When it comes to simple tournaments for people that are "pinball oriented" I offer three things:
1) Snacks and a few drinks (I prefer non-alcoholic to keep down rowdiness and potential machine abuse)
2) A "grand prize" based on a single elimination style high scoring until you get to three players, using an item like a pinball translite or metal sign which will be memorable to your friends, and not overly costly. This requires a total of two rounds, qualification and final. The top score takes the prize.
3) A free used metal pinball for everybody else
I let people "warm up" freely and then declare that this is their "real game" before start for scoring to give friendly flexibility and everybody goes home happy. This is the time to explain a game's rules and goals while they practice. Nobody feels "cheated" or gets so overly competitive that results in aggressive pintarded stupidity. The whole process can last between 1-2 hours with 5 people, and is not excessive on time.
Works well before or after a film.
Keep flipping,
- TBK
