAdonis
"Feudal 1v1 Round Robin" -Army of Achilles
"War in the Americas" -goggles_paisano
"Serie A" -League: dragon dor & Forza AZ (Catania) /Cup: chard & Condor (Atalanta) / Supercup: dragon dor & Forza AZ (Catania)
"Climb the Mountain III" -BagwellTheGreat
"Emperor or Rome" -jbrettlip
"Captain Moo's Challenge Tournament" -DimnjacarStef
"Championship Series: Berlin1961" -dustin800
"The Mod Wars" -James Vasquez
"American Dominators Ult Bracket"- Joshrising
"World Maps 1v1 Tournament"- ralphcptc
"Major+ 2008 Summer Doubles" -Jiminski & firstholliday
"H2SY's Doubles" -David Wain and Nephilim
"Super Smash Bros. Doubles League" -odratsab and ekimlil216
"Championship Series: Brazil" -Tripitaka
"The Decisive War: Feudal War Triples" -Army of Achilles and White Moose and FATHARRY


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Olympics: Citius (part 1), Altius (part 2) and Fortius (part 3)
Organizer: amazzony

Overall:ImageImageImageImage
Creativity:ImageImageImageImage
Enjoyment:ImageImageImageImageImage
Enjoyment was rated by players that have played the tournament

Thursday February 28, 2008, amazzony started a bold new tournament idea. She would host three very large tournaments in honor of the Olympics.

“The best part about this tournament is that it included many different settings so you could pick which ones you wanted to play.” SuicidalSnowman verbalizes when asked how he felt about the Tournament. As stated, the tournament has a wide rage of settings that everybody likes. The tournament is full of tough players and long strategically played games. Great honor is deserved by merz the only winner of the tournament. merz had to player 13 games to win the tournament. Obviously the tournament is not for the faint in heart, for they will be removed as life is separated from the murdered, violently. Life in the tournament is intense, for each game becomes more and more important.

However, to find the truth, you ask the people that know the truth, the players. “I think the sexy organizer is doing a great job.” martyn fantasizes. Love for Amazzonys’s effort is felt from every one who played. ZionT says, “She runs the most organized tournaments out there and this is the best "large" series there is.” Which is a great credit to Amazzony. Large tournaments are hard to run, but, “Amazzonys’s ability to focus so much thought and effort onto one configuration of the Conquer Club experience.” states bamage. ralphcptc also adds, “Well organized, well thought out and managed well. Very complex tournaments with very little lag time between rounds.” To sum up she put a great effort out and as Dominator7 declares “Amazzony deserves a unique medal created just for her and her efforts.”

I now sit down for an interview with the “sexy” lady and see what she feels about the tournament.
“I'm doing/did something big and proved myself that even if things aren't as fun, I can keep going and not abandon what I've started.”
Where did you get the idea for the tournament?
“I've always wanted to run a big tournament and I enjoy watching Olympics so I guess I put 1 and 1 together and got the 3 parts of Olympics Tournament.”
Did you have fun running the tournament?
“Mostly yes though I'm not going to deny that there are/were times when I got sick and tired of it, mainly because of the same negative things happening again and again.”
Will there be more Olympic tournaments?
“I have one sitting in my "Future Tournaments" folder but I am not sure if it will ever be ran.

Well that about wraps it up for me. I like to conclude a big thanks to Amazzony for taking on such a big task. I hope this will inspire other host to put forth bigger tournaments that appeal to the masses. So till next time…

Jumping over every hurdle
Sir. Ricco


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lackattack remains tied up, so his interview remains pending. This week we bring you a chat with Boss_oss_ss. Next week, we sit down with former Tournament Director Optimus Prime. The interview is based on your questions. You can send them in here.

Now, on with the interview!


Q: Hello, Boss_oss_ss.

A: Hey Gozar

Q:How did you find this website?

A:My friend, Strider24, showed it to me.

Q: Why did you join CC?

A:Because I enjoy beating him! Plus I love the game.

Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

A:I got bored of playing the same settings repetitively, so thought I would try entering a few to try something different.

Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

A:I wanted to leave my mark on Conquer Club. Also it gets me more involved in CC and meet new people!

Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

A: *Views Posts* Tue Nov 13, 2007

Q:What tournament did you first run?

A:Doodle Earth Elimination, Which has grown to the Doodle Earth Massacre and Doodle Earth Doubles Tourneys.

Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

A: They just pop into my head :lol:

Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

A: Um.... I try and think of other people :^o

Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

A:It took quite a time to fill up, and because of this I had a lot of deadbeats, since then I have chosen better settings for maps and this has reduced the amount of people needing replaced!

Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

A:*Looks at medals* I've run 4, and would like to run at least 10 before I leave. I am currently running 3, with one on hold until we get a better version of Classic map, but I may have to continue with the map we have at the moment (Keep a look out people ;) )

Q:What tournaments have you organized?

A:Doodle Earth Elimination, Doodle Earth Massacre, Doodle Earth Doubles, Minimalist Tourney 1. Currently running Pass the Points 1, Minimalist Tourney 2 and Boss_oss_ss's Big Bracket Tourney- Classic (On hold :? )

Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

A:Gotta be my first one- Doodle Earth Elimination

Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

A:Every Single Setting: Classic , The amount of games is immense, and its a real challenge keeping up with some of the top players on CC

Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

A:I love both \:D/

Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite?

A: 2 player Speed games are my favourite- fast, quick thinking - just how I like it :P
Umm....Standard, Escalating, Unlimited, No-FOW, though I do enjoy terminator and assassin games too!

Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

A: I don't really mind what the settings are, but I do prefer to make my own games.

Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

A:Um....I think I'm in 5 tournaments, but only have 9 games running, which makes a change from the 120 I had at the beggining of The Every Single Setting Tourney!

Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

A:Very :D :D :D :) :) :lol:

Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

A:Nope- but I hope to......eventually :cry:

Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

A:The first Tourney that I took part in, Scottish cup doubles, where I didn't win a match :-({|=

Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

A:Something that everybody enjoys and doesn't take too long to play in. I.E. a 2-player game on World 2.1 (Sorry to anyone actually running a tourney with this settings :twisted: )

Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

A:I think it will be the Cairns Coral Coast Tournament- which was another of my first tourneys that I took part in- must of been about 500 people taking part!

Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

A:Im unsure- new kids on the block always seem to get their ideas underestimated, but some of them are good ideas!

Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

A:I was dissappointed in my second tournament, The Surprise Random Tourney, which had so many deadbeats that it had to be abandoned ](*,)

Q: What makes a successful organizer?

A:Someone you can have a laugh with, listens to the people who are taking part and makes it for people to enjoy!

Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

A: I think the word Conquer Club and words like Big draw people in, but a catchy name or a name that gives people an idea about the tourney I think draws people in. Also having a number if it is the 2nd or 3rd in a series makes people think that its a successful series 8-)

Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

A:The long wait for signups.

Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

A:Seeing people enjoy tournaments and winning them!

Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

A:Big tournaments that arn't going to work, that and choosing settings that take too long to finish.

Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

A: Forgetting to put settings in the introduction, I keep to smaller tournaments which seem to work :mrgreen:

Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

A: I do not have a veiw on this, but if organisers want to get involved in their own tournaments, why shouldnt they?

Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

A:I just wait!, but i usually update them after every game is finished- which is a benefit of small tourneys!

Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

A:If they plan on become a full-time member I can't see why not!

Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

A:A reserve- gives other players a chance to take part!

Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

A:I would turn the Classic and 'Centerscape' maps back :!: :!: :twisted: :twisted:

Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

A:I would like the time limit of a month for filling up to be taken away- its always a pain! I would like to see a tab on 'My Games' to show all the games that organiser has created to make it easier for updating!

Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

A:Nope!

Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

A:Start small, and look at other tournaments and how they have set up a description of their tournaments. A good description seems to get people involved more :D

Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

A:1.I have inside information that Gen1 don't like me because of my small tournaments :cry: - its not a headache, it just hurts [-(
2. Deadbeats
3. Waiting forever for games to be finished
4. People who complain about how they don't like your ideas- just keep it to yourself!!
5.?????? cant think of a 5th....

Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

A:about 1 hour on a school day, about 3-6 at weekends!

Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

A:The almighty Legion of the Damned!!!

Q:Who are you?

A: I am a 17 year old rugby player!

Q: Why did you pick the name Boss_oss_ss?

A: :-k I often get asked this and I don't actually know!

Q:Where are you from?

A: Letchworth in Hertfordshire- England

Q:Favourite play colour?

A:Red!

Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

A:Favourite is Doodle Earth- over 200 wins, least is Conquer man, just cant seem to grab hold of the tactics!

Q:Favourite settings?

A:Doodle Earth, 2 player speed, Sequential, Escalating, No FOW

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A:Sequential

Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

A: Once my Minimalist Tourney 2 is over, the 3rd in the series will start- Minimalist Tourney 2 has been my quickest filling tourney so far- 13 people joined in 1 hour- with only 16 spaces available.

Q: Any parting shots?

A: Bang! Nah If anyone fancies a game or has any ideas that they would like to give me, Pm me!!!

Q: Thank you for your time.

A: See you around!


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Interview with lackattack or Optimus Prime Who will it be!?


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Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
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Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics/Reviews- Sir. Ricco
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- samuelc812
Contributors- People like you!
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User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 51: 09/12/08]

Postby Gozar on Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:41 pm

Issue 51: 09/12/08

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Hello, tournament fans, players and organizers.
New poll has gone up this week. Be sure to stop by to vote!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar

We also have some sad news from one of our staff:

Sir. Ricco wrote:Well, my time has come to say goodbye to CC. It is unfortunately news to me. Due to personally issues I will be unable to close my account properly. If you like to take over any of my accounts talk to the TDs. If I am any of your tournaments you will need to find a replacement for me. I have enjoyed running tournaments and working on the newsletter with Gozar and Gillgan. But it is time for me to say goodbye.

Goodbye
Sir. Ricco



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Image Newsletter Poll
Image News Hound
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Amazzony's Advice
Image Interview With Optimus Prime
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Staff


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Here are the results of the last Newsletter Poll question: What format do you like best?

Standard 20%
1v1 26%
Doubles (4 player) 8%
Doubles (6 player) 3%
Doubles (8 player) 2%
Triples No votes
Quads No votes
Assassin 3%
Terminator 8%
A combination of various types 25%
All of the above 5%

Total votes : 61

Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote on our latest poll question: How did you come to play in tournaments?


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What is Wrong with the ‘Reply Button’?

So what has happened to our Reply Button in Private Messages? Well that is what this weeks News Hound is all about…
On June 13 2008, Magiw made a suggestion in the Suggestions and Bug Reports Forum

Magiw wrote:Concise description:
  • Add a Reply All Button to PM window so that with one click you can reply to all people you received a PM from.

Specifics:
  • Code can be found at the phpbb forums, received help from the community to get it for my forum and think it would be more useful here. Info at bottom of page 2
  • phpBB Code

This will improve the following aspects of the site:
  • PM's between multiple players, clan members or tournament players can be handled with one button click instead of looking up individual names.


Over the past week we have all realised in some way or another that our Reply Button is not what it used to be. The Reply Button is now a Reply to All button thanks to the upgrade to the site’s forum software phpBB 3.0.3, this was happily announced by the sites webmaster lackattack.

lackattack wrote:I upgraded the forum to phpBB 3.0.3 and indeed the PM Reply button works like 'Reply to all' :D

Here is the full list of improvements in 3.0.3


Or so we thought…

Improvements? Maybe in some cases, but to those who PM but never read the forums, this has turned from what should have been a great improvement into a PM nightmare. Spam, Spam and more Spam is what everyone wakes up to every morning.

As Tournament Lovers we use the Mass PM system a great deal, for sending out tournament games to players, not to mention the countless number of clan leaders who mass PM their clan with information. Before this upgrade, when you replied to a mass PM it would only go to the sender, now with this upgrade, your reply goes to the many others who were included in the original message. You may not want others to see what you are writing, but they do because you don’t know what you’re doing. Now every morning many Conquer Club players are waking up to a full and overflowing inbox, and to find that important PM’s have been lost due to the overwhelming amount of ‘Spam Mail’.

So this weeks News Hound is not only a story but also a warning to all those who don’t know this by now, until we can get two separate buttons for this, instead of just the one please take heed and caution when replying to a mass PM, so we can all make our Conquer Club experience a little more enjoyable. To avoid this problem Night Strike has an Announcement as to how to avoid it…

Night Strike wrote:Public Service Announcement

PLEASE avoid sending out massive PMs using the "Add" button when you are sending out invitations to your tournaments or sending out the games. It gets VERY annoying to those people who have to keep receiving your replies due to the new "Reply to All" function.

Until things are fixed or cleaned up, please add the long list of players using the "Add [BCC]" button. This will keep everyone who receives the PM from receiving subsequent replies. Thanks.

~Night Strike


Well that’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, I hope you have enjoyed this weeks issue.
If you have an idea for a good story please feel free to PM samuelc812



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Returning next week to get a new list going.

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Et, tu Brutus?
Organizer: Lindax

Super Triples Tournament
Organizer: LB Ninja


1 versus 1 Tournaments

The Army Warfare Bracket
Organizer: max if gr8

Gilligan’s Bracket Tournament V
Organizer: Gilligan

TO; League of Colonels+
Organizer: killmanic

JR’s 1v1 Challenge III
Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

JR’s 1v1 Challenge II
Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

All Around CC Maps: Brazil
Organizer: coded

All Around CC Maps: Canada
Organizer: coded

All Around CC Maps: British Isles
Organizer: coded

Cundy Comp I: Feudal War
Organizer: Cundy

ULEB Cup 2008/2009
Organizer: Fipa

All Around CC Maps: Cairns Coral Coast
Organizer: coded

Championship Series: Classic Shapes
Organizer: barterer2002

Championship Series: Classic Art
Organizer: barterer2002


General Tournaments

The Epic Final War for World Domination
Organizer: Beko the Great

Thug Life
Organizer: bigreuben
Team games and standard games

NHL League
Organizer: sensfan

Doodle Deathmatch!
Organizers: LFAW and DAT_WAT_SHE_SAID

Hitman: Asia
Organizer: ralpcptc

My Map is Better than Yours
Organizer: ralphcptc

Tupence’s Little Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Bigger, Better, European Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Big Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

The Dungeon Explorers
Organizer: cupid1080

One Chance to Assassinate
Organizer: coded

Stephan’s 4 Man Freestyle
Organizer: Stephen Wayne

Wolfman’s Champions
Organizer: Natewolfman

First Adjacent Attacks Tournament
Organizer: n00blet

Continental Champions
Organizer: sammy324

Pokemon Diamond
Organizer: Zoebear1

Best and Worst Tour
Organizer: Megadeth666

Champion of Iceland
Organizer: negoeien

The N Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

Tour de France]
[b]Organizer: a.sub

Kill the Rat: Prison Riot
Organizer: The Neon Peon


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
amazzony wins!

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group send to Hong Kong
First groups are visiting San Francisco
Planned end date: 25 April.

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
Still busy with getting the last persons in their first game.

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Seven is playing.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

7 Man Madness From Gilligan
January 1, 2009

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Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Around All CC's Maps: Alexanders Empire" -pogophiles
"Northern Europe Maps 1v1" -topper
"Around All CC's Maps: Ancient Greece" -Blitzaholic
"AOM Singles" -demonfork
"2008 Sprint Cup Series" -aspalm
"Foundry Update 6.0" -killmanic
"Around All CC's Maps: Australia" -zissou2
"Best Movie Ever, CC Edition" -gehrem
"Just Win a Game II" -BENJIKAT IS DEAD
"Subprime Crisis 2008" -gunner1980
"AOR 3 Singles 1v1 2500+" -DBandit70
"King of Merchant" -blitzaholic, davidwain, nephilim
"2500+ Midkemdil 1v1" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Africa" -elmerfudd
"Qwert Bracket Tournament III" -Natewolfman
"Space 2500+ 1v1 Singles" -Reptile
"Conquer the Continents" -Godd
"Canadian Football League 2008" -vexx & goggles paisano
"2500+ Malta 1 on 1 Singles" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Arms Race!" -joriki
"Around All CC's Maps: Archipelago" -Blitzaholic
"World Maps 1v1 Tournament 3" -gamefreakguy
"Oasis Single" - -Maximus-
"Territories Become Alive" -harvmax
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 1" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 2" -Sir. Ricco
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 3" -Vikorus
"Star Wars II" -MudPuppy, ultraman, otis89 and magneto_acolyte
"Supreme Feudal Doubles Tournament" -Tammy Delee and Homer_Jay
"Assassins of the World" -RAM16
"Square Dancing" -Gehrem
"Fantasy World Cup Championship" -Gehrem and Endar1077
"Short WW2 Tournament" -blockhead15
"The Private/Lower Tournament" -scottishleaf
"The 8 Thoughts" -Zissou2
"Ultimate All Maps 1x1 Tournament" -ubcman64
"H-O-R-S-E" -LFAW
"Literature Prize" -killmanic
"Don't Take Too Long: Bracket Edition" -amazzony
"CC Gaming Tour 08" -NoobX200
"Snowy Rock Races" -Shino Tenshi
"Battle of Actium" -elmerfudd
"US Pro Sports Showdown" -killmanic
"Battle of the N00Bs 3" -Watsy
"Championship Series: Cairns Coral Coast" -Natewolfman
"Foundry Update 5.2" -lunatic96
"Foundry Update 5.1" -knighthawk


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It's been a few weeks now since I've given some advice but now I'll mix something together to all the organisers and players out there in hope that everybody will find something useful. If not from this issue then perhaps in the previous ones or maybe in the future.

  • Firstly I'd like to mention one more thing about messaging and this goes fully to tournament organisers. Biggest mistake that I've seen in messages is that organiser either says that take a look at scoreboard or please post results to tournament thread but... why aren't you adding the link to tournament thread then? It's just a few extra clicks but make players check your thread and make things a lot comfortable for your players (and to you if you wish people to post results).
  • Now, lets move on to BBCode. You can read all about it when you follow this link which also locates under smileys when you type a message and it is under "BBCode is ON/OFF". A lot is explained in there - how to make bold, italic and underlined text, how to add colors and change size and how to mix it all. Quoting, code and list is also explained in there. Finally, linking and putting pictures to forums is also in the guide. In some future issue I will talk more about how to manage images and in next issue I will talk more about some tags.

If you have any questions or comments on today's topics then please let me know. Cya next time!


amazzony



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lackattack remains tied up, so his interview remains pending. This week we sat down with former Tournament Director Optimus Prime. You can read his previous interview in this thread and scrolling down to issue #4. Next week, we have a chat with Megadeth666. The interview is based on your questions. You can send them in here.

Now, on with the interview!


Q: Hello, Optimus Prime.

A: Good Morning, Gozar.

Q: Why do you get another interview?

A: Well, I'm going to assume that it has something to do with the tournament newsletter being such a long running institution so far, and you needed someone to do a repeat interview because you had run out of organizers. It has been over a year since my last interview, and a lot has changed since then.

Q: Are we running out of new organizers to interview?

A: I think to a certain point we are, but at the same time, there will eventually be a good stock of new blood out there willing to be poked and prodded about how they like to do things.

Q: What do you think of the fact that lackattack is too lazy to finish his interview? Is lack abandoning the tournament forum too?

A: I'm a little bit disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing what he had to say in relation to tournaments, especially the things he was tossing around in his head for possible improvements to our system. However, having worked more closely with him than most I understand he is a busy man and only has so many hours in the day.

Q: What has changed in your life since we last spoke?

A: In real life, my wife is due to have our first child (a boy) sometime in the next 13 days which is pretty exciting. I'm also getting very close to finishing up my degree at Brigham Young University (wrapping up in 1 year), and I've been working on some great websites in my free time to help further my career. One of them is even related to Conquer Club, but that's all I can tell you right now. ;)

Q: What has changed in Conquer Club since the last interview?

A: That's a loaded question, isn't it? A lot has changed. I think the site has become a little less social, which is unfortunate, and at the same time I think it has become a little more inconsistent. I'll leave it at that, otherwise I'll probably say something controversial.

Q: You retired from tournament directing. What motivated that decision?

A: There were several factors that factored into the decision. I needed more time in real life with a child on the way as well as to spend more time practicing my web programming skills. Also, the site had lost its entertainment value for me. Serving as a Tournament Director and Global Moderator is not something that is "sunshine and cookies," as a matter of fact, most of the time it's a bit of a pain in the ass. Regardless, I did enjoy my time in both positions and learned some valuable lessons. The biggest factor was loss of fun in logging in each day and I wanted to get that back. By giving it up I was able to reduce a lot of stress in my life and have fun again.

Q: What CC related projects are you working on right now?

A: Well, lets see, I obviously have my current tournaments still going. There are 5 still active, and I'm not sure yet if I'll do any past that, but 2008 Sprint Cup was quite successful, so perhaps I will run a sequel to that one at some point. Other than that, there is the usual Hall of Fame updating with Gilligan that I work on, and one other project... but I cannot reveal the details at this point. Let's just say that it is an independent activity site that will force members of Conquer Club to stretch their minds. ;)

Q: What else would you have liked to accomplish during your time as tournament director?

A: I really would have liked to somehow convince Lack to get some tournament improvements done faster, especially the ability to join separate teams in doubles, triples, and quads games. That would be one of the single biggest improvements to CC as a whole, most especially in the tournament realm. Other than that, I think I accomplished far more than I thought I would, and hopefully it was mostly well-received.

Q: What is the biggest issue facing the tournament forum?

A: Organizers who are just looking for their tournament medal, or organizers who are not putting in a full effort. It bothers me to see organizers that make the same tournament over and over and do not demonstrate that they have the ability to stretch their imagination even to the slightest degree.

Q: Optimus Prime, are there any exciting tournaments which you wish you ran earlier in the year but never got a chance?

A: Not really. I try to make my tournaments somewhat unique and I think I accomplish that for the most part.

Q: Any future tournament plans?

A: As of the moment I am writing this, no, but then I've said that before, haven't I? Right now my focus is on other endeavors that I would really like to see completed before I can get back into new tournaments. There are so many active right now that I think everyone will survive just fine without me for a few months.

Q: How do you feel the introduction of the medal system has affected tournaments?

A: My honest opinion is that I feel it was released without proper feedback from the Tournament Directors and that it has lead to a plethora of half-hearted tournament organizers just eager for a medal. The system cannot handle properly awarding the organizers who have spent months running high quality tournaments because there is a cap on the number you can receive.

Q: Your reaction to Classic Art and Centerscape?

A: Classic Art isn't too bad, at least it is playable, but Classic Shapes is atrocious. Centerscape is about equal with Classic Shapes in my opinion. At least the powers that be are allowing a Centerscape REVAMP, but Classic Art needs one too.

Q: What do you think has been Conquer Club's darkest moment?

A: Contrary to what most people think, it was not the dismissal of wicked (that was a long time coming and should have happened sooner), nor the disappearance of the Classic map (everyone will get over it, and likely already has). In my opinion it is the fact that we have not had a significant gameplay related update or improvement in almost a year. The main part of this website is to play the game, not the forums, not the medals, not anything else. To go so long without a new game feature is disappointing in my mind. It doesn't look like anything is coming in the near future however.

Q: Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

A: I think that they should be given the benefit of the doubt, but should be watched closely in regards to making sure they don't deadbeat or forget to join their games.

Q: People have long pondered the meaning of life, but what's the meaning of life for a robot??

A: It's all about lubricant.

Q: Favourite play colour?

A: Red. I make most of the games I play in and so I am accustomed to just looking for the red numbers when I go to take my turn.

Q: Favourite and least favourite map?

A: My favorite map to play is USA, my favorite to look at is Iceland/Charleston. My least favorite is anything that has some sort of gameplay gimmick.

Q: Favourite settings?

A: Escalating Spoils, Unlimited Reinforcements, No Fog

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A: Sequential

Q:Size of your shoes?

A: 13

Q: Favourite Food?

A: There are several. Bisquick pancakes, Stouffers Macaroni & Cheese, homemade popcorn covered in melted butter and salt, Cheezits, and Milk

Q: Who do you think is the next person to get another interview?

A: Hopefully lackattack, but I'll put my money on Steelhorse.

Q: Any parting shots?

A: Everyone should boycott the epidemic of cookie-cutter tournaments. They are boring and show a complete lack of imagination.

Q: Anything you care to wax philosophical about?

A: I thought I had something, but turns out that I don't.

Q: Thank you for your time.

A: Anytime, perhaps I'll see you again in another year.


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Interview with lackattack or Megadeth666 Who will it be!?


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Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
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Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics/Reviews- Sir. Ricco
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- samuelc812
Contributors- People like you!
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User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 52: 17/12/08]

Postby Gozar on Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:11 pm

Issue 52: 17/12/08

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Hello, tournament fans, players and organizers.
The holiday season fast approaches. Hope you have fun!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


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Image Newsletter Poll
Image News Hound
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Amazzony's Advice
Image Interview With Megadeth666
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Staff


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Our latest poll is still running. Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.

How did you come to play in tournaments?


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Holiday Mapmaking Competitions in Full Swing!

The Foundry Holiday Map-Making Competitions got underway this week, and there have been many creative entries from both amateur and foundry regular map-makers. The Central America Amateur Open has hosted 5 unique maps made by novices in the Map-Making business, although some of them could be mistaken for maps made by regular map-makers. It was thought there would be many entries for the Centerscape Redux Competition for Foundry Regulars, but to many peoples disappointment, only 4 of the best submitted a piece for the competition, therefore making it a very one-sided competition.

Central America Amateur Open

This is a very tight competition with only 2 days of voting left, Entry 2, 3, 4 & 5 are all fairly close in the voting scheme of things, while Number 1 is a simpler map and therefore is lacking votes. More than 300 votes have been cast in this competition, Are you one of them? If you haven’t cast your vote for the Central America Amateur Competition then click this link :arrow: VOTE! HERE

The Centerscape Invitational

Yes that’s right the Centerscape Mangled Concoction will be no more once this competition is done, we will have a new themed map that we can all understand. There have been 4 entries and each one has a unique theme, it is certainly worth visiting the thread to check out all the voting action and to view the one-sided vote that is now so evident. To add to the one-sidedness or to balance out the competition please click this link and vote for your favourite map :arrow: VOTE! HERE

Here is what one of the Cartography Assistants had to say:
gimil wrote:About the competitions, I have to say that I am happy with the enthusiasm and quality that the foundry has shown through both competitions currently being run.

In the The Centerscape Invitational the pro map-makers have produced some lovely work but it is the amateur Central America Amateur Open where I have been most impressed. In my opinion I would have to say that the quality of maps produced by the amateurs have easily outweighed the pros. Hopefully the amateurs stick around and become the next generation of pro map-makers.

This is definetly one of the best competitions the foundry has ever run. Special mention goes to oaktown who put the hard work in that made this fantastic competition possible.

Merry Christmas,
gimil



This Competition will not only see a new map for Centerscape but could also see entries that didn’t make it succeeding outside the competition…

This is exciting news for us here in the Tournaments Forum, two brand new maps to play around with and let our imaginations run wild with new possibilities for Tournaments!

Well that’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, I hope you have enjoyed this weeks issue.
If you have an idea for a good story please feel free to PM samuelc812



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Who was the first person to obtain the maximum amount of Tournament Contribution medals?

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Super Triples Tournament
Organizer: LB Ninja

Triple World War II
Organizer: fantanyser

2009 Players of the Year Tournament
Organizer: Blitzaholic

Doubles Team Challenge
Organizer: skillfusniper33

1 versus 1 Tournaments

JR’s 1v1 Challenge II
Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

Cundy Comp I: Feudal War
Organizer: Cundy

ULEB Cup 2008/2009
Organizer: Fipa

The League
Organizer: BaldAdonis


General Tournaments

NHL League
Organizer: sensfan

Doodle Deathmatch!
Organizers: LFAW and DAT_WAT_SHE_SAID

Hitman: Asia
Organizer: ralpcptc

My Map is Better than Yours
Organizer: ralphcptc

Tupence’s Little Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Bigger, Better, European Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Tupence’s Big Freestyle Islands Tour
Organizer: Tupence

The Dungeon Explorers
Organizer: cupid1080

One Chance to Assassinate
Organizer: coded

Stephan’s 4 Man Freestyle
Organizer: Stephen Wayne

First Adjacent Attacks Tournament
Organizer: n00blet

Continental Champions
Organizer: sammy324

Pokemon Diamond
Organizer: Zoebear1

Champion of Iceland
Organizer: negoeien

The N Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

Tour de France]
[b]Organizer: a.sub

Kill the Rat: Prison Riot
Organizer: The Neon Peon

Grand World Marathon
Organizer: Tupence

Kotaro’s New World Singles Tourney
Organizer: Kotaro

8 Thoughts Map Only
Organizer: megadeth666

Masters of Assassination
Organizer: ManBungalow

Win them All Tourney
Organizer: spidey

Quest for the Pick of Destiny
Organizer: joe cool 360

Race 1
Organizer: moneymatt

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

12 Battles of Christmas II
Organiser: cazmart
HighlanderAttack is the overall champion as he won the Elves division.
The Elves also won the overall leading the Reindeer 7-3 with only 2 matches left.

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
Only 9 people still drinking tea

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group left Pearl
No group yet in Berlin
Planned end date: 1 March

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
Several people did sing a rather nice first song, others can improve

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Seven is winding down.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From PaulusH: Mac Dinner Date

From amazzony: Fantastic Four Quads Tournament - End of December/Start of January

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

7 Man Madness From Gilligan
January 1, 2009

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Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Wrestling Tournament" -sapato
"12 Battles of Christmas" -HighlanderAttack
"Termination: Crossword" -ZionT
"JR's 1v1 Challenge I" -prismsaber
"Blitz Masters Quads Tournament" - Benjikat is Dead, Lt. Pie, Waseemmalim, Velvecarrots
"Battle for Madagascar 1v1" -negoeien
"Around All CC's Maps: Alexanders Empire" -pogophiles
"Northern Europe Maps 1v1" -topper
"Around All CC's Maps: Ancient Greece" -Blitzaholic
"AOM Singles" -demonfork
"2008 Sprint Cup Series" -aspalm
"Foundry Update 6.0" -killmanic
"Around All CC's Maps: Australia" -zissou2
"Best Movie Ever, CC Edition" -gehrem
"Just Win a Game II" -BENJIKAT IS DEAD
"Subprime Crisis 2008" -gunner1980
"AOR 3 Singles 1v1 2500+" -DBandit70
"King of Merchant" -blitzaholic, davidwain, nephilim
"2500+ Midkemdil 1v1" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Africa" -elmerfudd
"Qwert Bracket Tournament III" -Natewolfman
"Space 2500+ 1v1 Singles" -Reptile
"Conquer the Continents" -Godd
"Canadian Football League 2008" -vexx & goggles paisano
"2500+ Malta 1 on 1 Singles" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Arms Race!" -joriki
"Around All CC's Maps: Archipelago" -Blitzaholic
"World Maps 1v1 Tournament 3" -gamefreakguy
"Oasis Single" - -Maximus-
"Territories Become Alive" -harvmax
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 1" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 2" -Sir. Ricco
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Realms 3" -Vikorus
"Star Wars II" -MudPuppy, ultraman, otis89 and magneto_acolyte
"Supreme Feudal Doubles Tournament" -Tammy Delee and Homer_Jay
"Assassins of the World" -RAM16
"Square Dancing" -Gehrem
"Fantasy World Cup Championship" -Gehrem and Endar1077
"Short WW2 Tournament" -blockhead15
"The Private/Lower Tournament" -scottishleaf
"The 8 Thoughts" -Zissou2
"Ultimate All Maps 1x1 Tournament" -ubcman64
"H-O-R-S-E" -LFAW
"Literature Prize" -killmanic
"Don't Take Too Long: Bracket Edition" -amazzony
"CC Gaming Tour 08" -NoobX200
"Snowy Rock Races" -Shino Tenshi
"Battle of Actium" -elmerfudd
"US Pro Sports Showdown" -killmanic


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As promised, this time we will look more closely into some tags that I'm using and find very useful both to myself and to players who play in my tournaments. Before I get to specific tags, I would like to write a few words how to put the tags into your message/post the most easy way. For some of you it may be simple but I think that explaining it won't hurt.

  • To add tags, may it be color, size or anything else, you have 2 possibilities. First possibility is to enter the tag(s) and then type your text between them. Another possibility is to write the text first, then highlight/select what you wish to put between tags and then press the tag button.
  • First I would like to introduce you the most common one used in tournament forums. I'm sure that many players and organisers are very grateful for this one.
    • It's game-tag and looks like this: [Game][/Game]
    • This is an easy way to get to games fast. Putting game number between the tags makes a simple shortcut to the game so players could enter it and organisers check the results fast. Are you a player looking to post results or an organiser sending out games, this is the tag that you should always use.
    • How to use it. To get this: Game 123456; type this:
      Code: Select all
      [Game]123456[/Game]
  • An upgrade to game-tag is to-tag and it looks like this: [to][/to]
    • This is meant for organisers who wish to put an extra effort into sending out games. I personally don't use it because it's not in the "tag-strip" so I have to type it every time I wish to use. Secondly I think that if people first see the game they are joining then it might help to avoid joining wrong-setting games. So, I just don't find it comfortable enough to use but I understand completely people who wish to use it and I encourage to test it out to see if it's suitable for you.
    • How to use it. To get this: View Game 123456 (Auto-Join Game); type this:
      Code: Select all
      [to]123456 password[/to]

      Of course, "PASSWORD" needs to be replaced with the actual password of the specific game.
  • Last tag that I will introduce is spoiler and it looks like this:
    Code: Select all
    [spoiler][/spoiler]

    • I think the main purpose of this is to avoid awfully long posts so loading and scrolling wouldn't take forever. How you wish to use it is up to you and your imagination. I'm personally using it to keep a long schedule short in here (scroll down after scoreboard). To see/hide what's hidden behind spoiler, just click show/hide.
    • How to use it. To get this:
      show
      type this:
      Code: Select all
      [spoiler]Guess who hid in here? Nobody :D[/spoiler]

      You can also "name" your spoilers like this:
      show: schedule

      Code: Select all
      [spoiler="schedule"]Guess who hid in here? Nobody :D[/spoiler]


That's it for this time. Please send me your questions, comments, feedback and complaints. May it be a simple sentence like "keep it up" or "enough of the crap, we don't need it". We can put it into newspaper under your name or anonymous or just answer the things by private message if you wish.

Waiting for your messages, full of BBCode!


amazzony



Image

Megadeth666was unable to complete the interview planned for next week. Interviews returns next week, when we have a chat with Japs. The interview is based on your questions. You can send them in here.


Image

Interview with Japs Reader submitted interview questions

Image

Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- samuelc812
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Tournament Newsletter [Issue 53: 26/12/08]

Postby Night Strike on Tue Dec 30, 2008 6:31 pm

Current Issue:

Image


Image

Hello, tournament fans, players and organizers.
Happy holidays! If you are looking to pass the time during the break, why not check out a tournament?
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


Image


Image Newsletter Poll
Image News Hound
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Interview
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff



Image

Our latest poll is still running. Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.

How did you come to play in tournaments?


Image

Steelhorse wrote:Seasons greetings and happy holidays to our friends in the Tournament Community.

On behalf of Night Strike, Natewolfman, and Gilligan, I would like to wish all of you a safe and Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, or whichever holiday you celebrate.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate and give thanks for those things that mean the most to you and share them with friends and family.

One of the things the Tournament Staff is thankful for is that we have a world-wide extended family all connected by one thing...the love of creating and playing in Tournaments that everyone can partake in and enjoy.

I wish each of you a safe and prosperous New Year.

Steelhorse



Well that’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, I hope you have enjoyed this weeks issue.
If you have an idea for a good story please feel free to PM samuelc812



Image

Who was the first person to obtain the maximum amount of Tournament Contribution medals? Optimus Prime was!

Image
Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Super Triples Tournament
Organizer: LB Ninja

Christmas Doubles
Organizer: kratos644


1 versus 1 Tournaments

Cundy Comp I: Feudal War
Organizer: Cundy

The League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Fantastic Four: First Battle
Organizer: amazzony


General Tournaments

One Chance to Assassinate
Organizer: coded

Continental Champions
Organizer: sammy324

Pokemon Diamond
Organizer: Zoebear1

Champion of Iceland
Organizer: negoeien

The N Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

Grand World Marathon
Organizer: Tupence

Thinking 8 Thoughts or 2
Organizer: megadeth666

Masters of Assassination
Organizer: ManBungalow

Win them All Tourney
Organizer: spidey

Quest for the Pick of Destiny
Organizer: joe cool 360
For my second tournament ever, I have crafted an epic quest for the one true Pick of Destiny: an all-out battle that spans the globe and beyond.
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up: 4/112

Race 1
Organizer: moneymatt

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes

Very Different C.S. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Twiztid’s Terminator II
Organizer: psychobkrazy

Monopoly Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

New Year’s Resolution Revolution
Organizer: JoJo123

The Conquest League
Organizer: gimil

European League and Champion’s League
Organizer: doochbagbill

Poker Tournament Hold Em
Organizer: max is gr8

Conquer the Globe[b]
[b]Organizer: the.killing.44

Quick and Simple Tournament 3
Organizer: banana_hammocks

America’s Tournament
Organizer: Schwournes

City Mogul Series: Assassinator
Organizer: Natewolfman

Overlord of Europe
Organizer: theconquerer1995

The Grand Oasis Tournament
Organizer: murphy16

City Mogul Series: Fast Track
Organizer: Natewolfman

16 Player Tournament
Organizer: Tea leaves


Image
Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
Only 9 people still drinking tea

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group left Pearl
No group yet in Berlin
Planned end date: 1 March

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
Several people did sing a rather nice first song, others can improve

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Holiday break.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


Image
Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From PaulusH: Mac Dinner Date

From amazzony: Fantastic Four Quads Tournament - End of December/Start of January

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

7 Man Madness From Gilligan
January 1, 2009

Image
Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Twiztid's Terminator" -japser_be
"Around All CC's Maps: American Civil War" -MEK
"Supermax Breakout" -killmanic
"Poker Heads Up" -Reptile
"1v1 Tournament With a Twist" -chopsiu
"GameZZone HOMM" -bonus_mop
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Merchants" -zissou2
"Pirate Master: Italy" -Ghost_Rider
"Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" -gameplayer
"The Bombardment Tournament" -taxmanjle
"41 Maps Tournament" -Vexx
"Canadian Classics Tournament" -Parmenid
"Blitz's Annual Masters Triples Tournament" -Seulessliathan, Benjikat is Dead, Velvecarrots
"Greatest Baseball Team" -magneto_acolyte
"Around All CC's MAps: Arctic" -Stroop
"Stephen's First 1v1 Tournament" -Jakegreer
"Terminator Madness, Kill To Win" -Gilligan
"There Can Only be One: Terminator" -PHALIM
"Around All CC's Maps: Asia" -coacheberhardt
"CC Season Championship III" -Colossus
"Charleston Wars" -Soldier4Christ
"Arms Race" -White Moose
"Extreme Global Warming 1v1" -Nikola_Miliki
"Planet Wars" -negoeien
"Oasis Doubles Tournament" -killmanic and White Moose
"Wrestling Tournament" -sapato
"12 Battles of Christmas" -HighlanderAttack
"Termination: Crossword" -ZionT
"JR's 1v1 Challenge I" -prismsaber
"Blitz Masters Quads Tournament" - Benjikat is Dead, Lt. Pie, Waseemmalim, Velvecarrots
"Battle for Madagascar 1v1" -negoeien
"Around All CC's Maps: Alexanders Empire" -pogophiles
"Northern Europe Maps 1v1" -topper
"Around All CC's Maps: Ancient Greece" -Blitzaholic
"AOM Singles" -demonfork
"2008 Sprint Cup Series" -aspalm
"Foundry Update 6.0" -killmanic
"Around All CC's Maps: Australia" -zissou2
"Best Movie Ever, CC Edition" -gehrem
"Just Win a Game II" -BENJIKAT IS DEAD
"Subprime Crisis 2008" -gunner1980
"AOR 3 Singles 1v1 2500+" -DBandit70
"King of Merchant" -blitzaholic, davidwain, nephilim
"2500+ Midkemdil 1v1" -White Moose
"Around All CC's Maps: Africa" -elmerfudd


Image

Stay tuned in future issues for another interview!

Image

Interviews Interview with Japs

Image

Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- samuelc812
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Major Night Strike
 
Posts: 8512
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:52 pm

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 54: 30/12/08]

Postby Gozar on Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:53 pm

Issue 54: 30/12/08

Image


Image

Hello, Tournament Fans, Players and Organizers.
Happy New Year 2009! If you are looking to pass the time during the break, why not check out a tournament?
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line. And have a safe and happy holidays!

Thanks, and enjoy!
samuelc812 filling in for Gozar for this week


Image


Image Newsletter Poll
Image News Hound
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Interview with Japs
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff



Image

Our latest poll is still running. Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.

How did you come to play in tournaments?


Image

WidowMakers USA Map Pack

Greetings fellow tournament lovers, as many of you may heard if you venture outside the Tournament Forum, WidowMakers has been in the process of creating a pack of 6 individual maps based on the 6 bonuses in Conquer Club’s already popular USA map. It has taken him just over 6 months to get all six maps to the final forge stage of development, and soon we will have 6 new maps that were specifically made so they could be the focus of many tournaments in the future… So this is very exciting news for us here in the Tournaments Forum…

Here is how WidowMakers came up with the idea…

WidowMakers wrote:Hey everyone,

Let me explain a little bit about how this map collection idea came about. I started playing some tournaments a while back and I really enjoy it. The time that the organizers spend is huge and the style, types and organization of each tournament allows for many different play styles for many different players. So thanks to all of the organizers and all they do.

This now brings me to the point of the new maps. I wanted to make a map collection that could be the focus of many different tournaments in the future. So I was thinking "what could I make that would fill this desire?" I looked over the maps we already have on CC and found it, the USA map.

The USA map has 6 bonus regions (West, Rockies, S. West, S. East, Great Lakes, New England) representing 48 of the 50 sates. I had the idea that each bonus region could be developed into its own map thus having a total of 6 maps. So the entire map set would be a total of 7 (these 6 region maps and the original USA map)


Won’t be long before we can play on all seven of these exciting maps, to get a preview of what you can expect visit this thread :arrow: USA 6 Map Pack

Well that’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, I hope you have enjoyed this weeks issue.
If you have an idea for a good story please feel free to PM
samuelc812

Image

The Forum Reorganization occurred in October 2007.

