Q:		What is "3500 Ltd. Doubles"?
A:		Where the combined total ranking points of the two players cannot exceed 3500
A2:		(Jamie - jkunst): In 3500, you would only be allowed to play with a player that has less than 2400 points, as they automatically give unranked rookies 1100 points for that particular event. Most of the players in this event tend to be pretty high ranked 35 year olds that do well. At worlds it was Jeep taking first, Gummeson second, and Thor Donovan third. With their respective under 17 year old partners. All high promaster level players.

Q:		Is it worth it for a rookie to get in 35 and Over doubles? Aren't most of the pro-masters over 35 anyway?
A:		You learn most by competing against the top players.
A2:		(Jamie - jkunst): In 35 and over, each team MUST have a rookie on the team....that may make this an option for you to hook up with a higher ranked player. You have to ask around.

Q:		Is it worth it for a rookie to get in on open doubles or semi-pro doubles?
A:		You learn most by competing against the top players.

Q:		Do you need your partners all lined up for doubles events beforehand, or are people scrambling to hook up with partners at the tournament? Do tournament directors post a listing of people looking for partners?
A:		Most people do hook up before the tournament, but there are plenty of players looking for partners - entering the DYPs is a good way to meet them.

Q:		If a rookie does the "package deal" do tournaments overlap with each other, resulting in forfeits?
A:		The tournament is run via computer software which means you should only have to play one match at a time.
A2:		(Oscar the Grouch): Actually, don't be surprised if matches not only do not overlap, but also are sometimes hours apart. Sometimes many many hours.

Q:		Is it wise to just enter events you (rookies) have a shot at placing in? Or is it invaluable to possibly play against world class players?
A:		If you are not getting a package deal, your prospects of getting money back in open events is virtually nil, but the experience of playing Loffredo & Collignon in the pits is worth it.
A2:		(Jamie - jkunst): My advice, being your first event like this, yes you should buy the rookie package. Generally a player would not get overworked in a first tourney, simply because it tends to be a learning exp. With that in mind, you generally get beat out of the events earlier than you prefer.

Q:		Can you get negative points? If so, are negative points necessarily a bad thing? Or can that work to your advantage?
A:		You get negative points by going 2 and out or 3 and out in an event (i.e. -15 for finishing 25th-32nd in a 32 chart, -10 for finishing 17th-24th), but as many events are not full charts (17 teams is a 32 chart, but only one match in the first round with most getting byes - only one team (those unlucky enough to finish 17th) would lose points (-10), the remainder would stay the same or win points.
A2:		(Cory - FoosPhenom): Yes you can lose points...I dont know about going negative unless you are really bad, because you [unranked rookies] start with 900 points. It is much more difficult to lose points than to gain points. Depends on what you are tryin to do whether or not losing points is a bad thing. Since my goal is to become a master I would not want to lost points. If your goal is to be a sand-bagging rookie, then losing points would be to your advantage.

Q:		If you are signed up for several events and are too beat to play a singles event or want to rest up for a more important event, is it a major faux pa to forfeit your match?
A:		No, you can either not turn up and be forfeited out, or tell your opponent to fill in the match card. It is definitely better form to tell your opponent, rather than hold up the chart when you are being recalled.

Q:		Do a lot of European players attend the HOF Classic? Can any generalizations be made regarding American/European overall player skill? (i.e. Do Americans as a whole or Europeans as a whole typically play better because of the type of table used in the tournament...etc.)
A:		There should be quite a European contingent, second only to Dallas. As European tournaments do not count towards VIFA points, many top players on other tables are considered rookies, and tend to dominate rookie and semi-pro events at majors (excluding Nationals which does not attract many Euros). In Europe, many of the top players face each other regularly on a variety of tables (Lemacher, Jupiter, Bonzini, Garlando, Leonhardt, Tornado) in different countries. Of all the above, Tornado tournaments attract the fewest contestants.
A3:		(Cory - FoosPhenom): I dont know about HOFC [Hall of Fame Classic], but there were a lot of Euro players at Worlds...I got put into the losers bracket in rookie singles by a Euro "rookie", who is actually a pro master or something in Germany. Kinda sux but there is nothing you can do about it. As a rule of thumb, block the pullside on the Euro toe, and watch out for five hacks and you should be ok...don't give them opportunities to get the ball...(pass and score).

Q:		Any other words of wisdom?
A:		Try to get some sleep sometime. Bring plenty of deep heat, plasters etc, as you will be playing a lot (blisters, sprains etc) and standing around even more (back/leg pains etc). Make sure you eat and drink enough, but not too much. If you need to take a dump (get food etc), wait till you have won a match, and go before signing the match card... :-) Keep away from the bandits...
A2:		(Phillip Cantrell): Anthony, If your on a budget like many who attend a major, smuggle in pop tarts and beanie weanies cause $40.00 for room service is stout! Food should be available near the site as well as spirits, with restaurants close by; the former slightly cheaper. DO play the DYPs and if you block well, you may attract the attention of power forwards looking for a near 900 point goalie to play in 3500 ltd. Some realize it's a necessary way to offset the financial drain a major can run. Also, ask around for those needing partners. You may also be able to play a PM for a fee, and if you are amiable, for just a Long Island tea. Most non-pros will be happy to part you and $10.00 in a 2/3. Don't room with anyone that snores. Bring a camera, buy mementos; you'll cherish them at your local tourneys. Go to www.vifa.com for more info.
A3:		(Cory - FoosPhenom): Try not to play many pick up games at all and limit your practice to only necessity. Your arm (depending on wut you shoot), will get more tired than you can imagine. I shoot a rollover and by the end of a major tourny my wrist is almost bleeding. Get used to different types of balls and tables because at each tourny there will be something totally different from the last. I dont mean tables other than Tornado, I just mean different rod speeds, different handles and stuff like that.