1. How do I know what level I am?
Not exactly sure what level you should register for? No worries. We have included a guide here to help you make the best selection for your skill level.
Download our Sudoku Level Selection guide (pdf).
2. Will there be parking available and is that paid for as part of my entry fee?
Parking will not be included as part of your ticket price. However, there are more than 13,000 spaces in parking lots surrounding the Convention Center so finding parking should not be a problem. Or go to www.paconvention.com/home2/attendees/directions/ for more information and to find out about using public transportation as an alternative to driving.
3. Will lunch be served as part of the entry fee?
No. There will be an hour break for participants to go to lunch. The Convention Center is close to several restaurants and take-out eateries.
4. What is the return policy if I decide I no longer want to participate in the Championship?
Cancellations received prior to October 14, 2009 will receive a refund minus a processing fee. Cancellations received after October 14, 2009 will not be refunded. If you wish to cancel your registration, email sudoku@phillynews.com.
5. Can I change what playing level I registered at?
If you wish to make changes to your registration selections, you may do so only one time prior to October 20, 2009.
6. Do I have to sign a waiver if my child participates?
Yes. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted to participate in the Championship without providing Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC with an executed copy of its form of consent of a parent or guardian. Click here to print. In addition, a parent or guardian of entrants under the age of 18 must remain on the premises at all times during which the minor child is participating in the Championship. There will be NO exceptions.
7. Is onsite registration available?
Yes, onsite registration will be available on October 24 from 9 – 10:45 a.m. We suggest arriving early.
8. Will the puzzles be paper or electronic?
The puzzles will be paper format. Players may use pen or pencil.
9. Does everyone get the same puzzle?
Everyone at the same level of play receives the same puzzle. Everyone at the beginner level gets the same puzzles. All intermediate level players will play the same puzzles, advance level players will all compete using the same puzzles.
10. What is the format?
There will be three thirty minute rounds of play. Each player will be given three puzzles per round. Rounds are divided by skill level at advance, intermediate and beginner. Advance level players will have three difficult level puzzles to complete per round, Intermediate will have to complete three puzzles that correspond to their level of play as will the beginner level. There will also be two bonus rounds for more opportunities to win.
11. Is it single or multiple elimination?
The player with the quickest time and correct puzzles in each round will go on to compete in the finals. There will be three beginners in the finals, three intermediate and three advance. If you win a round, you are still welcome to play the two remaining rounds, but cannot qualify for the finals more than once.
12. How long does the competition last?
Each round is thirty minutes. Registration begins at 8:45. Round one begins at 11. There will be an hour break for lunch. Bonus rounds are directly after lunch and finals take place after the second bonus round.
13. How many puzzles does everyone solve?
Everyone will solve a minimum of 11 puzzles throughout the day. That includes the three rounds and bonus rounds. Bonus rounds may include more than one puzzle.
14. Who designed the puzzles this year?
The puzzles were created by Stefan Heine of Germany. Stefan has significant experience with Sudoku, creating the puzzles for the past five German Sudoku Championships, publishing 25 Sudoku books in Germany, and serving as an advisor for the annual "Sudokuday of Vienna."
New samples puzzles are available daily at the US Team web site (http://wpc.puzzles.com/sudoku).
15. What are the official rules of the Championship?
media.philly.com/documents/SudokuRules09.pdf
Additional questions?
Email: sudoku@phillynews.com
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