Image
Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Super Triples Tournament
Organizer: LB Ninja

Christmas Doubles
Organizer: kratos644

City Mogul Series: Fast Track
Organizer: Natewolfman

Friend, I hardly know Ye
Organizer: BOTTigG


1 versus 1 Tournaments

The League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Global Gridiron Showdown
Organizer: skinnerstein


General Tournaments

Pokemon Diamond
Organizer: Zoebear1

Champion of Iceland
Organizer: negoeien

The N Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

Masters of Assassination
Organizer: ManBungalow

Quest for the Pick of Destiny
Organizer: joe cool 360

Race 1
Organizer: moneymatt

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes

Very Different C.S. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Twiztid’s Terminator II
Organizer: psychobkrazy

Monopoly Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

New Year’s Resolution Revolution
Organizer: JoJo123

European League and Champion’s League
Organizer: doochbagbill

Poker Tournament Hold Em
Organizer: max is gr8

Conquer the Globe
Organizer: the.killing.44

America’s Tournament
Organizer: Schwournes

City Mogul Series: Assassinator
Organizer: Natewolfman

The Grand Oasis Tournament
Organizer: murphy16

City Mogul Series: Fast Track
Organizer: Natewolfman

16 Player Tournament
Organizer: Tea leaves

King of Luxembourg
Organizer: sailorseal

Battle of the N00bs 5
Organizer: a.sub

Moody’s Non-Premium Tournament
Organizer: MrMoody

Game Night!
Organizer: keiths31

Harder Better Faster Stronger
Organizer: e_i_pi

Mac Dinner Date
Organizer: PaulusH

Speed Tournament – Doodle Terminator
Organizer: DJ Teflon

The Mummy -- Terminator
Organizer: DJ Teflon

Andre the Giant Has A Posse
Organizer: zissou2


Image
Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
5 people still drinking tea
Planned end date: 12 January

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group started visiting Sydney
Planned end date: 15 February

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
People are singing in Germany for Santa now
Planned end date: 5 May

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Holiday break.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


Image
Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From amazzony: Fantastic Four Quads Tournament - End of December/Start of January

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

7 Man Madness From Gilligan
January 1, 2009

Image
Here are some recent tournament winners.

"King Tut Tour" -LLLUUUKKKEEE
"WWII Gazala – The Fox Hunt" -ZionT
"Battle of the NOObs 4" -elmerfudd
"Black Ops Squad" -R0k0v
"Best NFL Quarterback of All-Time" -killmanic
"TORNEO ITALIANO" -g3n1u5
"Amazzony's Assassinations II" -dittoeevee8888
"Termination: Waterloo" -killmanic
"Grand Prix Season 1" -Daviedoo
"12 Round Classic Escalating Tournament" -HighlanderAttack
"Coral Coast Singles 1v1" -killmanic
"Formula One" -Individual: Evil Semp, Team: taxmanjile, Forza AZ
"Twiztid's Terminator" -japser_be
"Around All CC's Maps: American Civil War" -MEK
"Supermax Breakout" -killmanic
"Poker Heads Up" -Reptile
"1v1 Tournament With a Twist" -chopsiu
"GameZZone HOMM" -bonus_mop
"Around All CC's Maps: Age of Merchants" -zissou2
"Pirate Master: Italy" -Ghost_Rider
"Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" -gameplayer
"The Bombardment Tournament" -taxmanjle
"41 Maps Tournament" -Vexx
"Canadian Classics Tournament" -Parmenid
"Blitz's Annual Masters Triples Tournament" -Seulessliathan, Benjikat is Dead, Velvecarrots
"Greatest Baseball Team" -magneto_acolyte
"Around All CC's MAps: Arctic" -Stroop
"Stephen's First 1v1 Tournament" -Jakegreer
"Terminator Madness, Kill To Win" -Gilligan
"There Can Only be One: Terminator" -PHALIM
"Around All CC's Maps: Asia" -coacheberhardt
"CC Season Championship III" -Colossus
"Charleston Wars" -Soldier4Christ
"Arms Race" -White Moose
"Extreme Global Warming 1v1" -Nikola_Miliki
"Planet Wars" -negoeien
"Oasis Doubles Tournament" -killmanic and White Moose
"Wrestling Tournament" -sapato
"12 Battles of Christmas" -HighlanderAttack
"Termination: Crossword" -ZionT
"JR's 1v1 Challenge I" -prismsaber
"Blitz Masters Quads Tournament" - Benjikat is Dead, Lt. Pie, Waseemmalim, Velvecarrots
"Battle for Madagascar 1v1" -negoeien
"Around All CC's Maps: Alexanders Empire" -pogophiles
"Northern Europe Maps 1v1" -topper


Image

Stay tuned in future issues for another interview!

Image

Coming Soon is an Interview with Tournament Director Night Strike, Post any questions you may have in this thread.

Image

Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics-Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- samuelc812
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 55: 07/01/09]

Postby Gozar on Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:11 pm

Issue 55: 07/01/09

Image


Image

Hello, tournament fans, players and organizers. Happy New Year!
Hope you all had an enjoyable break. Time to dive right back into things. Sadly, our news team shrinks yet again as samuelc812 leaves us.
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


Image


Image Newsletter Poll
Image News Hound
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image amazzony's Advice
Image Interview with Japs
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Staff


Image

Our latest poll is still running. Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.

How did you come to play in tournaments?


Image


samuelc812 wrote:I know i have had a short stay, but it is time for me to say goodbye, but only to the Tournament Newsletter, Don't worry i am going to keep writing for you guys until a replacement is found. I am currently working on another secret project with Foundry C.A. gimil to be revealed at a later date. And because of this, i will no longer be able to honour my commitment to this newsletter, i know the News Hound job has never been one that could be sustained for too long. Happy 2009 all :)

Kind Regards,
samuelc812



Image

The USA 6 Map Pack, designed for tournaments, has just hit Final Forge!

Image
Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Christmas Doubles
Organizer: kratos644

Triples Champion
Organizer: tyler197802198

Bring a Friend Along
Organizer: TaCtiX


1 versus 1 Tournaments

The League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Global Gridiron Showdown
Organizer: skinnerstein

Fog of Feudal War
Organizer: psychobkrazy

King of Doodle Earth!
Organizer: tyler197802198

Road to the Final Four
Organizer: SurgeonGeneral

Extreme Global War…ming!
Organizer: obliterationX

qwert Bracket Tournament IV
Organizer: qwert


General Tournaments

Masters of Assassination
Organizer: ManBungalow

Quest for the Pick of Destiny
Organizer: joe cool 360

Race 1
Organizer: moneymatt

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes

Very Different C.S. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Monopoly Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

European League and Champion’s League
Organizer: doochbagbill

Poker Tournament Hold Em
Organizer: max is gr8

Conquer the Globe
Organizer: the.killing.44

America’s Tournament
Organizer: Schwournes

The Grand Oasis Tournament
Organizer: murphy16

16 Player Tournament
Organizer: Tea leaves

King of Luxembourg
Organizer: sailorseal

Battle of the N00bs 5
Organizer: a.sub

Game Night!
Organizer: keiths31
Try your luck at one of four games tables (poker, Chinese checkers, crossword or conquer four) for your chance to Wrisk in the finals.

Mac Dinner Date
Organizer: PaulusH

Speed Tournament – Doodle Terminator
Organizer: DJ Teflon

Andre the Giant Has A Posse
Organizer: zissou2

7 Man Madness!
Organizer: Gilligan

Escape Gilligan’s Island
Organizer: barterer2002

Realms 2 Challenge!
Organizer: tyler197802198

The Whole Sha-Bang!
Organizer: Witt13

Super Quick Tourney V2
Organizer: kratos644

Fit-To-Order Tournament
Organizer: Mr_Adams

Conquer Club Clash League
Organizer: sensfan

The (6 player) League
Organizer: BaldAdonis


Image
Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Conquer the New World
Organiser: keiths31
Final round underway...still

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
5 people don't know how they should stop drinking tea

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group left Montréal
Planned end date: 15 February

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
First people are singing in Iberia for santa now

Double American Civil War Reenactment
Organiser: Moran555
Round 3 of 7. Entering the second month

College Football Done Right
Organiser: flexmaster33
Alabama (_big_easy_) beats Florida (doochbagbill) in the championship game by a 57-13 score. The Crimson Tide cruised through the tournament winning 11 of the 16 maps they played. Alabama's only challenge came in the quarterfinals when it split maps against USC (Night Strike), but due to some quick victories _big_easy_ came out well in front 45-28 in the scoring formula.
Alabama also beat Oklahoma State 58-16 in the first round and Boise State 66-16 in the semifinals.
This was the first tournament that _big_easy_ has entered on ConquerClub. Well done for the rookie

Thanks to all who played and look for a similar tourney in a couple months if you're interested.
— flexmaster33

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Starting up from a holiday break soon.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


Image
Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From amazzony: Fantastic Four Quads Tournament - End of December/Start of January

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
Gilligan's Islands
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms


Image
Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Race To Conquer the New World" -darbeslod
"Around All CC's Maps:Cairns Coral Coast" -Natewolfman
"Journey To the New World" -Drake_259
"College Football Done Right" -_big_easy_
"The Greatest Nation" -Phr34ky
"A Trip Up the Nile" -joriki
"1v1 Tourney With a Twist" -Chopsiu
"Battle To Rule Doodle Earth II" -saaimen
"8 Man Madness!" -colson
"Around All CC's Maps: Brazil" -Topper
"The Pirate Training Academy" -tanjyr
"Terminator of All Terminators" - MEK
"Foundry Update Halloween Special" -MudPuppy
"Longboreders's Top Terminator Tournament Two" -moguai
"Games Tournament" -Godd
"JRs 1v1 Challenge III" -Diego_CR
"Difficult Maps - Triples Edition" -Velvecarrots, waseemalim, It.pie
"Stephan's 4man Freestyle" -DarthBlood
"Captain Moo's The Apprentice" -MudPuppy
"Montreal Magic Doubles" -Blitzaholic and Osujacket
"Assassinators" -jojo123
"Global Musical Chairs" -Dazoot
"Crazy Dinner Date" -sooupy
"King Tut Tour" -LLLUUUKKKEEE
"WWII Gazala – The Fox Hunt" -ZionT
"Battle of the NOObs 4" -elmerfudd
"Black Ops Squad" -R0k0v
"Best NFL Quarterback of All-Time" -killmanic
"TORNEO ITALIANO" -g3n1u5
"Amazzony's Assassinations II" -dittoeevee8888
"Termination: Waterloo" -killmanic
"Grand Prix Season 1" -Daviedoo
"12 Round Classic Escalating Tournament" -HighlanderAttack
"Coral Coast Singles 1v1" -killmanic
"Formula One" -Individual: Evil Semp, Team: taxmanjile, Forza AZ
"Wrestling Tournament" -sapato
"12 Battles of Christmas" -HighlanderAttack
"Termination: Crossword" -ZionT
"JR's 1v1 Challenge I" -prismsaber
"Blitz Masters Quads Tournament" - Benjikat is Dead, Lt. Pie, Waseemmalim, Velvecarrots
"Battle for Madagascar 1v1" -negoeien


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Hey, again! This time I first have to start with an apology because a lot later I noticed I made a mistake in the spoiler section. To name your spoiler, it goes like this:
  • How to use it. You can also "name" your spoilers like this:
    show: schedule

    Code: Select all
    [spoiler=schedule]Guess who hid in here? Nobody :D[/spoiler]

Now lets move on to today's topic which is images and how to put them to forums. This is used to make scoreboards. I'm going to give you step by step introduction how I make my image scoreboards. I'm sure there are other ways and programs to that can be used but I'll give you my point of view.
  1. Making scoreboard. For that I use excel. Those who don't have Microsoft Office can get free programs from internet (for example, OpenOffice).
  2. Making image. When scoreboard is made then I need to make it as image. I use IrfanView for it because it's simple and easy but at the same time gives different options. You can also use Paint of whatever else program that lets you save images.
  3. Getting scoreboard to image. Select everything in excel that you want to be in the image and copy it. Then save it as GIF extension (unless you have a picture or something that needs better quality, then use JPG).
  4. Uploading a picture. If you understood my instruction correctly then you have a picture in your computer now (if you didn't then don't hesitate to message me and ask better ones). To get the picture to forums, you must upload it to some site that hosts pictures. I'm using www.photobucket.com. When using that site make sure that your "image max size default" would be 1 megabyte (it can be changed under options).
  5. Posting to the forums. Now there's just one more step ahead. Copy your image link from photobucket. Either Direct link which means you have to add image or bigimage tag in forums. Or IMG Code which means you already have image tags and you don't have to add them in CC forums. Just copy one of them and in the end, when you want image posted in the forums it has to look like this:
    Code: Select all
    [img]DIRECT IMAGE LINK[/img]

    OR
    Code: Select all
    [BigImg]DIRECT IMAGE LINK[/BigImg]

Next time we'll look closer to some other ways how to post scoreboards. A bit late but nevertheless...


Have a Happy New Year!

amazzony



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This week we bring you an interview with Japs. All questions are based on reader suggestions. Our next interview is with a tournament director, Night Strike. You can send in your question in this thread.

Now, on with the interview!

Q: Hello, Japs.

A:

Q:How did you find this website?

A:I googled risk online because I wanted to find a good online risk game.

Q: Why did you join CC?

A:This site was the best online risk page I saw so I joined it.

Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

A:It seemed like a way to step up my level competition.

Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

A: I like participating in them so I said why not run one?

Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

A:I have only been doing it for a few months but I think its great!

Q:What tournament did you first run?

A:Short WW2 tourny

Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

A: World War two is one of my favorite wars to learn about.

Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

A:Brandon Berry (one of my good friends)

Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

A:The first I ran a longer version of a WW2 tourney but it was never completed.
The first one I ran in I don't really remember.

Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

A:One. I'm thinking about running another and I am participating in Hitman North America.

Q:What tournaments have you organized?

A:

Only one, Short World War 2 tourney

Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

A:My only one 8-)

Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

A:Hitman so far. Its very entertaining and has some great players.

Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

A:right now I'm picking enter because I have a busy holiday season.

Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite?

A: I prefer to run them where the winner of each round advances. It is the most clear cut.

Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

A:I find it easier to choose them myself.

Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

A:I am currently in two tournaments. I cant really play a lot though because I am not premium.

Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

A:I had lost so many games by the time I won one I was ecstatic.

Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

A:Nope, but there is always time :)

Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

A:It wasnt really a loss, It was more of a failure to correctly organize a tourney...

Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

A:Fresh Idea, people who want to join, and originality.

Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

A:The CC olympics seems like a very good tourny.

Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

A:Halloween Tourneys.

Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

A:Yes I failed to have one completed. Not really in the ones I entered.

Q: What makes a successful organizer?

A:The initiative to follow through with one.

Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

A:I just advertise on my private forms and on the Create Tourney Form. Invite only and restricted tourneys tend to give a greater sense of accomplishment to the winner.

Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

A:I wont lie, Its time consuming. :shock:

Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

A:Being able to congratulate the winner =D>

Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

A:Game scheduling and not having any reserves.

Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

A: Not having reserves. They are a must!!! I will let the signup period go on longer.

Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

A:I think that this is really up to the organizer. If it is a friendly clan tourney sure go ahead and join. If its a out of clan game pick whats best for you.

Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

A:Yes, very helpful and the contestants like to see their ranking.

Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

A:Not mine anyway, deadbeating ruins the games for other people.

Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

A:The reserve system is the fairest that I know of. It would be unfair to give a cook a free pass when a captain is in reserve and doesn't get to join.

Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

A:Not a whole lot, I'm quite satisfied.

Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

A:It would be tough but a tourny tree so you can show the games and the members in them and who advances to the next game. It would lay the whole thing out. I would not like to see anything taken away.

Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

A:I cant really voice my opinion here because the premiums are set for making it all fair by playing a lot more games in each round and since I don't pay for it I don't get the bonus.

Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

A:Start Small and work your way up. Its a lot less work and you can see just what needs to be done.

Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

A:1. Organization
2. Getting everyone in the right games
3. Getting privileges
4. Remembering Reserves
5. Keeping everyone patient

Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

A:30 minutes since I am a Freemium but if I was a premium it would be a lot longer.

Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

A:Im a proud member of KARMA and the Jesus Freaks.

Q:Who are you?

A:I am whatever the time calls for., usually I like to be Nick, Right now I am a member of CC. :D

Q: Why did you pick the name Japs?

A:When I started I was really into learning about the Japanese in World War two and the name just came to me from that.... By the way I'm not Japanese I'm American. I may be related to the U-boat Captain Lemp who lost the Enigma machine to the allies :o and the owners of the Lemp mansion in St. Louis.

Q:Some thought this might be a racist topic. Care to comment?

A:Its not, I liked to learn about them, I'm not trying to discriminate against anyone, my appologies to all offended. ;)

Q:Where are you from?

A:I'm from Waterford, Michigan but I have a lot of family living in Germany, my grandparents came from over there.

Q:Favourite play colour?

A:Black, I dont know why I just think its a good color.

Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

A:Conquer-man, its so darn confusing

Q:Favourite settings?

A:Sequential, Flat, No Cards, Unlimited, Fog/No Fog

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A:Sequential

Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

A: WW2 Pacific, Show the other side of the war the US was involved in.

Q: Any parting shots?

A: Don't give up if your a cook or cadet, its a learning experience. I was one for over a year and a half.

Q: Thank you for your time.

A:Thanks for this conversation and I hope people take something away from it. :D


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Interviews Interview with Night Strike

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Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- Vacant
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 56: 14/01/09]

Postby Gozar on Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:48 pm

Issue 56: 14/01/09

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Hello tournament fans. Tournaments keep happening and the newsletter keeps reporting. Enjoy!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


Image


Image Newsletter Poll
Image Seeking Staff
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Interview with Night Strike
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff


Image

Our last poll asked, How did you come to play in tournaments? And here are the results:

Browsing Forums 77%
Clicking someone's signature 2%
Personal Invite 12%
Tournament Newsletter 5%
Other (word of mouth) 5%

Total votes : 65

Our next poll has now begun and asks, Would you not join a tournament if it included an assassin, terminator or freestyle game?
Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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With the departure of samuelc812, the newsletter is now in need of a new News Hound. If you are interested in taking on this roll, please contact me, Gozar.

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There has been a new category added to the Tournament Hall of Fame – Mixed, for tournaments with varying styles.

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Christmas Doubles
Organizer: kratos644

Triples Champion
Organizer: tyler197802198

Bring a Friend Along
Organizer: TaCtiX

Championship Series: Archipelago
Organizer: barterer2002


1 versus 1 Tournaments

The (2 Player) League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Global Gridiron Showdown
Organizer: skinnerstein

Road to the Final Four
Organizer: SurgeonGeneral

World Cup 2010 -- Asia
Organizer: Forza AZ


General Tournaments

Masters of Assassination
Organizer: ManBungalow

Quest for the Pick of Destiny
Organizer: joe cool 360

Race 1
Organizer: moneymatt

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes

Very Different C.S. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence

Monopoly Tournament
Organizer: ydeb

European League and Champion’s League
Organizer: doochbagbill

Poker Tournament Hold Em
Organizer: max is gr8

Conquer the Globe
Organizer: the.killing.44

America’s Tournament
Organizer: Schwournes

The Best Oasis Tournament
Organizer: murphy16

16 Player Tournament
Organizer: Tea leaves

Game Night!
Organizer: keiths31

Speed Tournament – Doodle Terminator
Organizer: DJ Teflon

Andre the Giant Has A Posse
Organizer: zissou2

7 Man Madness!
Organizer: Gilligan

Super Quick Tourney V2
Organizer: kratos644

Fit-To-Order Tournament
Organizer: Mr_Adams

Conquer Club Clash League
Organizer: sensfan

Dust
Organizer: Zoebear1

Reincarnation
Organizer: Megadeth666

Terminate the Cities
Organizer: JoJo123

Final Fantasy Wars
Organizer: frozen_flame

Revolt!
Organizer: a.sub

All the Maps on 1
Organizer: Zoebear1

Cooks and Cadets
Organizer: psychobkrazy

King of Doodle Earth
Organizer: tyler197802198

From Large Games to Small
Organizer: geigerm
The premise is pretty simple--you'll start off playing an 8-player game, the finals will consist of 1v1 games, and you'll play every size in between as you work your way through the tournament.
(11/56 as of Jan. 12)

The Evolutionary Tournament
Organiser: Woodruff
Triple-Elimination No-Spoils Adjacent Random Maps
32 plus alternates

Pro Tournament
Organizer: riskpro678


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Continental Champions
Organiser: sammy324
All first round games on six continents have begun, and players are vying for a spot in the finals. All players did a good job of joining games promptly, but 3 reserves were needed, and they were quite helpful.

Two at a Time Tournament
Organiser: danalan
A simple tournament offering a 1-year subscription to the winner. It's my first tournament, and I wanted to keep things simple and fun. There won't be more than 2 games running for any player.
Everybody has 6 chances to get into the second stage, and winning a game in that stage takes you to the final. So the overall winner needs only win as few as 3 games!
Almost halfway through with Stage 1 now.

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
3 people left to drink tea which is over two month old

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Last group left Hong Kong
Planned end date: 15 February

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
All people are singing in Iberia for santa now

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Eight starting.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
6/8 games of the finals finished.
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

From PaulusHBar Double Dutch - Coming January 22


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Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Battle for Pearl Harbour" -mwcc
"Kotaros New World Singles Tourney" -Godd
"Championship Series: Classic Art" -RedBaron0
"Championship Series: Classic Shapes" -Bones2484
"Around All CCs Maps: Canada" -Blitzaholic
"Minimalist Tourney II" -samwisebrady
"Best and Worst Tour" -Gilligan
"Harbor of Pearls" -Dragon Dor, Pascalleke, Nachito
"Around All CC's Maps: British Isles" -Blitzaholic
"North America Leader" - - Darthblood
"Taca de Portugal - Portugal Cup" -MadRMax
"JRs 1v1 Challenge II" -killmanic
"America Tournament" -oakleyshole
"Battle for the New World" -jackin_u_up
"Foundry Update 7.0" -brandoncfi
"Sam's World Domination Tournament" -OTE
"Race To Conquer the New World" -darbeslod
"Around All CC's Maps:Cairns Coral Coast" -Natewolfman
"Journey To the New World" -Drake_259
"College Football Done Right" -_big_easy_
"The Greatest Nation" -Phr34ky
"A Trip Up the Nile" -joriki
"1v1 Tourney With a Twist" -Chopsiu
"Battle To Rule Doodle Earth II" -saaimen
"8 Man Madness!" -colson
"Around All CC's Maps: Brazil" -Topper
"The Pirate Training Academy" -tanjyr
"Terminator of All Terminators" - MEK
"Foundry Update Halloween Special" -MudPuppy
"Longboreders's Top Terminator Tournament Two" -moguai
"Games Tournament" -Godd
"JRs 1v1 Challenge III" -Diego_CR
"Difficult Maps - Triples Edition" -Velvecarrots, waseemalim, It.pie
"Stephan's 4man Freestyle" -DarthBlood
"Captain Moo's The Apprentice" -MudPuppy
"Montreal Magic Doubles" -Blitzaholic and Osujacket
"Assassinators" -jojo123


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This week we bring you an interview with Tournament Director Night Strike. All questions are based on reader suggestions. Stay tuned next week for more.

Now, on with the interview!

Q:Hello, Night Strike.

A: Hello again.

Q:How did you become a Tournament Director?

A:Steelhorse and Optimus were looking for a third set of helping hands, and OP felt that I would be a reliable person to work with. They (along with Twill) asked me if I was interested and offered me the position. I accepted.

Q:Whats your drive for running the Tournament section?

A:I don't take a ton of time running many tournaments simultaneously, so helping out as a director is a good fit for me. I don't have to worry about having a dozen tournaments to update in a day, so if I'm having a busy day, I just log in and do the easy tasks like moving threads and granting privs. Then if there are tasks that take longer, I can find time to get them done without worrying too much about the set update schedule.

Q:What tournament did you first run?

A:Movie Rental Mania

Q:Are there things you learned from your 1st tournament and add/removed them in your other tournaments?

A: I've learned the importance of round limits, especially in no or flat rate spoils. I've had a lot of games take a really long time and had to eventually cut the games off using BOB, even though it wasn't originally in the rules. The advice I would give is that if something comes up where you have to modify the tournament rules, make sure everyone knows well in advance of the changes.

Q:What is your favorite kind of tournament? why?

A:I prefer tournaments that have a well-developed theme. I don't like it when people just throw up a bracket and settings and call it a tournament. When looking for a tournament to join, those organizers who have put together a good theme and format are much more likely to be dedicated to their tournament.

Q:As a tournament moderator, what are your top ten "Most annoying things" CC users do?

A:Troll, spam, make a bunch of crappy tournaments, being too dense to actually read the logic behind a decision. I'll just stick with those 4.

Q:How many people on your friend list? Your foe list?

A:10 friends and 9 Foes (although a couple are banned/busted)

Q:What is your favourite pro sport?

A:Baseball and Football (American)

Q:Who is your favourite pro sports team?

A:St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs

Q:What is OTIS and what will OTIS include and look like and how will it help both tournaments and clans?

A:Good question. I don't really know anymore. And couldn't give out secrets of upcoming updates even if I did know.

Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

A:I suppose enter since those are most of my games and I don't run a large number of tournaments.

Q:Why don't you talk to Optimus Prime on MSN as much anymore?

A:Because he has been online mostly during the day while I've been on in the evening.

Q:How come you aren't as much fun as you used to be?

A:Fun is in the eye of the beholder.

Q:Do you think you should contemplate retirement so as to remedy the situations involved in the two questions above?

A:Not at this time.

Q:Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

A:I don't play in a lot of tournaments, but I do play in several and they account for most of my games.

Q:In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

A:One that finishes in a semi-timely manner where the participants enjoyed themselves without complaints.

Q:What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

A:There is such a variety of tournaments that this is not a good question for me to answer. The most successful ones would probably be the biggest tournaments that take a dedicated organizer to run smoothly. Dinky 16 player brackets are a cop-out for many now that we have the medals.

Q:What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

A:Not being prepared. And some organizers are just plain lazy in their PMs: send the games TO the players, don't make them look it up.

Q:If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

A:Increase the frequency of updates.

Q:What changes do you hope to bring to the tournament forum in the near future?

A:We just brought up 2 new directors, so I'm sure there will be a lot of things coming this spring. I've been contemplating various changes to the medal system, but haven't come up with anything solid to run with.

Q:Why has it taken so long to see an official tournament?

A:CC Olympics was the first official tournament. Now if only I could get it finished.

Q:Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

A:Plan everything out, organize your posts/files, and ask for help if you need it.

Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

A:Probably way too much.

Q:Favourite play colour?

A:It doesn't really matter. I can win or lose from any color.

Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

A:I've become pretty decent at Puget Sound, but I like most classic-style maps. I do not like the AoR maps.

Q:Favourite settings?

A:Flat Rate/chained for 1v1, flat rate with chained or unlimited for teams, and I'm getting better at escalating for singles

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A:Sequential

Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

A:I'm planning to run a tournament featuring WidowMaker's new USA 6-pack, but I have not had time to design it. I do have a few possibilities floating about. A new Amazing Race tournament will probably come out this spring and I've had ideas regarding a tournament that uses Age of Merchants.

Q:How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, IF a woodchuck could chuck wood?

A:2 cords

Q:Any parting shots?

A:I will outlive the almighty Optimus Prime

Q:Thank you for your time.

A:No problem......now off to give the foundry my time.


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More Tournament Updates!

Image

Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- Vacant
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 57: 22/01/09]

Postby Gozar on Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:53 pm

Issue 57: 22/01/09

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Image

Hello tournament fans. Tournaments keep happening and the newsletter keeps reporting. Enjoy!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


Image


Image Newsletter Poll
Image Seeking Staff
Image News Hound
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image amazzony's advice
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff


Image

Would you not join a tournament if it included an assassin, terminator or freestyle game?
Our poll is still running. Watch this space for the results to be posted.
Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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There have been two departures of late, samuelc812, and now amazzony. We are always glad to have people interested in helping. If you are, please contact me, Gozar.


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Two New Tournament Director‘s

Over the Years we have seen 6 different Tournament Directors...
This week we can add 2 more names to this list...

This week saw two new Tournament Directors added to help out in the Tournaments Forum. Gilligan and Natewolfman after serving as Tournament Elves for a quite a while joined the team of dedicated Directors already overseeing the Tournaments. After the resignation of Optimus Prime at the end of 2008 Steelhorse and Night Strike were looking after the Tournament Forums all by themselves, but with these extra sets of hands now assisting, the Tournament Community can look forward to even more dedication and innovation in the months and years to come.

Here is what Steelhorse and Night Strike had to say about bringing the new director’s onboard…

Steelhorse wrote:A Warm Welcome to Gilligan and Natewolfman, our 2 newest Tournament Directors.

As most of you know, Nate and Gill have been working as Tourney Elves for quite some time and have done a stellar job. Both have devoted many hours to improving the Tournaments Forum and assisting myself, Night Strike, and Optimus with the day-to-day operations and logistics.

When it came time to look for help in the form of new Tournament Directors, it was fairly obvious ,to all involved, who would be the best choices at this time. These two have certainly paid their dues and proven their value to the Tournaments Forum and to the CC community at large.

So, with that I'd like to formally announce our 2 newest Tournament Directors, Gilligan and Natewolfman.

I thank you both for your past and continuing efforts in making CC the best gaming site on the net.

Steelhorse


And I also asked the 2 new Director’s to comment about their new positions, and here is what they had to say…

Natewolfman wrote:I am glad to be a part of Team CC, and especially a part of the Tournament Directors. Tournaments have been my main thing on CC since I stumbled onto the forums, and I am glad I have been a positive influence, and hopefully this can translate into my new job. If anyone ever needs help or has questions, I will do my best to help you, or find the person who can. Thanks CC.


Gilligan wrote:Hola tournament fans,

I'd just like to say thanks to all of you who keep this forum running. Without all of the organizers and players, this forum would not be what it is today, so hats off to you guys.

Now that I just became a Tournament Director, I can personally help you with more things, such as privileges and medals. I've done organizing for over two years, so this is a big thing for me to do what I love and to share it with those who do as well. Thanks guys.

--Gilligan


That’s all from me for this weeks News Hound, This is samuelc812 reporting for the Tournament Newsletter. If you have good ideas for stories than apply for the position of News Hound today, by dropping Gozar a PM.


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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Christmas Doubles
Organizer: kratos644

Bring a Friend Along
Organizer: TaCtiX
A doubles tournament where you don't sign up with a partner at first. You get that partner onboard after the tournament has filled. Round-robin play on good Doubles maps.

Road to the Super Bowl
Organiser: king sam

16 Team Round Robin 2v2
Organiser: Surgeon General

2009 World Baseball Classic Quads
Organiser: Amphibious Rodent
Double-elimination tournament featuring 16 countries.

1 versus 1 Tournaments

The (2 Player) League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Global Gridiron Showdown
Organizer: skinnerstein

Road to the Final Four
Organizer: SurgeonGeneral
Needs Reserves

Conquest, War and Seige!
Organiser: Kotaro

From Order Comes Chaos
Organiser: GrimReaper.

Foundry Update 8.1
Organiser: Natewolfman

Master of the First Age
Organiser: DarthBlood

General Tournaments

Schwournes’ World Tour
Organizer: Schwournes

Very Different C.S. Tournament
Organizer: Tupence
Reserves Needed

Monopoly Tournament
Organizer: ydeb
Reserves Needed

Conquer the Globe
Organizer: the.killing.44
Reserves Needed

America’s Tournament
Organizer: Schwournes

The Best Oasis Tournament
Organizer: murphy16

16 Player Tournament
Organizer: Tea leaves

Speed Tournament – Doodle Terminator
Organizer: DJ Teflon

Andre the Giant Has A Posse
Organizer: zissou2

Super Quick Tourney V2
Organizer: kratos644

Fit-To-Order Tournament
Organizer: Mr_Adams

Dust
Organizer: Zoebear1

Final Fantasy Wars
Organizer: frozen_flame

All the Maps on 1
Organizer: Zoebear1

Cooks and Cadets
Organizer: psychobkrazy
Reserves Needed

King of Doodle Earth
Organizer: tyler197802198

From Large Games to Small
Organizer: geigerm
The premise is pretty simple--you'll start off playing an 8-player game, the finals will consist of 1v1 games, and you'll play every size in between as you work your way through the tournament.
(11/56 as of Jan. 12)

Jump the Castle!
Organiser: riskyman1221

King of Luxembourg 2- Freestyle
Organiser: sailorseal

Tourney of Disaster!
Organiser: Jennybh

Poketourney
Organiser: juliusceaser

Speed Tournament - Doodle Terminator
Organiser: DJ Teflon

Schwournes World Tour
Organiser: Schwournes

GameZZone: Starcraft
Organiser: amazzony

Minimalist Tourney III
Organiser: Boss_oss_ss

Class Struggle
Organizer: TaCktiX
A metamap tournament based off of The Citadel, both in map and in reality. Very low game load (likely 4-5 most rounds), but likely a high number of rounds.
Players needed: 18 regular, 5 reserves


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Every Single Setting: Classic
Organiser: TaCktiX
A tournament of positively massive size, doing exactly what the title says: having games of every single setting on the map of Classic. A full points system is being used to decide eliminations each round. Game load is very high (90 in the first round).
Status: In the second round, with 7 player matches on Standard, Terminator, and Assassin
Approximate Completion: 20%

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
Finished :!: Most people had fun and amazzony did win =D>

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
already 20 people went back home
Planned end date: 18 February

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
First people start singing in Actium
Planned End Date: 5 May

Mac Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup
The Mac Donut is more tasty then normal :mrgreen:
Planned end date: 10 October

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Eight underway.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Eight tournaments by different organizers, with the winners competing for a premium prize. Join one, or join them all, the choice is yours.
Gilligan's Bracket Tournament III
Hath has won.
lord voldemort's Double Elimination Delight
graulenst has won.
Natewolfman’s Lost in Translation Tournament
KidWhiskey Wins
Sir. Ricco’s Mission – Survive the Longest V4.0
biscuit boy wins
Gozar’s Battle for Waterloo Tournament
waseemalim wins
amazzony's Musical Chairs
EdwinG wins
barterer2002's Alien Invasion
EdwinG wins
jennifermarie’s The C-list
Hath wins


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms

From PaulusHBar Double Dutch, This tournament will need only 9 double teams - Coming January 22


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Here are some recent tournament winners.

"EIOT Battle for Warterloo" - waseemalim
"Drug Lord Hitman" -madman7
"Pirates of the Mediterannean" -Natelya
"Around All CCs Maps: Berlin 1961" -nagerous
"Around All CCs Maps: Bamboo Jack" -Jackofalltrades
"Thanksgiving" -Gilligan
"Escalators" -Blitzaholic
"Mythical Magical Journey" -FidelX
"Pokemon Pearl" -dustin800
"Asian Dinner Date" -amazzony
"Battle for Pearl Harbour" -mwcc
"Kotaros New World Singles Tourney" -Godd
"Championship Series: Classic Art" -RedBaron0
"Championship Series: Classic Shapes" -Bones2484
"Around All CCs Maps: Canada" -Blitzaholic
"Minimalist Tourney II" -samwisebrady
"Best and Worst Tour" -Gilligan
"Harbor of Pearls" -Dragon Dor, Pascalleke, Nachito
"Around All CC's Maps: British Isles" -Blitzaholic
"North America Leader" - - Darthblood
"Taca de Portugal - Portugal Cup" -MadRMax
"JRs 1v1 Challenge II" -killmanic
"America Tournament" -oakleyshole
"Battle for the New World" -jackin_u_up
"Foundry Update 7.0" -brandoncfi
"Sam's World Domination Tournament" -OTE
"Race To Conquer the New World" -darbeslod
"Around All CC's Maps:Cairns Coral Coast" -Natewolfman
"Journey To the New World" -Drake_259
"College Football Done Right" -_big_easy_
"The Greatest Nation" -Phr34ky
"A Trip Up the Nile" -joriki
"1v1 Tourney With a Twist" -Chopsiu
"Battle To Rule Doodle Earth II" -saaimen
"8 Man Madness!" -colson
"Around All CC's Maps: Brazil" -Topper
"The Pirate Training Academy" -tanjyr
"Terminator of All Terminators" - MEK
"Foundry Update Halloween Special" -MudPuppy
"Longboreders's Top Terminator Tournament Two" -moguai
"Games Tournament" -Godd
"JRs 1v1 Challenge III" -Diego_CR
"Difficult Maps - Triples Edition" -Velvecarrots, waseemalim, It.pie
"Stephan's 4man Freestyle" -DarthBlood
"Captain Moo's The Apprentice" -MudPuppy


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To abandon Newsletter at this time is making my heart bleed but I'm not capable of doing my advice columns as well as it deserves to be done. So, I'm leaving Tournament Newsletter for awhile, in hope to return some day with more inspiration, better ideas and smarter advice.

Keep reading the Newsletter and appreciate the work that is done to bring it to you!

amazzony



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Interviews Interviews return when we interview a.sub. You can get your questions in here.

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Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
Tips, Tricks and Advice -amazzony
News Hound- Vacant
Contributors- People like you!
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User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 58: 28/01/09]

Postby Gozar on Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:38 pm

Issue 58: 28/01/09

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Hello tournament fans. More tournament news for your pleasure. Enjoy!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


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Image Newsletter Poll
Image Seeking Staff
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Interview with a.sub
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff


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Would you not join a tournament if it included an assassin, terminator or freestyle game?
Our poll is still running, so vote while there is still time!
Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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We are still seeking an interested, motivated player to fill the News Hound role. We are always glad to have people interested in helping. If you are, please contact me, Gozar.


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Tournament Dates are now added to the Tournament Hall of Fame!

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Road to the Super Bowl
Organizer: king sam

16 Team Round Robin 2v2
Organizer: Surgeon General

End of Days
Organizer: Blitzaholic

Mixed Maps
Organizer: Natascha

Bar Double Dutch
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 3x3 windmill setup
This tournament has 9 double teams, but still needs some reserves :ugeek:
Planned start date: 9 February


1 versus 1 Tournaments

The (2 Player) League
Organizer: BaldAdonis

Best Players of the 2000’s NCAA
Organizer: blacky44

Best Players of the 2000’s NFL
Organizer: blacky44

An Evolutionary Tournament II
Organizer: Woodruff

British Isles: Best of the Best
Organizer: Lady Hellia

From Order Comes Chaos
Organizer: GrimReaper.

New College Basketball Season
Organizer: dutchxc

Lost: When and Where Are We?
Organizer: JoJo123

Around All CC’s Maps: CCU
Organizer: HighlanderAttack


General Tournaments

Fit-To-Order Tournament
Organizer: Mr_Adams

Final Fantasy Wars
Organizer: frozen_flame

From Large Games to Small
Organizer: geigerm
The premise is pretty simple--you'll start off playing an 8-player game, the finals will consist of 1v1 games, and you'll play every size in between as you work your way through the tournament.
(11/56 as of Jan. 12)

Jump the Castle!
Organizer: riskyman1221

Tourney of Disaster!
Organizer: Jennybh

Poketourney
Organizer: juliusceaser

GameZZone: Starcraft
Organizer: amazzony

Class Struggle
Organizer: TaCktiX
A metamap tournament based off of The Citadel, both in map and in reality. Very low game load (likely 4-5 most rounds), but likely a high number of rounds.
Players needed: 18 regular, 5 reserves

Terrorism 101
Organizer: anamainiacks

NHL 2008-09
Organizer: SNARF17WD

Champion of Scotland
Organizer: scottishleaf

World War II
Organizer: JweezyIII

King of the Mountains
Organizer: sailorseal

WWII Europe Skills
Organizer: Iron Maid

You’ve Been Hired To Kill That King
Organizer: DarthBlood

Just In Time Tournament
Organizer: coded

Joe’s Knucklehead Tournament
Organizer: tyler197802198

Country Clash
Organizer: dellmanlego

European Knockout Club
Organizer: DJ Teflon


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Asian Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup.
Finished :!: Most people had fun and amazzony did win =D>

City trip
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
Everybody left Sydney and last visister-group did go to San Francisco
Planned end date: 25 February

Trippel Trappel
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 6x6 windmill setup
Everybody is singing in Actium
Planned End Date: 5 May

Mac Dinner Date
Organiser: PaulusH
Using a 5x5 windmill setup
Most people are eating a Big Mac
Planned end date: 10 October

The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
Organizer: Gozar
Round Eight underway.

The Long Walk
Organisers: Gozar
All games before the next elimination are now running.

Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
Finals are now pending.

World Baseball CLassic - Quads
Organiser: AmphibiousRodent
A double elimination tournament featuring 16 countries. The first round is underway.


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Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
The Serbian Conquest
Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
God of Godds
Night Sticks and Stones
Down and Dirty V
Brothers in Arms


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Here are some recent tournament winners.

"Grand Prix Season 1" -Daviedoo
"Pearl Harbour" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, Jpeter15
"Assassins Creed Tournament" -fwblb
"NFL Season" -Jojo123
"Doubles Elimination III" -MudPuppy and Checkmated
"16 Bracket Showdown" -Godd
"Around All CCs Maps: BeNeLux" -killmanic
"Realms War" -BamBam
"Tupence's African Tournament" -BrotherWolf
"Dictate the Universe" -Velodra
"Hitman Europe" -shoop76
"Around All CCs Maps: Battle for Iraq" -killmanic
"EIOT Battle for Warterloo" - waseemalim
"Drug Lord Hitman" -madman7
"Pirates of the Mediterannean" -Natelya
"Around All CCs Maps: Berlin 1961" -nagerous
"Around All CCs Maps: Bamboo Jack" -Jackofalltrades
"Thanksgiving" -Gilligan
"Escalators" -Blitzaholic
"Mythical Magical Journey" -FidelX
"Pokemon Pearl" -dustin800
"Asian Dinner Date" -amazzony
"Battle for Pearl Harbour" -mwcc
"Kotaros New World Singles Tourney" -Godd
"Championship Series: Classic Art" -RedBaron0
"Championship Series: Classic Shapes" -Bones2484
"Around All CCs Maps: Canada" -Blitzaholic
"Minimalist Tourney II" -samwisebrady
"Best and Worst Tour" -Gilligan


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This week we sat down for a chat with a.sub. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week, our interview is with Zoebear1. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

Now, on with the interview!

Q: Hello, a.sub.

A: Hey!

Q:How did you find this website?

A: I was pointed in its direction through a friend who doesn't play here anymore, I believe he was (before he quit anyway) ipopmycollar

Q: Why did you join CC?

A:I'm a risk nerd and damn proud :lol:

Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

A:Well I was in the forums (for the first time) and ran into it, it seemed simple to join one so I did, although I forget what the first one I joined was :?

Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

A: Well all the tournaments I saw usually had a high ranked member as the winner. so I figured it would be fair to make one for newer ranks (cooks and below) to give them a good shot at a victory, thus came my "Battle of the N00bs" franchise.

Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

A: 2008-07-28 15:20:35 - Game has been initialized
That's the date of the first tournament game I ever made :)

Q:What tournament did you first run?

