How to Set up a BAGS Contest
Return to Run A Contest

How to Set up a BAGS Contest

  1. BAGS Players Plan your contest
    First determine how large a contest you want to run. Will you start small and put together a four-person contest, or be ambitious and setup a 32-player event? Realistically, the larger the contest the more work to set up. Consider how much time you have and how many BAGS machines are at your disposal.

    Also figure out if your contest will be just for people you know or open to all. A contest with just friends takes hardly any planning. Just walk over to the game and play! But a successful contest open to the public calls for a good amount of preparation. Make sure that you have an adequate amount of time to prepare for the contest. Allow time for players to hear about the event. The more time you take to prepare and generate buzz, the better.

    You could even consider creating a league! Think about organizing a league where every Tuesday or Thursday is BAGS night. Have set times and a schedule with rotating team play. Leagues are just another approach to consider when starting the planning process.





  2. Solicit your location
    Some locations may enjoy the idea of players coming in and taking over the games for a contest, others may not. Talking to the owner or bartender at your location can help make your event run smoother. Getting in touch with the amusement operator who owns the game is in your best interest as well. Let them know what you are doing for their business and discuss the possibility of additional support. From extra cash to free t-shirts, anything extra is better than nothing. Having an open relationship with the location and operator is a necessity.





  3. Create a poster with contest rules and prizes
    If it's just a contest for those you know a poster probably isn't necessary. But in the case of a contest open to the public a poster is crucial.

    You're poster should tell all the basics - time, date, place, entry fees, prizes and most importantly, rules. Determine the rules beforehand and have them clearly printed. Will there be a minimum age to participate? What happens in the event of a tie? Is the bracket filled on a first come basis? Be as thorough as possible and try to anticipate questions from players in advance so you are prepared.

    Make sure that your poster looks appealing and professional. Check out the Downloads section for numerous templates and graphics to get you started. Your poster should attract the eye, but also clearly convey information.





  4. Bracket Plan your bracket
    Obviously you can use the digital brackets in the game but there are plenty of different and creative ways to run a competitive contest.

    Determine the basics of your event, starting with the bracket type. Will you set up a head-to-head tournament or use some type of pool play? Will it be team play or singles? Will it be single or double elimination? Will total score come into play? These are all things you have to consider and decide upon. To get a better idea of the thought process here's a quick example.

    Remember to seed your bracket to determine who plays whom. You could choose randomly or have a one or two-round qualifier where the best scores get the top seeds. Will there be byes? How will you determine them? It all comes down to how easy or complicated you want to make it.





  5. Make arrangements for final event
    Make sure to nail down the last minute loose ends and be as prepared as possible come game night. Show up early to meet again with the location owner to see if they might be able to set up food and drink specials for players. Do you need a microphone and PA system? If so, usually the location can help. Do you need any help running the event? Bring adequate help and be sure they are prepared. Print out extra copies of the rules and set up a tournament registration table if necessary. Bring pens, markers, tape and paper incase something pops up. Be organized.





  6. BAGS Players Run your event
    You've done the work now enjoy the fruits of your labor! Some contest directors like to play in their events, some don't - it's up to you! But no matter how big or small the contest, make sure that you and everyone else has fun!

    Send Us Your Contest Results!
    Incredible Technologies is always looking for interesting news for Targettosspro.com. Send contest recaps and photos to ITinfo@itsgames.com!