We're glad you're here. Here's everything you need to know to participate.
This part is important because this pool uses a custom scoring system. I think this is the best system because it rewards players for correct picks, especially upsets, throughout the entire tournament. The pool remains competitive and exciting all through the rounds
Bonus points are also awarded based on seed. The seed of each correct pick is added to the points for that round, rewarding those who are best at picking the upsets. (example: University of Baltimore, Maryland County, a 16 seed, beat Virginia in the first round. 5 points are awarded for picking the game winner correctly, plus 16 points for the seed=21, for a total of 21 points for the pick. #2 Duke beats Iona in the first round, nets 7 points, 5 for the first round pick, and 2 for the seed.
Entry fee is $7 per bracket. Why? Cause $5 is too little, $10 too much, and 7 is a lucky number.
There are five options to pay:
This tournament is moderately large, with around 200 entries per year, and with a substantial pool I believe in sharing the prize wealth a bit. Final prizes are determined by the ultimate number of entries but with at least 200 players I try to pay at least the top 10 finishers.
Last year over $1500 was given away to 12 players. This included more than $600 for the winner, three additional prizes over $100, and, of course, the last-place finisher got their $7 entry fee back.
As I've done before, I guarantee at least one prize payment to the best player under 18. We've always had a large contingent of teens and pre-teens, and I encourage players of all ages. We use the honor system and expect any entries for those under 18 to be made by them or with their assistance. Feel free to invite your children and help them enter. Just let me know which entries are for youth under 18 so I can keep track and make sure a prize is awarded.
All the money goes into the prize pool, except for the nominal amount PayPal keeps from some payments and a small amount I pay for online hosting. Don't worry, I never take a cut for myself. (I've been told by some that I shouldn't even play in my own pool and definitely shouldn't win any prizes, but so far I've never come close, so we'll cross that bridge when it happens.) Everything else is paid out to the winners.
We welcome anyone you know and wish to invite to the pool. Once you are registered, just share your personalized invite link with them on your "My Entries" page. That link will take them to this page with information and details where they can register.
Everything else is at my discretion; I try hard to be fair and friendly.
Watch the games, cheer, and have a good time!
Reach out to Joel directly. gratz@speedymail.org