How to Run a Pool Tournament: A Practical Guide Without Excessive Templates

Organizing a pool tournament doesn’t have to be complicated or burdened with unnecessary formalities. At Peaky Sticks Billiards Academy, we believe that even a small tournament can be run professionally – if you know a few key principles.

This guide is designed for those who want to run a quality competition: in a bar, club, training camp or even at home. A minimum of templates, a maximum of practice – only what really works.

We’ve collected the most important things: how to choose a format, build a tournament grid, prepare equipment, agree on rules and create an atmosphere of fair play. Follow these simple steps – and your tournament will become an event that participants will want to return to.

Essential Pre-Game Setup

Small tournaments are simple: a few players, one table, a short list of pairs, and you’re ready to go. However, once the number of participants increases to a dozen or more, the organiser must not only maintain order but also establish a clear system to prevent anyone from getting lost.

To avoid delays and confusion, form the basic elements in advance:

• Choose a tournament format.
• Determine the method of drawing the lots.
• Draw up a schedule and duration of matches.
• Agree on uniform rules.
• Choose a method of recording the results.
• Consider how to organize the final.

A well-prepared tournament is one in which participants do not think about organization, but simply play. Your task is to create exactly such conditions.

Tournament Setup: Preparing for Smooth Play

It all starts with the right format.

• Not many participants?

Choose Single Elimination – you are eliminated after a defeat. Minimum hassle, maximum dynamics.

• Do you want to give a chance for a mistake?

Then, Double Elimination is suitable. One defeat is not the end. But be prepared for organisation: you will need a scheme, a table, Google Sheets, or classic Excel.

• Do you need to hold a long and thorough tournament?

Then your option is Round Robin (everyone against everyone). The format is for real marathon runners and multi-day competitions.

Useful tip: if there are 10-14 participants, add a bye in the first round to avoid skewing the grid.

Organizing the Bracket

For small tournaments, an A3 sheet or a board pinned to the wall is enough. For larger events, it is more convenient to use digital tools:

• Challonge – automatic brackets (https://www.challonge.com/);
• BracketHQ – easy editing and updating (https://www.brackethq.com/);
• Google Sheets – fast and accessible to everyone.

At Peaky Sticks Billiards Academy, we prefer digital brackets so that players can follow their progress in real time.

Equipment: don’t stop at one cue

Even if you have a great pool table, little things can ruin a tournament. Check:

• The condition of the balls – no cracks, chips, or severe abrasions.
• Cues – have at least 2-3 spare ones, in case unexpected participants come.
• Tournament grid – hand out printed copies or organise access to the online platform.
• Lighting – no one wants to play in the dark.

Make sure everything’s ready before the first break. Preparation builds professionalism.

Schedule and Game Flow

Create a simple schedule with:

• match order
• table assignments
• time for breaks and buffer

If there are two tables, start two matches at the same time. Always allow for delays. Stick to the schedule, but be flexible so that the game runs smoothly.

It’s Not Just a Game – It’s an Experience

Everyone wants to win. But even those who are eliminated in the first round should leave with a good mood. How to achieve this?

• The prize doesn’t have to be expensive.
• The host adds drive. His role is to charge the atmosphere.
• Music is a must. But not from the phone speakers. Take care of good sound.
• Photos and videos – immediately in the chat, in the group, on social networks.
• Collect feedback. What did you like? What would you change? This will help make the next tournament even better.

The first tournament is always the hardest. But if you do it with a soul – people will come back. And they will bring friends. This is no longer just billiards. This is an event that you want to repeat.