A: Battle of the n00bs

Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

A:
Well all the tournaments I saw usually had a high ranked member as the winner. so I figured it would be fair to make one for newer ranks (cooks and below) to give them a good shot at a victory, thus came my "Battle of the N00bs" franchise.
copy and paste ftw! :lol: :lol:

Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

A: Actually I took a lot of advice from ZZ on things like brackets and using an excel spread sheet to organize your ideas.

Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

A: For the first one I was in was ZZ's olympics, the first group, it was a lot of fun, each win felt like more of a victory than just points and each loss was more of a loss than just points, it was fun.
For the first one I ran, like I said was battle of the n00bs, and when I look back at it I see all the stupid things I did :oops:

Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

A: I have finished 4, I'm running 3 right now simultaneously, and as for retiring I can only answer this with a quote
[quote=Wierd Al]I'll be mellow when I'm dead[/quote]

Q:What tournaments have you organized?

A:
  • Batlle of the n00bs
  • Tour de france (ongoing)
  • Revolt! (ongoing)

Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

A: Well the revolt tourney seems like it will be a lot of fun, but I guess we have to wait to find out :D

Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

A: Not to blow my own horn, but I think it was battle of the n00bs, because it was easy to play, as you only played people on your own level, but at the same time anyone can join and win!

Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

A: run, I would play more but I'm a freemium :(

Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite?

A: well I usually prefer brackets because they are easy, (a trend revolt should break) and I usually like the options to be voted on, I like that freedom to be there. the only exception is in the Tour de France, I did that because playing that on say the Asia map would be just plain dumb :lol:

Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

A:
I usually like the options to be voted on, I like that freedom to be there. the only exception is in the Tour de France, I did that because playing that on say the Asia map would be just plain dumb :lol:
I should stop doing that lol

Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

A:I don't play a lot of tournament games actually, its because I can only have four slots and it seems that the time between games in a tourney tends to be longer than normal, when I get premium eventually I will definitely play in more.

Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

A: :lol: That was a lot of fun, because I felt like I had just conquered the world haha

Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

A: :oops: no

Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

A: None actually, I find complete amusement in losing in tournaments :lol:

Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

A: Everyone has fun, even if everyone loses and the world collapses in the process, as long as a good few laughs were made, who cares?

Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

A: hmmmmmm, probably BotN2, no deadbeats, and no complaints :D

Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

A: Underestimated? Like under valued? I actually never cared about the "value" of my tourneys, yeah they aren't anywhere as honor deserving as some of those

Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

A: None that i have entered, as for ones I have run? yeah, but it was more, "Wow that was dumb of me" moments

Q: What makes a successful organizer?

A: Making people enjoy their tournaments, how to do that? I have no idea :P

Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

A: I post really awesome messages that attract attention :lol: I used to send out mass PMs but I stopped haha. What appeals to people should be a set up that makes them go, "FUCKIN' EPIC!" :lol:

Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

A: Messing up :oops: which I do a lot

Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

A: I don't know actually, I run them and enjoy doing so but I have no idea why

Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

A: Well for me it was just being dumb, wrong passwords, wrong games, wrong setting etc.

Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

A: NEVER send our mass PMs with games, I found out the hard way that people can join the wrong games, oh and never make a bunch of games with the player's name in the subject and make your players search for it, not that I ever did that 8-[ :mrgreen:

Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

A: I dont know enough about how clanmates work with/against each other in games to argue that, but I think a TO should join his/her tourney's as long as they can maintain a neutral stance :)

Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

A: :lol: actually I rarely update my thread, I usually just PM the player, they are really the only ones who care :lol:

Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

A: Yeah, they never gave me any troubles

Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

A: Use a reserve if possible, but if you can't then a bye is fairer then trying to find another reserve.

Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

A: free premium member ships for all :lol: :lol:

Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

A: Well one thing would be for all the tournament games in active tournaments to be in a tab in "my games" would greatly reduce my searching for them as I am running 3 tournaments

Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

A: have fun!

Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

A: actually the only one that I truly have a problem with is when people in my tournaments don't follow directions. Like I will ask people to vote one something and give them a format to fill out. They will not use the format, vote on things that they weren't supposed to, not vote on things they were supposed to. Or for home maps they say stuff like "I don't care" which is annoying because if they didn't care they could just pick one at random

Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

A: Well it takes up a lot but I multi task, I check threads while doing my homework, etc.

Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

A: A bunch actually :lol:, look at my signature, haha, the only one not there is the dare to be funny clan, and that's because I need to figure out a a good signature for that :P

Q:Who are you?

A: I am SPARTACUS!

Q: Why did you pick the name a.sub?

A: first letter of first name, and last 3 of my last. Why 1 and 3? because ad.subr sounds dumb :lol:

Q:Where are you from?

A: Born in CA, lived in Tucson, AZ for 7 years, and now moved back to the east bay in CA, the Danville area. But my heritage is Indian (Asian)

Q:Are you, or ever have you, been diagnosed with a mental instability or disability?

A: nope

Q:Why are you so awesome?

A: :lol:

Q:Why do you ask questions that you should answer yourself ?

A: Because I thought it would be funny :lol:

Q:Favourite play colour?

A: red! its my favorite color (avatar :lol:)

Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

A: I like simple maps that don't have too complex of gameplay. and this is only because it confuses me, I like things that are simple, not necessarily just countries and bonuses but something that doesnt have like 80 different gimmicks to confuse people.

Q:Favourite settings?

A: sequential, unlimited, flat rate, no fog

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A: sequential

Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

A: not really, i was thinking of an assassin-esque tournament

Q: Any parting shots?

A: I don't understand

Q: Thank you for your time.

A:Thanks for setting this up! it was fun


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Interviews Interview with Zoebear1

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Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

----------------FORM-------------------
Tournament Name: (with link)
Organiser Name:
Status:
Brief description or update:
Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
---------------FORM---------------------

You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
-
-
-

Staff
Editor in chief- Gozar
Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
News Hound- Vacant
Contributors- People like you!
Image
User avatar
Lieutenant Gozar
 
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 59: 05/02/09]

Postby Gozar on Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:46 pm

Issue 59: 05/02/09

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Hello tournament fans. More tournament news for your pleasure. Enjoy!
As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

Thanks, and enjoy!
Gozar


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Image Newsletter Poll
Image Seeking Staff
Image Fun Facts
Image Currently Taking Signups
Image Tournament Updates
Image Coming Soon
Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
Image Newsletter Interview
Image Next Issue
Image Notes
Image Staff


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Would you not join a tournament if it included an assassin, terminator or freestyle game?
Our poll is still running, so vote while there is still time!
Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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We are still seeking an interested, motivated player to fill the News Hound role. We are always glad to have people interested in helping. If you are, please contact me, Gozar.


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The first speed tournament has completed! DJ Teflon hosts Speed Doodle Terminator!

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Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

Teams Tournaments

Mixed Maps 3
Organizer: Natascha

Mixed Maps 2
Organizer: Natascha

Credit Crunch
Organizer: Pedronicus

Freestyle Speed Doubles
Organizer: Jeff Hardy


1 versus 1 Tournaments

Best Players of the 2000’s NCAA
Organizer: blacky44

From Order Comes Chaos
Organizer: GrimReaper.

New College Basketball Season
Organizer: dutchxc

Around All CC’s Maps: CCU
Organizer: HighlanderAttack

Conquest of the Ages
Organizer: jim save

Around All CC’s Maps: Centerscape
Organizer: HighlanderAttack


General Tournaments

Final Fantasy Wars
Organizer: frozen_flame

Jump the Castle!
Organizer: riskyman1221

Tourney of Disaster!
Organizer: Jennybh

Poketourney
Organizer: juliusceaser

Class Struggle
Organizer: TaCktiX
A metamap tournament based off of The Citadel, both in map and in reality. Very low game load (likely 4-5 most rounds), but likely a high number of rounds.
Players needed: 18 regular, 5 reserves

Terrorism 101
Organizer: anamainiacks

World War II
Organizer: JweezyIII

WWII Europe Skills
Organizer: Iron Maid

Country Clash
Organizer: dellmanlego

European Knockout Club
Organizer: DJ Teflon

Moody Non-Premium Classic 2
Organizer: MrMoody

Best Movie Ever – CC Edition II
Organizer: poptartpsycho18

Amazing Race I
Organizer: blacky44

American Idol Season 8
Organizer: Tupence

Pearl Harbor Game Series
Organizer: stringybeany

Bounty Hunters Tournament
Organizer: der sniffter

NFL Draft
Organizer: blacky44


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Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

Union of European CC Football Cup 2007= MarVal (Vitesse)
Organiser: MarVal
  • The announcement of this tournament started on: 07 Mar 2007.
  • The first game has been initialized on: 16 Apr 2007.
  • The last game finished on: 26 Jan 2009.
  • Total time of this tournament: from 07 Mar 2007 till 26 Jan 2009. Thats around 1 year and 10 months!!!
  • And their are 99 games played.

The winner of the first Union of European CC Football Cup 2007:

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The first winner of the Golden Boot award of this tournament:

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    TLO 2009
    Organiser: Lindax
    Round 1 of 9
    I think this is something really different. It's teams playing every other team once. They play 4 singles games, 4 doubles games and quad game. Every win gives points, the team with the most points beats the other team. At the end the team with the most wins over other teams wins. It's more a league or competition then a regular tourney :mrgreen:

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    We all started with a cola :P
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    City trip
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
    Visiting of city's continues, but inos will be the tournament winner
    Planned end date: 25 February

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    First group stopped singing in Actium
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Everybody is drinking a banana milkshake
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Halloween Hollows II
    Organiser: amazzony
    Tournament that started on All Hallow's Eve, has reached to finals. First final game between Ghoulies (Dominator7, Spijker81, ultrafit, TheTrueNorth) and Sweet Sisters (fishydance, Marfski, MEK, loes) is about to begin.

    Olympics Part 2: Altius
    Organiser: amazzony
    Second huge tournament - doubles - in the series dedicated to Summer Olympics is about to end. Currently Bronze medal games are played where Natewolfman & qwert and biteme143 & theonly jKiLLa are fighting for it. Gold medal games are waiting for those games to end so CandaVespin & bamage and reahma & ultraman could decide in best of 3 fight who is the winner.

    Olympics Part 3: Fortius
    Organiser: amazzony
    Third huge tournament in the series dedicated to Summer Olympics is on its first and second qualifying rounds and even though we have events that haven't finished their first round games then in a few weeks we will already know the names of first finalists.

    TO Table Tennis Tournament: Main Court
    Organiser: amazzony
    To get updates of how the multiorganiser tournament is going, check the Main Court or visit individual tournament threads which can be found below.


    From Large Games to Small Games
    Organiser: geigerm
    Round 1 games are under way

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Eight underway.

    The Long Walk
    Organisers: Gozar
    All games before the next elimination are now running.

    Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
    Finals are now pending.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
    The Serbian Conquest
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "The Land of Luck" -seamusvibe
    "Don't Take Too Long - 2v2 Edition" -oldbenjamin & ctgottapee
    "City Mogul Series Fast Track" -banana_hammocks
    "North American Wars II" -Bad Speler
    "Extreme Global War(ming)" -Gilligan
    "Prime's Singles Season" -RedBaron0
    "Difficult Maps Double Edition" -lt.Pie, waseemalim
    "Quick and Simple Tournament 3" -MEK
    "Master of the First Age" -Silver-
    "Kot's Feudal War Singles" -killmanic
    "Speed Tournament Doodle Terminator" -hundredand1aces
    "World Cup 2010 Africa" -Shai
    "Moody's Non-premium Classic" -olkok
    "You're Eliminated X" -Godd
    "Twiztid's Terminator 2" -Barry Zuckercorn
    "There Can Only Be One: Terminator" -PHALIM
    "King of Luxembourg 2 Freestyle" -banana_hammocks
    "Union of European CC Championship 2007" -MarVal
    "Grand Prix Season 1" -Daviedoo
    "Pearl Harbour" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, Jpeter15
    "Assassins Creed Tournament" -fwblb
    "NFL Season" -Jojo123
    "Doubles Elimination III" -MudPuppy and Checkmated
    "16 Bracket Showdown" -Godd
    "Around All CCs Maps: BeNeLux" -killmanic
    "Realms War" -BamBam
    "Tupence's African Tournament" -BrotherWolf
    "Dictate the Universe" -Velodra
    "Hitman Europe" -shoop76
    "Around All CCs Maps: Battle for Iraq" -killmanic
    "EIOT Battle for Warterloo" - waseemalim
    "Drug Lord Hitman" -madman7
    "Pirates of the Mediterannean" -Natelya
    "Around All CCs Maps: Berlin 1961" -nagerous
    "Around All CCs Maps: Bamboo Jack" -Jackofalltrades
    "Thanksgiving" -Gilligan
    "Escalators" -Blitzaholic


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    Unfortunately, Zoebear1backed out of this weeks interview.
    However, next week, we will have an interview with TaCktiX. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.


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    Interviews Interview with TaCktiX

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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
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    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound- Vacant
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 60: 11/02/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:52 pm

    Issue 60: 11/02/09

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    Hello tournament fans. This week stahrgazer takes a try at the News Hound position. Enjoy!
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Interview with TaCktiX
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


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    Would you not join a tournament if it included an assassin, terminator or freestyle game?
    Our poll is still running, so vote while there is still time!
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    Clan Wars

    Everyone who has been around CC for a while has heard the term, "Clan War" or seen members of one clan hollering for a member's victory over someone in another clan. A clan war is where clan leaders or members arrange rules of engagement with other clan leaders or members; then various teams from those clans engage. The clan of teams that win the most games, wins the war. It might be easy to assume from that that, that the clan with the most war victories is the 'best' of all clans, but it is not as simple as that.

    Consider a clan that plays all freestyle games; is that clan "better" than a clan that won all its sequential games? What if one clan war ignored maps that were used in another clan war? How does one determine which is the 'best' clan?

    A group of bright players, possibly headed by jpcloet, came up with the idea of a "Clan Ladder". Said jpcloet in his forum post, "Unofficial Clan Ladder,"

    jpcloet wrote:Some of you may have seen the Clan Director's post around the future of clans on CC. One of the key messages is that some "unofficial" things could be done by the group here and I'm going to start another "unofficial" clan item. I've been asked to run another league and also another tournament, however there are limitations to both so I will avoid them for now. Please continue to post your clan's challenge results on that thread (final score needed) and I will update the ladder.

    Using MarVal's thread on challenges that have been completed, and a number of other challenges that I'm aware of (Teams Doubles League), I've compiled the unofficial clan ladder rankings using the ELO system used for chess using all the statistical data I could find.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elo_rating_system wrote:

    The Elo rating system is a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in two-player games such as chess and Go. It is named after its creator Arpad Elo (1903–1992, born as Élő Árpád), a Hungarian-born American physics professor.

    The Elo system was invented as an improved chess rating system, but today it is also used in many other games. It is also used as a rating system for multiplayer competition in a number of computer games, and has been adapted to team sports including association football, American college football and basketball, and Major League Baseball.


    Impressive, no? It becomes obvious, however, when reading the forum, that no two clans are alike. Some detest escalating card rates for the same reasons other clans detest flat rates. Some like beta maps, others dislike them for warring purposes.

    To fix this, fifteen clans have engaged in a multi-week, multi-clan war, or clan ladder. Games began the week of January 17th, with the last games scheduled to start on June 27. Just like baseball and football leagues, clans have home games, away games, and "bye" weeks when they do not start games.

    There are 3 divisions of 5 clans, randomly placed sorting on RAND() in Excel 10 times.

    Division 1
    The Regulators
    Imperial Dragoons
    Empire
    THOTA
    De Veroveraars der Lage Landen

    Division 2
    Immortal Assassins
    Generation 1: The Clan
    The Last Warriors
    Black Sheep Squadron
    Mythology

    Division 3
    Sky Force
    The Spanking Monkeys
    Legion of the Damned
    Legends of War
    ++The Legion++

    Each clan plays 80 division games (home and away against each clan) and then another ten games against clans in other divisions (100 games).

    Play weeks and bye weeks are organized, and no team is a home team more than 2 weeks in a row (to minimize game creation pressure). Divisional games alternate with cross-over games; Divisional games begin and end the season. Only Divisional games count towards the ladder. The scoreboard is kept by league, rather than by division.

    Like most clan wars, certain rules for game setup were established:
    No Freesyle, No Speed; No duplicate maps in a 10 game set; No beta maps, (that may change later). For this particular "Clan Ladder," all teams from any clan are doubles teams; each clan is responsible to select representative teams for any week being played. To participate in the league, a clan must be a competitive league with members who adhere to the rules for competitive clans - such as, each member of a clan belonging to one and only one competitive clan.

    It is an innovative idea, a step up from "clan wars" and "tournaments" and we applaud those who worked to organize the system. Upon successful conclusion of this league, we can hope that another CC Clan World Series will begin, perhaps to include Triples and Quads teams.


    Helping Hands

    In a recent thread, a member of one’s clan was accused of cheating and abuse. Well, this writer would not have known about it but for an inter-clan forum post, that made the author look at forums other than tournaments and clan information.

    Something that caught one’s eye before entering the appropriate thread was the number of comments posted in Flame Wars and Tower of Babble. In and of themselves, the numbers are not necessarily notable, but 113846 (Flame Wars), 156664 (General CC Discussion), and 731460 (Babble) compared to 123752 (Map Foundry); 57655 (Suggestions and Bug Reports) and 160322 (Tournaments) reveals some interesting characteristics. We CC citizens would apparently rather flame each other than add to maps designs; would rather chat than provide ideas on improvements; and are almost five times more likely to babble than add to tournaments. The numbers only get worse if one reads the threads to see the quantity of inanities and arguments being posted under the guise of suggestions. The statistics of the matter could be quite discouraging.

    Eldridge Cleaver said, “You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.” For those who do not recall their black history, he was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party which was characterized “by a revolutionary ideology and by the commitment of the membership ... to promote its agenda for fundamental change...” (http://www.blackpanther.org/legacynew.htm)

    While the membership of CC may not be as organized as the Party became, we do have members who are committed to making this site more enjoyable. Moderators (it’s a tough job but someone has to do it); Clan Leaders (with power of leadership comes responsibility of same); Cartographers (we may not like all changes to maps, but we sure appreciate having a variety of maps); Tournament Organizers (the job entails much more than just getting a medal on a wall); and others, all contribute a piece of the pie that makes for sweet enjoyment.

    While reviewing the general forum, one came across the Tournament Newsletter. Oh, that is not to say it had not been seen before; after reading one issue, one determined to organize a tournament. Reading the latest issue, one determined to add one’s talent, such as it is, toward the newsletter. As jpcloet stated, “People should ask themselves, how can I make another member's experience a more enjoyable one?”

    If a community is to remain, it requires members who are willing to find an area in which to add their talent, innovation, and drive to improve not simply their personal rank, but to improve the experience for many. Fortunately, CC has such members. If the editors are willing, perhaps we can explore together, in future issues, what it was that drove someone to organize the Society of Cooks, what spearheads a member into organizing a new clan, or begin the trend toward organized tournaments.

    As one non-premium member said, things that members enjoy on CC are, “different maps, different strategies, the chat, old, young, mid,” in other words, the variety of games and people. He added, almost as an afterthought, “Helping people learn.”

    “Chat can be as much or more fun as the games,” but it takes a community of helping hands to keep us chatting. Kudos and applause to the helping hands that keep CC running – maybe not always smoothly, but at least, reliably. And with the help of all those behind-the-scenes hands, CC makes continual positive improvements.


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    The first speed tournament has completed! DJ Teflon hosts Speed Doodle Terminator!

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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    Mixed Maps 3
    Organizer: Natascha

    Mixed Maps 2
    Organizer: Natascha

    Credit Crunch
    Organizer: Pedronicus

    Freestyle Speed Doubles
    Organizer: Jeff Hardy


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    Best Players of the 2000’s NCAA
    Organizer: blacky44

    From Order Comes Chaos
    Organizer: GrimReaper.

    New College Basketball Season
    Organizer: dutchxc

    Around All CC’s Maps: CCU
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    Conquest of the Ages
    Organizer: jim save

    Around All CC’s Maps: Centerscape
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack


    General Tournaments

    Final Fantasy Wars
    Organizer: frozen_flame

    Jump the Castle!
    Organizer: riskyman1221

    Tourney of Disaster!
    Organizer: Jennybh

    Poketourney
    Organizer: juliusceaser

    Class Struggle
    Organizer: TaCktiX
    A metamap tournament based off of The Citadel, both in map and in reality. Very low game load (likely 4-5 most rounds), but likely a high number of rounds.
    Players needed: 18 regular, 5 reserves

    Terrorism 101
    Organizer: anamainiacks

    World War II
    Organizer: JweezyIII

    WWII Europe Skills
    Organizer: Iron Maid

    Country Clash
    Organizer: dellmanlego

    European Knockout Club
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    Moody Non-Premium Classic 2
    Organizer: MrMoody

    Best Movie Ever – CC Edition II
    Organizer: poptartpsycho18

    Amazing Race I
    Organizer: blacky44

    American Idol Season 8
    Organizer: Tupence

    Pearl Harbor Game Series
    Organizer: stringybeany

    Bounty Hunters Tournament
    Organizer: der sniffter

    NFL Draft
    Organizer: blacky44


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    2008-09 College Hoops season
    Organiser: flexmaster33
    The 2008-09 College Hoops season has moved into conference tournament action. Here’s a quick congrats to the regular-season champions in each of our 11 conferences. And best of luck to all of those chasing an automatic NCAA bid as Selection Day approaches.

    Big East: Pittsburgh (Easy N Dirty)
    ACC: Clemson (Aesop Jones)
    Big 10: Michigan State (yammers)
    Big 12: Kansas State (Lincecum)
    Pac 10: UCLA (lardass76)
    SEC: Alabama (kevlove)
    WAC/Mt. West: Air Force (pimphawks)
    Big Sky/WCC: San Francisco (endar1077)
    MAC: Bowling Green (knighthawk)
    Valley/CUSA: Illinois State (Lubawski)/Houston (wrexham)
    Atlantic 10: Rhode Island (doochbagbill)

    Around the World in 80 Days
    Organiser: stahrgazer
    Around the World in 80 Days Tournament 80% Complete.

    The battles progress around the world using the history of flight as a theme; the tournament director, stahrgazer, had a passion for aerospace early on and worked for 15 years in an aerospace engineering firm while co-director nemrehs1 had experience with prior tournaments.

    This tournament, which comes complete with half-year premium prizes for each of the members of the winning quads, began as 8 1v1 matches starting off where world flight began: Balloon races in Europe. Each contestant had to win 2 of three singles matches on different maps before picking a partner to continue on to doubles (Wright Brothers) rounds. Doubles partners who won two of three picked a third to go into the Triples Round, and triples winners (again, two of three matches each on a different map) will pick a Quads partner to battle for "Earth supremacy" on World 2.1.

    The setup was so popular, the maps so diverse and the theme described with such fun that the many "reserves" the tourney garnered requested a second tournament, "just for fun" (no premium prize for the Around the World in 80 days "R" tournament) which is ending the "doubles" rounds.

    Says the director, "I couldn't have done it without great advice from several tournament moderators, both past and present; and co-director nemrehs1 has been a great help in setting up tournament games." And stahrgazer adds, "I've been so pleased that the participants are enjoying themselves; even those who have not progressed this far have said the event is well-organized. No tourney is complete without great combatants."

    So, which quads team(s) will be named the Conquernauts? We'll only know at the end of the 80 days.

    Good luck, CC flyers!


    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    First table stopped with their cola and are waiting for beer now.
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    City trip
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup.
    Last group in Berlin.
    Planned end date: 26 February

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Two groups still singing in Actium
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Something wrong with the French Fries, people quickly stopped eating it
    Planned end date: 10 October

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Nine begins soon.

    Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
    Finals are now pending.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From PaulusH using a 4x4 windmill setup- Puzzle Mix will need 16 doubles teams

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: North American City Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
    The Serbian Conquest
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Conqueror Crusoe, Ruler of the Islands" -dustin800 and sam02
    "Last Man Standing Classic" -odratsab
    "Band or Die 3" -Goggles Paisano, Vexx, PaulG, Easy n Dirty
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge IV" -killmanic
    "Conquer the New World" -Phr34ky
    "Quick and Painless Tournament" -banana_hammocks
    "Alliance of Feudal" -enterprise74 and WoWaholic
    "Fight Together, Die Alone" -rudolphirvinpoir and jdenvil
    "Championship Series: Caribbean Islands" -HighlanderAttack
    "Championship Series: Canada" -jpcloet
    "Melee" -Jackofalltrades
    "King of Luxembourg" -Jess-95
    "Around All CC's Maps: Battle for Actium" -White Moose
    "Fuzzy's Freshman Fiasco" -AgEcon
    "Fog of Feudal War" -psilotum
    "The Land of Luck" -seamusvibe
    "Don't Take Too Long - 2v2 Edition" -oldbenjamin & ctgottapee
    "City Mogul Series Fast Track" -banana_hammocks
    "North American Wars II" -Bad Speler
    "Extreme Global War(ming)" -Gilligan
    "Prime's Singles Season" -RedBaron0
    "Difficult Maps Double Edition" -lt.Pie, waseemalim
    "Quick and Simple Tournament 3" -MEK
    "Master of the First Age" -Silver-
    "Kot's Feudal War Singles" -killmanic
    "Speed Tournament Doodle Terminator" -hundredand1aces
    "World Cup 2010 Africa" -Shai
    "Moody's Non-premium Classic" -olkok
    "You're Eliminated X" -Godd
    "Twiztid's Terminator 2" -Barry Zuckercorn
    "There Can Only Be One: Terminator" -PHALIM
    "King of Luxembourg 2 Freestyle" -banana_hammocks
    "Union of European CC Championship 2007" -MarVal
    "Grand Prix Season 1" -Daviedoo
    "Pearl Harbour" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, Jpeter15
    "Assassins Creed Tournament" -fwblb
    "NFL Season" -Jojo123
    "Doubles Elimination III" -MudPuppy and Checkmated
    "16 Bracket Showdown" -Godd
    "Around All CCs Maps: BeNeLux" -killmanic
    "Realms War" -BamBam
    "Tupence's African Tournament" -BrotherWolf
    "Dictate the Universe" -Velodra
    "Hitman Europe" -shoop76
    "Around All CCs Maps: Battle for Iraq" -killmanic
    "EIOT Battle for Warterloo" - waseemalim
    "Drug Lord Hitman" -madman7
    "Pirates of the Mediterannean" -Natelya


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    This week we had the chance to talk with TaCktiX. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with HighlanderAttack. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, TaCktiX.

    A: Hi.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: I saw a fellow Electrical Engineering major playing it several times. Took me a while to get around to joining, but here I am.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: Since I first played it, I've loved Risk. Thing is, I've never been physically around people who play the same games I do. Add to that the large variety of maps on CC, and I was sold.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: I wanted to test my wits against other people in a form other than a public game. Tournaments are great for bringing people of similar gaming interests together and let them beat each other up.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I like organizing and running things. Seeing that the tournament system allowed for both creativity and flexibility, I had to try my hand in it.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: My first tournament was posted on August 21st, 2008, so I'm fairly "new" compared to a lot of the people out there.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: A Trip up the Nile, a tournament using the recently-finished Egypt maps. Other than that, it was a very standard tournament with little frills.

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: Every tournament I've made so far has catered to "something cool" I want to do. If I organize a tournament it's based on rules or setup that I would play myself (and thus far, I've played in all of my tournaments, though never intentionally, my reserves fall through too much).

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: Every Single Setting: Classic was heavily inspired by the Map Blaster series Dazoot and brandoncfi have been putting on for a while now. The others are generically inspired from all the tournaments I've been in.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: My first was A Trip up the Nile. It was a fairly simple tournament that took quite a while to finish thanks to slow turn-takers, but keeping track of it and putting things in order wasn't that hard. I made quite a few mistakes in the organization of that tournament, but it all worked out. It was quite a learning experience.

    My first tournament played in, I forget. I entered the tournament forum and veritably BINGED on tournaments, so they all muddled together. It ended up being a major point drain for me, but I had fun.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: I have completed 1 tournament, have 2 in progress, and a 4th is still awaiting 7 more people to join it.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A: A Trip up the Nile, Every Single Setting: Classic, Bring a Friend Along, and Class Struggle

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: ESS:C, easily. It's only on Round 2 (of 7), but it's been going since September or so. Compiling scores, making witty banter about the progress of game completion, and adjudicating the rules has been very fun for me. Most people would consider handling 387 games (Round 1, had some remakes), then 216 games (Round 2) insane, but it's what I do.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: Map Blaster IV. Thanks to that tournament my score got to the highest level I've ever had it (1800+). It helped my realized that Standard Sequential Escalating Unlimited Sunny is a setting I'm really good at, even if I don't play it as often as I used to.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: I prefer to run them.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite?

    A: Format as in game settings? It really depends on the maps I'm using in the tournament. I pick the map(s) first, match the best play settings according to my experience to them, and go from there.

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: So far I've determined the settings in all my tournaments, though I have made edits based on people's input. I like adjusting things to the satisfaction of most people.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: Currently I'm in only 2 tournaments: my own Bring a Friend Along (two people dropped on me, including the reserve) and a King of the Mountains one. I tend to lose far more than I win in tournaments, so I keep them to a minimum. I've had a long-term goal since shortly after I got on CC to win on every single map out there. I've come VERY close many times (hence my crossmap medal being where it is and then some), so I'm always joining games on maps I'm yet to win on. I'm also slowly working on my Doubles medal.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: Very. I lost the first 18 games I played on CC, quite badly. My 19th (I think) was a Speed game on Classic, Escalating Unlimited Sunny (Game 1742560). Against all odds I won, gaining a lovely sum of 326 points and beating Scott-Land of all people. I was straight ecstatic, couldn't believe I had won.

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A: No, but I have gotten to the semi-finals.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: My semi-finals loss in an Arms Race tournament. I had rolled straight through the rest of the tournament and I thought I'd surely win. Then I got shut out in a best of 3.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: A good idea organized by a proactive organizer, played by active people who take a stake in making the organizer's life easier.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: Not to toot my own horn, but Every Single Setting: Classic thus far. So far I've had to handle deadbeats, people leaving the tournament between rounds, people joining the wrong games on accident, and numerous rules revisions. All the while I'm assuring that 32 (now 28) people are joining up to 90 games each in the right groups and keeping the scores up to date. I've been told by virtually everyone participating that it's been one of the best tournaments they've ever played in, and that's including people who left after Round 1 because of the game load. I don't have enough experience observing other people's tournaments to know, but likely someone has surpassed me in having that level of proactive involvement with the tournament.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A: Not enough experience to say, really.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: Not yet I haven't. There have been a lot of cases where people have dropped out or not responded and left me scrambling for a solution for the sake of everyone else, but I'm yet to get a Brain Crushing Disappointment. Entering, there was a tournament that I had won the first round in, then the organizer disappeared. The idea was picked up by someone else and restarted, and I lost in the very first round.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Proactivity. It may sound like you're not trusting your own players, but double-checking, reminding, and the like makes a difference. Being proactive keeps them involved in helping out your end, and from my experience you get thanked for it. And a proactive organizer is far less likely to "lose interest" or "slow down" the tournament unless the players want that.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: I hope that the pictures I stick in my sig make a difference, but I have no way to be sure. So far I've done one standard tournament, one "super" tournament, a teams tournament with a small twist, and a metamap tournament. Of these, the standard tournament has been quickest to fill. The latter two have taken (or are taking) quite a while, with bumps from the bottom of the Create/Join forum being necessary. I try to go for unique and different themes, but I have a tendency to either have complex rules (Class Struggle) or high game loads (Every Single Setting: Classic). That certainly slows down any joins I get, but the people who do join are very committed to participating.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: The time lag between setting up a tournament and it starting. When I start a tournament and go through the full idea, rules, and explanations, I'm ready RIGHT THEN to pile some people together, send them games, and doing things. Waiting 2 weeks to a month for a filled tournament can be very frustrating, as I certainly don't have the reputation of Gilligan or Natewolfman.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: Being able to look at a job well done. Taking an idea, bringing people together under it, and then executing that idea is always satisfying, and tournaments are no exception.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: I'm not going to speak for TO's in general, for I am not that observant or experienced yet. As for me, I've continually made the mistake of starting the tournament before I had more than 1 or 2 reserves. It's that "psyched to get started" loss of patience that's bitten me in the butt more than once. Then 3 people who signed up drop from tournament and I'm stuck scrambling to fill their spot. As much advice to others as a reminder to me, wait for all your reserves to be ready if at all possible.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: For A Trip up the Nile, I put the signups in the 2nd post, so to note the filling of the tournament I had to edit both the 2nd post AND the title post. Far more effort than required, the signups have been in the first post from thence forward. My other big mistake I detailed above.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: I make tournaments I would like to play in, so my position is definitely leaning toward "play if you want to". Me personally, I only play as a reserve if required.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: I check in on them as needed. Some tournaments are low-load (Bring a Friend Along), while others are high-load (Every Single Setting: Classic) that require multiple updates a day to keep above board.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: No, because their likelihood of deadbeating, not joining, or other tournament slowdowns is pretty high.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: It depends on the situation, both the players involved and the tournament in question. So far I've given a bye (a person deadbeated in ESS:C Round 1, and by virtue of their score being lowest they got eliminated).

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: More transparency on what's coming. Build some hype, let people suggest edits to "the next thing". A lot last year Lack and Twill were busy doing so much business that had to be closed-door that we saw nothing new for months. Fortunately that trend is reversing, but being able to put any finishing touches on a suggestion that will be implemented soon would rock.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: Metadata on a group of games. Right now all information I could possibly want can be farmed from each individual game, but if I could compile the information from a set of games it would drop my update time significantly.

    Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

    A: [No reply]

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: It's not as hard as it looks. Pick a map, pick some settings, pick a number of players and some sort of elimination. The most basic tournament can be thought out in full in less than a minute, and typing a topic up for it less than 10.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: #1: Players who sign up but don't join their games
    #2: Reserves that aren't available when requested.
    #3: Deadbeats in tournament games. Find a sitter, dangit.
    #4: Slow signup times in my tournaments.
    #5: Multiple reminder PMs about joining games.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: Depends on the day, but due to my activity in the Foundry and elsewhere it's upwards of 3 hours on an average day.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: I'm in no competitive clan at the moment (I'm looking for anything, I rock at crossmap!), but I'm in several usergroups: An Animated Description of Mr. Maps, the Foundry Newsletter forum (where we build all the issues), Layer Battle Arena, the Scoring Adhoc, the Strategy Guide Adhoc, and a couple other ones that are behind closed doors. ;)

    Q:What was your inspiration for the Foundry Newsletter?

    A: The offhand comment about "hey, it'd be nice if we did a Newsletter like the Tournament guys do to bring attention to all the cool maps in here." That, coupled with the knowledge that someone else (Coleman) had done a couple of issues of a Foundry Newsletter in the recent past (at the time in May 2008) was enough push to get my brain thinking. I outlined the basic coverage and our extra segments then asked for volunteers. 9 months later, here we are.

    Q:How much work do you put into it?

    A: Between 4 and 5 hours over the course of the two weeks. Most of that is spent compiling the Maps in Development section and updating all writeups to reflect present development. The rest is mostly admin stuff as I ask people for Editorials, give opinions of other Staffs' choices, and the like.

    Q:How do you feel it has benefited the community?

    A: I think, but cannot prove, that it has had a major effect in the large amount of new people in the Foundry every day. There's a lot of "new blood" making maps now, and call me naive, but I think the Foundry Newsletter has had a major part in that.

    Q:Anything planned in its future?

    A: We've been introducing new columns and segments over the past few issues, and we hope to keep those new ones going as well as the occasional one-time segment (like the one we've got coming this upcoming issue).

    Q:Who are you?

    A: I'm a 21-year-old senior majoring in Electrical Engineering at The Citadel.

    Q: Why did you pick the name TaCktiX?

    A: The origin of the name dates back to 2004 when I joined a StarCraft Snipers clan. I had a tendency to change my name for every new clan I joined, and I was big into phonetics at the time when making names. Hence the improper phonetic form for "tactics", what I claimed I would exhibit while playing. The name stuck, and I use it everywhere.

    Q:Why am I always capitalizing the wrong letters?

    A: It's intentional. People miss the "k", capitalize the wrong letters, all over the place. When I first made the name there were two styles of capitalizing screen names: EvErY OtHeR LeTtEr, and CoNSoNaNTS oNLY. I split the difference and where one would expect either the "KT" or the "T" to be capitalized, I didn't.

    Q:Whats with you and beta maps?

    A: As stated before, it's my goal to win on every map present on CC. Thus, the newer maps always get played by me until I beat them. On the development side, I'm always looking for things I don't understand while playing the map that I didn't notice while looking at an image back in the Foundry. Myself and a few others are the direct force behind a small change in Rail Australia to make bonuses clearer.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: Charleston, SC, is where my school is located, and where I spend most of my time. "Home" is Newberry, SC, a city no one has really heard of outside of the state (small town just off the interstate).

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Blue. If they had a black play clolor, that'd be my favorite, but alas it is not so.

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Really tough question for me for favorite map. There are at least a dozen I really like, with a disturbing tendency toward maps WidowMakers has done (Draknor, King of the Mountains, Arms Race among them). Least favorite: France, easily. Map rank me on it and you'll see why.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: Assassin, Escalating, or No Cards. I really play all manner of settings, those are just my most successful or most memorable victories.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: Sequential, as I'm under no time crunch to make The Move.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: I'm going to wait until my present one, Class Struggle fills up. Very few metamap tournaments have happened to my knowledge and I don't know what its load will be like when it starts.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: You need to rename this interview the Interview of Doom. That's a LOT of questions to answer and it took me a couple of hours to finish them all off. Here's a graphic to help you along with that:
    Image

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: Thanks for having me.


    Image

    Interviews Interview with HighlanderAttack

    Image

    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound- stahrgazer
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 61: 17/02/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue Feb 24, 2009 8:47 pm

    Issue 61: 17/02/09

    Image


    Image

    Hello tournament fans. Another newsletter contributor sits in this week. Let us know what you think.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


    Image


    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Interview with HighlanderAttack
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


    Image

    Here is the result of our latest poll:
    Would you not join a tournament if it included a...
    Assassin game? 9%
    Terminator game? No votes
    Freestyle game? 44%
    Any of the above? 6%
    Fog of War? 1.5%
    Spoils? 1.5%
    These settings would not stop me from joining. 38%
    Total votes : 66

    Our latest poll is now up: What portion of your game load are tournament games?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


    Image

    blacky44 wrote:
    Franchise and International Tournaments

    Now you can have your very own franchise tournament by calling this number 555-555-5555. Just kidding but this is for real: you can have a franchise tag put on your tournaments by having 5 or more tournaments with the same name and same style.
    If you do achieve this very respectable goal you will have your medals for those tournaments combined and be given a brand spankin' new one. You will also get a special designation in the Hall of Fame. That tournament will be retired and that name is designated as yours and yours only (Unless you give permission for someone esle to use it).

    Now you non-English speaking folk can also run and join tournaments but wait, there is a catch. In order to run a tournament for that international country you must be from or speak that language and when sending in privileges you must send in a English translation of your request. You must also frequently be in the international forums.
    You can not run more than two tournaments at a time for international tournaments. The organizer is responsible for sending in the results of the tournament. The rules are basically the same about abandoned tournament policy.
    To read more go to this link it includes post tags and a important message for all you tournament organizers.

    This is blacky44 saying good bye.


    Zombies Ate My Neighbors Image
    by stahrgazer


    Back when SuperNES was popular, I found a used game for a couple bucks at a video store. The title made it seem the game would be something like “Night of the Living Dead.” I took it home, began playing, and never had so much fun as in that silly little two-dollar used game. Well, okay, CC is more fun; it was especially hilarious the night the Zombies unexpectedly woke up on Arms Race and began eating all the neighbours. Here’s a sample of the reactions:


    LFAW: HAHA LMAO KingOfGods: wow t-o-m: HAHAHAHAHAAHA demonfork: wtf
    KingOfGods: hahahhahahhahaa Phlaim: LOL ChrisBeerens: u kiddin me? Gilligan: HAHA
    demonfork: hahahahahaah bryguy: LOL fireswords: omfg gameplayer: lmao KingOfGods: rofl
    pimphawks70: wtf? timmytuttut88: HAHAHAHA Hath: ahahahhaha karelpietertje: lol
    Paddy The Cat: hahahahahahahahahahahahaha pepperonibread: heh... excellent.
    DAT_WAT_SHE_SAID: hahahaha timmytuttut88: this is great Ryall55: omfg hha roflmao
    XsaladX: lol heavenly29: lmao lanyards: Hahahahahhahahahha The Fuzzy Pengui: this is great!
    Incandenza: this is hilarious DAT_WAT_SHE_SAID: this is the funniest game i have ever played
    Jeff Hardy: thats awesome bryguy: lol this is hilarious timmytuttut88: OH DAYUM
    Paddy The Cat: neutral player kicking ass LFAW: Cmon Neutral Player!
    bryguy: what the heck its all neutral ChrisBeerens: go neutral player go
    gameplayer: wtf?!? dragon dor: ??????????? General Smithas: how did I get eliminated
    gcwca_4_life: since when can neutrals attack?


    Those CC cynics among us “know” that this was all some big conspiracy by the Admin. Here’s the evidence they can point to!

    Twill wrote: well, we've been looking for a way to remove points from the pool, maybe this is it if neutral wins


    And, they’ll add, the Admin are trying to pass the buck and the blame!
    Twill wrote: he'll probably blame it on me for letting a non-standard game get started :)


    Some, like me, thought this was an example of the "infected neutrals" being discussed in Suggestions and Bug Reports:
    http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=40294&start=0
    As you can read in the thread, some of those CC helping hands (and minds) have been working on ways to give a “Neutrals attack” option; Zombies coming to life. The truth is, "infected neutrals" are still being designed; not tested. Instead, this is an example of the Battle Royale (BR) coding conflicting with Arms Race coding; in Arms Race, certain positions are designed to begin as neutral. Battle Royale coding tries to put people on those neutral positions.

    Twill wrote: It's like in I Robot - "random bits of code combining to make the appearence of inteligence." Apparently the code doesn’t play well with lots of neutral players. It wasn't planned, although it would have made a great April fool’s joke (for the person who won at least).

    Game 3960030 will stand simply as part of CC Battle Royale lore. It's up there with Lack getting stuck on Alcatraz in a BR game he created on the san fran map, or the assassin game that finished as soon as the first person killed someone.


    This BR/Zombie-neutral coding conflict is not the only recent instance of the dead returning to life. Two tournaments that had been abandoned have been revitalized.

