Expert: Abe Mantell - 1/7/2009

Question
Hello, I am going to put on a youth/adult division tournament in our area.  I have two main tables for play and would like to see what is the best way to set up the tournament.  The level of play would be moderate, local players from ping pong clubs, etc. In the youth division the level would be low to moderate.  I was thinking pool play, with 3 players in each pool, that way each player will at least get 2 games then taking the top players from each pool and putting them into a single loss elimination bracket.  What do you think? I was also going to make the games a set a three with point totals to 11 allowing 2 serves each player unless it is tied at 10-10 which at that point, we would alternate service.  Would you suggest using a judge for each game, or would you let players call their own games? Um, I guess that's it.  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hello Eric,

How many players are you expecting in total?
For large numbers, I like the idea of small groups that
play a round-robin format with the winner in each group
advancing to a single elimination round - as you suggested.
Perhaps make each group consist of 4 ppl, so each person can
get at least 3 matches in - esp. for the kids, as they want
to play as much as possible!

If you have enough knowledgeable ppl to spare for each table to ref,
then that would be great...to not only keep "order," but also to
give it an air of professionalism and make the kids feel it is
a "professional" event!

Good luck!  :-)

Abe