Host a tournament
We're here to help you do it. Write to us and we'll send you everything you need to run a Fermi Poker tournament, including sample questions, tips on writing your own, and potentially funding for what you need to buy.
Write us at contact@fermi.org.
Poker chips
- Plan about 20 chips per player.
- A 500-chip set (around $60) is enough for 25 players.
- Ask around: some people already have chips at home.
Tip
Does your school or university have a poker club? Host the tournament together with them.
Question cards
- Print the questions from our print-and-play PDFs, which we email you after you contact us.
- Use 150 gsm paper. Thicker works too, but isn't necessary.
- 100 sheets (around $15) print 200 questions.
- A table plays about 10 questions per hour.
Local questions
Write your own Fermi questions about your country, city or university.
Writing down guesses
- Dry-erase pens with mini whiteboards or dry-erase flash cards.
- Couldn't get those in time? Pen and paper work too.
Venue
- Classrooms work. Larger conference rooms are better.
- Round tables are better than square ones for seating.
- Space players out a bit, so everyone can write down their guess privately.
Tables
- Ideally 6 players per table at most. 5 and 4 work well too.
- Put at least one rule sheet on every table.
Freezeout or shootout?
Decide on a format before the event.
Freezeout
As players drop out, move the others to fill empty seats and close tables. The constant rebalancing makes it faster and smoother.
Shootout
Every table plays until one or two players are left. They move on to a final table, or to semifinals first. Players who are out can stay seated and keep guessing, just without betting.
Before play starts
Plan 15 to 30 minutes for check-in and explaining the rules. Have drinks, and maybe some food, ready.