    Said BaldAdonis of Harder Better Stronger Faster http://www.conquerclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=77253 “I liked a lot of things about the tournament, and most I thought were quite innovative. Besides enjoying the maps, settings and players, I really liked the scoring methods. It manages to distribute points to players who don't win, but it also skews towards winners: the bottom 4 take 7/54 total points, and every player gets more points than the total of players at least two lower than him. It also takes into account the game style. In terminator, the first to make a kill is the top player. In assassin, the more armies you have left, the higher you rank. These give a lot of different strategies in the same tournament.

    "It helps that they're all 8 player games, so I only need to make 100 games, and it includes 60 players. Compare that with a 2 player league, where I need to make 500+ games for 20 players. I've also won all my games so far, so I'd hate to throw that away.”

    Adds God Emperor Q about the Slaughter Ball World Championship http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=76571 “OK, well, i checked in on the tourney every now and then, when i found out on jan 15 that tender (the previous tourney runner) hadn't been on till jan 1st. I couldn't take over till feb 1st, but I took over because there was interest in people to still play and I was interested in still playing as well, and I decided to step up and try and make it happen. I had some free time, and I just wanted to get this fun tourney back on its feet. And, yeah, the prize of 6 months premium wasn't hurting matters either.”

    =D> for those CC Dr. Frankensteins who brought our tournaments back to life!

    Is it common on CC for the dead to come back to life? News Hound got the answer from Tourney Director Gilligan: "I've been in tournaments that got abandoned, particularly a Feudal War doubles tournament I was in with banana_hammocks - We got to the semis, and it got abandoned, on top of that it was worth premium membership. Moral of the story: Don't abandon tournaments!" He adds, "I'd rather see tournaments get resurrected after abandonment. It makes the leaders still show off for doing good in a tournament that finished rather than abandoned and not have the disappointment. It doesn't happen all that often but it does happen.”

    Sometimes, the CC community can seem a little lifeless, but don’t let those moments fool you. Beneath that zombie exterior is a pulse of excitement. That pulse is evidenced with people like GEQ and BA who are willing to nurture the tournaments that the original organizers first brought to life and then, sadly, had to leave behind. It is also evidenced by the creative minds willing to take a coding chance that, while imperfect, will give CC members moments of uproarious laughter for years to come. News Hound is sure that we have not seen the last of the Conquer Club Zombies, either in games or in tournaments.

    And of the 1283 points he won when the Zombies ate his neighbors, PepperJack said: This is the lamest and awesomest win ever!

    --stahrgazer


    LImageve Wars
    by stahrgazer

    In their constant search to improve the site and imbue it with the spirit of whatever holiday (or other reasonable excuse) comes along, the Moderators of Conquer Club have issued a Tournament-style challenge to the members to engage them in a tourney after their own hearts: Love a mod. Hate a mod. Whac-a-mod? viewtopic.php?f=1&t=77716&view=unread#unread

    Yes, CC fans, the Moderators are making themselves targets in this tournament complete with its own Medal of conquest for those combatants who successfully turn the moderators into bloody Valentines. Image


    Some games are singles, some doubles, and in some cases the moderator(s) allow the opponent(s) to choose the weapon (map) and settings. At the time of this writing, 102 games are complete, with the Moderators ahead by 16 games. CC citizens are going to have to do better than this if they want that special medal (the design of which is not yet revealed) being offered up as the key to the Moderators’ hearts.


    Image So go scope out one of the Moderators and ask him or her to be your Valentine in this Tournament of Love, Hate, and lots of bloody Fun.

    --stahrgazer



    Image

    New record of most users being online! Most users ever online was 1533 on Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:45 PM

    Optimus Prime has started 4,538 tournament games! :shock:

    Image
    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    Credit Crunch
    Organizer: Pedronicus

    Major+ 2009 Spring Doubles League
    Organizer: AndrewB

    JR’s 3 v 3 Challenge I
    Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    MLB 2009 Tourney
    Organizer: geigerm
    A 1v1 tourney following the 2009 Major League Baseball schedule. Players must choose a home map and a rotation of five "pitchers" (groups of settings) that will determine the gameplay throughout the season.

    Psycho B’s NBA
    Organizer: psychobkrazy

    Foundry Update 9.1
    Organizer: Natewolfman

    Championship Series: The Citadel
    Organizer: barterer2002

    Championship Series: Cairns Metro
    Organizer: barterer2002

    1v1 Capitalism
    Organizer: lhcguy


    General Tournaments

    Poketourney
    Organizer: juliusceaser

    Class Struggle
    Organizer: TaCktiX
    A metamap tournament based off of The Citadel, both in map and in reality. Very low game load (likely 4-5 most rounds), but likely a high number of rounds.
    Players needed: 6 regular, 5 reserves

    World War II
    Organizer: JweezyIII

    WWII Europe Skills
    Organizer: Iron Maid

    Country Clash
    Organizer: dellmanlego

    European Knockout Club
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    [url=http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=76932]Moody’s
    Non-Premium Classic 2
    [/url]
    Organizer: MrMoody

    Pearl Harbor Game Series
    Organizer: stringybeany

    Bounty Hunters Tournament
    Organizer: der sniffter

    NFL Draft
    Organizer: blacky44

    Jump the Castle 2
    Organizer: risky man1221

    2009 Pacific Coast League
    Organizer: blacky44

    Total Wipeout
    Organizer: Boss_oss_ss

    Escalating Freestyle King
    Organizer: PJDH

    Midwest League
    Organizer: blacky44

    In it to Win It
    Organizer: BrotherWolf
    32 players playing 3 games/round for 3 rounds before reaching the final.....Winner gets one entry in UK lottery

    American Idol Season 8
    Organizer: Tupence


    Image

    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Games Night: CC Style
    Organiser: keiths31
    Second round of three started

    [url=http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=77399]Musical Chairs: European Tour[url]
    Organiser: keiths31
    First elimination round underway

    Musical Chairs: North American City Tour
    Organiser: keiths31
    Elimination rounds almost done

    The Evolutionary Tournament
    Organiser: Woodruff
    Premium Prize!
    This is a 64-entrant triple-elimination tournament, organized into three brackets (Bracket A, Bracket B and Bracket C). Bracket A is the bracket of those with no losses. Bracket B is the bracket of those with one loss. Bracket C is the "elimination bracket", if you will.

    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:

    Within Bracket A, we have 12 of the "Sweet Sixteen" finalized, those being poo-maker, reahma, demy7, dragon dor, ga7, The Voice, madman7, sully800, tsioumiou, Poisonous86 and Seulessliathan. In addition, Taurelias was a Sweet Sixteener, but was beaten by our only quarterfinalist so far (Seulessliathan).

    In Bracket B, we are just getting underway with nobody past the third round (of seven). Currently, we have five entrants in that third round, who are bigreuben, Destroyers Inc., Taurelias, MoB Deadly and ShootAndMiss.

    Bracket C has not hardly done anything, as the initial first-round matchups have just started to be filled. However, there are already 16 (one-fourth!) players in the C Bracket, to include the Tournament Organizer who is an ignominious 0-2 so far.

    Seulessliathan obviously has the most wins so far at 3.

    From Large Games to Small Games
    Organiser: geigerm
    6 players eliminated, 3/7 Round 1 games complete

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Some people were forced to stop with cola, so we started with beer
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    City trip
    Organiser: PaulusH
    49 people (plus reserves) did visit 8 cities each :D inos is our winner =D>

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Everybody started playing Chinese Checkers, also a nice game :-^
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    For some it is never enough, they are going to the Mac Drive already ](*,)
    Planned end date: 10 October

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Nine underway.

    Eight In One Tournament Headquarters
    Finals are now pending.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From PaulusH using a 4x4 windmill setup- Puzzle Mix will need 16 doubles teams

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
    The Serbian Conquest
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


    Image
    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Championship Series Charleston" -BaldAdonis
    "Championship Series: Archipelago" -Gilligan
    "Map Blaster IV the Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "The Champions League Tournament" -dustin800
    "Ultimate 1v1" -sailorseal
    "Super Quick Tourney Season 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Halloween Doubles Tournament" -Lokisgal and Agonzos
    "Master of the Second Age" -acores2005
    "Conquerman Triangle" -Tisha, Mattastrophe, Sdin15
    "Conqueror Crusoe, Ruler of the Islands" -dustin800 and sam02
    "Last Man Standing Classic" -odratsab
    "Band or Die 3" -Goggles Paisano, Vexx, PaulG, Easy n Dirty
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge IV" -killmanic
    "Conquer the New World" -Phr34ky
    "Quick and Painless Tournament" -banana_hammocks
    "Alliance of Feudal" -enterprise74 and WoWaholic
    "Fight Together, Die Alone" -rudolphirvinpoir and jdenvil
    "Championship Series: Caribbean Islands" -HighlanderAttack
    "Championship Series: Canada" -jpcloet
    "Melee" -Jackofalltrades
    "King of Luxembourg" -Jess-95
    "Around All CC's Maps: Battle for Actium" -White Moose
    "Fuzzy's Freshman Fiasco" -AgEcon
    "Fog of Feudal War" -psilotum
    "The Land of Luck" -seamusvibe
    "Don't Take Too Long - 2v2 Edition" -oldbenjamin & ctgottapee
    "City Mogul Series Fast Track" -banana_hammocks
    "North American Wars II" -Bad Speler
    "Extreme Global War(ming)" -Gilligan
    "Prime's Singles Season" -RedBaron0
    "Difficult Maps Double Edition" -lt.Pie, waseemalim
    "Quick and Simple Tournament 3" -MEK
    "Master of the First Age" -Silver-
    "Kot's Feudal War Singles" -killmanic


    Image

    This week we had the chance to talk with HighlanderAttack. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with geigerm. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, HighlanderAttack.

    A:Hi

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:"There can be only one", no really, I believe I have become a worthy CC fixture.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: Actually I found it over a year ago searching for somewhere to play Risk. Never signed up until late July though.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: So me and a friend could battle each other.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: pzaviski2003 sent me a pm to join Captian Moo's Challenge Tourney. I got second and became addicted to tournaments

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I wanted to start in December because I have always been one to set up and run things. I have a great idea which I will actually have the details out this week. Blitzaholic asked me to continue the All Around CC Maps series started by coded.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: Just about a month now

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: All Around CC Maps: Caribbean Islands

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: I used to tour Foosball around the united states so I was used to a double elimination format. I just used what I knew to add a twist to the format coded came up with. My new tournament which will be announced will be similar to a sports league/fantasy sports league. I have always run fantasy football leagues since I was about 14.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: Blitzaholic, Serbia, flexmaster33, barterer2002 to mention a few

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: First one run is still going on and it has been more time consuming than I thought. I have started using it and the other two to gain a system to make it easier. Running tournaments can be a lot of work. It is fun and I am really enjoying it. The more experience I gain and the better system I come up with organizing the data will help me in the future.

    My first tournament I ever joined got me hooked to tournament play. As I mentioned before it was Captian Moo's Challenge Tourney. I got second in the final game which was a tie breaker game. It was a great rush.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: Three so far and I plan on many many more with no plans of retirement.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A: So far just the All Around CC Maps (Caribbean Islands, CCU, and Centerscape)

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: All Around CC Maps CCU because it is a 32 player seeded double elimination singles tourney

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: I actually have three:
    12 Battles of Christmas - II because I played great and won it.
    Captian Moo's Challenge Tourney-my first and a great experience
    Battle for Escalating Supremacy--still going on but the first round gave me two great friends Sun Tzup and Serbia--the battle was unreal and went down to a tie-breaker after about a month of battling.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A:enter

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite?

    A: heads up league style games because I have always been involved in sports leagues real and fantasy

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: Choose them myself

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: I have about 80 active games at all times and at least 70 are tournament games. It gets a bit crazy

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: First tourney win was amazing. Can't even remember my first CC win.

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A:I have won three:
    12 Battles of Christmas
    Championship Series: Caribbean Islands
    12 Round Classic Art Escalating Tournament

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: Probably Escalators because the competition was so great and I messed up a move on the final game costing me a possible victory

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: One that runs smoothly and in a timely manner. One that is not too complicated with too many crazy rules.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: 2008 College Basketball Season by flexmaster33 is organized well with wonderful spreadsheet standings and a thread filled with many pages of interested participants. The size of the tournament is so large I have no idea how he keeps up with it.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A:I don't really have an answer for this one

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: Not one that I have run, but I have been disappointed in the tourneys I have joined that get started and then abandoned. If you are going to run one you have to finish it in my opinion no matter what the circumstances.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Someone organized with good communication skills

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: Nothing special. I would like to offer prizes in the future, but it is really all about the competition that makes people play tourneys in my opinion.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: I am not organized enough

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: I have always liked organizing things

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Making games hard to join. You need to make it as simple as possible

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: Going to fast and leaving information out. Attention to details is important

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: I completely agree they should be able to join their own tournaments.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: I just check all the games periodically. I think I should use a schedule but I recently moved and was without internet for three weeks. It was a bit difficult to manage my CC.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: No because it only takes five games to not be a question mark. you have to get acclimated to CC before joining one and I think five games is nothing. I am at 4600--lol

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: Byes for bracketed tourneys and reserves for league types. Either way it does not matter to me

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: I wish games could start more nuetral--no bonuses to start a game and games should start with 11-14-17-20-and so on so that it makes it harder to gain an advantage on territory bonuses

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: So far I cant see anything that would make it easier either way

    Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

    A: nothing comes to mind on this one

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: Plan ahead and stay organized

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: Number one is my mistakes
    also, organization, figuring out a way to post a chart, figuring out the codes to make joining games simpler, finding the time to do it right

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: at least two hours if not 8--lol

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: Black Sheep

    Q:Who are you?

    A: Just someone who likes competition.

    Q: Why did you pick the name HighlanderAttack? Is Highlander related to a school or team mascot?

    A: Highlander is actually from the tv series. Also was a popular movie

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: I was born in New Jersey, but grew up in Florida

    Q:What do you do for work? Student?

    A: IT

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Blue

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Arms Race is the best and USA is the worst

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: depends on the map sequential, chained, escalating, no fog for most though

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A:sequential

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: CC Dynasty League--Kind of a mix between a sports/fantasy league where it is singles league play with a bunch of statistics and historical data kept.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: I am addicted CC--lol

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: Thanks for the interview--good luck to everyone


    Image

    Interviews Interview with geigerm
    Image

    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
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    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound- stahrgazer and blacky44
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 62: 24/02/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue Mar 03, 2009 7:48 pm

    Issue 62: 24/02/09

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    Image

    Hello tournament fans. This week blacky44 officially joins the newsletter ranks, and stahrgazer revives an old column.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


    Image


    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Tournament Limelight
    Image Interview with geigerm
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Staff

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    Here is the result of our latest poll:
    What portion of your gameload are tournament games?
    All of my games are tournaments 8%
    Most of my games are tournaments 21%
    Half of my games are tournaments 11%
    A few of my games are tournaments 30%
    None of my games are tournaments 30%
    Total votes : 97

    A new poll is now up: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    blacky44 wrote:Hello CC lovers and welcome to this weeks news hound. stahrgazer and I will both be writing for the news hound this week and hopefully next week and so on. Today I want to talk about medals given to tournament winners. I have pmed 5 people who have all won tournaments and asked their opinion but only 3 replied.

    WhiteMoose wrote:
    I actually don't think medals should be given out to all tournaments you win. Since many tournaments just require you to win 4 games in a row. Which isn't much of an accomplishment. So it would be better according to me if tournament winner medals should be given out in larger tournaments. Not that it would work, but I think I'd be better if it were possible. But don't get me wrong, I welcome tournament winner medals. It will probably increase the already active tournament forum even more. Which is great, since tournaments are a huge part of the CC game/community.game/community. Plus I now don't have to brag about my tournament wins on my signature, :lol:


    Godd wrote:
    Not worried about getting medals or not after all not that many will see the medals for only the ones that may look up at a post of yours if you post a lot. Just being able to win a tourney is great (yes I have won my share of them) and shows it does not matter what rank you are.


    Blitzaholic wrote
    I think it is a good idea because it is very difficult to any win any tournament.


    Click this link and scroll down to the community achievements and you can see what is suppose to be the medals for contests and tournament wins http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/medals.php



    Whac-y Admins Image
    by stahrgazer

    Remember the Valentines weekend special: Love a mod. Hate a mod. Whac-a-mod?

    Apparently, the mods won so many of those games that they decided to challenge some of the top ranking members of Conquer Club to a final match on Game 4273102. This is a triples match featuring Triministration (Lieutenant Twill, Corporal lackattackand Private AndyDufresne) opposing the Trey Authority (Field Marshals poo-maker, King_Herpes, and rabbiton) in an all-out battle to conquer World 2.1.

    phantomzero wrote: Wow, 73 points each if the Admins win, and 5 points each if the Field Marshals win


    The ‘peanut gallery’ of watchers is having a blast, some giving votes of confidence to Admin.

    fishydance wrote: Hey good luck all! Lack, how about tossing a few bodies of those you defeat into the ocean ... da fish are hungry tonight :)

    Others root the big ranks.

    Dragonah: If i had to throw my hat into the ring and place a bet on the victors, i'd be rooting for the admins, nothing against the field marshals though, they've proved they're strength for sure.

    LED ZEPPELINER: stick it to the mods


    Despite what seems a majority rooting for Admin, it seems some of Team 1 got a little scared on round 3:

    2009-02-20 14:28:55 - AndyDufresne missed a turn


    For those who wonder about future Whac-y tournaments, the question has been asked.

    2009-02-16 17:21:47 - kinesthe: can we do another whack a mod soon? missed this one :(


    The answer may depend on which team is victorious on this final match, so be sure to come out to the game and cheer on your favorite history-makers.


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    There’s a new forum! The Training Grounds! Go here for extra help!

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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    Credit Crunch
    Organizer: Pedronicus

    Major+ 2009 Spring Doubles League
    Organizer: AndrewB

    Double Dutch Doubles
    Organizer: Lindax

    Fantasy Fight
    Organizer: Blitzaholic


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    Psycho B’s NBA
    Organizer: psychobkrazy

    1v1 Capitalism
    Organizer: lhcguy

    Foundry Update 9.2
    Organizer: Natewolfman

    Around All CC’s Maps: Circus Maximus
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    qwert Bracket Tournament V
    Organizer: qwert

    Around All CC’s Maps: Charleston
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    Complete Control - USA
    Organizer: FireStar

    A Quick KO: Round 2
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    Championship Series: City Mogul
    Organizer: barterer2002

    Championship Series: Conquer 4
    Organizer: barterer2002


    General Tournaments

    Bounty Hunters Tournament
    Organizer: der sniffter

    NFL Draft
    Organizer: blacky44

    Escalating Freestyle King
    Organizer: PJDH

    Midwest League
    Organizer: blacky44

    In it to Win It
    Organizer: BrotherWolf

    American Idol Season 8
    Organizer: Tupence

    Fivemore’s World 2.1 6 player Tournament
    Organizer: fivemore

    Feudal War Assassins
    Organizer: tsioumiou

    American Adventure
    Organizer: Premier2k

    The Ocean Race – Laser Class
    Organizer: saraith

    Discworld Terminator
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    Little Big World
    Organizer: Naxus
    Looking for reserves


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!


    From Large Games to Small Games
    Organiser: geigerm
    14 players have been eliminated; Round 2 games are now under way.

    MLB 2009 Tournament
    Organiser: geigerm
    Starting games soon, but still looking for reserves.
    A 1v1 tourney following the 2009 Major League Baseball schedule. Players must choose a home map and a rotation of five "pitchers" (groups of settings) that will determine the gameplay throughout the season.

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Nine winding down.


    Image
    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From PaulusH using a 4x4 windmill setup- Puzzle Mix will need 16 doubles teams

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
    The Serbian Conquest
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Olympics Part 2: Altius" -CandaVespin and bamage
    "Reincarnation" -ronc8649
    "8 Thoughts Tour" -dustin800
    "Championship Series: Centerscape" -Lucifer4o
    "Qwert Bracket Tournament IV" -Natewolfman
    "Poker Night at the Club" -lhcguy
    "The Grand Oasis Tournament" -IronWood
    "City Trip" -inos
    "You've Been Hired to Kill that King" -slickstick
    "Championship Series Charleston" -BaldAdonis
    "Championship Series: Archipelago" -Gilligan
    "Map Blaster IV the Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "The Champions League Tournament" -dustin800
    "Ultimate 1v1" -sailorseal
    "Super Quick Tourney Season 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Halloween Doubles Tournament" -Lokisgal and Agonzos
    "Master of the Second Age" -acores2005
    "Conquerman Triangle" -Tisha, Mattastrophe, Sdin15
    "Conqueror Crusoe, Ruler of the Islands" -dustin800 and sam02
    "Last Man Standing Classic" -odratsab
    "Band or Die 3" -Goggles Paisano, Vexx, PaulG, Easy n Dirty
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge IV" -killmanic
    "Conquer the New World" -Phr34ky
    "Quick and Painless Tournament" -banana_hammocks
    "Alliance of Feudal" -enterprise74 and WoWaholic
    "Fight Together, Die Alone" -rudolphirvinpoir and jdenvil
    "Championship Series: Caribbean Islands" -HighlanderAttack
    "Championship Series: Canada" -jpcloet
    "Melee" -Jackofalltrades
    "King of Luxembourg" -Jess-95
    "Around All CC's Maps: Battle for Actium" -White Moose
    "Fuzzy's Freshman Fiasco" -AgEcon
    "Fog of Feudal War" -psilotum
    "The Land of Luck" -seamusvibe
    "Don't Take Too Long - 2v2 Edition" -oldbenjamin & ctgottapee
    "City Mogul Series Fast Track" -banana_hammocks
    "North American Wars II" -Bad Speler
    "Extreme Global War(ming)" -Gilligan


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    by stahrgazer

    Back by popular demand and, as regularly as we can make them, your Tournament Newsletter staff puts the week’s focus on the Super Quick Tournament(s).

    According to organizer kratos644 the setup is, “As quick as I can make it go. So doodle earth with 4 players escalating cards and unlimited forts for the first 2 rounds then the finals are played on a slightly larger map but still a small one. Aka Duck and Cover... Although, with the addition of the Luxembourg map that may very well change.”

    Super Quick Tourney (Season 4)
    viewtopic.php?f=92&t=75182&start=0#p1847509

    Creativity Image Image Image

    Enjoyment Image Image Image Image

    Organization Image Image Image Image Image

    Timeliness of games Image Image Image Image

    Updates of Status Image Image Image Image

    Overall Image Image Image Image

    Rated by 50% of the participants

    Understandably, creativity for a ‘series’ of tournaments is rated average rather than high. The answer to that may be in franchising.
    “Have you heard of the 'tournament franchise' that's being offered soon? If so, what do you think of it?”
    “Yes I have and I like the idea. This tournament will be franchised soon.”


    An overwhelming majority of the participants would play it again. The series has had fifteen repeat players so far, and has a waiting list for the next season. If you happen to be interested in a series of well-organized, quick, fun tournaments using small maps, escalating spoils in a nearly free-for-all style, you might want to put your name in for the upcoming seasons of kratos644’s Super Quick Tourney.

    “Season 5 will be starting soon. I'll be starting a large team tournament in about a month or so, and my 2nd season of my anime tourney will be starting somewhere around the same time frame so keep an eye out.”


    Image

    This week we had the chance to talk with geigerm. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with stahrgazer, one of our new staff members. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!


    Q: Hello, geigerm.

    A: Howdy--thanks for asking me to do this interview.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: A poster on a Big Ten message board I visit regularly posted a thread about playing here. I gave it a try and was hooked almost instantly.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: I really enjoy strategy games, including that board game to which CC has many similarities, which I will not mention for copyright infringement reasons. ;)

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: I think there was a mass message sent out about the CCC Masters tournaments and the idea of possibly winning a premium membership appealed to me. That one got me hooked. In general, I like the idea of playing for a goal larger than just winning a game.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I've played in a ton of tourneys and thought I might have something to contribute. Also, I tend to be kind of fanatical about stat-keeping in larger tournaments I play--I always want to have the most up-to-date scores to help make decisions about who to target. (Obsessive-compulsive, I know.) Once I started keeping spreadsheets for my own scores, I figured it wasn't that big of a leap to do that for tourneys.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: Just started a few weeks ago--posted my first tournament thread on January 9.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: From Large Games to Small Games

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: Mostly, I've thought about the type of games/tourneys I've enjoyed as well as how my interests outside this site might fit a tournament.

    For my first tourney, I recognized that I really enjoy playing both really large (6-8 player) and really small (1v1) games, and thought it would be fun to have a tourney where people played all game sizes.

    For my second tourney (MLB 2009 Tournament), I just thought it would be cool to have a tournament based on the Major League Baseball season.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: Geez ... pretty much anyone who's run a successful tourney that I've played in. With apologies to people I'm leaving out, I'll highlight a few:
    • flexmaster33 runs some awesome sports-themed tournaments.
    • I've always enjoyed Sir. Ricco's tournies and think it's a shame he's no longer on CC.
    • brandoncfi's Map Blaster series was the first tourney that showed me the benefit of tourney strategy, not just concentrating on winning games.
    • And I feel like almost everyone who's played a tournament on this site must have played one by Natewolfman, Gilligan, barterer2002, Optimus Prime, and/or amazzony, and therefore been influenced by them in some way.
    (Did I really just use a bulleted list to answer a question? Wow, that's sad.)

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: The first one I've run is still going on--we just entered the second round of games. Took a while to fill, but I've only needed 2 reserves so far. I'm really enjoying running it. And since I was the first player knocked out, I don't need to concentrate on playing in it any more! :lol:

    I barely remember the first one I played in--it was the CCC Masters, as I said before, and a quick check with the Game Finder shows I was knocked out in the first round. But I did lose to the eventual champ of my division. So that's some consolation.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: I'm running my first 2 right now. I have no plans for retirement, but my kids may have something to say about that at some point.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A: From Large Games to Small Games, MLB 2009 Tournament

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: Isn't that like asking me to choose which kid is my favorite? Seriously, I haven't gotten far enough into either to pick one--one's in the second round, the other's just about to start. I really like the ideas for both of them and I'm just happy they filled.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: Can't pick just one. The Map Blaster series is awesome because I love large escalating games, as well as getting to play (almost) every map on the site. Bring it On! is more of a league than a tourney, but it's still an awesome concept and I'm going to stay involved in that for as long as it runs. And I really loved the idea of the Dojo Yaburi tournament and would love to see a follow-up tournament run.

    Those are my top 3 at the moment, but I might give a different answer on a different day.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: Enter--I really enjoy organizing, but I still prefer to keep trying to win these things!

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: Nope, no specific format--since I enjoy a wide variety of games, my tournies are going to reflect that range of interests. I will say that as a player, I'm a sucker for a simple (or not-so-simple) bracket. Just seed everyone, line 'em up, and let 'em play. But until I have a theme that fits a bracket, I won't run a bracket tourney.

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: Choose them myself. Letting players choose may make for a more interesting tourney (that's certainly how I feel as a player), but it's clearly more work for the organizer.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: Right now, 100% of my games are tourney games, and I've got about 35 active games across 5-10 tournies (don't know the exact number). I occasionally get the urge to start a game to work on a particular map, or a game will pop up within one of my usergroups, but I'm almost exclusively a tourney player at this point.

    Q: How excited were you with your first CC win?

    A: I honestly don't remember it. I was probably pretty happy.

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A: Yup, Map Blaster III, with graulenst as my teammate.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: The 2008 Sprint Cup Series. I really had to work to make the final round, went into that round in 4th place (if I remember correctly), and with one game still in progress, I had taken the lead. All I had to do was finish ahead of aspalm. I thought I had the tourney locked up, was planning my next move ... and the next thing I know, that last game is showing up in my "Eliminated" list, and aspalm's the one who knocked me out. That's what I get for assuming I was going to win.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: A great idea, a dedicated organizer, and--last but probably most important--active, interested players.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: Waaaay too many to list, once again. All the ones I mentioned earlier, certainly. All of the EIOT tournaments just because the whole idea was so cool (although I think one or two of them got derailed a bit). And I'm always impressed by successful tournies where the organizer has a ton of stuff to keep track of, like dittoeevee8888's Jeopardy tourney, or Army of Achilles' Ultimate All Maps 1x1 Tournament. I know I'm missing a bunch, especially newer ones.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A: I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone who knows how to answer this question in this interview. I honestly don't know how tourneys would be rated, so how could they be underestimated? Maybe we should have a tourney rating system so this question's a little easier to answer!

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: So far, no disappointments in the two I'm running. I've seen a couple I entered fall apart and get canceled/abandoned for various reasons, and that's always disappointing.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Good ideas, good presentation/communication skills, dedication, and a willingness to spend far too much time on CC making tournaments run smoothly.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: Well, I had some trouble filling my first tourney, so I "attracted" players by sending a private message to a group of players I had seen as relatively frequent opponents in other tournaments.

    I try to make my first post as clear, detailed, and interesting as possible, but I have no idea if that attracts people. I fear that sometimes I may give a little too much detail (kind of like I'm doing in this interview!).

    I wish I knew exactly what appealed to a lot of players. I think most players go for simplicity--games or tourneys that are easy to join, easy to follow, but competitive and interesting. Otherwise ... come back and ask me again after I've organized a few more of these things.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: Waiting for my tournaments to fill. Once I've come up with the idea and posted the thread, I really just want to get the tourney started as soon as possible.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: Being able to contribute to a section of this site that's brought me so much enjoyment.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Hard to tell--I'm not sure I even notice their mistakes. I do hate waiting for a long time between games without any updates if, for example, other games in the round are still going on. So I guess the one "mistake" I see is keeping players in the dark during a long delay.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: I've been lucky so far--nothing too bad. But I did make a bunch of games with the wrong settings in the 2nd round of my first tourney. I will now always double-check the settings before sending out the games!

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: I'm all for letting organizers play in their own tournies--if you put in the effort to make a good tourney, you should get to enjoy it. I've only seen one case where I thought an organizer was going out of his way to make the tourney easier for himself, so most organizers are very good at staying neutral. And I wouldn't exclude clanmates, either.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: My first tourney hasn't needed a formal schedule--I've been just checking games periodically and posting updates when interesting things happen. With the MLB tourney, I think I'm going to need a schedule, since it's going to be such a big tournament.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: I truly have no opinion on this one.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: I tend to lean toward using reserves, as I wouldn't want people to move on in a tourney without earning it.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: My winning percentage and overall score? :lol: That really has nothing to do with the site in general. I can't think of anything I'd change about the site.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: Maybe adding the ability to make multiple games with the same settings at once would make things easier. What would be really sweet, but incredibly hard to code, is some sort of auto-scoring system for tournies. Let the organizer set the parameters, whether the scoring is just based on wins, points for lasting longer in games, etc., and then game results would be automatically logged.

    Can't think of anything to take away.

    Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

    A: Nope.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: If you've got an idea you'd like to see in a tourney, go for it. You can't be any worse at this than I am. ;)

    In all seriousness, I've seen a bunch of new organizers making cool tournies lately, so I don't think anyone needs any encouragement from me.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headaches to this point

    A:Hmmm ... well ...
    1. Trying to figure out all the details of the MLB tournament, which is going to be a handful.
    2. Having my first tourney take almost 3 weeks to fill and not knowing if I'd actually get a tournament off the ground. (Those are the organizer-related headaches, but I was asked for a top 5, so ... )
    3. Deadbeating my way out of tournaments I really wanted to finish because my kids got sick and I truly didn't have time to find a sitter.
    4. Trying to figure out what the clues in Natewolfman's darn CC Scavengers tournament mean.
    5. Fighting my uncontrollable urge to check the "Create/Join a Tournament" forum 1 million times a day.
    (I think the list was warranted to answer that question.)

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: Far more than it should.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: The 1v1 Gladiators usergroup, and The Grey Company, a clan which is, sadly, mostly dead.

    Q:Who are you?

    A: I am Batman. :lol:

    No, seriously, I'm a proud father of 2 and a dedicated husband (when I'm not on here) who works as a professor of computer engineering and computer science.

    Q: Why did you pick the name geigerm?

    A: A very boring reason--it was my username in grad school, and I've been using it on sites like this one and the message boards on which I post just so I can keep everything straight.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: Originally from southeastern Connecticut, but I now live in Massachusetts.

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Anything but pink. I'm a terrible pink player, for some reason.

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Battle of Actium is my favorite, as I think it plays well for both large and small games (at least for me).

    Least favorite is probably a tie between Circus Maximus and British Isles. The British Isles hate is particularly irrational--it's not a bad map; I just can't seem to win on it.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: No spoils / chained / fog for 1v1 games; escalating / chained / no fog for everything else.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: Sequential, absolutely. I'm a terrible freestyle player, I know it, and I'm not really interested in taking the time to get better at it any time soon.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: Assuming From Large Games to Small Games continues to run smoothly, I'll probably run a "From Small Games to Large Games" tourney. I really did like Dojo Yaburi, so I'll think about maybe running a follow-up myself. And I've got a few other ideas I'm kicking around, but you'll hear about them if and when I actually have the time to run them.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: I could think of something witty to say here, but haven't I said enough already? ;)

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: Thanks again for having me.


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    Interviews Interview with stahrgazer
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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
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    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 63: 03/03/09]

    Postby Gozar on Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:55 pm

    Issue 63: 03/03/09

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    Hello tournament fans. This week the News Hound and Limelight takes a look at a lower ranking side of things.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Tournament Limelight
    Image Interview with stahrgazer
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    ImageStaff

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    A new poll is now up: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    Cooking Up a Few Good Gamers
    by stahrgazer


    "Train a cook today battle an officer tomorrow! Making good players great"

    On Tuesday February 24, Twill announced: Society of the Cooks opens its doors. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=78708&view=unread#p1867343

    “The Society has long been running training for low ranked players as a usergroup but today, they hit the mainstream. With the launch of the Training Grounds viewforum.php?f=340 (which will also see Strategy and Q&A moved in), Conquer Club is looking to make an easier to use space for new and old players alike who are looking to improve their game (...and admins who need some serious training help).”

    The last is a reference to the Whac-a-Mod games, specifically the battle against the generals you might have read about in the last newsletter. While for many, signing up for training or teaching is voluntary, new cadets will get a special pm invite to come in for training. For teachers, the first requirement is taking the training themselves. The training consist of basic strategy, especially as applies to terminator type games.

    Asked whether the Society of Cooks intends to sponsor tournaments to give its trainees that sort of experience, co-organizer wacicha laughed, “We will have our hands full without doing tourny's!!!!”

    What are you, some special forces guy or something?

    No, I'm just a cook, just a lowly cook. Image

    Oh My God, we’re gonna die! (Under Siege)

    Members willing to sign up as Society Teachers are asked to contact wacicha or gloryordeath.



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    Tournament Hall of Fame Reorganization! Check it out!

    Whac-a-Mod
    Mods have been defeated 228 times by 94 members so far, although 132 participated.

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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    Credit Crunch
    Organizer: Pedronicus

    JR’s 4 v 4 Challenge I
    Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

    MLS 2009
    Organizer: Forza AZ


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    Around All CC’s Maps: City Mogul
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    Luck or Skill
    Organizer: conquerAce


    General Tournaments

    Midwest League
    Organizer: blacky44

    American Idol Season 8
    Organizer: Tupence

    Map Blaster V: The Wrath of Agrona
    Organizers: brandoncfi, Dazoot

    It’s A Super Mario Galaxy!
    Organizer: Gilligan


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!


    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    All people started to play Poker, also a nice game :-^
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Everybody is getting someting extra at the McDrive
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Some people stopped drinking beer and currently outside the bar. Better not to take a look there
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    European Speed Cup
    Organiser: DJ Teflon
    Speed 1 v 1 (best of 3) to take place over several Fridays (flexibility built-in). Premium required.

    Discworld Terminator
    Organiser: DJ Teflon
    Quick tournament with 4-player terminator games. Freemiums welcome.

    King of Europe
    Organiser: DJ Teflon
    Final Match just started, how exciting.
    6-Player Freestyle Tournament with Fog Of War, Played on European continent maps. Nationality-based tournament. Started Dec. '08.

    Around the World in 80 Days
    Organiser: stahrgazer
    The pilots are almost ready to launch onto World 2.1. The triples team of Humrlmo/dustin800/littlebrother2k7 will select another player to round out their quad. Will it be negoeien/Lindax/David Hoekstra picking a fourth for these final aerial battles? Or will darin44/xerro/tdans be able to salvage their flight over the British Isles in Game 4327095?

    ppgangster's WHITE GOLD Tourney
    Organiser: ppgangster
    Status: Registering until March 4th
    For White Gold members only 3 Rounds, Classic Art, Siege!, KoM, 4 players game
    Prize=3 Month premium Prize

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Nine winding down.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From PaulusH using a 4x4 windmill setup- Puzzle Mix will need 16 doubles teams

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002 in the New Year
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "Escalators II" -Outsiders
    "Battle of the Hemispheres" -Sun Tzup
    "No Attack Tour" -Blitzaholic
    "Champion of Scotland Tournament" -HighlanderAttack
    "Mixed Maps" -Natascha & Wilco
    "School's Out for Summer 2008" -Tripitaka
    "Super Smash Brothers: Singles League" -White Moose
    "Championship Series: CCU" -BaldAdonis
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "JR's 1v1 Challenge V" -tyler197802198
    "Art Attack!!!" -torresgerrard
    "Last Man Standing: Classic" -odratsab
    "Cooks and Cadets" -HollowMan85
    "Gilligan's Bracket Tournament V" -knighthawk
    "Master of the Third Age" -Alexinho
    "Olympics Part 2: Altius" -CandaVespin and bamage
    "Reincarnation" -ronc8649
    "8 Thoughts Tour" -dustin800
    "Championship Series: Centerscape" -Lucifer4o
    "Qwert Bracket Tournament IV" -Natewolfman
    "Poker Night at the Club" -lhcguy
    "The Grand Oasis Tournament" -IronWood
    "City Trip" -inos
    "You've Been Hired to Kill that King" -slickstick
    "Championship Series Charleston" -BaldAdonis
    "Championship Series: Archipelago" -Gilligan
    "Map Blaster IV the Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "The Champions League Tournament" -dustin800
    "Ultimate 1v1" -sailorseal
    "Super Quick Tourney Season 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Halloween Doubles Tournament" -Lokisgal and Agonzos
    "Master of the Second Age" -acores2005
    "Conquerman Triangle" -Tisha, Mattastrophe, Sdin15
    "Conqueror Crusoe, Ruler of the Islands" -dustin800 and sam02
    "Last Man Standing Classic" -odratsab
    "Band or Die 3" -Goggles Paisano, Vexx, PaulG, Easy n Dirty
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge IV" -killmanic
    "Conquer the New World" -Phr34ky
    "Quick and Painless Tournament" -banana_hammocks
    "Alliance of Feudal" -enterprise74 and WoWaholic


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    by stahrgazer

    This week we limelight a tournament hosted in January by psychobkrazy that seems in line with the grand opening of the Training grounds. Cooks and Cadets was open only to low-ranked players, those with less than 1000 points, just as the name implies.

    “I choose the score of 1000 because that is what you start off with when you join Conquer Club. As for the name Cooks and Cadets, I thought it just rolled off the tongue, kind of like Conquer Club... I wanted to attract players that were, for a lack of a better word 'afraid' to play in tournaments. I thought it would not only help boost their scores, but confidence as well,” said psychobkrazy.

    Cooks and Cadets

    Creativity 4

    Enjoyment 3

    Organization 4

    Timeliness of games 3

    Updates of Status 5

    Overall 4
    Rated by 20% of the participants

    Some of the players were concerned with the choices of map, wishing more variety and difficult maps, although they noted that they understood the reason “Classic Shapes” was selected. The Training Grounds is also using “classic type” maps and multi-player games. In the case of this tournament, games were all 4-player, “winner take all” standard, chained, sunny, and escalating.

    Organizer psychobkrazy noted a few issues: “I think there were two main problems with this tournament. The games seemed very slow, with the longest taking nine days to complete. I still can't figure out why because it wasn't due to missed turns and the spoils where escalating. The second problem was the requirements themselves. I called for players ranked 1000 or below and said if you meet the requirements when you sign up, you will stay locked in if your rank goes up. I thought this is/was fair, but it still is hard to let someone that shoots up to a Sergeant to join a 1000 or below tournament.”

    True, all of the comments received stressed that the length of the games reduced player enjoyment. The winner may have the answer that so puzzled the organizer regarding how long it took for the games to complete. Hollowman85 said, “I think we had to wait for a while for one of the people to join. But then, most Cooks are freemium, so that's probably why.” Low rank might also be a concern just as psychobkrazy pointed out; Hollowman85 noted that he has gone up several ranks since the tournament.


    It appears that psychobkrazy is incorporating lessons learned.
    “I currently am running Cooks and Cadets 2 which is running a little more smoothly. This time around only one of the four first round games are taking a while.”


    If success is measured, not by stars earned or mistakes made, but by achieving what you set out to do (and I believe it is) then psychobkrazy's idea to sponsor tournaments aimed at newcomers and lower ranks who might not otherwise join the fun is a rip-roaring success.
    Hollowman85 wrote:I think it was pretty cool to have a tournament geared toward lower ranked players. I know from my personal behalf that it's a little confusing to start out. We were all more or less on the same level though.

    As a final thought, psychobkrazy mused,"And even though no one has complained to me, the rank requirements might have to change if I make a third one."

    Cooks and Cadets 3? We’ll look forward to it...maybe we should encourage psychobkrazy to open a franchise!



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    This week we had the chance to talk with one of our new staff members, stahrgazer. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with Woodruff, new to the organising scene. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!


    Q: Hello, stahrgazer.

    A: Greetings, Gozar, but please, call me stahr ;)

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A: um.. I was here when you needed to interview someone? Hehehe Actually, I probably represent a ‘different’ segment of the population, as I’m a li’l ol’ lady with a flair for fun. There may be quite a few men my age around CC, but I suspect few women.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: A very close friend from Holland, who’s also visited me here in Florida, thought I’d enjoy it. He was right. (He knows me so well *KiSS* Domantic)

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: To rejuvenate a passion of my youth. I grew up playing board games; had a next-door-neighbor who enjoyed the war-type board games. Not just Risk, but Chess, Stratego, the little octagon-type games that represent various scenarios. Then he went to college, I moved to Florida, and alas, no more playmates. Hey, Chuck B, my late-70’s sci-fi and war-gaming pal from Glassmanor, if you’re here on CC, call me! I’ve missed the nearly-3-full-decades of no gaming. Awwww.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: Initially, because some people I knew had joined them. Because I knew these people, I figured it could be good gaming, even if I felt quite out of my element, being unfamiliar with some of the maps, and not very good at the maps I did know.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I was reading the tournament newsletter, others’ ideas for creations and an idea based on my own past and likes just sort of “popped” into my head. No one else would have this idea, I figured. Initially I was going to “give the idea away” but darn it, it was mine! lol

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: Since late November. Hehehe, I’m new at it.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: Same one is ongoing. Same two, actually. “Around the World in 80 Days” and its spinoff, “Around the World in 80 Days – Reservists”.

