Hey new tournament attendants! Is The Big House 4 your first tournament? Not sure how to approach it? Well, my first tournament was The Big House 3 last year, and from my experience, you’ve picked the best possible tournament to attend first! I’ve wanted to share my thoughts on how to improve your personal experience based on how mine was lacking last year (it was entirely my fault) and I hope that someone finds something useful here.

Before the Tournament

  • Arrive on Friday if at all possible. You will be able to check in at 9PM and collect your badge, play friendlies, and familiarize yourself with the venue.
  • Scope out your pool(s) as much as possible. Play friendlies with anyone and everyone, and try and prepare yourself mentally.
  • Get at least 6 hours of sleep. You’ll play better when you’re well rested.
  • Wake up early to warm up. If you or someone you know has a setup, go play friendlies with them before the venue opens.
  • Get to the venue early! 10-20 minutes early normally, 30+ if you still need to check in. (POOLS)
  • Make sure you have everything you’ll need to avoid making trips back to your hotel room. Keep your controller close at all times! People forget their controller sometimes; make sure you’re not one of them!

During the Tournament

  • Know beforehand when and where your pool is going to be located. Be there 10 minutes early. You will be DQ’d if you slack on this.
  • Each pool has 2 hours to run. Listen to your pool captain, play your matches, and quickly report your results.
  • Know the staff. Consult with the captain for any questions or concerns. If they cannot answer/help, find the nearest TO.
  • Don’t ask Juggleguy or Strong Bad any questions that could be answered by another member of the TO staff. They are too busy running the whole show.
  • Don’t wander when your pool(s) are running. Use the restroom beforehand and have a water bottle (closed lid) on hand. No other food or drink is allowed in the venue.
  • Play your best, aim to win all your matches, but make sure you plan to learn from every match. If you get beaten, ask them what you can do to improve. Take notes, if you’re so inclined.
  • If it’s not time for your pool, don’t crowd the venue. There’s not enough space for all 700 attendants to be there at once and moving around.

If You Get Salty

  • Step outside and go for a walk. Think about why you lost your matches, not about the fact that you lost. Drink some water, chat with other players outside the venue, go back inside, and play some more!

After Tournament Hours

  • If time allows, play as many friendlies as you can (see the recurring theme?) Change stations fairly frequently. Talk to everyone and listen.
  • Listen to the TO staff. When we tell you to clear out the venue, please do so promptly. Double check your stuff, make sure you’re not forgetting anything. Take care of your trash if you have any.
  • Try and make plans to go spend time/play with others. Lots of good discussion happens when you’re eating, and hey, we all love food. I missed time with people that I regretted, don’t miss the chance! There are plenty of places within walking distance, so if you don’t go with someone, you’re bound to meet someone at one of the places you go. Don’t be shy!

General Advice

  • Shower
  • Wear your nametag! There are bouncers at the doors, and they won’t let anyone in without a visible nametag.
  • Leave your valuables in your room. Don’t let random people into your room unattended.
  • Shower. Seriously.
  • If a setup messes up, and you can’t easily fix it, contact a TO immediately. There’s an IT staff for a reason, we’ll sort it out.
  • Don’t loiter around the main stage. The streamers are hard at work, and (while friendly) probably won’t have a ton of time to answer questions and stuff. Nothing personal, everyone’s busy!
  • Try to record your matches. Use your phone, or find a TV with a recording setup. Recordings will help you analyze and break down your play.
  • Interact with as many players as you can!
  • Seriously. Bad-smelling people will be refused entry to the venue. Also, Tafo will find you.

I hope that this helps anyone curious about nationals! Just remember, it’s all for fun, and don’t take it too seriously. Hope to see you there!

-MIOM | C_Naught