Controller

What It Does

The Tournament Controller is the command center for managing active tournaments. It gives staff complete control over the tournament clock, level management, payouts display, and essential tournament operations in a single interface.

Who It's For

Tournament directors, floor managers, and staff who need to manage the minute-by-minute operation of live tournaments.

Accessing the Controller

1. From the Tournament Events dashboard, locate your tournament

2. Click the Controller icon (clock with gears)

3. The Controller interface will launch in a new window

Controller Interface Components

Main Dashboard Layout

The tournament controller features a grid-based layout with status panels displaying:

• Tournament Title: At the top of the screen

• Multi-Flight Status: Shows flight designation for multi-day events

• Tournament Open Status: Visual indication if tournament is running

• Registration Status: Shows if registration is open/closed

• Current/Next Blinds: Clearly displays current and upcoming blind levels

• Time Left: Large countdown timer for current level

• Players Information: Registered, remaining, and seating data

• Level Information: Current level number and level end time

• Chip Statistics: Total chips, average stack, and related metrics

• Payout Information: Current prize pool and payout positions

• Guaranteed Pool: Displays guarantee amount and current prize pool

• Rebuy/Add-on Counts: Tracks additional entries

• Break Information: Shows time until next break

Clock Control Elements

Primary tournament timing controls:

• Start/Stop Clock: Toggle button to control the timer

• Level +/-: Buttons to manually advance or reverse levels

• Tables Button: Access table management functions

• Start Clock Button: Initial activation of tournament timer

• Paused Indicator: Clear visual when clock is paused

Top Navigation Bar

Quick access to key tournament management functions:

• Message Display: Control announcements on player screens

• Payouts: Configure and display prize information

• Levels: View blind structure (you can jump to other levels but blind structure cannot be adjusted from controller)

• Load: Refresh tournament data

• Reports: Access tournament reporting options

• Menu: Additional tournament management functions

Using the Controller

Starting a Tournament

1. Verify all settings are correct

2. Click the "Start" button to begin the first level

3. The main tournament clock will activate on all displays

4. Registration status automatically opens if configured

Managing Levels

• Regular Progression: The clock automatically counts down each level

• Manual Override: Use Next/Previous buttons to adjust as needed

Handling Breaks

1. When a break level is reached, the break timer activates

2. The system automatically returns to regular play after break timer ends

3. To skip a break, simply use the change level feature to move forward to the next level

Registration Management

• Registration: Monitor and close registration at designated level

• Auto Updated Entries: Registration counts automatically update

• Final Numbers: Confirm final entries before posting payouts

Prize Pool and Payouts

1. Click "Payout Display" to manage payout information

2. The system automatically calculates payouts based on entry count and payout structure assigned to each tournament

3. Payouts can be adjusted in Reports>Payout Slips

   1. Registration must be closed to access

   2. Must use "Custom Payout" option on payout display dropdown to show custom payouts

4. Payout information appears on tournament displays when enabled

Tournament Completion

1. As players are busted, the system will automatically update the "Players Remaining" count, average chips, and chop amount

2. Record Tournament Final Results by finalizing all payouts in "Payout Slip Report" for each position paid

3. Close tournament by toggling tournament to Closed

Best Practices

Clock Management

• Start the tournament promptly at scheduled time

• Use manual level adjustments in case of technical issues or timing errors and for any hand for hand scenario

• Communicate any clock changes clearly to all players and staff

Break Procedures

• Announce breaks to all players and staffs at appropriate time

  • If there is a color up scheduled, announce the color up and proceed with normal procedure

• Ensure staff are aware of their break responsibilities

Display Management

• Verify displays are working properly before tournament start

• Use the controller to push appropriate information to displays

• Toggle between different information (payouts, chip counts) based on tournament stage

Contingency Planning

• Train multiple staff on controller operation

• Have backup procedures in case of technical issues

• Document any unusual occurrences or manual adjustments

Common Questions

What happens if I accidentally advance to the next level?

Use the "Previous Level" button to return to the correct level. Players should be clearly notified of any adjustments.

Can I change blind levels mid-tournament?

While possible through the Level Editor, this should only be done in exceptional circumstances and with clear player communication.

How do I handle a tournament pause?

Use the Start/Stop button to pause the clock, and add an announcement explaining the situation and expected duration.

What if I close the tournament while it is in progress?

The system will not allow a tournament to be closed while active players (non busted) are still in the event

Related Features

For more information on tournament operations, see:

• Tournament Events

• Tournament Registration

• Payout Slip Report

• Tournament Final Results Report

• Tournament Clock Display