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: My past/preferences. As a kid I was really into stars; loved Star Trek, etc. In 3rd grade my first oral report was on the launch of Sputnik. In high school, AFJROTC, we learned the history of flight. My teachers knew me as “the Trekkie;” my buddies knew me as “space cadet”. Later, and until layoffs in 2002 my career was in aerospace, jet and rocket engines. The tourney title is based on the movie title because the movie did have a balloon flight in it, and balloons were man’s first flights. They began in Europe, and so does the tournament, which then progresses around the world. Maps were picked to cover continents without duplicating until the final matches on World 2.1 which, per the tourney ‘story’ represent space flight (seeing the entire Earth from up there). Instead of Yuri Gagarin the cosomonaut, or Space Shuttle astronauts, CC will end up with a team of Conquernauts.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: Experts and friends. On realizing I might have a catchy idea, I read Optimus Prime’s tournament handbook. Then I went to bounce my idea off a few higher-ranks I knew, those that had participated in tournaments before. Night Strike and Steelhorse probably got sick of my pestering before I felt I had enough to continue with. OP reviewed the scenario and offered suggestions as well. Some ideas I took, others I left. What I found the most interesting was, what one person loved about my idea, another hated, and so on.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: First tournament ran... I wouldn’t have gone through with it had nemrehs1 not offered right off to help as co-organizer. I was afraid to “take the plunge” despite it was a relatively small tournament (16 players in sets of 1v1 to eliminate 4 players; then 12 players in dubs and trips to reduce 4 more for the round of 8-player quads for the title). So, nem was my safety-net and game-creator. “Reservists” got started because once word spread, I had far too many reserves, and one of them asked, “will you set us some games up just for fun?” With a few, but not many, modifications, I did. I set it up as a different tourney for CC records accuracy, and some aspects did change. Reserves has no premie prize, nor did it have a min rank limit like the original.
    The first tournament I played in, I knew I was out of my element; it was on the various Realms maps, and some of the players are swift on that! But, you don’t succeed if you don’t try. I was thrilled to make it to round 2, and not surprised that I was out by round 3. Then again, that was a “single loss elimination”. That experience is actually what decided me to make my tourney rounds of “best 2 of 3” but to prevent boredom, each new game begins on a different map. Not because I lost round 2, but because my win in round 1 eliminated a player that probably would’ve won the tournament except I got so darn lucky right off!

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: Just the two previously discussed. I have no plans to count; if an idea hits I’ll do something about it when I have time. I’m not going for a record of tourneys run.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A: As mentioned: Around the World in 80 Days and its spinoff for “Reservists”.

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: I think I’m liking the original one more, maybe because it was first, or maybe because of the premie prizes that I’ll be giving away soon.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: I haven’t played in all that many, so there’s no broad field of reference. I enjoyed winning the Realms match, but I think I’ll enjoy the Global Gridiron Showdown more. It’s a team setup, and erazor and I had fun picking our ‘football team’ name: Quasimodems. Plus, we pick a home map and play on away maps as well.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: Usually play is more fun than work. Then again, watching your creation prosper has its rewards. Watching others enjoy what you started is a thrill as well.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: Non-speed sequential, no ‘tend’ to it. My ‘puter won’t handle speed or freestyle games without freezing up (if you’re shopping for a new ‘puter, avoid Acer with Vista). I find “unlimited forts” far too “first turn” oriented so I avoid those when I think to, in regular or tournament games. I also tend to prefer flat or no spoils, although I’ll play escalating. I prefer team games to group gropes.

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: hehehehe it’s definitely easier to pre-set the settings. Against advice, I offered opponents the chance to agree on alternate game settings prior to their matches; it was a coordination nightmare for all involved. The “home map” “away map” scenarios I’ve seen is probably the best of both worlds.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: I wouldn’t say “a lot” but a few. Because of my ‘puter issue, I cannot participate in freestyle or speed tournaments and sometimes I just don’t like the maps being used on this or that tournament. I find games through my clan, pm’s to/from friends, and on Live Chat Callouts.

    Q: How excited were you with your first CC win?

    A: I was discovering ‘puter issues so I think my first win (which was my very first game on CC) was overridden by that irritation. Plus, I did not know the player. I then had a losing streak on a variety of strange maps – “I want to try them all, NOW” mode – but then I got into a game with a player I’d met on chat, 4-player, another new map, but I won. Knowing that player made me know “this was a good win” so then I was excited!

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A: Not yet, but I have time.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: A Civil War tournament; not the loss, but the reason for it. I knew the map, my chosen partner did not, but we had a strategy issue on one game. The next game, he had foelisted me before joining, then played...not well for that map. I cannot prove he deliberately played a losing game out of spite, but foelisting your partner and then joining the game is rather nasty. I got a new partner, but by then “my team” had already lost so many matches I knew the tournament win was out of the question, despite we’ve played a couple more games since.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: Completion. Players sign up for a tournament because they want to see it through. If they get to do so, then that’s “success”.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: The Rule of Realms was good because its organizer set up a spiffy table right in the forum, making it so easy to see the progression of people through the rounds. The Civil War tournament is a different sort of success, though; its original organizer had to cease (parental discretion removed him from most CC activities) but another organizer stepped right up to help. I’ve been in a few other tournaments, but those two stand out for those reasons.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A: Every new organizer’s tournament is underestimated.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: In mine? Not so far, and I hope I won’t be; it would take failure to complete it, or some major fiasco, to disappoint me. In one I entered? Yes, though it was not the organizer’s fault. Someone tried to start a clans-teams-only tournament, but CC Admin disallowed it, I’m not privy to why.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Attention to detail and willingness to keep at it.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: Not everyone reviews Tournaments forum callouts on a daily/weekly basis, so spreading the word through friends can be important. I announced mine in Live Chat, pm’d friends, and posted the link in my clan forum.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: Yes. I dislike having to send all those pm’s because while our pm forum is good, it does not allow for distribution lists like emails. I also dislike having to find a last-minute replacement when somebody doesn’t show up for his match.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: The pm, wall comment, or gamechat remark “I’m having fun, thanks for organizing this!”

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Easily fixed but common: making games to the wrong settings.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: hehehe and I WAS warned! I will never do another, “As your game approaches, you and your opponents can try to agree on alternate game settings.” It was a mass-pm nightmare for me and for the various players. By round 2 they’d stopped suggesting alternates, and by round 3 I’d stopped asking if they wanted to.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: From the “other side” I thought it was a tad unethical if an organizer joined his or her own tournament. Now that I’ve experienced “this side” of the fence, I realize about the only thing an organizer could do to “set up” his own win, is to carefully select his opponents in any round. Well, we play games all the time where we pick specific opponents, so there is no real difference, and “picking opponents” is no guarantee of a win. As for the clan thing, most clans have inner-clan matches, and respectable clans require that each member will try to win, rather than throw a game. “Points dumping” is against CC rules, as are “unannounced alliances.” So, yes, organizers should be allowed to battle clanmates in their own tournaments.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: For my tournaments, which are small, I tried to check daily, especially the 1v1 games. I keep an Excel file, and there were a few times where I noted a game completion there but waited to update the forum until later. The most I went without updating was a week, though, when I sprained my wrists. For larger 1v1 tournaments I’d probably check a few each day and make one massive update once I’ve gone through the entire list. Larger team games usually take longer, so a check every week to ten days is probably sufficient.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: Provided the tournament has no games a ? cannot join; and provided the organizer retains the right to set minimum requirements, then, yes, I don’t see why not. Oh, I know there are concerns about multis, but hey, if a ? joins a Waterloo speed tournament, I’d think the multi-hunters would go sniffing. I might not join a tournament that allows new recruits, but I know one high-ranker who won’t join a tournament that discriminates by rank, so it is simply a matter of preference.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeat the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: Deadbeating sux, but it’s a sad part of CC gameplay. It’s the risk we take with any game on here. Missing a single turn can lose the game but is not considered ‘formal deadbeating’. As an organizer, I would remove a player who showed a habit of missing turns or got kicked from a game in a “formal deadbeat,” but the game result would stand as part of the tournament. I also believe other organizers should have the option to call a rematch using reserve players.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: Establish a “clan challenges” game selection; like tournaments, with each clan as an option instead of tournament names, but separate from tournaments and under discretion of clan leaders/co-leaders rather than Tournament Moderators.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: I would like to see: the “join a game” page show whether the game is standard or speed; a requirement that each organizer also have a co-organizer, responsible to continue the tournament in the event the main organizer has to disappear – eliminating deadpool and minimizing delays; a “named distribution list” creation option in the pm forum to make contacting players easier.

    Q: If you are thinking purely on balance of tournament games is there anything you would want changing?

    A: Yes. I’d like organizers to be able to set up some “clan only” tournaments. Not necessarily for the new ‘tournament medals’ although it would be nice if CC would also enable each clan that wants to organize a tourney, to establish its own medal to be awarded to winners.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: Ask for help, and you’ll get it. Go for it, use that idea, you’re the only one who can implement it, but do try to get a co-organizer set up, someone with maybe a little more experience than you have in case you start to trip. Otherwise, all it really takes is your willingness to keep plugging along at it.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: Fortunately, I do not believe I have five. 1) Finding replacements for sudden dropouts. 2) Re-creating distribution lists to announce games/status. 3) The “have to” doldrums.. moods where it’s time to check and update games status, but “I don’t feel like it.”

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: That varies. Taking game-turns rarely takes me more than an hour. Today I was on all day, researching for upcoming newsletter tidbits, doing this interview (twice; the first time I did it in forums and when I hit send, found out I’d been logged out so lost it all); playing around with two new tournament ideas.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: Yes. Newly admitted to competitive clan: The Imperial Dragoons (GO DRAGOONS!); social group Blade Runner; Tournament Newsdesk; recently asked to be trained to help out in the new Training forum.

    Q:What is the best competitive clan?

    A: Oh, okay, I’ll say it louder: GO DRAGOONS!!!

    Q:What attributes do you find attractive in a clan and just what does a clan mean to you?

    A: A clan should be fun and frolic with an understanding that to enjoy things the most, one needs a high ethical standard, an agreement to be good neighbours as well as good players. Some clans disregard social aspects, but I believe encouraging good behaviour rather than just “let’s win games together” should be a clan’s responsibility to CC. A clan is a group of people who’ll put my best interests above some stranger’s. In our forum one of the members was lamenting a sudden drop in points. We’re teasing, but encouraging him, and some are pointing out types of games he might avoid, as well as types of games that historically he does well in, if he wishes to reverse the trend. A few of my mates are dragging me into maps and game-types I’ve avoided in the past, so I can learn an increased variety of play.

    Q:Who are you?

    A: A 46 year old with 15 years as an aerospace propulsion engineering assistant behind her and a talent for analysis and critical thinking still with her. A Leo/Virgo cuspid born in the year of the tiger – ready smile, dimples and a purr OR ready claws, fangs and snarl depending on which side you walk up on. Very female, with a long tawny “mane.” To some I’m the good witch, to others, the bad witch and with some, I’m not a witch at all.

    Q: Why did you pick the name stahrgazer?

    A: I didn’t pick it, it was picked for me back in high school, but it fit, was prettier than “space cadet” and so it stuck for 3 decades now. The unusual spelling is a phoenetic of the way my mother –with her thick Mississippi drawl - said my nick.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: Washington, DC originally. Florida, now.

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: That really depends on the map.

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Europe is probably my ‘standby’ favourite, although I go into swings; this week it’s Waterloo. Least favourites: Op Drug War and Prison Riots. I’ve refused to join tournaments that offer those as any part of the selection. Has to do with the names and ideas behind them, rather than the maps themselves.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: Standard, chained!!!!! I think unlim. forts gives too much advantage to the first team/player, and I so seldom play adj. that when I do I sometimes forget that it’s not chained so mess up my plans. Also, I generally prefer flat or no-spoils over esc.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: Must be seq. non-speed or ‘puter freezes (I HATE THIS ACER!!!)

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: Ayup. TVLand Tourney coming soon! Based on a ton of old shows that were reruns when I was growing up or that I grew up on and are now reruns. Another I’m helping Gilligan cement, but I’m not sure if I’m “organizing” or just helping him plan it.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: GO DRAGOONS!

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: *smooch*


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    Interviews Interview with Woodruff


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
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    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound- stahrgazer and blacky44
    Reviews- stahrgazer
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 64: 11/03/09]

    Postby Gozar on Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:30 pm

    Issue 64: 11/03/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Sadly, stahrgazer is leaving us with this issue. She worked enthusiastically during her brief stay here, and we wish her all the best.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Interview with Woodruff
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


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    Our latest poll is still running: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    What is the tournament that had the most players in it? Find out next week! (Hint: It is completed and the organizer’s name starts in a letter in the second half of the alphabet!)

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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    Word Fitz Doubles Tourney IV
    Organizer: AAFitz

    CC Golf Championships
    Organizer: ronc8649

    NCAA March Madness Doubles Style
    Organizer: JCKing

    Word Fitz Doubles Tourney III
    Organizer: AAFitz

    Little Big World 2
    Organizer: naxus


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    2009 NRL Tournament
    Organizer: LLLUUUKKKEEE


    General Tournaments

    Midwest League
    Organizer: blacky44

    Escalating Freestyle Emperor
    Organizer: PJDH

    U.S. of A
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    Trains Across the Sea
    Organizer: drake_pk7

    Roman Gladiator
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    Kot’s Random Feudal Singles
    Organizer: Kotaro

    Winter Olympics – Vancouver 2010
    Organizer: Tupence

    The Conquerer of the Celts
    Organizer: Tang Kai

    Mega Man
    Organizer: keitsh31

    World Cup 1994
    Organizer: drake_pk7

    b00060’s Classic Shapes Tournament II
    Organizer: b00060

    friendly’s 2nd Annual World 2.1 FOW Tourney
    Organizer: friendly1

    The Sailorseal Cup
    Organizer: sailorseal

    Complete Control - USA
    Organizer: FireStar

    Race Across the States
    Organizer: drake_pk7

    Feudal For Me!
    Organizer: Mr_Adams

    Speed Doodle Assassin Tournament
    Organizer: coded


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    2008-09 College Hoops
    Organiser: flexmaster33
    The season has entered its March Madness stage with a live selection show (in chat) last week announcing the full 65-team championship field, as well as the consolation NIT bracket.

    Congratulations to teams that ended up as No. 1 seeds...
    West...UCLA (lardass76)
    Midwest...Bowling Green (knighthawk)
    Northeast...Villanova (HighlanderAttack)
    South...Kentucky (agonzos)

    The first round is more than half complete with the second round almost in full gear by the weekend.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Last reserve used, let new reserves reply on the forum (or send PaulusH a message).
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Last table is still eating their melted McFlurry.
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    The beer glasses did come back broken, so time to switch to wine.
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Ten getting set up.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    Point Grabbers by Optimus Prime? - Only a rumour. But be around the morning of March 12 to see.

    From PaulusH using a 4x4 windmill setup- Puzzle Mix will need 16 doubles teams

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Best Football Players 2000 NFL Edition" -nashlloyd
    "Best Football Player NCAA 2000"-jly_champion
    "Fog of Feudal War 2" -Poisonous86
    "Battle of the N00bs 5" -MaroonBeret
    "Freemium with a premium doubles" -Bigroo4601 & Wump
    "Foundry Update 8.1" -lanyards
    "Dutch Soccer League 2008/2009" -Wrexham
    "The Whole Sha-Bang" -dcc1220
    "Realms 2 Challenge!" -tyler197802198
    "Little Big World 1v1" -Zivel
    "Road to the Final Four" -Mikalf
    "Best of the Worst Tournament: Doubles Edition" -siutiapik & unataqti
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "Championship Series: Cairns Metro" -The Neon Peon
    "Who has the highest IQ on CC?" -ralphcptc
    "Map Blaster IV: The Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "Minimalist Tournament" -Rocketry
    "Freestyle King of Europe" -fidelx
    "Classic Ladder Tournament" -vykingsfan64
    "End of Days" -Blitzaholic and osujacket
    "Escalators II" -Outsiders
    "Battle of the Hemispheres" -Sun Tzup
    "No Attack Tour" -Blitzaholic
    "Champion of Scotland Tournament" -HighlanderAttack
    "Mixed Maps" -Natascha & Wilco
    "School's Out for Summer 2008" -Tripitaka
    "Super Smash Brothers: Singles League" -White Moose
    "Championship Series: CCU" -BaldAdonis
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "JR's 1v1 Challenge V" -tyler197802198
    "Art Attack!!!" -torresgerrard
    "Last Man Standing: Classic" -odratsab
    "Cooks and Cadets" -HollowMan85
    "Gilligan's Bracket Tournament V" -knighthawk
    "Master of the Third Age" -Alexinho
    "Olympics Part 2: Altius" -CandaVespin and bamage
    "Reincarnation" -ronc8649
    "8 Thoughts Tour" -dustin800


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    This week we had the chance to talk with a newer organiser, Woodruff. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with thekidstrumpet. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, Woodruff.

    A:
    Hello, my good sir.

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:
    Apparently not much, given the lack of activity in the thread asking for interview questions. (laughing)

    Oh, you were serious? Well...I'm enthusiastic about tournaments. I'm currently playing in far too many and hosting two of my own.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A:
    If I remember correctly, someone from one of my Diplomacy online groups pointed me in this direction (Diplomacy being another strategy board game).

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A:
    I'm a competition and strategy junkie. I COULDN'T STOP MYSELF!

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A:
    Natewolfman got me started. I didn't even realize there WERE tournaments until I got an invitation from him to join one of his tournaments (I don't recall which one). I was hooked!

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A:
    That's sort of the competition junkie side of me. As much as I enjoy taking part in competition, I also enjoy organizing competitions. So this sort of felt natural to me.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A:
    Not long at all. I've only started two, and they're both ongoing (though the first is very close to the end).

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A:
    The Evolutionary Tournament (still running). It's a triple-elimination bracket-style tournament that uses random maps and 1-vs-1 strategy. Because the players could end up on any map at all, I granted each player the ability to exclude three maps and replace them with three other maps (so those are in effect for the randomization twice).

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A:
    For the bracket-styling and it being 1-vs-1, I fell back on my wrestling background. As to the randomization...well, I've always enjoyed randomization in any competition because it eliminates specialization. Sort of like I view a better athlete to be one who is great at more than one sport than someone who is a bit better at only one sport. A map specialist isn't really that good at Conquer Club...they're only good at that particular map (or map style).

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A:
    The players, mostly. My first tournament was completely my own construct, although I did receive some great advice by the first person to join it (JBlombier). But for my second tournament I incorporated a couple of suggestions I received during my first tournament. My next tournament (if there is one) will incorporate some further suggestions I've received in the second tournament. They just keep getting better thanks to the players themselves.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A:
    The first tournament I played in was a disaster. One match, one loss, one tournament ended. (laughing)
    In fact, that seems to be rather a common result for me.

    The first tournament I ran was (and continues to be) a very enjoyable experience. The players have been great, and they've really been enthusiastic about it, which is nice...it helps me to be motivated to continue. It's gone about as I expected as far as how much work it was and such (which isn't too bad, thanks to the style of the tournament). I did think it would be over a little more quickly than it has been...but that's fine, because it saves me money! (laughing)

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A:
    I've only run two (and both ongoing), so I'm certainly not burned out in that regard. I don't see any possibility of my "retiring" at any time in the future, so long as I continue the Conquer Club experience. Though there is some possibility of that not continuing (for non-tournament-related reasons).

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A:
    The Evolutionary Tournament
    An Evolutionary Tournament II

    The concepts are basically the same. They're both triple-elimination bracket-style tournaments that use random maps and 1-vs-1 strategy. There are a few differences, however. The most obvious is that the first one was a 32-player tourney and the second is 64-player. As well, in the first tournament, I granted each player the ability to exclude three maps and replace them with three other maps (so those are in effect for the randomization twice) whereas in the second I granted them the ability to exclude any five maps (but no replacements, as I found that to be too much work). Also for the second tournament, I invited the highest players on the site as well as everyone on the Conquer Club "team"...and that added a great deal to that second tournament, in my opinion.

    Q:How does 'evolutionary' fit into the theme of your tournaments?

    A:
    It's all about survival of the fittest and not having a weakness that ends up "killing you off". The randomization of the maps means you could play on pretty much any map, so you have to be at least somewhat skilled at them all. Otherwise...they're your kryptonite. Along with that, it's triple-elimination and no-spoils adjacent...so just happening to run into bad luck on the dice or drop won't kill you out of the tournament. Your actual overall skill is in play as much as it can be in a 1-vs-1 format.

    Q:What made you offer premium for winning the first tournament you hosted?

    A:
    The competition junkie in me again. I figured that would entice the folks who might not normally play in tournaments but would be "extra motivated" with a reward of that sort. I believe that has been the case.

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A:
    The second one, I would have to say...simply because it's really a better tournament as far as how it's set up and everything. Plus, having 64 players instead of 32 means it's TWICE AS COMPETITIVE. Heh...seriously though, it's reallly only slightly more "favorite" than my first, as they're both very similar to one another.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A:
    Well, my favorite 1-vs-1 map is Circus Maximus because I love that neither players is ever really "blocked in" and the drop is almost never overly debilitating. So my favorite tournaments would tend to gravitate toward that map...I'd say barterer2002's Championship Series: Circus Maximus tournament and HighlanderAttack's All Around CC's Maps: Circus Maximus tournament are my preferences. But that being said, I've seen some concepts that I really do like. For instance, there's a tournament out there where out of a group of 6, one player is eliminated. Then out of 5, one is eliminated...and so forth. A neat idea.
    There is a tremendous amount of creativity in the tournament realm.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A:
    I think I'll always prefer to play...because that's "personal competition". But it's a pretty close call, really.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A:
    I tend to gravitate toward no-spoils, myself (for my tournaments and for those I join). I think it requires a lot more skill, whether it's 1-vs-1 or otherwise.

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A:
    Definitely to choose tournament settings myself. I've noticed that it adds a lot more work just to let the players exclude certain maps individually...I can't imagine having them set their own for every match. That being said, I do think it increases the players' enjoyment to let them choose the settings. So it's really a tradeoff of "ease" vs. "enjoyability".

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A:
    Too many, yes. Outside of tournaments, I've also been on a personal quest to get a win on every map. I've only got three maps to go! Then it'll be back to 7-and-8-player no-spoils games only (outside of tournaments, of course).

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A:
    I actually remember it. It was on the Germany map in a somewhat large game (I don't remember the number of players, but it was at least five). I was pretty pumped up.

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A:
    Not yet, though I'm hopeful for one of the two Circus Maximus series I'm currently in. I think I'm in the semi-finals in one of them.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A:
    That first tournament, for sure...what a thrashing!

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A:
    The players, mostly. If they're enthusiastic about the matches and deadbeats/missed turns are avoided, then it's going to be a good tournament. That's why I'll always send out invitations to those players in my own tournaments who have been that way in the past.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A:
    I think Natewolfman's Foundry series is very successful. I also think the "Around All Maps" series is very successful, so I'd go with those two.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A:
    Certainly the Circus Maximus tournaments. They can't help but be underestimated! (laughing) That map is so misunderstood for 1-vs-1!

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A:
    For my own, no...not at all. As to others, not disappointed in the tournament itself...only in my own performances in them.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A:
    Frequent updates is absolutely the most important, in my opinion. Dedication. Making things easy on the players. Listening to the players.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A:
    I attract players by individual invitation and then word-of-mouth. Because I believe my tournaments are good ones, I do count on that word-of-mouth aspect to bring folks into my next one.

    As to other tournaments...It depends on the player. Some seem to be more than happy to enter pretty much any tournament (and I have a lot of respect for them, as I don't fit in that group). For many, it depends entirely on the settings (this makes a big difference for me personally). And for some, it's the maps. So I'm not sure that any one aspect is crucial, though I'd probably give more "weight" to the settings being a key aspect.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A:
    No, I really can't think of anything. Fortunately, I have a wife who is very understanding of my online eccentricities. (smile)

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A:
    Interacting with the players and seeing enjoyment and responsiveness from them.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A:
    Perhaps biting off more than they can chew. I've seen this in a couple of tournaments lately (the really large ones) and it is sad to see things slow to nearly a halt. It takes away from the "tournament feel" of it for me, and I presume others. Also leads to more deadbeats as folks leave the site eventually and such.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A:
    In my first tournament, I made several. My very first mistake was in my initial post, but I was saved by the aforementioned JBlombier. I didn't leave "blank posts" after my initial post to fill out brackets and standings with and such. But he PM'd me before he joined and suggested that I do so...that was a lifesaver.

    I also consider it a mistake that I didn't make more of a "graphical bracket" that made things visually much easier for the players to see "where am I in the tournament". I've moved to that in the second tournament (thanks to some prodding by bigreuben, who suggested something that eventually led to my graphical brackets). From what I've seen though, only Qwert uses the same graphicality in his brackets for the players (he was my eventual inspiration for that, and he provided me a lot of help in getting it figured out)...so that may not really be seen as a "mistake". But my players do seem to like it a lot.

    Something that I view as an error for my particular STYLE of tournament (this wouldn't apply to many tournaments) was that while I had a premium reward for the ultimate winner of the tournament, there was no reward for the individual who ended up with the best winning percentage (which isn't necessarily the same as the tourney winner in a triple-elimination-style bracket tournament). Poor Gilligan is paying for that, as he's reached the finals of all three brackets (and lost in the first two finals, with the third still to be played). He's certainly got the best winning percentage locked up, but needs to win his next three matches in order to actually win the tournament itself. I've also corrected that for my second tournament (as long as the tournament winner and best winning percentage are two different players).

    I'm sure my players could come up with some others that they just haven't mentioned to me yet! (laughing)

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A:
    I personally have no problem at all with organizers being in their own tournaments. I wasn't in my first one, but I did join my second one (and lost ignominiously by going 0-3!). I've not personally witnessed any organizers actually winning their own tournaments, so it's obviously not a common occurrence (but does happen, I realize), so I'm pretty sure they're not getting any sort of advantage. After all, they've still got to win the games!

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A:
    I check at least once per day to see if any new matches have been won/lost. On weekends, I check more often, of course.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A:
    Personally, I don't feel they should. One...how do they even know that the tournaments exist? I suppose those who are invited by friends might know. But aside from that, newbies are FAR, FAR, FAR more likely to deadbeat, which really does screw up an organizers timetable.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A:
    Absolutely to use a reserve. The more competition the better!

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A:
    Conquer Club in general? I'd make it a more friendly place. It bothers me from a personal standpoint that users are essentially allowed to be total assholes in game chat. However, I do recognize that's a personal viewpoint of my own and others don't necessarily agree with me. I do think it causes a lot of new players to leave the site and not come back, however...far more than the "farming" of newbies does.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A:
    Nothing taken away, no. I'm not really sure about ease of managing...I can't really think of anything, to be honest. Perhaps the ability to create more than one game at a time might be nice for those tournaments that use the same map.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A:
    Don't bite off too much at once. Start with a smaller tournament to get a feel for things.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A:
    1. Deadbeats!
    2. Deadbeats!
    3. Deadbeats!
    4. Deadbeats!
    5. Getting my butt beaten badly in my own tournament!

    Seriously...I haven't had any other headaches.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A:
    Oh, way too much. (laughing) I again refer to my very understanding wife. I would say an AVERAGE day sees me on Conquer Club about 2 and a half or 3 hours per day. On the weekends though...that goes WAY up. Summers too, since I'm a high school teacher.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A:
    None. Don't really see the point of it, to be honest.

    Q:Who are you?

    A:
    Whewee...that's a good question! (laughing) I've been married to my wonderful high school sweetheart for the last 25 years. We have two children (one in the Navy currently stationed in Japan and one who lives in Mississippi). I'm a retired Air Force Master Sergeant (23 years) who currently teaches Air Force Junior ROTC in a high school in Reno, Nevada. For what it's worth, this is the best job I've ever had in my life...what a blast. I'm a computer and strategy game junkie who never met a competition he didn't like. Well, that's not entirely true...I don't really care for first-person-shooter style video games...but really, I love pretty much anything else that I can "make" competitive. I'm fiscally very conservative and socially very liberal. I'm a fairly positive-thinking, upbeat, forward-looking individual.

    Q: Why did you pick the name Woodruff?

    A:
    It's my last name. I'm not that creative. (laughing)

    Q:Where are you from?

    A:
    Originally, Nebraska. I lived in four different VERY small towns in Nebraska. Joined the military right out of high school and lived in Oklahoma, Florida, Germany and Mississippi while serving. So I guess you could say I'm "from all over". But small-town Nebraska mostly.

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A:
    I'm color-blind. I find the letter g to be easiest to see, so I guess I'd go with that. (laughing)

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A:
    Depends. For 1-vs-1, my favorite map is absolutely Circus Maximus. I love that the drops don't really affect it much and you don't ever really get "blocked in". For larger-player-number games (my preference), the bigger the map the better. So I really like Qwert's massive maps a lot. Battle of Actium seems to be my most successful map.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A:
    No-spoils, for sure. Any time I have the choice. I also prefer Adjacent. I just think those settings create more opportunities for the skilled player to win.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A:
    Absolutely sequential. Freestyle doesn't appeal to me in the slightest, as it's not a reflection of game-skill at all...only dexterity.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A:
    If I'm still around, it'll be a follow-on to the Evolutionary Tournaments...but improved by player suggestions, of course.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A:
    No, not really. I appreciate your time in interviewing me and that someone thought it was worth that time. (laughing) So thank you for that.

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A:
    No, thank you!


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    Interviews Interview with thekidstrumpet


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

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    Staff
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 65: 19/03/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:34 pm

    Issue 65: 19/03/09

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    Hello tournament fans. St. Patrick's day has come and gone and with it new admins have arrived on the scene. We also unveil a new newsletter segment for your amusement.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Interview with thekidstrumpet
    Image Ask The Nutts
    Image Next Issue
    ImageNotes
    ImageStaff

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    Our latest poll is still running: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    Good day.
    A sad yet happy day has come upon us. Twill, our community manager, has retired. He was a worked hard to help make CC a better place. Just like the saying "always leave you camp site cleaner than when you found it", he left this internet site cleaner and better than when he found it. With such huge shoes to fill they will divide the job into two positions. One goes to the Michael Jordan of Conquer Club, going into retirement then coming back out, Optimus Prime. He will continue to dabble in tournament organising with the Point Grabbers franchise. Hyasriwill be the new community manager because they want someone to lead the admins on the front lines and someone who has lots of experience. He also worked at my favorite gaming company EA sports for 4 years so lets give a round of applause to Hyasri (WOOO YEAHHHHHH =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> .To read more look here http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80047.

    This is blacky44 signing out.

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    Fun Facts returns next week.

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    Due to schedule conflicts, Gilligan is unable to bring us the tournaments taking signups. Signups returns next week, be sure to send in your tournaments, and our apologies.


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    The Five Elements
    Organiser: Kinnison
    5x5 divisional play, Hyper-round robin (every combination of 3-, 4-, 5-players, with guaranteed home advantage against EACH combination). 60 games per division, 44 per player. Elimination Round, then finals.
    limination round about 5% complete. Tournament Completion projected by September, 2009.

    An Evolutionary Tournament II
    Organiser: Woodruff
    This is a triple-elimination 1-vs-1 bracket-style tournament with a 1-year PREMIUM PRIZE for the victor, as well as a 6-month PREMIUM PRIZE for the non-victor with the best winning percentage. Currently, Poisonous86 is the only remaining undefeated player in the tournament with his pristine 6-0 record. However, he will soon be facing one of three remaining 1-loss players (murphy16 @ 6-1, Taurelias @ 5-1, or dafoz @ 5-1) who are as we speak competing for that opportunity. There are still 22 players fighting their way through the 2-loss bracket, as well. The other 38 players have been eliminated from competition with three losses.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Requesting for new reserves only at one place in this newspaper doesn't seem to work :-k
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    First car has brought its people home, the rest went back for the McDrive
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Since all beer-glasses were broken, everybody started to drink wine :sick:
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Ten underway.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Top Gun Triples Tournament" -deliaselene, King_Herpes, & Army Of Achilles
    "Tourney of Disaster"- banana_hammocks
    "Difficult Maps: Quads Edition" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, jpeter15
    "Conquer The World" -ShootandMiss
    "The Random Map Duel" -knighthawk
    "ConquerClub World Cup 2008" -lokisgal, loes, dragon dor, Forza AZ
    "Mission Survive The Longest V1.3" -Megadeth666
    "Card Counting Team Challenge" -waseemalim, dcc1220 & elric45
    "Championship Series: Chinese Checkers" -Bones2484
    "The Evolutionary Tournament" -Funkelee
    "Championship Series: The Citadel" -Ghost_Rider
    "Doubles Civil War Reenactment" -blitzaholic and natascha
    "Et tu, Brute?"-downfall & 4red
    "King of the Mountains" -Lacika
    "Around All CC's Maps: Caribbean Islands" -ultraman
    "Championship Series: City Mogul" -wrexham
    "Best Football Players 2000 NFL Edition" -nashlloyd
    "Best Football Player NCAA 2000"-jly_champion
    "Fog of Feudal War 2" -Poisonous86
    "Battle of the N00bs 5" -MaroonBeret
    "Freemium with a premium doubles" -Bigroo4601 & Wump
    "Foundry Update 8.1" -lanyards
    "Dutch Soccer League 2008/2009" -Wrexham
    "The Whole Sha-Bang" -dcc1220
    "Realms 2 Challenge!" -tyler197802198
    "Little Big World 1v1" -Zivel
    "Road to the Final Four" -Mikalf
    "Best of the Worst Tournament: Doubles Edition" -siutiapik & unataqti
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "Championship Series: Cairns Metro" -The Neon Peon
    "Who has the highest IQ on CC?" -ralphcptc
    "Map Blaster IV: The Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "Minimalist Tournament" -Rocketry
    "Freestyle King of Europe" -fidelx
    "Classic Ladder Tournament" -vykingsfan64
    "End of Days" -Blitzaholic and osujacket
    "Escalators II" -Outsiders
    "Battle of the Hemispheres" -Sun Tzup
    "No Attack Tour" -Blitzaholic
    "Champion of Scotland Tournament" -HighlanderAttack
    "Mixed Maps" -Natascha & Wilco
    "School's Out for Summer 2008" -Tripitaka
    "Super Smash Brothers: Singles League" -White Moose
    "Championship Series: CCU" -BaldAdonis
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "JR's 1v1 Challenge V" -tyler197802198
    "Art Attack!!!" -torresgerrard
    "Last Man Standing: Classic" -odratsab
    "Cooks and Cadets" -HollowMan85
    "Gilligan's Bracket Tournament V" -knighthawk
    "Master of the Third Age" -Alexinho
    "Olympics Part 2: Altius" -CandaVespin and bamage


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    This week we had the chance to talk with thekidstrumpet. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Next week's interview is with vykingsfan64. You can get your questions in by posting in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, thekidstrumpet.

    A: Hello Interview.

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:Gozar, Gozar makes me interview worthy, haha!

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A:Was looking up "Castle Risk" and stumbled upon it completely by accident.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A:Because it looked wicked interesting. I had no idea such a gaming community existed.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A:After getting frustrated I could only have 4 games and buying a premium account I began exploring the site more and found the forums and tourneys. I was excited that people ran tourneys and quickly joined as many as I could handle.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A:I had joined "Bring it On" initially as a player when Coleman ran it. When he abandoned it Lufsen and I were pretty sad, it was a great and unique concept that we loved. We decided, with his permission to take it over.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A:I co-ran "Bring it On" with Lufsen for roughly 8 months before things in my real life made it hard for me to find the time to get the charts and statistics updated, in which case Lufsen stepped up and took over the full load of the ever ongoing tourney.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A:"Bring it On"

    Q:How is it to run a tournament with Lufsen and how long are you guys planning to continue with Bring it on league?

    A:Running a tourney with Lufsen was a lot of fun, he is a great guy and very easy going and understandable. Things have began to simmer down in my real life, I have been absent from the tourney for a while, but if he would have me back I would definitely step back up to the plate and help bear the load of running "Bring it On" again.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament played in.

    A:Oooooh, it was memorable, the good 'ol Round the Board dart league hosted by Kendoh99. I was super stoked, it being my first tourney and all but after 3 exciting rounds Kendoh dropped off the face of the Earth, and by the time he returned we had lost players and the tourney couldn't survive.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A:That would be a toss up between Gozar's "A Long Walk" tourney (RIP) and the "Bring it On" league. Something about dedicated players and long tourneys. You really get to know the people you play with, its a nice tight group of players that get to have fun playing the game and chatting on the forums.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A:I prefer to enter tournaments but with my absence from organizing I've got some things in the works that may get me back on the organizing block.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why?

    A:I dig long tourneys as I've stated before. But there is something to be said for the cut and dry, small and short tourneys like "Point Grabbers" and the "Championship Series" tourneys that by Optimus Prime and barterer2002 run. Tourneys like these really keep the site together and the community involved. I'd suggest a tourney such as theirs to any beginner looking for a tourney to start off with. I personally, however, do not have any specific format I gravitate towards.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A:I'm currently in about 8 different tourneys. I try not to join too many... but they keep calling my name!

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A:Ecstatic! It was the 2nd game I played, just a regular public game, but it was 6 players and I got the best of them. Did not, at all, think I'd get a win that early in my CC career.

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A:I come so close so often... usually get 2nd or 3rd place; however, I did get a win in barterer2002's "Championship Series: Arms Race!" to finally put a trophy on my CC shelf.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A:Good question, I won't say most disappointing but hardest to take maybe, I've had a couple, the Championship Series: Civil War against dtellis was a great matchup that he ended up winning out. Also Aerials Terminate the Madness tourney. I love the Madness map and to make it to the finals and get bested was tough. It was a close matchup tho.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A:A great concept and a organizer who knows what they are doing. Keeping your tourneys updated and the participants aware of what is going on is probably one of the most important things to me.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A:Since I started playing tournaments I've gotta say any tourney ran by Gozar or Optimus Prime have drawn my attention as they are very well thought out and successfully ran.

    Q: What is the best Tournament that you think has been underestimated?

    A: Serbia's sports tourneys. I love them. They occur regularly and are very well thought out and ran.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you entered?

    A:To have a inexperienced organizer with a great concept drop the ball or just flat out drop off the face of the planet and CC... definitely a let down and disappointment.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A:A person who can take criticism from players who don't know any better. Who can come up with a great concept, see it to fruition in CC form, and rally the troops to 'join up.' And most importantly as I stated above, keep said troops/participants up to date with all current events and goings on within the tournament.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A:Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day, and even if you do keep the people participating in your tourney updated people become frustrated and angry and some drop out, but it just happens and you have to move on.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A:Seeing the interest in your tourney, and people sign up. I'm sure Otis (Optimus Prime) gets happy every time he posts a new tourney and it gets filled within the hour.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A:Not realizing how much they are taking on with their tourney. Starting out too big, with large player #'s when they should try a small tourney first.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A:Definitely my failure to come back to the Bring it On tourney. I basically was forced to drop my workload on Lufsen. First I was between jobs and then my computer crashed and I had to build a new one. Letting my real life effect my tourneys and not scheduling more time for them would be my downfall and lesson learned here.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A:Eh, I don't see any problem with putting yourself in your tourneys or going up against clanmates. Frankly I love facing off against clanmates, they are some of the best games I've had. I do not think an organizer has to be neutral in his/her own tourney.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A:I tried a schedule, it didn't work. But a schedule for posting in the tourney thread and letting the players know what is going on is a must.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A:No, nuff sed.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A:In the initial stages I like to go with a reserve, but if its near the finals I think the player deserves a bye, even if that lets that player win the tourney.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A:You know, I'm not too picky about my conquer club experience. I've never had real problems with the site, aside from the servers crashing last year a couple times. Overall, I've loved my time here, there is nothing really screaming out to me that I'd change. Viva la CC.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A:I really don't think I've ran enough tournaments to answer this question yet. Get back to me on this in the future.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A:Start small. Then as your tourneys become success and finish up gradually grow your numbers of participants and number of tourneys.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A:My first tourney the "RTB league" folding, the "A Long Walk" tourney becoming abandoned after a year plus of playing, Losing Serbia's OHL league after coming so close to the win, My personal problems making me quit "Bring it On," and my many other near tourney losses in the finals.

    None of them are real serious headaches, as I have never really been that upset with CC. If I had to pick a headache it would be my failure to update "Bring it On" as regularly as I wanted to.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A:A good hour at least.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A:Just Generation One: The Clan and Generation Zero

    Q:Why did you leave LoD?

    A:There was some disorganization, a disturbance in the 'force' if you will. People were coming and going. The opportunity presented itself to leave, in the form of "Generation One" and I had always had fun talking to and playing in Optimus and Gozar's tourneys. So I took it.

    Q:Is Boss_oss_ss your favourite LoD member?

    A:Boss_oss_ss was a cool cat, great opponent and chatter on the boards. Strider while we were in LoD was my favorite member. But since Strider and I are both in Gen One now, I'll have to say Boss moved up to my favorite LoD member.

    Q:Who are you?

    A:The pale horse of the apocalypse! C'mon! What kind of question is that to put in the middle of the interview.

    Q: Why did you pick the name thekidstrumpet?

    A:I've played the trumpet 15 years, and for nearly a decade have been called "The Kid" by virtually everybody, from professors in college to all my friends and coworkers. Even at some teaching jobs I've had the children would call me Mr. Kid.

    Q:How often do you wish you capitalized the "T" "K" "T" in your name so that the other way of reading it didn't work?

    A:Eh, I never considered it til maybe a year ago when somebody started calling me Strumpet. Now its a clan joke. If I'm not called TKT its Strumpet now.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A:California.

    Q:Where in the United States can you find strumpet kids?

    A:Apparently in California.

    Q:Why are you so damn awesome?

    A:Maybe I should write a book to outline this, "From Awesome to Awesome and how to be more Awesome" by TKT.

    Q:What would be your dream job?

    A:Playing music full time.

    Q:What are your hobbies outside of CC?

    A:Music and teaching. I play the trumpet, valve trombone, congas, bass guitar and sing. And I teach Pre-K currently.

    Q:What sports do you follow?

    A:Basketball and Soccer/Futbol

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Red or Orange

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A:Chinese Checkers is my favorite, I'm probably one of the few who dig it. Least favorite maps are the Age of Realms maps, I've never been a fan of them and avoid them at any cost.

    Q:Do you have a particular "favorite map" for tournament play (either to run in your
    tournament or to play in)?

