The simple answer:
We are having a Fair Play Strikes 10-strike elimination tournament, with a Strike Knockout finals for the last 4 standing.
What's this "Crawl" business?
In an attempt to do something a little different, this tourney is going to span multiple locations. If you didn't know, there are 3 private pinball spots tucked into zip code 23225. These sites are all within a 2.2 mile stretch in the Forest Hill area. We've done this five times now (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023) and folks seemed to dig it. Hopefully you are ready to crawl again this year!
Fair Play Strikes?
The 32-player field will play in groups of four, with first place receiving no strikes, 2nd and 3rd place receiving one strike, and 4th place receiving two strikes. In 3-player groups, first gets no strikes, 2nd gets one, and 3rd gets two. In 2-player groups, first gets no strikes and 2nd gets two. Initial groupings will be random, with Swiss-style grouping after round 1. The plan is to play rounds 1-3 at one location, rounds 4-6 at the next location, and all remaining rounds at the last location. This format worked well in prior years, and the hope is that the timing works again such that there is time for travel and a little bit of warmup at each site, while not having this take an eternity to complete.
Strikes Knockout Finals?
The last four standing will advance to finals. One group of four, with first place receiving no strikes and all other positions receiving one strike. Once you receive two strikes you are eliminated. Tiebreaker for final standings will be a single game played by all tied players.
Ok, speaking of timing...
Warmups will start at noon at the first location, with tournament play beginning at 12:30pm. Once round 3 is complete, we will start the clock before tournament play starts at the second location. The allotted time is for travel to and warmup at the second location. After completion of play at the second location, the clock will start before play starts at the third location. If we need to adjust timing on the fly for any reason, we will.
Sounds like a full day...what about dinner?
The entry fee includes a small amount to cover the cost of pizza. We will eat at an appropriate time at the third location. If things go quickly at locations one and two, we may play a round or two at location three before breaking for pizza.
What are the three locations?
Chez Fraley, Joe's Garage, and Rob's Arcade. Detailed location information will be available soon.
Are there WPPR points available?
Should be! The tournament has been submitted to IFPA for approval.
How much, and how do I register?
Entry fee is $30. This covers IFPA fees, pizza, and prizes. Registration will open August 13, 2025 @ 7:00pm.
Why is the field limited to 32 players?
Previously the field was limited to 24 and 28 players in an effort to not overrun any of these locations. It also helps with the tourney not running into the late hours. We've been at 32 for the last two and they didn't run too terribly late, so we're going to stick with that again this year.
What happens when I get eliminated?
You are welcome to hang out, socialize, and play any machines not being used for tournament play. Video games are also available for play, so there is more than just pinball. The main goal here is to have some fun!!