How To Run Pool Tournaments
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Introduction: How To Run Pool Tournaments
The customers get to make new friends and have something to focus on, and the owner gets to make some cash from a new crowd. If you can’t find a pool tournament already being run, well, let’s make or own one. We just need a bar with a pool table and we’re good to go. Approach the owner, and you’ll see that he’s more than happy to have a pool tournament in his place. Money, beer and customers, what’s not to love?
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Before You Start
The first thing to do is you’ll need to decide just how many players you’re gonna invite. Remember that games take time and there are only so many tables to play on. Ideally, you want the competition to be completed in one evening. So don’t “over invite”. Normally the average weekly pool tournaments will have around 8 – 16 players sharing 2 pool tables. If you go to any pool web site, you’ll find tournament brackets (the scoring system) available for download.
Pool Tournaments: Fix The Rules
Now you have the bar and the pool tables, along with the players, you’ll need to be thinking about the rules. These are very important as otherwise, the players will become so involved that they can forget about others. First off, decide the number of games per match. Then decide exactly which of the many types of pool you’re gonna be playing, especially what happens to the last ball.
Watch the Time
When you’re considering the number of games, please keep one eye on the clock. It can become pretty boring waiting around for your turn. On the other hand, the bar owner will not thank you if the players just play and leave without consuming drinks and/or food. Normally an 8-ball game is in the form of a race to win three games. A 9-ball game is a race to five.
Pool Tournaments: Fees and Prizes
The pool tournament is not free. You’ll need to set an entry price. At the same time, you should ask the bar owner if he would like to throw something into the pot, like free drinks, a tee-shirt or even cash. At this point, you don’t have to have the drill down prizes worked out, but you should have an idea of the percentage splits for the top three places. This normally works that the winner gets 50% of the entire pot, the second-place player receives 30% and the third-placed player, 20%. You’ll be needing to include the bar owner in this decision, as he might want a stake.
Advertise the Gig
If the pool tournaments are for more than just friends, then you’ll be needing to advertise the event. Set up some fliers and maybe even ask other bar owners, especially if the pool is not their thing. And then there are social media of course. Post the event on your Facebook or Instagram for instant results.
Pool Tournaments: Keep Everything in Order
On the day of the pool tournaments, please make the effort to arrive early. It’s important that absolutely everything is set up BEFORE the other players arrive. As they come in, start taking names and entry fees. Make sure the cash is kept in a safe area….as you don’t want to be losing that! Count the number of entrants. Now, you’ll really need an absolute minimum of 7 players. Fill out the brackets.
Mark Up The Scoreboard
To see who’s gonna play who, it’s best to simply draw some playing cards. Each player will receive a number which you’ll then mark into each bracket on the scoreboard. It’s a good idea to have some small badges available that can be pinned to each shirt so the players don’t forget their own numbers. Now take your time to double-check the payouts, the entry fee money, and the scoring brackets. Now comes the time to call the first match/es.
Pool Tournaments: Don’t Get Drunk
You need to pay special attention to all the games being played. So don’t go getting yourself drunk! Don’t get too involved with the contestants and don’t chat too much. Remember that you’re running a competition. Do make sure you have the rules handy. And it’s better if you have previously downloaded them from the internet. This way, whenever a dispute occurs, you can simply whip out the rules and settle things there and then.
Alternate Winners And Losers
As the matches proceed, be sure to call out the next ones in a timely fashion. Most players will leave the bar after elimination. This does no favors for the bars’ bottom line. So be sure to alternate the play between the winning and losing brackets. Your job is to keep the players at the location for as long as possible. If you only focus on the winning bracket, then the matches will quickly become stale for those waiting around. If you ever want to have more pool tournaments then remember that you’re only as good as your last one. And bad words get around faster than good ones.
The Grand Final
When it comes to the final match, pay close attention. Encourage the crowd to get behind a player and make them feel involved. Make sure that before the actual start of the match, you take time to announce the prize, along with any other upcoming tournaments. Remember that many players love the spotlight. Make use of that fact.
Pool Tournaments: And On To The Next One
It’s important that you spend some time making a big deal out of the prizes and payouts. By doing this you’re also selling your next pool tournaments. Make sure that you announce the winners to the whole bar. When it’s all done and polished, then take time chatting with the players. Invite them to your next tournament. On the whole, the better quality of players, then the more players you’ll be able to secure. No one wants to watch some loser who can’t hit a barn door at two paces. You’ll know if your pool tournament was successful by the number who sign up for the next one. Good Luck!
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