    A:I dig Madness and Civil War for play in a tourney; however, I have not ran a tourney around those maps yet. I think I might have to soon tho.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A:For my favorite maps: Flat/Chained/FoW

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A:Sequential all the way.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A:Nothing to shout out right now, but definitely in the future. After writing this interview I really want to get a Madness tourney going. It has been to long and I need to get a'crackin' on organizing.

    Q:Do you have any special deep thoughts for us in this interview?

    A:Sure I do. I saw a movie the other day. It was a movie about a cop and a scared witness who was scheduled to testify against the mob. The cop visited the witness' place of residence and knocked on the door. The door swung gently inward at his touch. Right then, I knew the witness was dead. See, if you knock on a door in the movies, and it turns out that the door was left ajar, it means somebody was killed. I think the next movie director who shoots a scene like this should be taken out and shot.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A:Like that director in my deep thought? Naw nobody I want to kill on CC.... yet.... j/k

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A:Likewise, I really enjoyed this interview.


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column

    (an explanation of what it is all about)

    The ConquerClub Tournament Newsletter is testing a new feature for the monthly news letter entitled “Ask the Nutts.” Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint


    Q: "Why was the term Fortifications switched to Reinforcements?" -Mary K.

    A: R. Nutts, PHD: several terms were changed to synonyms to eliminate possible trademark infringements with Hasbro/Risk (Spoils/cards, etc.)

    H. Nutts, MBA: really? I thought it was to reduce syllables by 20% or parents asked CC to cut back on use of the F-word(s).

    A. Nutts, BS: you two have it all wrong. Fortifications comes from the Greek implying moving 4 (or 40) while Reinforcements comes from the Latin meaning Move (Rein-) Because (-Force-) My (-Me-) Other Territory Is Weak (nts).

    Q: "I can never decide which Reinforcement setting to use. What do you recommend?" -Johnny C.

    A: R. Nutts, PHD: I choose Adjacent. The more skilled a player is the more they want to limit an opponents chances of having the armies they need where they want them. This choice limits their options the most

    H. Nutts, MBA: Escalating. I like the option of shifting forces across the board, but with some limits.

    A. Nutts, BS: Unlimited is the ONLY way to go. When I go out to eat I like all you can eat smorgasbords, all you can drink pubs. . .and after returning home from those pubs, if I make a mistake reinforcing I can change it –several times. Of course it drives my opponents crazy, but isn’t that half the fun of CC?. . .and does anyone have an aspirin?

    We expect this column to continue as long as:
    - the questions keep coming in
    - members find it interesting

    Questions can be submitted to either Gozar or David Hoekstra


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    Interviews Interview with vykingsfan64


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 66: 24/03/09]

    Postby Gozar on Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:48 pm

    Issue 66: 24/03/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Spring has finally arrived, and with it, some new tournaments.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


    Image


    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honour
    Image Interview with vykingsfan64
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    ImageStaff


    Image

    Our latest poll is still running, and we are only looking for a few more votes: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    Hello again.
    Even though this is a little late, with St. Paddy's day being a week ago I thought I would write about it. I hope you had fun, because I sure did. In this article is a little interview between yours truly and Oaktown, the creator of the St. Paddy's day map. First some fun facts about the St. Paddys day celebration.
    1.Over 3 days exactly 5,883 games were completed.
    2.Thats 1,961 games a day.
    3.And about 82 every hour.

    Now a interview with the one, the only, Oaktown. Let's give him a round of applause. (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO) (Come on OAK) ( =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> )

    blacky44: How did you come up with the map? Where did you get your inspiration?

    oaktown: I was on a plane over the holidays and I started doodling holiday-themed map ideas... easter eggs, clovers, Santa's North Pole, etc. My first doodles were pretty similar to how the map came out in the end. When I pitched the idea of a short-run holiday map I received positive feedback, so I ran with it. I have to give big props to the rest of the mod team for their help and their secrecy through the process.

    blacky44: Will you create another map, like for this Easter? Will there be a party on CC for Easter?

    oaktown: I won't be creating an Easter map, but I would like to spring another map on you all sometime down the road. And even if I knew what it would be I probably wouldn't tell... it's really more fun if it's a surprise, isn't it?

    blacky44: Will this map be used next year?

    oaktown: Can't really say - that'll be up to the admins to decide. Since I can't seem to get a break in any of my games on the map, I'd like a second crack at it next year!

    I hope you have enjoyed this weeks News Hound. This is blacky44 saying Peace Out.


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    The completed tournament with the most players is Natewolfman’s One Shot, One Kill.

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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    CC Golf Championships
    Organizer: ronc8649

    Little Big World 2
    Organizer: naxus

    NFL Doubles 2008
    Organizer: Serbia

    March Madness Doubles Tournament
    Organizer: JCKing

    The James Doubles Invitational
    Organizer: Kotaro

    JR’s 2 v 2 Challenge II
    Organizer: JOHNNYROCKET24

    Doubles – Classic Art
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    DBZ’s Space Madness
    Organizer: dividedbyzero

    National Invitational Doubles Style Tournament
    Organizer: JCKing

    Eurotrip
    Organizer: Natascha

    TOO and EoEG’s Dubs Tourney
    Organizers: TheOtherOne, EagleofGreenErth

    IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship
    Organizer: keiths31

    Puzzle Mix
    Organizer: PaulusH
    Using a 4x4 windmill setup
    Game invitations contain a puzzle to solve for entering, first to send on 2 April

    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    Around All CC’s Maps: Doodle Earth
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    Around All CC’s Maps: Discworld
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    2009 AFL Tournament
    Organizer: LLLUUUKKKEEE

    2009 NFL Season
    Organizer: ddogphx

    Around All CC’s Maps: D-Day: Omaha Beach!
    Organizer: HighlanderAttack

    Championship Series: Crossword
    Organizer: barterer2002

    Championship Series: Conquer Man
    Organizer: barterer2002


    General Tournaments

    Trains Across the Sea
    Organizer: drake_pk7

    Kot’s Random Feudal Singles
    Organizer: Kotaro

    The Sailorseal Cup
    Organizer: sailorseal

    name
    Organizer: org

    Back to the Original Classic Tournament
    Organizer: Simon Viavant

    Territory War
    Organizer: naxus

    007: #2: From Russia With Love
    Organizer: danalan

    b00060’s Classic Shapes Tournament IV
    Organizer: b00060

    Escalating European Dream
    Organizer: Natascha

    Hired Gun
    Organizer: king sam

    Transcontinental Speed League
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    The Winner only takes a Little Bit
    Organizer: OliverFA

    I Can’t See a Thing!
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    Melee Assassin
    Organizer: poptartpsycho18

    2009 NCAA Football
    Organizer: blacky44

    Amazzony’s Assassinations III
    Organizer: amazzony

    Speed Terminator II
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    Capture the Flag
    Organizer: Hopscotcher

    King of the Hill
    Organizer: lhcguy


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    The Five Elements
    Organiser: Kinnison
    5x5 divisional play, Hyper-round robin (every combination of 3-, 4-, 5-players, with guaranteed home advantage against EACH combination). 60 games per division, 44 per player (per round). One elimination Round. Each Division Winner advances to a single Final Division.
    Elimination round ~25% complete. Expected Tournament Completion : August, 2009.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Everybody played a nice Poker game, so time to go to USA
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    keeper16 will become overall winner =D> but the dinner date still continues
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    The wine is very enjoyable !
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Ten winding down.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Kaplowitz's Unrelated Tournament
    God of Godds
    Night Sticks and Stones
    Down and Dirty V
    Brothers in Arms


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.



    "AoR Doubles Tournament" -gcwca_4_life&neanderpaul14
    "Speed Doodle Assassin Tournament" -Eagleofgreenerth
    "Sam's Birthday Bonanza" -aalii
    "Pick a Partner Dubs Tournament" -Blitzaholic&Natascha
    "Championship Series: Circus Maximus" -Blitzaholic
    "Pokemon Diamond" -barterer2002
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tourney" -AAFitz & nikoli_milicki
    "Around All CC's Maps: Centerscape" -Lindax
    "Halloween Tournament" -martyn
    "Overlord of Europe" -zissou2
    "Top Gun Triples Tournament" -deliaselene, King_Herpes, & Army Of Achilles
    "Tourney of Disaster"- banana_hammocks
    "Difficult Maps: Quads Edition" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, jpeter15
    "Conquer The World" -ShootandMiss
    "The Random Map Duel" -knighthawk
    "ConquerClub World Cup 2008" -lokisgal, loes, dragon dor, Forza AZ
    "Mission Survive The Longest V1.3" -Megadeth666
    "Card Counting Team Challenge" -waseemalim, dcc1220 & elric45
    "Championship Series: Chinese Checkers" -Bones2484
    "The Evolutionary Tournament" -Funkelee
    "Championship Series: The Citadel" -Ghost_Rider
    "Doubles Civil War Reenactment" -blitzaholic and natascha
    "Et tu, Brute?"-downfall & 4red
    "King of the Mountains" -Lacika
    "Around All CC's Maps: Caribbean Islands" -ultraman
    "Championship Series: City Mogul" -wrexham
    "Best Football Players 2000 NFL Edition" -nashlloyd
    "Best Football Player NCAA 2000"-jly_champion
    "Fog of Feudal War 2" -Poisonous86
    "Battle of the N00bs 5" -MaroonBeret
    "Freemium with a premium doubles" -Bigroo4601 & Wump
    "Foundry Update 8.1" -lanyards
    "Dutch Soccer League 2008/2009" -Wrexham
    "The Whole Sha-Bang" -dcc1220
    "Realms 2 Challenge!" -tyler197802198
    "Little Big World 1v1" -Zivel
    "Road to the Final Four" -Mikalf
    "Best of the Worst Tournament: Doubles Edition" -siutiapik & unataqti
    "Royal Flush Tournament" -gordito
    "Championship Series: Cairns Metro" -The Neon Peon
    "Who has the highest IQ on CC?" -ralphcptc
    "Map Blaster IV: The Pantheon Jihad" -Lisbon101
    "Minimalist Tournament" -Rocketry


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    This week we had the chance to talk with vykingsfan64. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Check in next week for another tournament interview.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, vykingsfan64.

    A: Hello Gozar.

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A: I am a man of many words and personalities.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: The great and powerful Google.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: We were sitting around at work talking about that "famous world dominating board game" so I thought I would try to find one like it to play online.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: Just to put more meaning behind the games.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I just woke up one morning with an idea for a tournament so I started it.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: Almost 2 years now.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: Classic Ladder - it just finished by the way.

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: The voices in my head tell me ideas.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: All the other organizers out there.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: Excited and thrilled to be a part of them.

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A: I have played and enjoyed many tournaments so far. I think their are many organizers who do a great job.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: I have run only 2 tournaments so far because they took a long time to complete. I plan on starting another one here in the near future.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A: Classic Ladder and 2008 MLB

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: I really enjoyed 2008 MLB because it is sports related.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: Easily it is flex's NCAA College Hoops tourney's. He does an outstanding job with the standings and his news stories.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: It doesn't matter to me, I enjoy both!

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: I really prefer the sports themed tournaments.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A: I guess I would say I tend to play as many as I can. I usually will play anything from the same organizers I've played for before.

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A: It doesn't get any better than flex's NCAA College Hoops tourney's. If you like to play 1vs1 games, you have to play in this.


    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: Choosing settings myself.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: I usually have about 10 going at a time. Right now I'm down to about 5 because I have been pretty busy lately.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: Ecstatic!

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A: Yes, I believe I have won 4.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: I was playing a blind doubles tourney and made the championship game. After the 2nd turn my partner disappears and deadbeats the game. Probably Optimus Prime's easiest win ever!

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: One that starts and finishes.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: There have been so many great tournaments, it all goes back to the organizer.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: Sorry Gozar, but I was really sad to see the "Longwalk" get abandoned. My team was in 1st place you know!

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: One that is very organized and keeps the players updated.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A:There are just so many different kinds of games and settings that if you are looking to play, you will find something.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: Making all the games. (Almost 2,500 just for MLB)

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: Just nice to know I have come up with something that other people enjoy playing in.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Not keeping players updated.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: Making sure I have the time needed for the tourney I am running.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: Yes, I don't see why not.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: I try to update before the next round of games begin.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: Sorry newbies, but my answer is NO.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: I try to use reserves whenever possible.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: Getting rid of or stopping all these makings of new maps.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: Can't think of anything at the moment.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many great organizers here who are willing to help out and give advise if you need it.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: I really only have 1, DEADBEATS.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A:Let's see, I'm at work 10 hours a day so that would be 9/12 hours or so.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: No, I don't play well with others.

    Q:Who are you?

    A: A 33 year old male who has been told he looks like "Tackleberry" from those Police Academy movies.

    Q: Why did you pick the name vykingsfan64?

    A: My favorite football player was Randall McDaniel. Congratulations to him for making it into the Hall of Fame this year.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: Minnesota

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Blue, easiest to see.

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: I like the USA map the best. I really hate all those gimmicky maps (They know who they are: AOR and AOM and stuff)

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: Seqential, Flat, Chained, No Fog

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: Sequential, Freestyle is for cheaters!

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: Classic Ladder 2 -trying to think of a way to be 1vs1 this time.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: Packers Suck!

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: No Gozar, Thank You!


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    More fun next issue!


    Image

    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 67: 01/04/09]

    Postby Gozar on Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:08 pm

    Issue 67: 01/04/09

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    Hello tournament fans. This week's interview with sailorseal was one of the most contributed to interviews to date. Our debut of "Ask the Nutts" was also successful, and that feature returns this week.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honuor
    Image Ask the Nutts
    Image Interview with sailorseal
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


    Image

    Our latest poll is still running, and we are only looking for a few more votes: Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    Due to prior commitments, Gilligan was unable to compile a complete list. Here are some of the tournaments looking for players. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    European football
    Organiser: SNARF17WD
    5 leagues to choose from , top 5 plus best 7 records qualify for the european champions league
    Need 96 , plus plenty of reserves

    007: "Bond, James Bond" #2: From Russia With Love
    Organiser: danalan
    A much more extensive romp for Bond this time, featuring Middle East, Rail Europe, and Italy before ending with the series standard British Isles Assassin game.

    Puzzle Mix
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 4x4 windmill setup
    Game invitations contain a puzzle to solve for entering

    Tournament Name: Formula 1 2009 F1 Tour - First Stop: Australian GP
    Organiser Name: jricart
    14/20 players
    A tournament to celebrate the new 2009 Formula 1 racing season. The first stop: Australian GP

    Formula 1 2009 F1 Tour - Second Stop: Malaysian GP
    Organiser: jricart
    6/20 players
    Second tournament related to the 2009 Formula 1 racing season, the Malaysian GP.


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Two at a Time Tournament
    Organiser: danalan
    Simple tourney, big prize! Last 2 games of Stage 2 are being played.
    4 of 6 finalists are determined already.

    007: "Bond, James Bond" #1: Dr. No
    Organiser: danalan
    The first in the series, played on maps matching the locations Bond visited in the movie. The players have left the Caribbean, and are playing British Isles Assassin now.
    Final is being played now.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    We are nearly finished with the USA
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    keeper16 will become overall winner =D> but the dinner date still continue
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Finishing the wine caused electricity failure; the whiskey is at candle light.
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Ten winding down.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    Isle Cruise from PaulusH on April 8, 2009
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Plan is to visit 8 Isles with 49 people devided in groups of 7.

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Down and Dirty Series in April
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "Halloween Hallows II" -Dominator7, Spijker81, ultrafit, TheTrueNorth
    "Point Grabbers XI: the Return" -MEK
    "Prison Break Tournament" -Soldier4Christ
    "Pass the Points 1" -SirSebster
    "Hitman North America" -Joriki
    "A Quick KO Round 2" -MikostheMudder
    "King of Luxembourg Assassin" -Zivel
    "Around All CC's Maps: Chinese Checkers" -Nate the Great
    "HA's St Patricks Day Tournament" -denominator
    "Championship Series: Conquer 4" -Angola
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge VI" -Elijah S
    "Round Robin USA 2" -phantomzero
    "European Speed Cup" -Sun Tzup
    "Realms 2 Challenge" -tyler197802198
    "The Feudal War Man" -FATHARRY
    "Qwert Bracket Tournament V" -Efreddy
    "Escalating Freestyle King" -DBandit70
    "8 Man Madness" -colson
    "SuperBowl Redo Triples Edition" -thezepman, reptile, DBandit70
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tournament III" -AAFitz and Nephilim
    "JR's 2v2 Challenge I" -Prismsaber and Foxglove
    "I'm All In" -Zemljanin
    "Masters @ USA" -vexx, goggles paisano, paulg, easy n dirty
    "Thug Life" -zissou2 & smegal69
    "Jail Break" -chemefreak, snakedoctor, gordito
    "Friend, I Hardly Knew Ye" -Sun Tzup & negoeien
    "DSL vs CC Championship 2008" -Endar1077
    "AoR Doubles Tournament" -gcwca_4_life&neanderpaul14
    "Speed Doodle Assassin Tournament" -Eagleofgreenerth
    "Sam's Birthday Bonanza" -aalii
    "Pick a Partner Dubs Tournament" -Blitzaholic&Natascha
    "Championship Series: Circus Maximus" -Blitzaholic
    "Pokemon Diamond" -barterer2002
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tourney" -AAFitz & nikoli_milicki
    "Around All CC's Maps: Centerscape" -Lindax
    "Halloween Tournament" -martyn
    "Overlord of Europe" -zissou2
    "Top Gun Triples Tournament" -deliaselene, King_Herpes, & Army Of Achilles
    "Tourney of Disaster"- banana_hammocks
    "Difficult Maps: Quads Edition" -Shatners Bassoon, Chariot of Fire, Daryth, jpeter15
    "Conquer The World" -ShootandMiss
    "The Random Map Duel" -knighthawk
    "ConquerClub World Cup 2008" -lokisgal, loes, dragon dor, Forza AZ


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-

    Q:When is Flaming appropriate what types of flames are appropriate? -stahrgazer

    Per CC Official Chat Guidelines: “Flaming: Will not be tolerated. CC has a flame wars forum, that's where flames go, no exceptions.”

    A:R. Nutts, PhD: I did some research and one chat moderator described it as “malicious. . . insulting” and agreed that it includes cursing or nastiness “directed at someone else”, ranging from “you’re gay = Juvenile. . .over and over flame. . .you (male genital) smoker = huge flame.” Flaming is usually way over the top ridicule of other gamers. It may be appropriate when someone is a REAL jerk or purposely sabotages a game – but only in Flame Wars Forum. Anywhere else is inappropriate, shows immaturity and is the sign of a bully.

    H. Nutts, MBA: I totally agree with Chat Guidelines: joking around is one thing but save the nastiness for your Klan meetings. Appropriate joking might include “you’re about as sharp as a marble,” “do you ride the short bus, or what?” or “did your grandma teach you how to attack and fortify?”

    A. Nutts, BS: Did you two attend divinity college or what? Me and my friends will continue to flame however, whenever and wherever we want – because we are spoiled, egotistical, self-absorbed, unimaginative self-centered little babies that NEED to spew venom on an routine basis. Our parents/nannies are not around – and you can’t MAKE us behave. Uh, oh. . .Can somebody change me? I just pooped in my diaper.


    Q: Do you have to be premium to organize a tourney? -1joe60

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: per CC admin, "Anyone can run a tournament, regardless of membership status. It is one situation where freemium members can create password locked games...of course they cannot use tournament privileges to just make games for them and their friends." That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

    H. Nutts, MBA: Which is a great situation, allowing Freemium players create tournies -- lots of fun for all.

    A. Nutts, BS: guys, play all the CC tournaments you want, because the US NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is THE only tournament I care about -- GO WKU Hilltoppers!


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    This week we had the chance to talk with sailorseal. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Check in next week for another tournament interview, when we talk to banana_hammocks, one of the top tournament winners. You can submit your question in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, sailorseal.

    A: Hello!

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A: Well I feel I contribute a lot to the community and I think everyone would like my end of the story. I have hosted a few tournaments and have no plan of stopping. I just finished today my King of Luxembourg 3 tournament so everyone give Zivel a pat on the back. :D

    Q:Do you feel that we must be running out of interviewees for you to warrant one or is it just that you talk so much it seemed appropriate?

    A: I am going to go with a third option the option of my interview being because
    A) I contribute a good bit to the tournament community
    B) When Gozar sent the PM out to three people I was the one who said
    Yes! Yes! YES! I would love to be interviewed

    Q: What has been your biggest contribution to CC thus far?

    A: Eventually I am hoping my legacy will be in maps but right now I think it is my Clan Water's Fury

    Q:What achievement are you most proud of?

    A: Probably that I have a map in the Main Foundry but I owe much of that to LED ZEPPELINER

    Q:What do you hope to achieve in the future?

    A: A few quenched maps and well the other thing that I feel everyone knows and it will only bring me negative comments to say ;)

    Q:You once stated that you were almost a mod...have you made it yet? If not, why not?

    A: This is a inside joke from a long time ago...
    All I will say is that two multis forced me to say it otherwise they would continue to spam me

    Q:What sort of mod are you "almost"?

    A: None I guess

    Q:Why do you act like you have a position of authority on this site when your not a mod?

    A: Mods are not the only ones with authority and I think this comment refers to my new clan and I need to take charge otherwise it will fail

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: Well now he will be mad for mentioning him but rustlemania told me about it or I was looking over his shoulder and said "Whats' that!?!"

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: Well to play rustle at first but now it is all about the forum

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: Well I actually started to run them before I played them but what made me start playing was that I thought everyone in my tournament was having fun so why don't I have some!

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: I used to not be active in tournaments so I decided that that was the best way to dive in. I read Optimus Prime's handbook many times and felt it must be simple enough. I wanted to spread my love of the map Luxembourg so I started a tournament on that map and look where I am now...

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: A couple of months

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: King of Luxembourg

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: Well the first one I planned for days drawing charts and thinking a lot but the others I hit NEW TOPIC and then just put down whatever comes to mind

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A: Well Gilligan once or twice but mainly myself. Don't ask him which one because I haven't started it yet :-$

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: Well they are the same tournament King of Luxembourg and it was a small one and it was very fun. I made it almost to the end but something funny happened. The two players in the final game, one had to go on vacation so it was a few weeks before the game got going and then it was smooth sailing

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A: Well sometimes I think "AHHH I have to create ten games and send out PMs" but when I type the winner's name into the thread it feels really good :D I think the tournament experience for me has had ups and downs but at the end of the day I feel great about it

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A: Well I have finished 4, have 1 going right now and 2 recruiting. I plan to never retire, ever.

    Q: What tournaments have you organized?

    A:
    Done:
    King of Luxembourg
    King of Luxemborug 2
    King of Luxembourg 3
    Ultimate 1v1
    In Progress:
    You are in the dark
    Recruiting for:
    The Sailorseal Cup
    Water's Fury Open

    Q:Ever thought about a franchise?

    A: I hope to get King of Luxembourg and You are in the Dark up to franchise

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A: Probably King of Luxembourg 2 tied with Ultimate 1v1, I really liked them both and I won Ultimate 1v1

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: Ultimate 1v1 because I won it :D I am really liking this Mission Impossible tournament but it is not over so I can't say

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: Run

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: I like 1 game for each player round by round tournaments and that is always how i organize, I have been liking people's tournaments that have me playing five games at once but I like freemiums to much to make multiple games at once tournaments

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A: The King of Luxembourgs are my dream tournaments

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A: Myself but sometimes I let them have input like in Water's Fury Open I let the first player to enter each group decide

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: I am playing in quite a few right now

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A: I am very selective and mostly join very few. I am not a fan of Adjacent and try to avoid it. Also World 2.1 but I have gotten a itch for it and am joining some games. Organizers, I do not discriminate against unless they have a poorly planned tournament

    Q:Have you played in any of Boss_oss_ss' tournaments? If no, why not?

    A: I am not sure

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: I can't remember but I assume not very

    Q:Have you ever won a tournament?

    A: Yes

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: The semi-finals of King of Luxembourg

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: Well organized, ie. games are set up well, everyone knows how it works etc.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A : King of Luxembourg 2, I don't watch other people's but this one went very smoothly

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A: I was disappointed with You are in the Dark because there are issues with some freemium players but it is too far in to kick them and it has given me a hard time overall

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Someone who plays often and stays organized

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: Sometimes I advertise in my signature but I feel that my straight forward representation attracts players

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: Sending out the PMs and having to deal with not joining/not responding players

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: Getting this interview! :lol:
    No I kid, it's about seeing something you make actually work out and receive a result and spreading the love of your favorite settings

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Accepting a interview this thing is taking forever!
    No I kid again, I love it, not keeping track of passwords and forgetting about their tournament

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: I had to many going during my vacation and could not keep up also creating incorrect settings in games

    Q:I see you everywhere, in almost every post, you are really friendly, we are know co-leader in a new clan called - The United Factions -, you are also consultant for some map making, map creating, map foundry if I am not mistaken, where does all this energy come from?

    A: I love Conquer Club so much and want to put as much into this site as possible. I also eat healthy and get good exercise!

    Q:Would you rather have more points than posts, or more posts than points?

    A: Well I don't really care about point or post count but I'll put it this way, I would rather be known for my contribution in the forum then for my skill in the game

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: Of course, I often join my own tournaments

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: Check on them daily and wait until I have time and until they need an update

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: Well in theory yes but in practice I have seen ? marks turn into privates before the tournament began and I have seen the disappear so I say yes let them in

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: Always use reserves!

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: Well I am not sure if this meets qualifications but I have always wanted to go back in time and join the first day of Conquer Club but if I had magic powers I would probably make myself an admin

    Q:Why is it everytime you disagree with something, you make a "New Rule" thread in Suggestions and Bugs?

    A: I don't thing I do. I have only made 1 but I disagree with a bunch of stuff

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: Remove all players who don't join their assigned games and I just thought of this: What if they could have you make the games and just join the people into the games for them, that would save a lot of time.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: "It's easier then it looks" put underneath the word Tournaments

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A:
    1. A player who makes it to the finals then decides to go away for two weeks
    2. Making all the games and sending all the PMs only to realize I used a incorrect setting
    3. Only taking 3 reserves (More of a worry)
    I only have three sorry!

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: It take no time from me. I give it a few hours a day.

    Q:Whats the most amount of meaningless posts that didn't really add anything to the conversation that you have posted in one day?

    A: Well I don't quite understand but I remember back when I was new I just put
    SPAM SPAM SPAM
    as a post in the longest thread thread :oops:

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: I am the leader of Water's Fury, co-leader of the united faction, Official leader but co-leader in the soon to be made Map Factory, Next-Gen Gamers, Foundry Newsletter, Society of the Cooks, Layer battle Arena, 1v1 gladiators, Dare to be Funny and Village Conquer Society

    Q:How come you always have other people make your maps?

    A: I don't I just more of a Game Play, Idea and XMl kind of guy and less of a graphics kind of guy

    Q:What is with all your doodle maps?

    A: They were all abandoned

    Q:Who are you? No, seriously...who are you?

    A: Luke is my name

    Q: Why did you pick the name sailorseal?

    A: So here it is, it finally comes out:
    I am a sailor still am, love it and always will be but two years ago I had this weird fascination with the United States Navy SEALS, yes that is where seal comes from. Laugh it up...

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: New York City but I spend my summers in Westhampton Bach

    Q:Are you in the navy?

    A: No

    Q:Are you a sailor, or a seal?

    A: A sailor

    Q: How do you keep the hat on as you swim? And, um, are you a furry?

    A: A little furry and if you hold it with one hand it stays on nicely :D

    Q:How does it feel to be the butt of so many people's jokes?

    A: Well sometimes it keeps me up at night but I just say fun is fun :D

    Q:How many more questions are going to own you?

    A: 0 and guess what I answered all but one

    Q:Do you hate Night Strike?

    A: Of course not! I mean he may have locked a thread or two of mine but that was manly due to hijacking, I think...

    Q:Will you ever consider running for president?

    A: Maybe later in life

    Q:Why did you say you are on vacation and tell GrimReaper. you will make clan games when you return but answer his PM? Surely it doesn't take that long to make 5 games?

    A: Well when you have a half an hour to take 20 turns and answer PMs, a few games does take a while when you need your clan to be a part of it. I also had appointed someone to be in charge during my absence but I guess my five PMs saying that never got through ;)

    Q:Why do bad things happen to good people?

    A: Well because the world doesn't turn to the beat of just one drum, what may be right for you might not be right for some, you take the good you take the bad, and there you have...
    My answer

    Q:If you could kill Woodruff, how would you do it?

    A: I wouldn't kill him

    Q:Do you agree with underage drinking?

    A: No

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: What?

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Luxembourg and battle for Iraq :evil:

    Q:Do you like Feudal War?

    A: Yes it is a great map and the revamp! Oh my, incredible...

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A:
    Standard, Freestyle, No Spoils, Unlimited, Sunny

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: Depends on the map

    Q:What strategy do you use in an 8 player escalating spoils match???

    A: Depends on the map

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: I do have a few planned but :-$ for now

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: Wow that was long! I only skipped on question so overall I feel good. Thanks for having me everyone! It was great to be here

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: Your very welcome, anytime!


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    Interview With banana_hammocks


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 68: 08/04/09]

    Postby Gozar on Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:17 pm

    Issue 68: 08/04/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Sad news this week as Gilligan departs. A replacement is sought. If you have interest, further details are included in the newsletter.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Letters to the Editor
    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image News Hound
    ImageFun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    Image Tournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    ImageThe Tournament Roll of Honuor
    Image Ask the Nutts
    ImageInterview with banana_hammocks
    Image Next Issue
    ImageNotes
    Staff


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    Gilligan wrote:Hello, hola, bonjour, ciao, oi,

    I've been working on the Tournament Newsletter since June 2, 2008, a little over 10 months. Now that I have more duties to fulfill elsewhere, be it real life or my tournament director duties, I no longer have the time to contribute my full capability to the newsletter.

    It's been a blast working with the staff of the newsletter, thanks guys. I wish you the best of luck in the future. Amazing work is being done, keep it up.

    Thanks, gracias, merci, ringraziamenti, agradece,

    Gilligan



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    The results of our last poll are in.

    Should a medal be given for each and every tournament won?

    Yes 62%
    No 26%
    Yes, but only the first thirty won 11%
    Total votes : 61

    We have put up a new poll as well. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    Currently Taking Signups -With Gilligan's departure, the newsletter is in need of someone to compile a weekly list of all the tournaments in signups. If you are organised, through and can keep to a schedule, this could be a position for you.

    Fun Facts -Gilligan also leaves behind his Fun Facts column. Do you have some fun tournament facts you are interested in sharing? Experience with the tournament forums is a must.

    Tournament ReviewsDo you have a passion for tournaments? Have lots of tournament organising experience? Have solid writing skill? Willing to offer a subjective opinion of some tournaments on occasion? Drop us a line.


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    by blacky44

    Hello conquer club.
    Sorry I missed last week but I hope this makes up for it. I interviewed RJBeals about his Centerscape map and this is what he said.

    Q. First off thank you for your time and I voted for your map.
    A. Thanks. Glad you liked it.

    Q. When you heard about this contest did you get to work right away or did you have some people push you?
    A. I wasn't going to enter at first. I won the Brazil contest, and the progress on that map has been stagnate. I finally decided to enter because of the manner in which the contests were held. There was a contest for members who have not had a quenched map (Central America) and a revamp for members who did have a quenched map (Centerscape). I didn’t think there were very many veteran map makers who would enter, and I am still an active member, so I did. Only 4 of us entered the comp. It turns out that I won, but at the same time had a few other (paying) graphic jobs that I took on. I contacted WidowMakers to take over the completion of the map. He added the fine touches, as well as responded to all feedback in the thread. I’m very happy with the way this map turned out.

    Q. This will be your 5th map, are you excited?
    A. This will be my 5th map. (Italy, Dustbowl, Iceland and Charleston). Yes, it’s always exciting for a map to be quenched.

    Q. What was your inspiration behind this map?
    A. The “Lord of the Rings” edition Hasbro Risk Map.

    Q. When do you think it will be playable?
    A. Very soon, but only Lack knows for sure.

    Q. Thank you for your time.
    A. No problem. Thanks for the vote.

    I personally think this is a great map and cant wait to play it. To read more click here http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75548.


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    The tournament newsletter started over 17 months ago, in November 2007.


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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    The James Doubles Invitational
    Organizer: Kotaro

    National Invitational Doubles Style Tournament
    Organizer: JCKing

    Eurotrip
    Organizer: Natascha

    IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship
    Organizer: keiths31

    LFAW and owenator’s Feudal Trips Tournament
    Organizers: LFAW, owenator

    The Discovery Series World At War
    Organizer: barterer2002

    Trippin’ Out in Africa
    Organizer: Blitzaholic

    Oceanic Doubles
    Organizer: Jennybh



    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    Small Maps 1v1 Tournament
    Organizer: lt.pie

    DOTA 1v1 Tournament
    Organizer: soccerghost

    Championship Series: Draknor – Level 1
    Organizer: barterer2002

    One on One Knockout
    Organizer: caymanmew

    Kot’s April 6th Event
    Organizer: Kotaro

    Kot’s Random Feudal Singles
    Organizer: Kotaro

    Total Darkness: John Karem’s Story
    Organizer: im2good4theboard


    General Tournaments


    The Sailorseal Cup
    Organizer: sailorseal

    Back to the Original Classic Tournament
    Organizer: Simon Viavant

    007: #2: From Russia With Love
    Organizer: danalan

    The Winner only takes a Little Bit
    Organizer: OliverFA

    I Can’t See a Thing!
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    Melee Assassin
    Organizer: poptartpsycho18

    Speed Terminator II
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    Capture the Flag
    Organizer: Hopscotcher

    Russian Spy (Assassin)
    Organizer: DJ Teflon

    NCAA Tournament – Redo!
    Organizer: the.killing.44

    b00060’s Classic Shapes Tournament V
    Organizer: b00060

    The King is Dead
    Organizer: ralphcptc

    This Isn’t Going to be Easy
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    Formula 1 2009
    Organizer: jricart

    Jack: The Fun Game for Kids!
    Organizer: murphy16

    Tang Kai’s Random Travels
    Organizer: Tang Kai

    TIA
    Organizer: acores2005

    MACE: Most Awesome Conquering Entity
    Organizer: john9blue

    The Amazing Race
    Organizer: caymanmew

    FP’s Whip of the World
    Organizer: Fireside Poet

    European Football
    Organizer: SNARF17WD

    Old Gramps
    Organizer: darkangelsguy205

    geearsofwar’s Chainsaw Duel
    Organizer: geearsofwar


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    The Five Elements
    Organiser: Kinnison
    5x5 Divisional play, Hyper Round Robin (Home advantage GUARANTEED against every combination of 3, 4, and 5-player games withing the division) over 10 weeks. Division winners advance to repeat the format in the finals.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    The first Santa singers are getting cold since they visit Santa at Artic 8-)
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Still three cars left to visit the McDrive.
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Whisky at candle light might not be such a good idea :?
    The first person burned himself or was it done by somebody else :twisted:
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Eleven is getting underway.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From Kinnison Five Elements Shuffle- 5 players. Home advantage across multiple 3-, 4-, and 5- player games. Each player plays 20 opponents across 5 weeks, ALL new opponents every week! Highest score of your group (whom you do NOT play against) advances to the finals, where opponents do NOT rotate.

    From jpcloet Deadly Vipers Inc. - This innovative tournament will feature 8+ components that have either never been in a tournament before, or have been rarely seen. Can your skills inside and outside of the game bring you the bounty?

    Isle Cruise from PaulusH on April 8, 2009
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Plan is to visit 8 Isles with 49 people devided in groups of 7.

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Down and Dirty Series in April
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "European Speed Cup" -Sun Tzup
    "Games Night CC Style" -dtellis
    "Midkemdil Exterminator" -danryan
    "keiths31's Beer Festival" -negoeien
    "Round Robin USA" -harvmax
    "Halloween Hallows I"-Powercrazy, Xcalibur54, neutrino51, iOccupyBlackacre
    "Around All CC's Maps: The Citadel" -amazzony
    "Transformers Wars III" -soundman & madmom
    "Foundry Update 9.1" -Huntyr Green
    "Foundry Update 8.0" -Gilligan
    "Triples Champion" -nashlloyd
    "Demonfork's Cookoff 1v1 Extravaganza" -Boniman
    "Feudal War Assassins" -downfall
    "Tupence's Eurpean Tournament" -Industrial Helix
    "Psycho B's Luxembourg" -denominator
    "Halloween Hallows II" -Dominator7, Spijker81, ultrafit, TheTrueNorth
    "Point Grabbers XI: the Return" -MEK
    "Prison Break Tournament" -Soldier4Christ
    "Pass the Points 1" -SirSebster
    "Hitman North America" -Joriki
    "A Quick KO Round 2" -MikostheMudder
    "King of Luxembourg Assassin" -Zivel
    "Around All CC's Maps: Chinese Checkers" -Nate the Great
    "HA's St Patricks Day Tournament" -denominator
    "Championship Series: Conquer 4" -Angola
    "JRs 1v1 Challenge VI" -Elijah S
    "Round Robin USA 2" -phantomzero
    "European Speed Cup" -Sun Tzup
    "Realms 2 Challenge" -tyler197802198
    "The Feudal War Man" -FATHARRY
    "Qwert Bracket Tournament V" -Efreddy
    "Escalating Freestyle King" -DBandit70
    "8 Man Madness" -colson
    "SuperBowl Redo Triples Edition" -thezepman, reptile, DBandit70
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tournament III" -AAFitz and Nephilim


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-

    Q: Where did you come up with your name...are you a poker fan, by chance? -Woodruff

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: This is not really a question about CC, but. . .while we are Poker fans and love to have "the nuts (the lock, perfect hand)", it's more a play on three "nuts" (crazies, idiots, etc.) trying to offer info about CC. OK?

    H. Nutts, MBA: And don't forget that extra T in Nutts -- we offer just a little more insight than the regular nuts around CC.

    A. Nutts, BS: Those two are full of it. Our mother Hazel married Philbert Nutts, and we're just then next generation.


    Q: What type of tourney would you prefer to run? -dittoeevee8888

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: I’m a purist so Classic, sequential, escalating, adjacent, no fog; with 8 per game and rounds in exponents of 2 (2, 4, 8, 16, etc.), so symmetrical and even -- not lopsided in any way.

    H. Nutts, MBA: I totally disagree. While there are cool maps out there, I like them large with lots of bonuses for all – not just 6. My preferences would be MAP: World 2.1, Europa, WWII Europe, etc.; sequential – but with reversing order (1-8, then 8-1) so those first don’t have advantage; I’d totally change Spoils: 1 for each card – doubled if a color set (turn in as soon as you want/need); I like chained and fog (let people hide in the mist). I’d limit to 4 people (>4 takes too darn long) – but agree with the 2,4,8,16 stuff.

    A. Nutts, BS: you two really are NUTS. The NCAA Basketball tourney is THE best tourney around. Go WKU Hilltoppers! . . .oh, they were eliminated long ago. . .well then, BOWLING tournaments.


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    This week we had the chance to talk with banana_hammocks, an all-time top tournament winner. All the questions in the interview are based off input from newsletter readers. Check in next week for another tournament interview, when we talk to negoeien, another top tournament winner. You can submit your question in this thread.

    Now, on with the Interview!

    Q: Hello, banana_hammocks.

    A: Hello Everyone

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A: I’m in the top 10 all time tournament winners, as well as having organized a few tournaments myself. Plus have been credited with the idea of being able to join different teams (the join team 2 links)

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: simtom, who I knew from another website, suggested I play a few games on here and I have been hooked ever since.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: I’m a big fan of a certain similar board game and enjoy strategy games greatly.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A:My doubles partner at the time suggested we join a tournament, and I thought why not! The second tournament I joined had a premium prize so I couldn’t resist and fortunately won!

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: Purely selfishly…I was doing really well in a tournament then the organiser disappeared, so I thought how hard could it be? So took over the tournament and saw it through to completion. I would urge other people to do this as a nice way to get into organising. Admittedly I proceeded to randomly put myself up against 2 players who knew each other outside the game and get swiftly taken out!

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A:Since July 2007 but not at a fast rate!

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A:My first tournament I took over was CCC (I can’t remember what it stands for!), but I only took over half way through. The first tournament that I ran from start to finish was The Quick and Simple Tournament...Which was quick and simple to run.

    Q: Where did you come up with your tournament ideas?

    A: I entirely recycle (steal) my ideas from other people. All of my tournaments have been the idea of someone who didn’t follow through on a good idea. The only exception is maybe the quick and simple tournaments which were based on being easy to understand and run.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A:Generally I look through the abandoned tournament forum and look for good ideas there, then PM the original organiser to check they are ok with me using it.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A:The first I ran was really enjoyable…I was already helping out as much as I could, posting results etc, to try and make the organisers job easy.

    My most memorable tournament was my second one (and my first win), Autoload’s non-premium tournament, the players in it were really chatty and it was great fun all round, plus I won a years premium (thanks once again autoload)


    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A:I found that generally the quality and inventiveness of the tournaments has become much better. My personal experience has nearly always been good, I went through a short patch where I had joined too many tournaments and found myself just going through the motions, kind of hoping to be knocked out.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A:I’ve run 6 to date and another is ongoing. I’ve got no real aims, I would generally like to have a tournament running at all times (when I’m not busy), I may have more free time next year so we will see if there is an explosion of Banana run tournaments. I’d like to get up to at least 5 quick and simples and 5 friends close, enemies closer.


    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A:CCC – top two players from each game go through.
    Quick and Simple Tournament 1-3 - 36 players…win two 6 player games to become champion
    All Holds Bar - massive tournament with 6 player games and winners progressing
    Friends Close, Enemies Closer 1 and 2 – My favourite
    Left4Dead’s 1v1 Tournament (Private Clan Tournament)


    Q:Friends close, enemies closer was such a great original concept, can we expect more of this kind of tourneys in the future?

    A:I can’t claim the idea, I stole it off a tournament I joined, which was subsequently abandoned by dicemaster42. But I love the idea. I played in a similar version with triples but it was not quite as good (in my opinion) as it was too drawn out and didn’t have the same tension. I like the fact that you can still get through even if you have lost your first two games.

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A:Definitely Friends Close, Enemies Closer 1

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A:I would say there were 2
    Autoload’s non-premium tournament…It was a simple idea, but the players were all so friendly
    Quick and Painless Tournament – Dramatic ending…after 6/8 games I was leading by 1 point over longboreder (given there were 40+ points on offer per game, this was unheard of) I then got taken out of the 7th game early, thus thinking it was all over, before managing to chain 7 kills on world 2.1 in the 9th round to win the tournament.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: I prefer to enter tournaments

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: Generally I like to go in for tournaments with small leagues where it matters where you place rather than just get points for winning, so you can over turn most luck.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A:For me the organiser is not a massive draw, it is more down to the idea involved. I love playing in a new organisers tournament with a great idea, (plus I always know that if they do drop out I can take over the idea)!

