Setting Up a DCS Club

Ready to bring DCS to your community? This guide walks you through everything from finding a venue to running your first weekly challenge.

Phase 1: Foundation

Assess Your Market

Before launching, understand your potential:

Player Base Questions:

• Are there existing domino players in your area?
• Which communities have strong domino traditions?
• Where do people currently play dominoes?
• What's the appetite for competitive play?

Competition Analysis:

• Any existing domino clubs or organizations?
• Regular domino nights at local venues?
• Tournament activity in your region?

Find Your Venue

The right venue makes everything easier.

Ideal Venue Characteristics:

Venue Types That Work:

• Sports bars — Social atmosphere, table availability
• Neighborhood bars — Community feel, regular crowd
• Social clubs — Existing community, private space
• Community centers — Family-friendly, space flexibility
• VFW/Legion halls — Established community, available space
• Restaurants — Late-night hours, private rooms

Pitch to Venue Owners

What you're offering:

• Guaranteed weekly traffic on a predictable schedule
• Organized, respectful crowd (DCS code of conduct)
• Promotion through DCS channels
• Connection to a national network

What you need:

• Consistent weekly time slot (typically Sunday evenings)
• Space for 6+ games to run simultaneously
• Table access during event hours
• Basic cooperation on logistics

Sample Pitch:

"I'm organizing competitive domino events as part of the Domino Championship Series—a national network across 50 cities. We'd bring 15-25 players every Sunday evening for a structured tournament with prizes. Players buy food and drinks, events are organized and timed, and we handle all the coordination through our app. Would you be open to hosting a few trial events?"

Phase 2: Player Recruitment

Seed Your Player Base

You need 10-15 committed players to launch successfully.

Recruitment Strategies:

• Personal network: Friends, family, coworkers who play
• Local domino players: People already playing at barbershops, parks, community centers
• Social media: Local community groups, neighborhood platforms
• Venue regulars: The bar's existing crowd
• Word of mouth: Each player brings friends

The Founding Player Profile

Look for players who are:

• Committed to showing up weekly
• Excited about competitive play
• Connected to others who play dominoes
• Positive influences on group culture

Create Early Excitement

Before your official launch:

• Host informal game nights to build community
• Create a group chat for coordination
• Share information about the DCS platform and vision
• Identify your most enthusiastic ambassadors

Phase 3: Operations Setup

Register with DCS

Application Process:

1. Submit organizer application through DCS
2. Verify venue partnership
3. Confirm founding player base
4. Complete organizer orientation
5. Receive city activation

Required Information:

• Venue details (name, address, capacity)
• Proposed schedule (day, time)
• Founding player list (minimum 10)
• Organizer contact information
• City/region coverage

Configure Your City

Once approved:

• City profile: Name, region, description
• Venue information: Location, hours, amenities
• Schedule: Weekly challenge timing, Elite Six showdown
• Prize pool: Tier selection based on membership

Equipment and Materials

Essential:

• Domino sets (DCS-approved specifications)
• Scoring materials (app handles most)
• Timer/clock for matches
• Basic signage

Optional but Helpful:

• Dedicated tables or reserved section
• DCS promotional materials
• Welcome packets for new players
• Prize display or recognition board

Phase 4: Launch Week

Pre-Launch Checklist

One week before:

• [ ] Venue confirmed and prepared
• [ ] 10+ players registered and committed
• [ ] DCS city activated in app
• [ ] Organizer trained on platform
• [ ] Schedule communicated to all players
• [ ] Materials and equipment ready

Launch Event

Structure Your First Night:

1. Welcome period (30 min): Check-ins, introductions, app setup help
2. Rules orientation (15 min): Quick Cut-Throat overview
3. Practice games (45 min): Informal play to warm up
4. Official matches (2 hours): Recorded games count toward rankings
5. Wrap-up (15 min): Results, next week preview

Set the Right Tone:

• Welcoming to newcomers
• Clear about rules and expectations
• Focused on fun first, competition second
• Professional but not stiff

First Week Priorities

Focus on:

• Player experience: Make it enjoyable
• Technical smoothness: App works, matches run cleanly
• Community building: People connect with each other
• Consistent communication: Everyone knows what's happening

Don't worry about:

• Perfect organization
• Maximum attendance
• Elite Six competition (build to this)
• Complex tournament formats

Phase 5: Sustainable Operations

Weekly Rhythm

Successful clubs establish patterns:

Monday-Friday:

• Promote upcoming Sunday
• Respond to player questions
• Coordinate with venue

Saturday:

• Confirm attendance
• Final venue coordination
• Prepare materials

Sunday:

• Arrive early for setup
• Run event
• Clean up and thank venue
• Post results and highlights

Growth Strategies

Month 1-3: Foundation

• Focus on consistent attendance
• Build core player community
• Refine operations

Month 4-6: Expansion

• Recruit new players actively
• Consider second venue or session
• Develop player leaders

Month 6+: Maturity

• Multiple venues if appropriate
• Strong local competition
• Pathways to regional/national events

Handling Challenges

Low Attendance:

• Survey players about barriers
• Adjust timing if needed
• Increase promotion
• Improve player experience

Venue Issues:

• Communicate clearly with management
• Document player spending
• Have backup venue options
• Consider venue rotation

Player Conflicts:

• Enforce DCS code of conduct
• Address issues privately and quickly
• Focus on community culture
• Don't let problems fester

Operational Burnout:

• Develop assistant organizers
• Delegate specific responsibilities
• Celebrate successes
• Connect with other organizers for support

Organizer Best Practices

Communication

• Consistent updates: Weekly reminders and recaps
• Multiple channels: Chat groups, social media, email
• Timely responses: Answer questions within 24 hours
• Transparency: Share changes and reasoning

Community Building

• Welcome newcomers: Personal introductions
• Recognize achievements: Celebrate milestones
• Create traditions: Signature events, inside jokes
• Foster connections: Help players know each other

Event Excellence

• Start on time: Respect everyone's schedule
• Run efficiently: Minimize dead time
• End cleanly: Clear wrap-up and next steps
• Improve continuously: Learn from each event

Resources and Support

From DCS

• Organizer training: Online orientation and ongoing education
• Promotional materials: Flyers, social media assets, templates
• Technical support: Platform help and troubleshooting
• Organizer network: Connect with leaders in other cities

Next Steps

• Hosting Events Guide — Running great events
• Tournament System — Understanding the competitive structure
• Partner Program — Venue and affiliate details
• For Organizers Home — All organizer resources