The below email was sent to to all online registrants on or after September 26.
If you have not received that email, first be sure you are checking the address that you used to register via paypal, and then check all spam folders. If you still did not get it please send us an email at midwestcrossword@gmail.com
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Thank you for signing up to participate in the online Midwest Crossword Tournament on Saturday, October 4! Please read this email in advance of the tournament so you know what to expect. Please note: all times Central.
Step One - Do now!
Register for the puzzle site. Please follow the link in the email we sent you on or after September 26 to create an account. We sent this email to the address used when you registered via paypal. Please be sure to check your spam folders. Even if you solved with us last year, you will need to register again. You will select your division: Chicago Fire (harder), Minnesota Nice (easier), or Pairs. Read more about the divisions. You’ll also set a password. You’ll need this log-in info the day of the tournament so hang on to it!
Wait for us to approve your registration. You’ll get an email from us that your membership is approved. We have to manually approve each user so please be patient. If you aren’t notified within a day, please email us at midwestcrossword@gmail.com
Solve the all-new Practice Puzzle! Log in using the credentials you created above and click the button that says Practice Puzzle. Doing this early will help you become familiar with the solving interface and help us resolve any technical issues before the tournament. You must click the Submit button to record your solve. Your score on the Practice Puzzle does not count in the tournament standings.
Special note for pairs solvers: You will solve together using one computer, using one log-in and submit a single solve for each puzzle. If you are solving from separate locations, you will need to work out a system between yourselves for screen sharing on Zoom or similar. Do not attempt to load the puzzle on multiple devices. This will break the scoring system.
Where and When
The online tournament will be held on our Twitch channel. Please go there now and follow the channel. If you are new to Twitch, you may need to create a free account. On the day of the tournament, access this same link to participate in the tournament according to the schedule below.
Your host for the online tournament will be Randy Hoelscher. You can see a photo of Randy and read his bio on our website.
The online tournament will begin streaming at 10:00 a.m. on October 4. After a few minutes for folks to sign on and greet each other on the chat, Randy will give you an overview of the day’s schedule and review scoring and procedures. Here is a tentative schedule for the day. Randy will keep you updated on specific times as the tournament progresses. All times Central.
10:00 a.m. Online stream begins
10:15 a.m. Overview
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Puzzles 1, 2, and 3
10:30 a.m. Puzzle 1 (15 minutes)
10:55 a.m. Puzzle 2 (25 minutes)
11:30 a.m. Puzzle 3 (45 minutes)
12:15 -1:30 p.m. Lunch break
1:30 p.m. Constructor Interviews
2:05 - 4:15 p.m. Puzzles 4 and 5 and constructor interviews
2:05 p.m. Puzzle 4 (30 minutes)
2:35 p.m. Constructor interviews
3:10 p.m. Puzzle 5 (20 minutes)
3:30 p.m. Constructor interviews
4:15 p.m. Puzzle 6 - Final puzzle (15 minutes)
4:35 - 5:20 p.m. Live-stream of in person finals
Rules
In order to make sure the Midwest Tournament is a safe and welcoming environment, we have established a code of conduct. Although some aspects of this code of conduct apply only to in-person solvers, we expect online participants to follow it as it pertains to interactions with other solvers in the Twitch chat.
Speaking of the Twitch chat: After you have solved each puzzle, you are welcome to discuss it in the chat. However, we ask you to avoid spoilers in the chat, and refrain from mentioning specific answers. For example: It is fine to say, “I almost got stuck on 17-down, but finally figured it out!” Do not say: “I can’t believe I couldn’t remember how to spell SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!” (These examples are obviously fictitious!)
Solving and Scoring
We strongly recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to access and solve the puzzles. We do not recommend attempting to participate via phone or tablet. The puzzle solving interface may not appear correctly on a mobile device.
There will be six puzzles to solve.
Note: All solvers will solve the exact same first five puzzles! Puzzle 6 will be presented at two difficulty levels.
Chicago Fire: For experienced tournament solvers, those who have ranked into the A or B divisions at ACPT, and solvers who can regularly complete the Saturday New York Times without much difficulty.
Minnesota Nice: For all other solvers. Recommended if this is your first crossword tournament.
All pairs solvers will solve the Minnesota Nice version.
Important: Do not attempt to solve both versions of Puzzle 6, as that will mess up your score.
All online solvers will solve the Final puzzle and all puzzles count toward the final standings
Following the Final puzzle, Randy will announce the winners of the online tournament. That will be the official end of the online tournament. If technology and the schedule allows, we plan to show the live in-person finals on the Twitch stream. All online solvers are invited to watch.
Scoring:
10 points for each correct word in the puzzle
1 point per second under the time limit
180 point bonus for completely correct
1 point subtracted from score for every 4 seconds you go over the time
To get time bonus, at least half of the puzzle must be correct
We are looking forward to spending the day with you virtually. We are excited for you to solve six fabulous puzzles constructed and edited by Midwesterners!
If you have any questions or concerns, send an email to midwestcrossword@gmail.com (don’t respond to this email) and we will get back to you.
Hello, Shannon!
We know this is a lot of information – thanks for reading all the way through! Two more quick things:
There is no limit to participation in the online tournament. If you know someone who might enjoy the tournament, please help us spread the word!
We have merch! We won’t have any available onsite at the tournament, but you can order Midwest Tournament merchandise online.
“See you” online on October 4th!
Shannon, Sally and the Midwest Tournament Team
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