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A:For me the dream tournament is one I have been in; autoloads non-premium tournament. I wish I had the finances to be able to justify donating premium to a random person. If there is anyone out there who is willing to donate the prize I would be more than willing to run the tournament.


    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A:I like to go for a happy medium, I give a limited choice, like in Friends Close, where I give the players a choice of 8 maps on a first come first served basis

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A:Roughly 2/3’s of my games have been tournament games. I find they are more interesting than normal games, as have more edge.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A:I feel my comment in the game expressed it fairly well “gg all woo my first win!!” I was delighted!

    Q:How do you win so many tournaments?

    A: I would say enter a lot, be skillful and most importantly be lucky! But keep a good variety so that you keep fresh.

    Q:What was it like winning a tournament of sailorseal's?

    A: It was great! I have a soft spot for them since winning one and being in the final of the next!

    Q:Will your teammates benefit from your "tourney wins magnet" super powers?

    A:Lets hope so…We are into the final of Euro-Wars and down to the 7th game of 7 with the scores 3 all

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A:Probably Amazzony’s Heroes of Might and Magic Tournament I started so well then just tailed off towards the end.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A:Letting people know what is going on, something I have learnt from doing a fair bit of waitering is that as long as people know what is going on and being updated they will be happy.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A:The FEUDAL WAR (as it should be played) TOURNAMENT, The Chosen kept everyone informed every day as well as getting people to join the correct games.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A:So far I don’t think I’ve had any problems with the tournaments I’ve run. As for ones I’ve entered I must agree with Gilligan and say Battle of Emperors, it was abandoned at the semi final stages.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Someone who is willing to do that little bit extra, it doesn’t take much extra but just a little, such as sending auto join links rather than just game numbers.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A: I feel the first thing is the title of the tournament, remember to Capitalise in the right places, make the first post look organised and professional. Then it is down to the idea, and patience to let it fill up.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: Nothing….It used to be sending messages to everyone individually but thankfully that time has gone.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A: Seeing something through from start to finish and seeing people enjoy themselves

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: Assuming too much of people, it is far better to over explain or help out than to under explain. Again it is down to putting in a little more effort at the beginning to save a lot of effort later. For example by putting in auto-join links.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: I have sent messages out without the passwords in, before the mass sending. I could have saved myself half an hour by just taking 10 seconds to double check. I now double and sometimes triple check everything.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: It would be easy for a tournament organiser to rig tournaments, however I think it would be very easy to spot if it happened too often. I have joined all of my tournaments so far, and intend to do so in the future, I believe that at present there is no problem of organiser neutrality. I can’t think of too many people who have won their own tournaments, the only person I can think of is Gozar off the top of my head.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A: I try to update them at least once a week, but generally it is whenever I have time. So far I have not had to organise too complex a tournament.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: Yes, absolutely, we were all question marks once. The chances are if they have found their way onto the forums they will stick around.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A: I always try to use reserves in the early stages of the tournament, but may use bye’s in he later rounds.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: REMOVE THE DOUBLE TURN’S IN FREESTYLE….Simply make starting your turn count as taking your turn. So that you cannot take your turn in the last hour, then wait for your time to run out and start again with all bonuses intact and no way for the opposition to react.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A: I think great strides have been made recently, with the introduction of team links, auto join tags and mass messaging.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A: Just go for it. Perhaps start out simple, go for a quick and simple format.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: 1 forgetting to send out passwords
    2 soundout9 disappearing half way through a jointly organised tournament
    3 sending individual messages before mass messaging.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: Generally about an hour or so in the morning and another in the evening…unless I’m trying to do work then it will be all day.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: I’m part of the Left4Dead clan and the tournament organisers forum.

    Q:What do you think of your clan?

    A: It is a great clan, formed by Natewolfman and mainly containing highly ranked tournament players. I've really enjoyed being part of the clan and being able to join team tournaments with players I know

    Q:Who are you?

    A: I am 22 years old, in my final year of an Economics Degree. I learnt to juggle with flaming torches while studying for my A-levels. I have appeared in the national newspaper of Barbados. I have met hundreds of celebrities through working as an events waiter, ranging from the Queen and the Princes to Beyonce and 50 cent. I have been insulted by Keith Duffy while at the height of his fame with Boyzone. My favourite tipple is mount gay rum and coke and my favourite band is Flight of the Conchords

    Q: Why did you pick the name banana_hammocks?

    A: I had been watching scrubs and JD says when he doesn’t know what to say he says banana hammocks, I was trying to create a username for another game and decided to use that. I only later found out what banana hammocks were, I always wondered why people always were saying that I had a funny username.

    Q:WHERE ON EARTH did you get that avatar?

    A: I think it is from the peanut butter jelly time song. (search for dancing banana)

    Q:Are you as happy as your avatar? Always?

    A: Yes, I am a very happy person generally. I have had a great life so far and am hoping it will continue for a good long while!

    Q:Did you ever beat ala_warz in a 1v1?

    A: I’ve beaten him many times on the board game! ( Ala_Warz is my younger brother)

    Q:Was mafia the most inconsistent nw player ever(as in 1v1, team ffa difference)?

    A: Quite possibly. NW stands for Norse Wars, a map playable online on Age of Mythology. I used to moderate a website that ran a ladder for it, and was my first real foray into online gaming.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: I’m from South East London but am at University in the Midlands

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: No real preference but I do like starting first!

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Favourite is world 2.1, you are never out of it and need to use good diplomacy and timing in large games. Least favourite is doodle earth dunno why i just never get lucky. (I think I am about +500 for world 2.1 and -500 for doodle earth!)

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: 6 player, world 2.1, freestyle, flat rate, unlimited, no fog

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: I prefer freestyle, however I don’t have enough time for it at the moment and it can be abused.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: I have a large complex tournament planned but don’t know when I will have time to start it. I think it will be unique and original, however I do not know how well it will work out. The aim is to have a football (soccer) league but each game not counting for a match but a goal, if the win is achieved before the 10th round or so. Making it possible to have results ranging from 0-0 to 2-2 to 5-0

    Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

    A: It has been an honour

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: A large shot of Sambuca please.

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: No problem! See you all in a tournament soon!


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    Interview With negoeien


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
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    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 69: 17/04/09]

    Postby Gozar on Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:24 pm

    Issue 69: 17/04/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Gilligan is graciously staying on for an issue or two, until a replacement is found.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image News Hound
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honuor
    Image Ask the Nutts
    ImageInterview
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


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    Our new poll is still up. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    Currently Taking Signups -With Gilligan's departure, the newsletter is in need of someone to compile a weekly list of all the tournaments in signups. If you are organised, through and can keep to a schedule, this could be a position for you.

    Fun Facts -Gilligan also leaves behind his Fun Facts column. Do you have some fun tournament facts you are interested in sharing? Experience with the tournament forums is a must.

    Tournament ReviewsDo you have a passion for tournaments? Have lots of tournament organising experience? Have solid writing skill? Willing to offer a subjective opinion of some tournaments on occasion? Drop us a line.


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    by blacky44

    Good day.

    A sad day has yet again come upon us as Gilligan has retired from the newsletter. I wish he would stay but he must leave. I hope you enjoy this short interview.

    Q: Hello would you answer these questions for me?
    A: Sure thing. :)

    Q:What made you retire?
    A: Being a Tournament Director has put more duties onto me that need to get done, and along with school, work and personal life I can't juggle it all, so I had to retire from the Newsletter.

    Q: Are you retiring from Conquerclub or just the mods and the news letter?
    AI'll be on Conquer Club for some time to come... Only the newsletter is getting my retirement.

    Q: Have they found anyone to fill your shoes?
    A: Not that I know of.

    Q: Thank you for your time.
    A: Sure thing. :)


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    Here are the tournaments that are currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread.

    Teams Tournaments

    LFAW and owenator’s Feudal Trips Tournament
    Organizers: LFAW, owenator

    Oceanic Doubles
    Organizer: Jennybh

    Double Elimination
    Organizer: FrancisBoyle

    Pocket Pairs
    Organizer: conquerAce

    Special Maps Dubs Tourney
    Organizer: kratos644


    1 versus 1 Tournaments

    DOTA 1v1 Tournament
    Organizer: soccerghost

    One on One Knockout
    Organizer: caymanmew

    NHL 2009 Playoffs
    Organizer: flexmaster33

    AoR2 Sanctuary Tour
    Organizer: Megadeth666

    Around All CC’s Maps: Draknor – Level 1- Two
    Organizer: Highlanderattack


    General Tournaments


    Isle Cruise
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Plan is to visit with 49 people in total 7+ Isles each with 7 persons, but never the same.
    First games on 3 May

    007: #2: From Russia With Love
    Organizer: danalan

    The Winner only takes a Little Bit
    Organizer: OliverFA

    Capture the Flag
    Organizer: Hopscotcher

    Jack: The Fun Game for Kids!
    Organizer: murphy16

    Tang Kai’s Random Travels
    Organizer: Tang Kai

    MACE: Most Awesome Conquering Entity
    Organizer: john9blue

    FP’s Whip of the World
    Organizer: Fireside Poet

    European Football
    Organizer: SNARF17WD

    Old Gramps
    Organizer: darkangelsguy205

    geearsofwar’s Chainsaw Duel
    Organizer: geearsofwar

    JoshyBoy’s 20/20 Terminator Table
    Organizer: JoshyBoy

    qwert 1v1 Tournament Marathon
    Organizer: qwert

    Fivemore’s World 2.1 7-Player
    Organizer: fivemore

    Single Territory Tourney
    Organizer: jgazaille

    Berlin 1961 Tournament
    Organizer: markec


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    The Santa singers are busy at getting out of Artic: too cool 8-)
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Three cars keep on driving, but can't find their way home.
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Candle light was not a good idea, part of the bar is at fire :!:
    While this should be a nice opening of my new bar, it looks like nothing will be left :twisted:
    I hope we can get the last teams out in time and make one of them the winner :D
    Planned End Date: 14 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Eleven is running.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From Kinnison Five Elements Shuffle- 5 players. Home advantage across multiple 3-, 4-, and 5- player games. Each player plays 20 opponents across 5 weeks, ALL new opponents every week! Highest score of your group (whom you do NOT play against) advances to the finals, where opponents do NOT rotate.

    From jpcloet Deadly Vipers Inc. - This innovative tournament will feature 8+ components that have either never been in a tournament before, or have been rarely seen. Can your skills inside and outside of the game bring you the bounty?

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "Twiztids Terminator 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "ES-C-RAZY-LATORS" -BaldAdonis
    "Foundry Update 9.6" -lunatic96
    "Discworld Tournament" -ultrafit
    "Double Dutch Doubles" -roelbianca & sjnap
    "Fantasy Fight" -Blitzaholic, Nephilim, Dividedbyzero, Big Whiskey
    "40kguy's lux tourny" b00060
    [b]"The Second World War" -
    sirron
    "The Conquer of the Celts" -andreas1977
    "Mixed Maps II" -Blitzaholic,Big Whiskey,osujacket
    "Euro Wars" -blitzaholic, dividedbyzero, big whiskey, nephilim
    "Around All CC's Maps: City Mogul" -banana_hammocks
    "World Fitz Dubs Tourney II" -Nephilim & AAFitz
    "World Fitz Dubs Tourney IV" -Nephilim & AAFitz
    "Doubles League Bracket Style" -lt.pie&Velvecarrots
    "US of A Assassins" -b00060
    "Musical Chairs: North American City Tour" -Hath
    "007: Bond James Bond #1 Dr No" -abel
    "Super Quick Tourney Season 5" -andreas1977
    "Feudal War 1v1 Tourney" -Seamusk
    "BCS Busters" -Bones2484
    "Feudal War" -Chariot of Fire
    "Moody's Non-premium Classic 2" -GoldKnight
    "European Speed Cup" -Sun Tzup
    "Games Night CC Style" -dtellis
    "Midkemdil Exterminator" -danryan
    "keiths31's Beer Festival" -negoeien
    "Round Robin USA" -harvmax
    "Halloween Hallows I"-Powercrazy, Xcalibur54, neutrino51, iOccupyBlackacre
    "Around All CC's Maps: The Citadel" -amazzony
    "Transformers Wars III" -soundman & madmom
    "Foundry Update 9.1" -Huntyr Green
    "Foundry Update 8.0" -Gilligan
    "Triples Champion" -nashlloyd
    "Demonfork's Cookoff 1v1 Extravaganza" -Boniman
    "Feudal War Assassins" -downfall
    "Tupence's Eurpean Tournament" -Industrial Helix
    "Psycho B's Luxembourg" -denominator
    "Halloween Hallows II" -Dominator7, Spijker81, ultrafit, TheTrueNorth
    "Point Grabbers XI: the Return" -MEK


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-

    Q: What are some of the types of cheating you see in CC and what do you think of them? -Anony-Mouse

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: We’ve seen Secret Diplomacy (unspoken/unchatted teaming), Multi-ism (one person with several ID’s). but cheating in any form is despicable.

    H. Nutts, MBA: There’s also Farming, the practice of targeting newbies and taking advantage of them. But remember, playing new people is not in and of itself farming. Playing less than 20% newbies is just reasonable mixture of playing others. That’s been covered in an earlier edition, I believe.

    A. Nutts, BS: Well to be honest, I’ve cheated on my wife – once. . . . maybe two or three times. . .and yes, it was despicable.


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    negoeien did not return the interview, so we have nothing to bring you this time. Pedronicus is on deck and you can submit your questions in this thread.


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    Interview With Pedronicus or negoeien

    News Hound: No more Flame Wars?

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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Recruiting Editor/Fun Facts- Gilligan
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 70: 23/04/09]

    Postby Gozar on Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:25 pm

    Issue 70: 23/04/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Gilligan is graciously staying on for an issue or two, until a replacement is found.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image News Hound
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honuor
    Image Ask the Nutts
    ImageInterview with Pedronicus
    Image Next Issue
    Image Notes
    Image Staff


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    Our new poll is still up. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    Currently Taking Signups -With Gilligan's departure, the newsletter is in need of someone to compile a weekly list of all the tournaments in signups. If you are organised, through and can keep to a schedule, this could be a position for you.

    Fun Facts -Gilligan also leaves behind his Fun Facts column. Do you have some fun tournament facts you are interested in sharing? Experience with the tournament forums is a must.

    Tournament ReviewsDo you have a passion for tournaments? Have lots of tournament organising experience? Have solid writing skill? Willing to offer a subjective opinion of some tournaments on occasion? Drop us a line.


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    by blacky44

    Hello.

    With Flame Wars closing down I decided to write about it. I PMed a dozen people but only three were reached for comment. I hope you enjoy this short report.

    Steelhorse Wrote
    Actually, I have no opinion about FW. I never visit the forum and I could care less what is said within it. So obviously I could do without it.

    But, I suppose it does serve a purpose by providing an outlet for those that feel the need to be heard and act in a way that only FW allows. Better there than throughout the other forums.


    Gilligan Wrote
    I think the closure of Flame Wars will only benefit the community. It will make Conquer Club a more friendlier place, which can only be good for all of us and it makes it a more family friendly community. Not as much swearing, no beating on anyone else, it's all good.


    The Fuzzy Pengui wrote
    Hey blacky,

    Sorry for the delayed response, I've been giving the question some thought. To be honest, I hadn't thought about it much before because I rarely entered flame wars. I think the removal of Flame Wars was definitely the right move. Although it allowed people to take out there frustration, it often leaked into other parts of the forums. Now with it gone, although some people are upset, I definitely think it will be a large benefit to CC in the long run. Flaming isn't necessary, and all it really does is spread negativity. With it gone, I think we'll see a happier community in the long run, as well as more positive attitude throughout the site. People need to remember that Flame Wars wasn't something included in the cost of premium membership, so they can't really get too upset that the administration has gotten rid of it if they felt it was a detriment to the site.

    --TFP


    I hope you have enjoyed this short story. This is blacky44saying good day. Tune in next time for a interview with Oaktown.


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    Sadly, we cannot bring you a complete list of tournaments taking signups, as we are understaffed at the moment.

    Isle Cruise
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Plan is to visit with 49 people in total 7+ Isles each with 7 persons, but never the same.
    First games on 3 May


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    The Five Elements
    Organiser: Kinnison
    Elimination round 65% complete, anticipate Finals beginning June 2009
    5x5 Divisional play, Hyper Round Robin (Home advantage GUARANTEED against every combination of 3, 4, and 5-player games within the division) over 10 weeks. Division winners advance to repeat the format in the finals.

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 6x6 windmill setup
    The Santa singers are still busy at getting out of Artic: still cool :?
    Planned End Date: 5 May

    Mac Dinner Date
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Three cars keep on driving, it can take a very long time to find the way back home
    Planned end date: 10 October

    Bar Double Dutch
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 3x3 windmill setup
    Candle light was not a good idea, part of the bar is still at fire :!:
    I hope we can get people from the last table out alive :roll:
    Planned End Date: 29 April

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Eleven is winding down.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From Kinnison Five Elements Shuffle- 5 players. Home advantage across multiple 3-, 4-, and 5- player games. Each player plays 20 opponents across 5 weeks, ALL new opponents every week! Highest score of your group (whom you do NOT play against) advances to the finals, where opponents do NOT rotate.

    From jpcloet Deadly Vipers Inc. - This innovative tournament will feature 8+ components that have either never been in a tournament before, or have been rarely seen. Can your skills inside and outside of the game bring you the bounty?

    From keiths31:In keeping with the "Musical Chairs" theme there will be:
    Musical Chairs: Mini Maps
    Musical Chairs: USA Map Pack
    Musical Chairs: Island Tour

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "Conquistidor Hispano 1" -darth emperor
    "Jump the Castle Tournament" -neanderpaul14
    "Champions League 2008-2009" -redbugal & gilgor
    "My Map is Better than Yours" -endar1077
    "Trapped in the Myst: Ireland" -dustin800
    "Championship Series: DDay" -nick11
    "Around All CC's Maps: Conquer4" -b00060
    "Terrorism 101" -ldybajc
    "Around All CC's Maps: Crossword" -Lindax
    "Daviedoo Invitational" -Daviedoo and Lindax
    "Awesome Foursome Tournament" -Chariot of Fire, jpeter15, Shatners Bassoon, Daryth
    "JR's 1v1 Challenge VII" -Witt13
    "Conquer the Globe" -fumandomuerte
    "Foundry Update 9.0" -LLLUUUKKKEEE
    "Final Fantasy Wars - FFI" -Sun Tzup
    "Estonian Soccer League" -killmanic
    "Blind Date Doubles Tournament" -Dota & Jennybh
    "The Medal Heads Invitational" -peanutsdad
    "Championship Series: Discworld" - killmanic
    "b00060's Classic Shapes Tournament III" -jrbedwell
    "Think...small?" -HighlanderAttack
    "Twiztids Terminator 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "ES-C-RAZY-LATORS" -BaldAdonis
    "Foundry Update 9.6" -lunatic96
    "Discworld Terminator" -ultrafit
    "Double Dutch Doubles" -roelbianca & sjnap
    "Fantasy Fight" -Blitzaholic, Nephilim, Dividedbyzero, Big Whiskey
    "40kguy's lux tourny" b00060
    [b]"The Second World War" -
    sirron
    "The Conquer of the Celts" -andreas1977
    "Mixed Maps II" -Blitzaholic,Big Whiskey,osujacket
    "Euro Wars" -blitzaholic, dividedbyzero, big whiskey, nephilim
    "Around All CC's Maps: City Mogul" -banana_hammocks
    "World Fitz Dubs Tourney II" -Nephilim & AAFitz
    "World Fitz Dubs Tourney IV" -Nephilim & AAFitz
    "Doubles League Bracket Style" -lt.pie&Velvecarrots
    "US of A Assassins" -b00060
    "Musical Chairs: North American City Tour" -Hath
    "007: Bond James Bond #1 Dr No" -abel
    "Super Quick Tourney Season 5" -andreas1977
    "Feudal War 1v1 Tourney" -Seamusk
    "BCS Busters" -Bones2484
    "Feudal War" -Chariot of Fire
    "Moody's Non-premium Classic 2" -GoldKnight
    "European Speed Cup" -Sun Tzup
    "Games Night CC Style" -dtellis
    "Midkemdil Exterminator" -danryan
    "keiths31's Beer Festival" -negoeien
    "Round Robin USA" -harvmax


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-


    Q: If you could be the editor-in-chief to any one of the three CC newsletters, which one would you be and why? - dittoeevee8888

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: Community. . .because it brings out the interviews with REAL people (Oaktown, Gimil, Fireside, etc.).

    H. Nutts, MBA: Foundry. . .because of the variety: St Pat’s day, New Maps. That’s the best chance to have fun – and Fundamental CC without Fun is just. . .daMental CC.

    A3 - A Nutts, BS: I’d say Tournaments. . .because I love the taste of almost all kind of ments: pepperment, spearment. . .My girlfriend says “yeah, all except Commitment”


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    This week we had a chat with Pedronicus. All questions in the interview are submitted by readers. jpcloet is on deck for next week, whose organized events include:
    Official - LODEDI, and 1 soon to come
    LOD Internal 1v1 ladder (on version 2 now)
    9 LOD Mini Doubles (Mixed Doubles)
    11 Clan Wars(9 complete, one on a tie-breaker, and 1 half complete)
    The Clan League -1350 games, largest known private league. I've organized it but all the clans are the ones executing it.
    You can submit your questions in this thread.

    Now, on with the interview!

    Q:[/b] Hello, Pedronicus.

    A: Hello

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:Well I suppose It's because of the fact that I organised the first truly huge CC tournament. It was back in the summer of 2006 and the FIFA World Cup was about to happen.
    I had this idea that with the international mix of people on CC I could of made an equally patriotic tournament with people from each country proudly trying to get their country to win it.
    Obviously, I wasn’t going to get a team of shit hot Argentines to match Argentina’s football ability, so we had several USA, Canadian and English teams.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: I’d been playing risk with friends on a Thursday night for years. We had all moved away over the years and the Thursday night get together died a death. My mate found the site and got me to agree to join so he could kick my arse. I kicked his arse in the first game and loved playing risk on line ever since.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: I was missing my Thursday night fix. (see above)

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: There’s more kudos involved to win all games to reach the winning post. Idiots and luck are greatly reduced by the process. A tournament winner is a worthy winner.

    Q:What made you want to run a tournament?

    A: I had fallen off some scaffolding at work, broke a rib and was covered in cuts and bruises. I was off work for about 4 weeks. I was housebound and I had a lot of spare time on my hands.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A: The CC 2006 World Cup. It was a triples tournament (triples being the largest team size available then)

    Q: Where did you get your inspiration for your tournament?

    A: Strangely enough the World Cup.

    Q: Describe the experience of running your first tournament, and the first played in.

    A: I ran and played in the 2006 World Cup. I was sending out personal invites from the leader board list of players. It filled up fairly quickly bearing in mind the originality of the idea.
    My experience of it was terrible. In those days, there were none of the current tools available. All LackAttack could do for me was to enable me to make a game as a blank game. If anyone joined the wrong team or dropped a game – the whole game dissappeared and had to be remade.
    I needed to make 64 games for that tournament and to make my job easier, I asked each team to assign a captain to organise their teams. Some teams were switched on and gave me no aggravation, but there were many novice teams who regularly made games disappear.
    The other pain the neck, were people who wouldn’t join teams of the same nationality and would only want to play with their regular team mates. The whole idea of the tournament was that a country would win it, not a team of regular team mates. I was running the World Cup tournament, not the Premier League. What ever happened to national pride?

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A: Better. Nothing could have made me pull more hair out than running that first tournament. It took me 2 years to get over the first one, before I took the plunge again!

    Q: What is your favourite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: The World Cup tournament. I prefer team games and the idea of a group stage at the start stops lucky teams progressing further than they should.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A:I’m very selective. I won’t play 1v1, freestyle or unlimited forts. I’ve joined a few tourneys that went nowhere because the organiser didn’t understand the workload involved with the tournament. You can now spot decent organisers due to the new medals. A great additional piece of information!

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A: Great question and very easy to answer. It would be a quads tourney of the best players from each country in a World Cup style group stage first, moving onto knockout games to the final.
    Games would all be sequential, but forts and cards being mixed up. Map choice would be for maps with a maximum of 72 and a minimum of 48 territories with no single territory bonuses and no bombardment etc.
    Maps that stay true to the way the original Risk map gave you bonuses.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: At the moment I’m playing in 4 tournaments of varying game load.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: Fairly excited. Game number 480 allowed me to beat my best friend who found the site and alerted me to it.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: It’s early days but the credit crunch tournament looks like being a complete disaster for our team. Our loss has been down to the dice. If you can’t break a bonus with 16v6 then you might as well go and slam your fingers in a desk drawer repeatedly.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: A tournament where the maps differ. I once joined a tourney where we had to choose a home map (playing home and away). I was sick of looking at our home map and lost the will to live / play.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A: People who manage somehow to join the wrong team (even if you send auto join info to team leaders to pass onto their team)

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A: too many games / too many people = tournament organiser gives up after 2 rounds.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A: If you’re going to put the effort in to run one, then by all means take part in your own tournament. It helps you gauge the time of making the next round of games.
    As far as pitting yourself against team mates, that’s all ok with me as well.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A: No. they need to learn the art of playing maps and understanding how to communicate via pm’s.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: Over zealous unpaid moderators in the general discussion forum. The majority pay CC. A couple of paid professional moderators wouldn’t go amiss.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: 2 hours on and off of an evening

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: Yes. Competitive clan – The Imerial Dragoons, user groups – The Super Elite, Stachewackers and Veterans Forum

    Q:Who are you?

    A: Pete

    Q: Why did you pick the name Pedronicus?

    A: I called myself Pedro for ages as a personal nickname. I have a 12” record by a group called ‘Andronicus’ I spliced the two together and came up with Pedronicus.

    Q:Where did you get your avatar?

    A: The infamous Steve Griffiths. (A multi from the old days.) I discovered one day who he was using as his avatar and fancied a change. I thought it would make a few people think that I could have been Steve Griffiths because we were both from England.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A:London

    Q:What do you think of sailorseal?

    A: I wasn't aware of him until i did a search. I did a search and I think he needs to make bigger tournaments with more outlandish settings. If you are going create a failed tournament, you need to sign up most of China and at least half of India before you can say it was a massive disaster.
    Either that or Sailorseal is in fact the next generation of super computer chips developed by IBM and we have all missed an opportunity to see 20 petaflops in action on Lacks site!

    Q:Who was that sexy bastard fixing your kitchen?

    A: The sexy bastard was a plumber. He came round and plumbed in my tap and washing machine, but I never took any photos of him.
    The grinning fool that appeared in the photos was me and I installed everything else. If anyone wants advice on fitting a kitchen, ask me, because there were several things i should of done before doing other bits and it's caused me tons of grief to fit them afterwards.

    Q:Favorite pint of bitters?

    A: currently I've been drinking this... (not a bitter, but very nice all the same)
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    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A: Blue or green

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Favourite: North America, least favourite: too many to mention

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: 6-8 player, Escalating, adjacent or chained, sequential.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: seq.

    Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

    A: Fine thanks. It’s not as if you are a nasty copper and my DNA has been discovered on the clothes of a dead hooker.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A: Yeah, delete old maps that no one plays and bring them back for a month per year. There’s too much crap out there.

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: It was a pleasure.


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    Interview With jpcloet

    News Hound: Oaktown

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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 71: 30/04/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue May 05, 2009 7:27 pm

    Issue 71: 30/04/09

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    Hello tournament fans. This week we introduce sailorseal, who will be handling the 'Fun Facts' section.
    I would also like to take a moment to share my "Special Contribution" medal with all contributors to the newsletter, both past and present. Thanks for all the great work you have done so far, this newsletter would be nothing without you. Special thanks go out to all the staff, here and gone, wherever you are; spinwizard, soundout9, Gilligan, militant, lanceyboyuk, jennifermarie, simor, greenoaks, Gilligan, Marfski, Sir. Ricco, White Moose, samuelc812, amazzony, stahrgazer, blacky44, David Hoekstra, and the newest arrival, sailorseal. A big thank you to all!
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    ImageCurrently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    ImageThe Tournament Roll of Honuor
    ImageAsk the Nutts
    Image Interview with jpcloet
    ImageNext Issue
    Image Notes
    ImageStaff

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    Our current poll is around half complete. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    Currently Taking Signups -One of the more critical newsletter sections. We are in need of someone to compile a weekly list of all the tournaments in signups. If you are organised, through and can keep to a schedule, this could be a position for you.


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    by blacky44

    Hello fellow members.
    I've been thinking of how many new players we have and I thought I would write something to them. New players, have you thought of joining a tournament and thinking which one was right for you? Well if you are into sports, there are tons of tournaments for that. Maybe you like playing on the WWII maps? Well, find a tournament that plays on those maps. Premiums I say take advantage of that premium. Join a tournament that only allows premium or join however many tournaments you want. Its up to you. Maybe you don't care what map you play on you just join them. Maybe you want to organize a tournament? Well, if you want to do that read this or PM a tournament director or someone who has organized a tournament. For creating tournaments, the world is your limit.
    This is blacky44 saying get thinking. :D


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    The exact time that the retirement of Optimus Prime became official was at:
    Oct 13, 2008 11:25 am


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    Sadly, we cannot bring you a complete list of tournaments taking signups, as we are understaffed at the moment.

    Isle Cruise
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Plan is to visit with 49 people in total 7+ Isles each with 7 persons, but never the same.
    First games on 3 May

    Killer:Victim:Detective:Coroner
    Organiser: danalan
    Starts May 10, 2009.
    A little bit different Assassin tournament, KVDC has multiple tracks for winners and victims, and separate scoring for predicting the outcome of games.
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up: No numerical goal for signing up -- the tournament will start May 10, 2009 with everyone who signs up.


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Around the World in 80 Days
    Organiser: stahrgazer
    Congratulations, Conquernauts!

    Humrlmo
    littlebrother2k7
    tdans
    dustin800

    You went from balloon race singles to bomber doubles to island-hopping triples and finally, went around World 2.1 twice to win!

    2008-2009 College Hoops
    Organiser: flexmaster33
    Congrats to the Final Four in 2008-09 College Hoops, making it this far out of 126 players is quite a feat.

    Duke -- Bones 2484
    Villanova -- HighlanderAttack
    UCLA -- lardass76
    UMass -- tsioumiou

    Duke has already defeated Villanova in its semifinal game and awaits the winner of UCLA vs. UMass for the title game.

    Also a quick congrats to St. John's (Vexx), who defeated DePaul (Godd) 75-48 for the NIT championship (consolation tourney)

    url=http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=72867]Two at a Time Tournament[/url]
    Organiser: danalan
    kratos644 wins the 1-year Premium subscription in a hard-fought final game. Congratulations!

    007: "Bond, James Bond" #2: From Russia w/ Love
    Organiser: danalan
    21 players in each agency, a few games are complete already. Only 1 player earning a BONUS point so far, and he also won that game. Still accepting reserves - it's a points tournament, so everybody plays all the games.

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Eleven is winding down.


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Two at a Time Tournament" -kratos644
    "Fivemores World 2.1 6 player" -Blitzaholic
    "Bar Double Dutch" -Serbia and Tripitaka
    "Rewrite History" -taxmanjle
    "Yanks vs Rebs Doubles 2009" -khazalid and Nephilim
    "Hired Gun" -Sun Tzup
    "Asian Assassin Tournament" -Tobikera
    "You are in the Dark" -VampireM
    "Disc" -Blitzaholic and BigWhiskey
    "Speed Terminator II" -Blobby
    "Gc's AOR Magic Doubles Tournament" -ramsrock00 & DBandit70
    "Foundry Update 10.0" -Ghost_Rider
    "The Mummy-Terminator" -BrotherWolf
    "Small Maps 1v1 Tournament" -jiricart
    "Championship Series: Draknor Level 1" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Championship Series: Crossword" -klut2z
    "Around Australia 1v1 Tournament"- Blitzaholic
    "Around all CC's Maps: CCU" -demy7
    "Conquistidor Hispano 1" -darth emperor
    "Jump the Castle Tournament" -neanderpaul14
    "Champions League 2008-2009" -redbugal & gilgor
    "My Map is Better than Yours" -endar1077
    "Trapped in the Myst: Ireland" -dustin800
    "Championship Series: DDay" -nick11
    "Around All CC's Maps: Conquer4" -b00060
    "Terrorism 101" -ldybajc
    "Around All CC's Maps: Crossword" -Lindax
    "Daviedoo Invitational" -Daviedoo and Lindax
    "Awesome Foursome Tournament" -Chariot of Fire, jpeter15, Shatners Bassoon, Daryth
    "JR's 1v1 Challenge VII" -Witt13
    "Conquer the Globe" -fumandomuerte
    "Foundry Update 9.0" -LLLUUUKKKEEE
    "Final Fantasy Wars - FFI" -Sun Tzup
    "Estonian Soccer League" -killmanic
    "Blind Date Doubles Tournament" -Dota & Jennybh
    "The Medal Heads Invitational" -peanutsdad
    "Championship Series: Discworld" - killmanic
    "b00060's Classic Shapes Tournament III" -jrbedwell
    "Think...small?" -HighlanderAttack
    "Twiztids Terminator 4" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "ES-C-RAZY-LATORS" -BaldAdonis
    "Foundry Update 9.6" -lunatic96
    "Discworld Terminator" -ultrafit
    "Double Dutch Doubles" -roelbianca & sjnap
    "Fantasy Fight" -Blitzaholic, Nephilim, Dividedbyzero, Big Whiskey


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-



    Q: “How do you feel about the David Hoekstra farming issue? . . .I first played DH when I was a cook in an RT game and while yes, he beat the pants off me, he offered me pointers I still keep in mind to this day. . .” - Hopscotcher

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: I read the complaint blog, etc. He doesn’t just play “?-New Recruits” exclusively – or even a high % of the time (he was told 10-25% was acceptable when he asked). He invites people to set up games that they are willing to play so that others don’t jump in uninvited (vs. passwords). Even though he received a warning, I think CC Admin overreacted.

    H. Nutts, MBA: O M G. . . Players readily play him, most medium ranked won’t play him or lower ranked players, he HELPS new players learn CC faster – and for only 5-7 pts. What is CC coming to?

    A. Nutts, BS: Farming, Schmarming. Did you read the overwhelming support FOR the guy? I may be wrong but I think someone told me that Pistebasher is Hungarian for “Anal Rententive Pustule.” The REAL question is. . .when will that guy do Radio Call-ins or Bible Questions on Social again?. . .


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    This week we had a chat with jpcloet. All questions in the interview are submitted by readers. Next week, we have an interview with Dazootfor you.
    You can submit your questions in this thread.

    Now, on with the interview!

    Q: Hello, jpcloet.

    A: Hello Everyone.

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:Everyone thinks about Tournaments in such a strict sense in shape and form, being those in the Tournaments area. However, there are many other tournaments and competitions outside of that area, and in the clan section is where you will find the majority of my work and passion. Clan challenges and Tournaments have a lot in common; However, clan leaders do most of our work without Tournament Game Creation rights. I'm a big fan of innovation, and I've been able (with some help) achieve a number of firsts on CC like the first Clan Tournament, the first successful Clan League, and the first (although Unofficial) Clan Ranking System. I find clan wars more challenging to run; imagine trying to run a tournament with 1350 games and you can't create any of them. That is the clan league in a nutshell and also a testament to all the league contacts, as they have done an awesome job. Including all forms of tournaments, I must have around to 30-50 tournaments under my belt.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A:One of my RL best friends referred me so he could get some premium time. We play a few doubles here and there still.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A:I grew up playing some strategy games like Risk and Monopoly with my brothers. I think it's in my blood.

    Q:Whats your motivation (or why do you like) to play on CC?

    A:For me it's one of those hobbies that I can still afford both in $ and time wise, plus no traveling helps. I have a young son, so hobbies like soccer and rock climbing don't happen much at all anymore.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A:I was looking to find something more in the games. I didn't really have a regular team partner and noticed a National Team based Tournament.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A:It really came about due to a need for a clan wars manager. The LOD CC leader had just left and I gave it a shot. I've been doing it ever since.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A:It was mid to late 2007, so almost 2 years now.

    Q:What tournament did you first run?

    A:My first official Tournament was LODEDI. Legion of the Damned had started running monthly challenges and this was for March, in spirit of the March Madness bracket.

    Q: How did you come up with the deadly viper's tourney idea?

    A: I was trying to come up with a unique challenge for an in-clan game. Some clans have very good themes and this idea came from me searching Google for the most famous Assassins in History. Just happened to catch my eye. I liked the idea of codenames and then sketched out a number of ideas. It went outside of the clan due to size and the fact that I was seeing too many similar tournaments. It's hard to find a tournament that isn't a bracket or league these days. Clan wars are neither of those. Innovation is key to positive growth, so I challenge the current TO's to go beyond what we have today and get innovating. Since the tournament has started, I've received lots of good questions about it. It took over 2 months to plan as it is really unique, and I got pre-clearance from a TD on some of the aspects of it.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournaments?

    A:Inspiration for me comes to me in late night chats with other CC players. They often come from unexpected sources. My next tournament idea came in a discussion about reserves.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A:Oddly, both are somewhat of negative stories. The first tournament that I ran, was as a backup TO in the Teams Doubles League. It was an attempt at a clan league and the TO abused his privileges and was disciplined. I tried to save the league as the replacement organizer, but the interest was not there.

    My first tournament as a player was a Nationality based tournament. I won all 3 of my games, but the tournament did not last.

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A:Even with the negative experiences near the beginning, I did find that tournament games were more fun and made me take the game a little more seriously. My next tournament played in was run by Optimus Prime and I ended up winning my bracket and eventually the league against some great players. They can be addicting can't they. Since then I play the occasional tournament but primarily focus on getting my clan mates new experiences. I would prefer to play in something that is unique, but they seem to be far and few between.

    Q: How many tournaments have you run already, and do you have a goal in mind for how many you want to run in total before you "retire"? How many are you running right now?

    A:Only 1 Official tournament so far, but I've managed around 10-15 clan wars, 15-20 LOD clan tournaments, 2 LOD ladder systems and the Clan League. As for a total, I would prefer to say that I'd rather not aim for a number. I'd rather do a few tournaments that are done really well and are really innovative. My current tournaments are the Clan League, 1 clan war, and my 2nd public tournament called Deadly Vipers Inc.

    Q:What tournaments have you organized?

    A:Public: LODEDI and Deadly Vipers Inc.

    Q:What is your favourite tournament you have run?

    A:My favourite by far is the LOD Mini Doubles. I think we are on #10 or #11 and it is a mixed doubles format. It's not a lot of games but you get to play with 3 different partners. It's a good way to reconnect with clan mates that you may not team with often. The real key is the setup and the point system which rewards players on their record for each series. It's built so that you really need to try to win every game possible, and has a minimal inflation built in for participation if everyone goes .500 record wise.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A:Optimus Prime's - Cybertronian League as it was my first real intense tournament experience.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A:Tough question. If given the choice, I'd rather run a tournament. I see people in the forums always more worried about what other people are doing or not doing. I wish more people would ask themselves first, "How can I make another player's experience on CC better?" I applaud all the players out there like the TO's (and clan leaders) who do this all the time to make CC a better experience for others.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A: I tend to play 1v1, and right now on a kick of Quad games with LOD mates. My favourite would be mixed though and I find I'm always looking to see what Bart has out there.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A:I am selective as clan games make up over 90% of my games right now. I really look for something unique. An good example is the Global Warming Tournament and A.Sub's Revolt.

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A:I think CC and the current TO's are far away from creating my dream tournament due to limitations within CC. There are map functions (moving locations, open/closing doors) and game options that are not in place. Imagine playing Siege and having the gates randomly close. Having said that, there are a few tournaments that I would like to see done. I'm currently working on a tournament that I would love to see it come to fruition a community event. Demand would be off the chart.

    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A:Choosing them. Trying to get consensus is not easy. Plus, in the spirit of time etc. sometimes you need cards to help you through, which may not go over with everyone. Lay the expectations out up front and player can choose whether to join.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A:I'm playing in about 66% of my games in tournaments and the majority of those are with clan mates in team games.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A:I was quite excited. I was down to 3 territories in KOM in a 3 player game and came back to win.

    Q:How do you win so many tournaments?

    A:I've only won 2 so far. I find they require you to win a high percentage of games. It took me records of 15-4 and 11-1 to win those 2 tournaments. Dice, cards and patience are needed.

    Q:What do you consider your greatest tournament win to date?

    A:The Cybertronian League. You had to survive a double-elimination 8 player bracket just to get into the league. I had to go through the consolation side and beat the player who put me there, twice in a row. Then you had to face 7 other bracket champions in a head-2-head league. Going 7-0 on the home map that got me there, 8 Thoughts, helped me to squeeze out the win.

    Q:If you had to win one tournament that you are currently a part of which would it be and why?

    A:I feel like this question may jinx my team's chances.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A:Made it to the Wrestling Gold Medal game in the CC Olympics. Couldn't catch a set on 4, several times and lost 0-3. Had to settle for silver.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A:A clear description, executed timely, seen to completion.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A:More than the tournaments, it seems the players that run them are key. There are several TO's that set the Gold Standard and continue to do so.

    Q:Have you ever been disappointed in a tournament you have run? What about one you entered?

    A:I was disappointed that the first one I joined never finished. Also a little disappointed that there was no Season 2 of the Cybertronian League. Hint hint....

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A:Someone who is committed and organized.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A:My first tournament was sent to all major clan leaders and was unique at the time. My most recent one, I relied on it's uniqueness to sell itself, then asked a friend/clanmate/TO to spread the word.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A:Waiting for games to finish?

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A:Being able to provide something people are looking for, and to raise the bar each and every time.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A:First-time organizers tend to lack in their descriptions. Some longer-term organizers have struggled when they've pushed boundaries. I like to see them push the boundaries though. I also find that quantity over quality is the current misstep I would like to avoid. Quality first.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A: Specifically with clan wars, timelines for delivery of games is not agreed upon up front. Having a time guideline is something I tend to do more often, but often it is only a guideline.

