First off, CUTTHROAT CAVERNS plays best with more players (up to 6) so try to fill tables as best you can. Try to avoid a table of three for tournaments.

Each table plays a complete game with the winner at each table moving onto the next round. We usually give a prize to the winner of each table with a bigger prize going to the Tourney Champion. Have judges read and understand the rules and our FAQ on-line so they can make more informed field decisions.

We recommend pre-determining the nine Encounters and keeping them the same for each table. For the first Round of the Tournament, it is also recommended that the first Encounter be a basic encounter like 'RIPPER' which allows new players to understand all the concepts of the game right off the bat. (This is not important in later Rounds of the tournament). The Judge should set the Encounters in any order they choose, keeping the order the same for each table and we recommend ending with a tough Encounter with a decent Prestige Value for a dramatic close to the competition.

If a table results in no winner (because they all died), no one advances from that table.

If the final Round of the Tournament results in no winner - the Judge has an option. If there is time and willingness, play a second game. If necessary, the second game can be a lightning round. Start all players at 40 life points and set up three Encounters they have not faced in the previous game (make 'em tough ones). If time does not allow for either of these two methods, the Tournament concludes without a winner. Instead challenge them to return to face the caverns another day.