How To: Organize DCI Tournaments

There seems to be a lot of misinformation going around about just what it takes to sanction Star Wars Minis (SWM) tournaments using the DCI system. I’d like to set the facts straight. I should begin by introducing myself; my name is Rob Martin (Menoth’s Fire on the WotC Boards) and I am the founder of Difficult20, a successful gaming club based at Jester’s Playhouse in southern New Jersey. Additionally, I am a part-time employee of the above-mentioned Jester’s Playhouse. In that capacity, I have run countless Magic:the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons Minis, and Star Wars Minis sanctioned tournaments. And here is my amassed wisdom on the:

The Basics of DCI-Sanctioned Events:

Wizards of the Coast (WotC) provides a means by which players can play in what is called “Official Play” (OP) events. These events must adhere to a reasonably simple set of restrictions designed to standardize the rules so that everyone is playing the game by the same rules. The rules are also tweaked to speed up play and to maximize “fairness” in the play environment. The OP guidelines as well as the tournament floor rules are set up by DCI (it doesn’t stand for anything anymore) which is WotC’s in-house event-organizing body. Other than map-limitations, the differences in rules are pretty minor, especially since the games are played using the Official FAQ and Errata document produced by the SWM designers.

Sanctioned events are run by venues such as game retailers; later in this article I point you in the right direction for becoming a sanctioned organizer (trust me: it’s easier than you may think ). Attendees to these events must have a DCI member number. If you don’t have one (from playing in previous events such as MTG tournies), fear not for the organizer can assign you one on the spot. Once the tournament is complete, the results are sent in to DCI and everyone’s rating and ranking are updated shortly thereafter. Now anyone with a DCI number can check up on their standings locally, nationally and globally by visiting the DCI website (check out the Rating & Ranking link in the menu on the left of their page).

There are even OP prize packs made available for purchase (around $10 each, if I recall correctly). These packs include specially-repainted promotional minis and are widely-sought by some discerning collectors. In fact, the current promo is a character for the Sith faction to be released in the upcoming Champions of the Force set, not due out for two and a half months! In addition, you’ll get advertising flyers and other giveaways such as cardboard counter sheets or maps.

Some Benefits of Running DCI-Sanctioned Events:

For a store-owner and players alike, there are a number of great reasons to run and play in sanctioned events.

  • Sanctioned tournies tend to bring people out more regularly since playing and improving your rating is an inherent draw even if every player doesn’t win a material prize. Moving up in the DCI ranking system gives people (particularly children) a great sense of accomplishment and keeps them attending.
  • Since the tournies bring such a draw, there are people playing and catching the attention of potential players. In my years of gaming and as a game store employee, I can tell you that no other form of advertising can compare to people actually seeing other folks playing a game and having fun!
  • One perk that SWM has over many other games is that it has mainstream recognition and appeal. It often draws the attention of passersby that may dismiss other “weird” games. This helps draw non-gamers to your store and brings in new players!
  • Many gamers are competitive by nature and the idea of being able to compete against other SWM players worldwide can be a wonderful draw to those competitive-types.
  • For those who are familiar with M:TG, the very notion that DCI sanctions the games tends to lend credibility in some gamers’ minds; there are so many games that end up being nothing more than a “flash in the pan” and this may help to allay some of those concerns about SWM.
  • By running sanctioned events, you are able to purchase the OP packs and provide your players with great promo minis that you can’t get anywhere else.
  • Finally, it has recently been stated by WotC employees in the forums, that there will be a SWM National Championship at GenCon Indy this year. It has also been stated by Rob Watkins (head developer for SWM) that it is likely that the players who rank at the top of the DCI standings will automatically be qualified to enter this championship!

The Nuts & Bolts of Getting Your Tournaments Sanctioned:

Once you decide to run DCI-sanctioned SWM tournaments, you need only visit the DCI Sanctioned-Event Information page (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/sanctioning). Please look through the various links and get to know the resources you have at hand. In particular, visit the ‘DCI Tournament Organizer Information Centre’ link at the bottom of the page; this will send you where you need to go to become a sanctioned venue. Once you have been approved (a rather painless process for your average retail store) then you can download the DCI Reporter software. This program can be a little tricky for the new user, but have patience: it is a great tool that allows you to quickly and easily setup and run tournaments. The best part about DCI Reporter is that once the tourney is complete, all you have to do is click on the Upload Results menu, put in your password and the info is instantly sent to DCI to be posted within the week!

Popular Misconceptions About Sanctioned Events:

“Becoming a sanctioned venue is difficult and/or unlikely.”
This is not the case. As stated above, the process is largely painless and quick.

“You need a sanctioned judge to run a sanctioned event.”
There are no sanctioned judges for SWM or any game except for Magic: The Gathering. You need a judge, but that can be any adult with a familiarity with the game. This is implicitly stated in the ‘Universal DCI Floor Rules’ which is linked to above.

“DCI Ranking Doesn’t Mean anything.”
The more this system is utilized by the SWM gaming community, the more the ratings will reflect relative skill. However, this is not necessarily the driving goal of the system; that is to support Star Wars Minis by providing a consistent and fun way of playing the game. Besides, with the above-mention Championship, I’d say it means quite a bit to those who plan on attending GenCon Indy!

“Sanctioned-play fosters an environment of competitiveness that hurts the game.”
Games are competitive by nature; as long as the environment is kept fun and friendly, competition is definitely a good thing. Remember everyone: it’s just a game!

Menoth’s 10 Tips to a Successful Tourney:

  1. Advertise a couple of weeks in advance – flyers and shelf-talkers are the quickest and easiest way to advertise. You can also use the WotC message boards as well as local mailing lists and forums to spread the word. And don’t forget to tell your friends!!
  2. Have the rules handy – keep hardcopies of the latest rulebook, FAQ/Errata, and DCI Floor Rules so rules-related questions do not drag down the tourney.
  3. Sit down and help players that seem to be having problems developing successful Squads and tactics – when everyone keeps getting better, your gaming environment can only flourish.
  4. Use the DCI Reporter program – I believe you can still send the results in by hand, but this is quicker, easier and more reliable.
  5. Encourage players to check on their standings – as stated above, increasing one’s rating will become enough reason to attend events for many players.
  6. Have the tourney in a visible location – for all of the reasons stated above, you want to be seen!
  7. Provide prizes – use the attendance fees to provide prizes (including the OP packs). The formula that we use is to charge $8 a person; we then subtract the cost of the OP pack and give out a number of booster packs as determined by the remainder of the money. Top 4 also get the promo minis.
  8. Give out a prize or two to random players – this is a great way to keep players coming back even if they don’t make it to the finals every week.
  9. Have a couple of extra maps handy – even though it is required to play, sometimes people forget or you may have brand new players.
  10. HAVE FUN!! – if you do, others will too!