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A:It really depends on the setup. I have to say yes to clanmates as I've done that. Organizers should avoid joining their own tournaments, but do understand why they do join them.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A:Most of my tournaments get updated once a week. Some things like our LOD ladder get updated daily as needed, whereas the clan ladder gets updated about once a month.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A:No.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A:I prefer to use a reserve player or team, but it depends on timing etc.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A:I would bring in a flexible automated challenge system for tournaments and clan wars that would include brackets, leagues, and ladders and the necessary new scoreboards for ladder systems. That's my vision of where CC should go, my consulting is free if they want it.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A:I would say additional tools. Many of us Excel gurus could provide help in that area, although I'm guilty of not seeing a project through in that area. I would also like to see a mentor program in that area. There are some great ideas out there, but maybe not all the skills needed to run a tournament.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A:I'm going to be overly critical here and say that we don't need anymore TO's. The reason being that I think too many tournaments are being abandoned or not started, and that the criteria/rules around tournaments need to be raised. Look at the # of threads in each area. Ongoing 357 Completed 866 Abandoned 550. That means almost 4 out of every 10 tournaments does not finish or start, and that of the ongoing ones, we should expect another 139 more tournaments from the ongoing to not finish. There are several opportunities here.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A: Players not responding. Other than that, I generally have a back up plan for most situations.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A:About 30-45 minutes a day. On weekends I could spend upwards for 5-6 hours depending on what I'm working on.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A:I currently lead a clan called Legion of the Damned and a functional group, the Clan Leaders Association which comprises 2 players from major established clans. I'm also a member of The CC News as the Clan Reporter and a Clan Director. I think I may have a niche.

    Q:What do you think of your clan?

    A: It's a very good group of versatile players. LOD is a mid-table clan who likes to compete and have fun.

    Q:How many clans have you been in? What were their names?

    A: I have only been in one clan on CC. I did apply to THOTA (pre-LOD) but was rejected because of my points level; I'm not sure my clan even knows this. On TW W12, I was in Sparta-SH72-Virus-Viruse and eventually left when being in the top 100 of 50000 players got too boring. Who ever took over the account seems to have kept it in the top 150.

    Q:How many clans have you been a leader of?

    A: Just LOD.

    Q:What is your favorite clan?

    A:I have an obvious bias, so I'll answer it in several ways. My fav theme is G1 and I'd be Mirage, fav clan to work with is Imperial Dragoons, and my fav clan to rival with is Sky Force as our matches are always close. I think we face them in the league next week!

    Q:Can you give us a random clan history fact?

    A: I think people would be surprised at some of the things I know. Since I've already revealed the first clan tournament above, I'll mention that one of the original conceived names for the Immortal Assassins was The Dark Patriots. Another interesting fact is that LOD has fathered the most offspring clans to date in CC history.

    Q:Who asked you to be Clan Mod?

    A: I volunteered to be a clan moderator and was told that they didn't need any help. I knew we could do more as leaders and created a number of unofficial things like the CLA and the ladder. Several months later, Marval recommended me and I was asked by admin if I still wanted to help.

    Q:How did you come to organizing and doing a lot of the work for the clan leagues?

    A:It all really started with the relationships that I had developed as a clan war manager with other clans and my attempt to save the first clan league. I've been a reluctant leader in many aspects of my life and I decided to make a change a few years ago. When the CLA first started, there were numerous topics and we found that there was a general consensus on many issues. The league idea was a popular one from the past and when I proposed to do the 2009 league, many clans gave their input while others simply said in to show support. Overall, I think while it's not perfect, many would say that it was the right thing to do and has been fun. Future leagues will likely see tweaks and suggestions for season 2 have already been made within the CLA.

    Q:Who do you look up to in this community?

    A:I can't say that I really look up to anyone. I will say that I tend to search advice from Gold Knight and Optimus Prime for different areas.

    Q:Who are you?

    A:A 30+ year old Math-Accountant, father of 1.

    Q:Why are you so awesome?

    A: I don't think I'm awesome. I think I have some skills that lend towards what I do and I try to leverage those skills. I am really weak in some areas and will look for support from clan mates and others. I've received a lot of help and the list is very long. I really should send thank you pm's more often.

    Q: Why did you pick the name jpcloet?

    A: It was my math email account sign-in from university and it has stuck.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A:Canada

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A:Blue

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A:Fav map is Egypt: Lower right now, but 8 Thoughts has always been a fav too. Least fav is Conquer Man.

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A:Escalating Fog Terminator

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A:Sequential, freestyle will eventually die IMO.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A: Right now I'm working on 4 tournaments. The next clan league, the next LOD clan war, one hopefully for a community event and a public one which again will have a very unique aspect to it.

    Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

    A:I was flattered. I'm sure most people don't know who I am and I get some very funny emails when people realize that I'm a moderator.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A:I've issued above a challenge to players out there to try and innovate. Whether it be in tournaments or in clan challenges. In reading over my answers, I notice several opportunities for players to help out and I think I'm at a new cross-roads in my activity in CC. I'm an agent for change and I hope that some of you will join me in helping to make CC a better place for all.

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: Thank you for the opportunity to voice not only my story, but also my opinion. The newsletter is awesome.


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    Interview With Dazoot


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Fun Facts-sailorseal
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 72: 05/05/09]

    Postby Gozar on Wed May 13, 2009 4:53 pm

    Issue 72: 05/05/09

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    Hello tournament fans. We lay another issue of the newsletter at your doorstep this week. Take some time to peruse its contents.
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    ImageComing Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honuor
    ImageInterview with Dazoot
    ImageNext Issue
    Image Notes
    ImageStaff


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    Our current poll is over half complete. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


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    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    Currently Taking Signups -One of the more critical newsletter sections. We are in need of someone to compile a weekly list of all the tournaments in signups. If you are organised, through and can keep to a schedule, this could be a position for you.


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    The current set up of tournaments was completed by Twill on Wed Oct 31, 2007 at 11:13 pm


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    Sadly, we cannot bring you a complete list of tournaments taking signups, as we are understaffed at the moment.


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    2008-2009 College Hoops
    Organiser: flexmaster33
    Congrats to UCLA (lardass76), who won the 2008-09 College Hoops season. Lardass76 finished with an impressive 30-9 record, won the Pac-10 regular season title and swept all three maps in the NCAA championship game.

    We Hate de Pink Cutesy Club
    Organiser: jricart
    Remember the april's fool day! well, I came with the idea to create a tourney against those funny guys who change the Conquer Club template and replace it with that ugly pink.
    I got a good response from players, and the tourney got created, filled and started in less than 7 hours!!! a new record in Conquer Club.

    Conquistador Hispano 2: Luxemburg
    Organiser: jricart
    A tournament for the spanish speaking players in Conquer Club. It will be a complete set of 8 tournaments, and the different winners of all the8 tourneys qualify for the Final "Conquistador de Conquistadores" Tournament, the most complex and longest spanish speaking tournament to be created in Conquer Club.

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments!
    Organiser: jricart
    A set of 18 tournaments to celebrate the 2009 Formula 1 season. This tournament is open to everybody, but specially for those F1 Racing Fans around the world and users of Conquer Club. This 2009 F1 season has 20 drivers, so the tournaments have the same number of users, 20.

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Twelve is getting underway


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    Double Iron Bar
    Organiser: PaulusH
    using a 3x3 windmill setup
    My earlier bar (Bar Double Dutch) burned down, so I will rebuild it in Iron :twisted:
    Will be put at the create/join forum on 15 May

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues
    The Mapmaker Extravaganza - Featuring 8 of CC's most prodigious mapmakers.

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Fog of Feudal War 2" -Tammy DeLee
    "As Cold As Ice" -Verbalizer
    "Luck or Skill" -WPBRJ
    "Waters Fury Open" -solar
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament V" -overlander
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament IV" -fairman
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament VI" -ppgangster
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 3" -oklok
    "Around All CCs Maps: Circus Maximus" -redtide
    "Start Your Engines" -denominator
    "1v1 Capitalism" -jangles
    "LxDS Coconuts and Rum" -Blitzaholic and Big Whiskey
    "Small Maps 1v1 Tournament" -b00060
    "phantomzeros Canada Tournament" -neanderpaul14
    "Sanctuary Tour" -killmanic
    "Around All CCs Maps: ConquerMan" -Blitzaholic
    "Around All CCs Maps: Doodle Earth" -HighlanderAttack
    "2008 College Basketball Season" -lardass76
    "Seven Continent Trips Tournament" -Prismsaber-agonzos-Terminalcase56
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 2" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "LittleBig World 2 2v2" -Lootifer and Zivel
    "PsychoB's Luxembourg 2" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Two at a Time Tournament" -kratos644
    "Fivemores World 2.1 6 player" -Blitzaholic
    "Bar Double Dutch" -Serbia and Tripitaka
    "Rewrite History" -taxmanjle
    "Yanks vs Rebs Doubles 2009" -khazalid and Nephilim
    "Hired Gun" -Sun Tzup
    "Asian Assassin Tournament" -Tobikera
    "You are in the Dark" -VampireM
    "Disc" -Blitzaholic and BigWhiskey
    "Speed Terminator II" -Blobby
    "Gc's AOR Magic Doubles Tournament" -ramsrock00 & DBandit70
    "Foundry Update 10.0" -Ghost_Rider
    "The Mummy-Terminator" -BrotherWolf
    "Small Maps 1v1 Tournament" -jricart
    "Championship Series: Draknor Level 1" -JOHNNYROCKET24
    "Championship Series: Crossword" -klut2z
    "Around Australia 1v1 Tournament"- Blitzaholic
    "Around all CC's Maps: CCU" -demy7
    "Conquistidor Hispano 1" -darth emperor
    "Jump the Castle Tournament" -neanderpaul14
    "Champions League 2008-2009" -redbugal & gilgor
    "My Map is Better than Yours" -endar1077
    "Trapped in the Myst: Ireland" -dustin800
    "Championship Series: DDay" -nick11
    "Around All CC's Maps: Conquer4" -b00060
    "Terrorism 101" -ldybajc
    "Around All CC's Maps: Crossword" -Lindax
    "Daviedoo Invitational" -Daviedoo and Lindax
    "Awesome Foursome Tournament" -Chariot of Fire, jpeter15, Shatners Bassoon, Daryth


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    This week we had a chat with Dazoot. All questions in the interview are submitted by readers. Next week, we have an interview with Peter Gibbonsfor you.
    You can submit your questions in this thread.

    Now, on with the interview!

    Q: Hello, Dazoot.

    A:Hi

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A:I really have no idea. I didn't think I was on the CC radar. Do you just pick names at random???

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A:It was introduced to me by a friend.

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: I always enjoyed Risk and for it's a great price for the entertainment value.

    Q:Whats your motivation (or why do you like) to play on CC?

    A: Well before computers came along we used to have Risk parties. Get together have a few drinks and rule the world. Now I can get that world domination fix on a regular basis and having all the differrent maps is really great.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A:Just playing casually was okay for a while but a tournament makes things much more intense. You have a goal to reach over many games and you have to beat other players more than once as opposesd to getting lucky dice in a casual game. It really tests your quality as they say.

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A:I never really did, it all happened by mistake. I was playing in one of Brandoncfi's Map Blaster Series and was keeping track on mine own of all the scores as points in this tourney are crucial on how you play the games. I found a few errors and kept PMing Brandoncfi about them. Must have become a pain in the butt because he finally asked me to take over the scoring for the tournament. Since then he invited me in to help him run the next Map Blaster tourneys, the rest is history.

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?


    A:Not long and really, Brandoncfi does most of the organizing I do the legwork of score keeping and making sure games are up and running.

    Q: Who do you look to for inspiration when organizing your tournament?

    A: I really can't drop names right now but I like the players that create the theme tourneys so I guess I'd say Brandoncfi for sure and of course yourself, The Legend of Tor na Mit is a great premise.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A:Running a tournament is a lot more work that's for sure. And you feel a little extra pressure because you want to stay in. All work and no play is not a great place to be in. As for the first tourney I think that was the experience that solidified my addiction to CC.

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A:It's always a good experience and now the tournaments are getting much more creative. When your playing in a theme based tournament it brings a different dimension to the play, so even if your playing the same old maps the experience is different somehow.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A:Map Blaster of course. Playing all the maps at once is really a blast...pun intended.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A:I enjoy them both and I think I'll enhance my experience once I set up a tourney on my own.

    Q: Is there a specific type of format that you tend to gravitate towards? Why? Is there a format that is your favourite? What about other peoples' tournaments?

    A:I really like the theme format. It just adds to the overall experience.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A:I have to be a little selective in that Map Blaster takes a lot of time so if I do join other tourneys they tend to have a much lighter game load.

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A:My dream tourney would be a Map Blaster Series in speed mode. A 130 games games at once in speed mode. You have to take the day off and go bananas. I think it will remain a dream as most of the games would time out on you but it would be interesting.


    Q: Do you find it easier to choose tournament settings yourself, or to let the players customize them?

    A:Setting your own is easier this way when your setting the games you have less mistakes because all the settings are the same.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A:I'm involved in four or five right now.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: I have to admit I was. Also watching your rank go up was nice.

    Q:If you had to win one tournament that you are currently a part of which would it be and why?

    A:Again that would be Map Blaster coming out on top of a 120 players over the course of a
    almost a 1000 games... now that gives you bragging rights.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A:I won the first Musical Chairs tournament so I thought finishing high up or even winning it again should have been attainable. Then reality set in and I got my butt handed to me in the first round and I was out.

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A:Attention to detail, a short space between games and frequent updates nothing bugs me more than not knowing where you are standing in a tournament or long waits for games to be sent out.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A:Map Blaster of course.

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A:Some one who takes the time to keep things runnining smoothly. Making sure games are out on time and filled promptly. Also who interacts with the players on a regular basis, in the forums for instance.

    Q: How do you attract players to your tournament, and what aspect (besides a reward of a premium prize or something like that) of a tournament do you think appeals to a lot of players and why?

    A:All the above really. There is no prize offered in the Map Blaster series but when you can fill it with a 120 players in less than a couple of days then you know you have a winner there and your doing something right.

    Q: Is there anything in particular that you dislike about tournament organizing?

    A:Not really it's about making the experience enjoyable for the players and that's what makes it enjoyable for yourself.

    Q: For you, what is the best part of being a tournament organizer?

    A:The comments in the game forum, (as long as they are positive) If you have a lot of players posting you know they are interested and you are doing something right.

    Q: What mistakes do you see tournament organizers make the most?

    A:I believe it's not realizing how much work is involved. Been in a few tourneys that have been dropped because the person who started them could not keep up with the work load they gave themselves.

    Q: With experience comes the wisdom of knowing what mistakes you've made in the past so you can avoid them in the future. What mistakes have you made in your tournaments that you are sure to avoid in future tournaments?

    A:I haven't made any.... :roll:

    Q:What is your opinion on organizer neutrality? Should organizers be allowed to place themselves against their own clanmates in tournaments? Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments at all?

    A:I don't think there is a problem in playing in your own tournaments it's not like some can hide the fact that they may be ganging up on someone and if they do you just don't enter their tournaments. Overall I have found most players are quite honorable.

    Q: Do you use a "schedule" for updating your tournaments, or do you just wait until they need an update?

    A:I update games daily if I can, and that gets to be pretty demanding in a tourney with as many players and games as Map Blaster has.

    Q:Should “question marks” be allowed to join tournaments?

    A:Why not. mind you I usually join multigame tourneys where premium is required so that really negates the question marks from playing.

    Q:Do you feel it is better to give a bye to players whose opponents deadbeats the tournament, or to use a reserve?

    A:It depends if your just at the start I'd say put a reserve in but if your in the thick of things then just mark it up as an easy defeat for the remaining players.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A:Death to the Dice.., really chance is a part of the game but some of the dice rolls are really stupid when you lose like 20 vs 1.

    Q: If there was something that the Conquer Club administrators could implement into the game to make tournaments easier to manage, what would it be? Similarly, is there anything you would like to see taken away from Conquer Club to make running tournaments easier?

    A:Drop down menus for the players. it would make PMing a lot easier, too many weird names to spell right.

    Q: Is there anything that you would recommend to encourage new tournament organizers?

    A:Get in there and do it. It doesn't cost a penny and you may find that you really enjoy it. Simply put it can enhance the whole CC experience.

    Q: List your top 5 biggest tournament headache's to this point

    A:Drop outs...deadbeats...Drop outs...deadbeats..oh and did I say deadbeats?

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: When Blaster is in full swing easily 2 to 4 hours a day. I really have to get a life or figure out how to get paid for this, :lol:

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A:No, not yet anyway...maybe after this I get a few invites. :lol:

    Q:Who do you look up to in this community?

    A:I have to give a lot a credit to the map makers wish I could do one but I don't think my graphic abilities are up to it.

    Q:Who are you?

    A:Just a guy who has aspirations of total world domination and CC is a great place to hone my skills.

    Q:How do you define yourself?

    A:Hmmm I think if you can do something to help ease the stress of the outside world then you have made a contribution. So being a part of CC and having a hand in making the CC experience a good one for the players then I feel that I have accomplished at least a small part of that of that.

    Q: Why did you pick the name Dazoot?

    A:If you remember the Muppet show there was a jazz player called Zoot. I liked the character so I started signing myself as da(the) Zoot. over time it evolved into Dazoot.

    Q:Where are you from?

    A:Manitoba Canada

    Q:Favourite play colour?

    A:Bkue or yellow as I find them the easiest to see on most maps.

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Imperium Romanum and World 2.0 least fav is Conquer Man

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A:Standard, escalating, no fog, for the most part. but assassin with fog is really interesting.

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A:Sequential, My internet is satellite so it can drag in bad weather and I tend to get my butt killed in freestyle before I even know it's my turn.

    Q: Any tournaments planned for the future? What are they?

    A:I will no doubt stay with Brandoncfi on the Map Blaster Series as long as he keeps them going and I'm sure we will as there are always more maps being made so it's only going to get bigger. But I have a plan in my head for a nations tourney as soon as I figure it all out.

    Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

    A:Again I don't know why I was picked but it great to be a celebrity on CC ...I think.

    Q: Any parting shots?

    A:Sure ..It is better to lose with honor than to win without it.

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A:Hey..thanks for asking for it. =D> =D> =D> =D>


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    Interview With Peter Gibbons


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Fun Facts-sailorseal
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 73: 13/05/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue May 19, 2009 7:35 pm

    Issue 73: 13/05/09

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    Hello tournament fans. This week we add jricart to the ranks of the newsletter staff, who will be handling the 'Currently Taking Signups' section. Welcome!
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


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    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image Fun Facts
    Image Currently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    ImageComing Soon
    Image The Tournament Roll of Honuor
    ImageAsk the Nutts
    ImageNewsletter Interviews
    Image Next Issue
    ImageNotes
    ImageStaff

    Image

    Our current poll is still running. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


    Image

    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    News Hound -Have a nose for news? Enjoy writing? The News Hound covers topics relevant to CC, with a focus on tournaments. If you think this is something you would like to give your time towards, please PM Gozar.


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    The oldest tournament in Archives is xiGAMES Doubles Tourney completed by Scarus


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    Here is a list of tournaments currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread. If you would like your tournament to be included, please PM jricart or Gozar or visit this thread.

    ppgangster's WHITE GOLD II
    Organiser: ppgangster
    Taking Freemiums only
    This tourney is in 4 rounds. 60 players. 6 players per game.
    All games sequential, terminator
    Last 3 players standing in each games go to next round.
    Finale is 6 players - 4 games (only 1 game played at once) based on a point system for the winner.
    Starting May 18th even if tournament fills up faster.

    FoundryUpdateTournament of Champions
    Organiser: Natewolfman

    JOHNNY 99
    Organiser: 69Chevy

    Trippin Out In DISC
    Organiser: Blitzaholic

    America: Past, Present, Future
    Organiser: Jace22

    Myth & Magick Tournament
    Organiser: Hoagy

    CC DOUBLES FRANCHISE LEAGUE
    Organiser: acores2005

    Final Fantasy Wars - FF III
    Organiser: frozen_flame

    10 Years Later: Fight Club
    Organiser: perchorin

    TERMINATE SAN MARINO
    Organiser: sailorseal

    Football!
    Organiser: damjiong

    Vampires VS Werewolves: Europe
    Organiser: jpcloet

    SNAKEDOC & FREAK'S FRAK'N BATTLESTAR TOURNEY
    Organiser: snakedoctor

    Conquest to World Domination
    Organiser: lordmcfuzz
    Play for every one of your troops' lives and fight for your territory
    Each player will be given a territory on classic shapes and must attack others by playing one game per troop until you have defeated your defender. Its like a giant game of CC

    Tournament "X" - 1V1 on all maps!
    Organiser: Boss_oss_ss

    Conquering the USA
    Organiser: astronautg117

    STAR WARS CHALLENGE
    Organiser: Kenobi_BR

    Where in the World: Assassinations
    Organiser: Tang Kai

    olkok's Ruler of Midgard I
    Organiser: olkok

    b00060's Classic Shapes Tournament X
    Organiser: b00060

    The Amazing Race II
    Organiser: caymanmew

    kyle's classic speed doubles tournament
    Organiser: kylegraves1

    Roses 2009
    Organiser: Tupence

    1st Annual "Triple Double" Feudal War
    Organiser: beersurfer

    Race to the Finish 2
    Organiser: astronautg117

    Black Ops Squad II
    Organiser: conquerAce

    The biggest winner
    Organiser: caymanmew


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Isle Cruise using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Organiser Name: PaulusH
    Some groups already had a very short visit at the Galapagos
    Planned end date: 6 September

    Trippel Trappel
    Organiser: PaulusH
    using a 6x6 windmill setup
    Our winner is : LordZack72 =D> =D>
    Last game nearly finished.
    Planned end date: 12 May.

    Mac Dinner Date using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Organiser: PaulusH
    using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Only one car left to visit the McDrive
    Planned end date: 5 September

    We Hate de Pink Cutesy Club!
    Organiser: jricart
    10 players in Semi-Finals

    Conquistador Hispano 3: Madagascar
    Organiser: jricart
    4 players in Semi-Finals

    Dobles Hispanos 1
    Organiser: jricart
    Still on Round 1

    The Formula 1 2009 Tournaments!
    Organiser: jricart
    Status:
    Australian GP: 10 Players in Semi-Finals
    Malaysian GP: Round 1 almost done
    Chinese GP: 4 Players in FINAL Game
    Bahrain GP: Round 1 almost done
    Spanish GP: Round 1 just started

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Twelve is still running


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    Double Iron Bar
    Organiser: PaulusH
    using a 3x3 windmill setup
    My earlier bar (Bar Double Dutch) burned down, so I will rebuild it in Iron :twisted:
    Will be put at the create/join forum on 15 May

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues
    The Mapmaker Extravaganza - Featuring 8 of CC's most prodigious mapmakers.

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart
    Formula 1 2009 Monaco GP
    May 24
    Players: 20
    Map: Europa

    Conquistador Hispano 4 from jricart
    May 18
    Players: 16
    Map: Duck & Cover
    Another tournament exclusively for the Spanish Speaking Players in Conquer Club.


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.

    "Trippel Trappel" -LordZack72
    "Trippin Out in Africa" -Blitzaholic, dividedbyzero, big whiskey
    "Trippin Out in Britain" -ruben cassar, laddida, blind date
    "Bring a Friend Along" -laci_mae & fwblb
    "HAs April Fools Day Tourny" -dustion800
    "Around All CCs Maps: Charleston" -the.killing.44
    "Champions of Europe 1978" -acores2005
    "The Feudal War Elite singles Prize Challenge" -Pat
    "FA Cup" -killmanic
    "Best Movie Ever: CC Edition II" -4red
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 4" -SirSebster
    "Kings of Europe" -lindax, daviedoo, downfall, seamusk
    "Speed Assassin I" -GreenBaize
    "ReadySteadyCook: MiniMapBlaster Part 1" -deacon432
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tourney V" -Blitzaholic and BigWhiskey
    "An Evolutionary Tournament II" -Taurelias
    "Conquistador Hispano 2" -Turu2001
    "Minimalist Tourney IV" -Frito Bandito
    "TOOs and EoGEs Dubs Tourney" -iambligh & clung99
    "JR's 3v3 Challenge" -ga7 / Drew483 / banana_hammocks
    "Point Grabbers XII" -killmanic
    "ppgangster's White Gold Tournament I" -tryboye
    "HA's Arms Race Addiction" -EnricoPalazzo
    "Fog of Feudal War 4" -Tammy DeLee
    "As Cold As Ice" -Verbalizer
    "Luck or Skill" -WPBRJ
    "Waters Fury Open" -solar
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament V" -overlander
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament IV" -fairman
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament VI" -ppgangster
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 3" -oklok
    "Around All CCs Maps: Circus Maximus" -redtide
    "Start Your Engines" -denominator
    "1v1 Capitalism" -jangles
    "LxDS Coconuts and Rum" -Blitzaholic and Big Whiskey
    "Small Maps 1v1 Tournament" -b00060
    "phantomzeros Canada Tournament" -neanderpaul14
    "Sanctuary Tour" -killmanic
    "Around All CCs Maps: ConquerMan" -Blitzaholic
    "Around All CCs Maps: Doodle Earth" -HighlanderAttack
    "2008 College Basketball Season" -lardass76
    "Seven Continent Trips Tournament" -Prismsaber-agonzos-Terminalcase56
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 2" -JOHNNYROCKET24


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-
    Q: "Should organizers be allowed to join their own tournaments?" - PaulusH

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: No, pro sports organizers don’t normally play in their own events, etc. and the organizer could easily schedule themselves an easier bracket/route to victory.

    H. Nutts, MBA: Yes, why not? People, this is a GAME that only costs $25 or so a year to play. Just make a rule and check the tournament bracket, etc. – or post that organizer will or will not be in the tournament. ? But let’s schedule a tournament of All Admins and ALL Farmers to see who the REAL players are. It’s not brain surgery.

    A. Nutts, BS: Who cares? Show me a tournament of anal retentive farmer watchers where the loser gets kicked out of CC and I’ll pay to watch that one.


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    Peter Gibbons has decided to pass on his interview this week. Next week we will have an interview with owenator. All questions are submitted by readers of the newsletter.
    You can submit your questions in this thread.


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    Interview With owenator


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
    -
    -
    -

    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Fun Facts-sailorseal
    Currently Taking Signups-jricart
    Contributors- People like you!
    Image
    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

    Re: Tournament Newsletter [Issue 74: 19/05/09]

    Postby Gozar on Tue May 26, 2009 7:40 pm

    Issue 74: 19/05/09

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    Hello tournament fans. Things are rolling along smoothly here at the newsletter. Hope you all are out having fun!
    As always, if you have any ideas or just want to help out, drop us a line.

    Thanks, and enjoy!
    Gozar


    Image


    Image Newsletter Poll
    Image Seeking Staff
    Image News Hound
    Image Fun Facts
    ImageCurrently Taking Signups
    ImageTournament Updates
    Image Coming Soon
    ImageThe Tournament Roll of Honuor
    ImageAsk the Nutts
    ImageInterview with owenator
    ImageNext Issue
    ImageNotes
    ImageStaff

    Image

    Our current poll is still running. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read?
    Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.


    Image

    The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

    News Hound -Have a nose for news? Enjoy writing? The News Hound covers topics relevant to CC, with a focus on tournaments. If you think this is something you would like to give your time towards, please PM Gozar.


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    Ahoy Conquer Club maniacs For all you who don`t like the Uber Geek :ugeek: an API (application programming interface)is a something that programmers can use to build a program or website that interacts with Conquer Club automatically. Hopefully this will lead to cooler tools for tournament organizers and everyday members like you. Here is the API http://www.conquerclub.com/api.php.
    lackattack wrote:we have something great coming in the next update! :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek: :ugeek:




    Old Faces New Places

    The past few weeks have been crazy admins retired admins got promoted. Well today another admin has retired Hyasri he retired. To fill in the gap, AndyDufresne has been promoted to Chief Moderator and Optimus Prime has been promoted to Operations Manager. The both of them should really do good in those positions. To read more http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=85955&start=0.


    This is blacky44 saying see ya next time. :geek: :D


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    There are 569 abandoned tournaments


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    Here is a list of tournaments currently taking signups. Just click the title to visit the thread. If you would like your tournament to be included, please PM jricart or Gozar or visit this thread.

    1 vs 1 Tournaments
    Fog of Feudal War 6
    Organiser: psychobkrazy
    Tournament Type: 1 vs. 1, 32 players

    Champion of the Ottoman Empire
    Organiser: DJ Teflon
    Tournament Type: 1 vs 1, 16 players

    MLB Golden Age
    Organiser: dcb
    Tournament Type: 1 vs 1 , 16 players

    A Quick KO: Round 4
    Organiser: JoshyBoy
    Tournament Type: 1 vs 1, 32 players

    FoundryUpdateTournament of Champions
    Organiser: Natewolfman
    Tournament Type: 1 vs 1, 512 players


    Standard Tournaments
    Tang Kai's Random Travels II - The Great Island Hop
    Organiser: Tang Kai
    Tournament Type: Standard, 30 players

    Akuma no Mi Tournament
    Organiser: Sphagnis
    Tournament Type: 4 players Standard, 48 players

    America: Past, Present, Future
    Organiser: Jace22
    Tournament Type: 3 Player Standard, 27 players

    Conquering the USA
    Organiser: astronautg117
    Tournament Type: 8 players Standard, 48 Players

    b00060's Classic Shapes Tournament X
    Organiser: b00060
    Tournament Type: 8 player standard, 64 players

    Poker bidding
    Organiser: philh
    Tournament Type: 8 player standard, 16 players


    Mixed Style Tournaments
    Clans Vs. Individuals
    Organiser: coded
    Tournament Type: Mixed, 5 clan players + 5 individuals minimum to start.

    Double Iron Bar
    Organiser: PaulusH
    Tournament Type: 3x3 windmill, 18 players
    For this nice small tournament I need 9 double teams and some reserves

    Black Ops Squad II
    Organiser: conquerAce
    Tournament Type: 6 players Assassin, 36 Player

    SNAKEDOC & FREAK'S FRAK'N BATTLESTAR
    Organiser: snakedoctor
    Tournament Type: Mixed, 64 players

    Twiztid's Terminator: All Stars
    Organiser: psychobkrazy
    Tournament Type: 4 Player Terminator, 20 players

    Roses 2009
    Organiser: Tupence
    Tournament Type: Mixed, 96 players

    JOHNNY 99
    Organiser: 69Chevy
    Tournament Type: Mixed, 99 players

    b00060's Bar Room Games
    Organiser: b00060
    Tournament Type: Mixed, 32 players

    TERMINATE SAN MARINO
    Organiser: sailorseal
    Tournament Type: Terminator, 16 players

    Aor1 Speed
    Organiser: assassin07
    Tournament Type: 1 vs 1, 16 players


    Doubles Tournaments
    Random Map Escalating Doubles
    Organiser: Forza AZ
    Tournament Type: Doubles, 16 teams

    baseball league 09
    Organiser: darkangelsguy205
    Tournament Type: Doubles, 30 teams

    Ascending Doubles
    Organiser: DJ Teflon
    Tournament Type: Doubles, 8 teams


    Triples Tournaments
    Trippin Out In EXTREME
    Organiser: Blitzaholic
    Tournament Type: Triples, 8 Teams


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    Here are how some of the currently ongoing tournaments are progressing. Just click the title to visit the thread. Want your tournament listed here? Use the form at the end of this letter!

    Isle Cruise using a 7x7 windmill setup
    Organiser Name: PaulusH
    Some groups already had a very short visit at the Galapagos
    Planned end date: 6 September

    Mac Dinner Date using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Organiser: PaulusH
    using a 5x5 windmill setup
    Only one car left to visit the McDrive
    Planned end date: 5 September

    We Hate de Pink Cutesy Club!
    Organiser: jricart
    10 players in Semi-Finals

    Conquistador Hispano 3: Madagascar
    Organiser: jricart
    4 players in Semi-Finals

    Dobles Hispanos 1
    Organiser: jricart
    Still on Round 1

    The Formula 1 2009 Tournaments!
    Organiser: jricart
    Status:
    Australian GP: 10 Players in Semi-Finals
    Malaysian GP: Round 1 almost done
    Chinese GP: 4 Players in FINAL Game
    Bahrain GP: Round 1 almost done
    Spanish GP: Round 1 just started

    The Legend of Tor Na’Mit
    Organizer: Gozar
    Round Twelve is still running


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    Here are some tournaments that noted tournament organisers are planning on running soon.

    From Arcee and NightStrike - School's out for Summer2009

    From NightStrike - The Amazing Race

    Tournament ideas from the mind of barterer2002
    Championship Series Continues

    Formula 1 2009 Tournaments from jricart
    Formula 1 2009 Monaco GP
    May 24
    Players: 20
    Map: Europa

    Conquistador Hispano 4 from jricart
    May 18
    Players: 16
    Map: Duck & Cover
    Another tournament exclusively for the Spanish Speaking Players in Conquer Club.


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    Here are some recent tournament winners.


    "Dragon King of Wales" -dragon dor
    "Best Movie Ever CC Edition II" -4red
    "Melee Assassin" -RedBaron0
    "CC Masters: Single Edition"- IronWood
    "A Quick KO: Round 3" -WPBRJ
    "The Feudal War Elite single Prize Challenge" -Pat
    "Around All CCs Maps: Egypt:Lower" -Iccinot Nabrus
    "Mixed Up Doubles" -MrBenn
    "Fog of Feudal War 5" -chuuuuck
    "Scrabble CC Style" -HighlanderAttack
    "Round Robin World" -nashlloyd
    "Championship Series: DoodleEarth" -Dieforasandwich
    "The Terminator 1984" - magneto_acolyte
    "Just Win a Game 3" - Agresso
    "ES-CRAZY-LATORS II" -luckywar
    "Trippel Trappel" -LordZack72
    "Trippin Out in Africa" -Blitzaholic, dividedbyzero, big whiskey
    "Trippin Out in Britain" -ruben cassar, laddida, blind date
    "Bring a Friend Along" -laci_mae & fwblb
    "HAs April Fools Day Tourny" -dustion800
    "Around All CCs Maps: Charleston" -the.killing.44
    "Champions of Europe 1978" -acores2005
    "The Feudal War Elite singles Prize Challenge" -Pat
    "FA Cup" -killmanic
    "Best Movie Ever: CC Edition II" -4red
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 4" -SirSebster
    "Kings of Europe" -lindax, daviedoo, downfall, seamusk
    "Speed Assassin I" -GreenBaize
    "ReadySteadyCook: MiniMapBlaster Part 1" -deacon432
    "WorldFitz Dubs Tourney V" -Blitzaholic and BigWhiskey
    "An Evolutionary Tournament II" -Taurelias
    "Conquistador Hispano 2" -Turu2001
    "Minimalist Tourney IV" -Frito Bandito
    "TOOs and EoGEs Dubs Tourney" -iambligh & clung99
    "JR's 3v3 Challenge" -ga7 / Drew483 / banana_hammocks
    "Point Grabbers XII" -killmanic
    "ppgangster's White Gold Tournament I" -tryboye
    "HA's Arms Race Addiction" -EnricoPalazzo
    "Fog of Feudal War 4" -Tammy DeLee
    "As Cold As Ice" -Verbalizer
    "Luck or Skill" -WPBRJ
    "Waters Fury Open" -solar
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament V" -overlander
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament IV" -fairman
    "b00060s Classic Shapes Tournament VI" -ppgangster
    "The Medal Heads Invitational 3" -oklok
    "Around All CCs Maps: Circus Maximus" -redtide
    "Start Your Engines" -denominator
    "1v1 Capitalism" -jangles


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    by David Hoekstra


    Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)
    (an explanation of what it is all about)
    Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

    R. Nutts, PHD – doctorate English, the Official Conquer Club expert
    H. Nutts, MBA – looks at the business/economic/efficient side of things
    A. Nutts, BS – lesser educated of the trio, gives a layman’s viewpoint

    Have a question for the Nutts? PM David Hoekstra, Gozar, or click here and post in the thread.
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-
    Q: " Do you prefer to run tournaments based on a bracket, league or other?” - jpcloet

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: We don’t run tournaments, but would combine the two – round robin mini-league then seed for brackets.

    H. Nutts, MBA: Brackets – like the NCAA basketball tournament. One and out would be OK if multiple players but first is HUGE advantage in 1v1.

    A. Nutts, BS: OTHER! Make a super bracket where the top ranked player (adjusted for avg opponent strength) has to beat #2, winner plays #3, winner plays #4. ..etc. Make higher rated players WORK for the wins.

    * * *

    Q: "Which do you think is more fair, sequential or freestyle?” - dittoeevee8888

    A: R. Nutt, PhD: Freestyle. Going first is a HUGE advantage in Sequential, particularly on 1v1 and large maps. People get to attack and defend first – often getting a bonus.

    H. Nutts, MBA: It depends on the settings, etc. but the more people that are playing sequential seems to have less complication to it - -and with Escalating spoils that can make up for it. The problem with Freestyle is players that delay too much.

    A. Nutts, BS: Fair, shmair. You don’t have sequential wrestling or real wars do you? Freestyle baby, like wrestling, swimming and real life. There are ways of dealing with delayers in Freestyle.


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    This week we had the opportunity to interview owenator. All questions are submitted by readers of the newsletter. Next week, we check in with one of the Tournament Directors, Gilligan, to find out about himself, and where tournaments are headed.
    You can submit your questions in this thread.


    Now, on with the interview!


    Q: Hello, owenator.

    A: Hi!

    Q:What makes you interview worthy?

    A: I'd like to think I'm generally well liked! But, as a player and occasional browser of the forums, I usually am very straight-forward and speak what's generally on my mind. I think my competitive nature makes me a skilled player, but I think that those who've played with or against me will agree that I'm very honourable and play with dignity, and integrity.

    Q:How did you find this website?

    A: A friend of a friend!

    Q: Why did you join CC?

    A: In all honesty, I had a job that didn't keep me busy and to pass the time, I would play CC! ha ha ha! Also, I enjoy games that involve challenges and strategy.

    Q:Whats your motivation (or why do you like) to play on CC?

    A: Nowadays, I enjoy the competition and enjoy meeting new people from all over the world.

    Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

    A: I found myself playing Feudal map too exclusively, and needed to 'broaden' my horizons and become a more rounded player. In addition, it was nice to be able to pick up some medals along the way and possibly get the chance to have bragging rights!

    Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

    A: The primary reason was to take on a new challenge as I really wanted to get away from playing games and try something different. I also found that it provided more of an outlet to get to know some more interesting people. The tournament medal/award, also looked quite tempting!

    Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

    A: I haven't. I'm still in the process of trying to run my first one and it's a lot of work.

    Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

    A: Again, I haven't run a tournament yet. Hmmm....I was about to say the Majors+ Doubles Winter League, but that really isn't a tournament. If it isn't considered one, then I believe the first tournament that I participated in was the Feudal War Man.

    Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

    A: Having joined a tournament has allowed me to become more of a skilled player because you have the opportunity of challenging players seeking the same goal. As I've mentioned before, it also provides me with the ability to become a more rounded player.

    Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

    A: Again, if the Majors + League counts as a tournament, I'd have to say this would be my favorite. And the reason why, is that it's a very competitive field. It's definitely well organized and I enjoy being able to play so many different maps and gaining experience along the way - win or lose. My second choice would have to be the Feudal Double's tournament that's organized by Lindax and Daviedoo for the exact same reasons.

    Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

    A: Good question. Currently, I'd have to say that I would prefer to run a tournament and only because I haven't done so before.

    Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

    A: I look to enter tournaments that I know for the most part are run by competent organizers. I also look to play in tourney's that have maps that are both challenging and fun to play. Lastly, if I have played with/against a player that I know is organizing a tournament, then I will definitely show support by joining and even possibly assist by recruiting others.

    Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

    A: Hands down it would have to be Feudal War map.

    Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

    A: Yes.

    Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

    A: It was pretty fun. I believe that must people would enjoy winning otherwise they wouldn't have joined this site in the first place.

    Q:If you had to win one tournament that you are currently a part of which would it be and why?

    A: Probably the Majors Doubles tournament, only because the fact that it's such a heavy load of games, and there are quite a lot of teams that join. The ability to boast that you've topped quite a lot of players, is absolutely thrilling certainly something to gloat about.

    Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

    A: I believe it was Lindax and Daviedoo's doubles tournament! Only because my partner and I were knocked out in the first round!

    Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

    A: Sticking to the plan. A good organizer is excellent at detail, execution, and intelligent.

    Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

    A: Again, it has to be the Majors+ Doubles Tournament (Winter and Summer).

    Q: What makes a successful organizer?

    A: Being well-organized. I think being well-liked is also a key factor. People would want to join without having to be solicited.

    Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

    A: Having busted multi's not being able to finish a game.

    Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

    A: Quite a lot these days! I had to recently account sit for 2 people, and having said that, probably 7-8 hours/day was spent on CC.

    Q:Are you a member of any clans or usergroups?

    A: Yes. Several: Imperial Britain, Final Fantasy Fans, Canadian Clashers, Tammy 4 Conqueror!, Ontario Social Clan.

    Q:Who do you look up to in this community?

    A: I'd have to say my regular doubles partner: kratos644

    Q:Who are you?

    A: owenator. ha! Not to sure exactly if the question meant to reveal my 'true' identity. But, I'm just another competitive player on this site!

    Q:What's the story behind your username, and that weird ass frog thing that is your avatar?

    A: The name comprises my real name. Much like the Terminator (movie fame), I don't stop until my mission has been completed. I out drank a 300 lb linebacker from an amateur team. The name stuck ever since!

    Q:Where are you from?

    A: Toronto, Canada

    Q:Do you value your medals more than your blood?

    A: Sometimes!

    Q:Age? Gender?

    A: Old enough. Male.

    Q:Best sport of them all?

    A: MMA (i.e. Ultimate Fighter)

    Q:Recently, journalism is turning from traditional methods, to completely technological and online based. What is your opinion on the matter?

    A: Saves paper. Saves time. I believe that having the ability to read the news online is absolutely convenient and a great idea.

    Q:Do you enjoy RTS's, FPS's, and TBS's the most? (Real-time strategy's, First Person Shooters, or Turn Based System)

    A: I'd probably have to say FPS's

    Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

    A: Feudal. 2.1 World

    Q:Favourite settings?

    A: Escalating, Unlimited, Foggy

    Q:Freestyle or sequential?

    A: sequential

    Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

    A: An honour. I think that it's great to see that people are getting the opportunity to know another player. It's rather interesting!

    Q: Thank you for your time.

    A: You are most welcome.


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    Interview With Gilligan


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    Notes

    If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form:

    ----------------FORM-------------------
    Tournament Name: (with link)
    Organiser Name:
    Status:
    Brief description or update:
    Rough estimate of percent complete/signed up:
    ---------------FORM---------------------

    You can also write articles to submit for publishing, I can't keep this running by myself, I need YOUR help!

    To subscribe/ unsubscribe for the tournament newsletter, visit this thread.
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    Staff
    Editor in chief- Gozar
    Graphics- Sir. Ricco/samuelc812
    News Hound-blacky44
    Ask the Nutts- David Hoekstra
    Fun Facts-sailorseal
    Currently Taking Signups-jricart
    Contributors- People like you!
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    User avatar
    Lieutenant Gozar
     
    Posts: 2534
    Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:15 pm
    Location: Nova Scotia (G1)

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