National Domination Tournament

The National Domination Tournament (NDT) is the ultimate proving ground in American dominoes. Once a year, the best players from across the country converge to determine who truly dominates.

What Is the NDT?

The Event

The NDT is DCS's annual national championship:

• Top players from all 50 Sister Cities
• Multi-day competition at a central venue
• Major prize pool with life-changing stakes
• National recognition for top performers
• Dominologist status for champions

Why It Matters

Winning the NDT means:

• Recognized as the best in America
• Qualification for the World Dominologist Championship
• Permanent place in DCS history
• Major cash prize
• Legend status in the domino community

How to Qualify

The Path to NDT

Qualification happens through the season:

1. Weekly Performance — Consistent Elite Six results
2. Season Rankings — Accumulated performance over the season
3. Regional Qualifiers — Top performers from each region
4. Wild Cards — Additional spots for exceptional performers

Regional Structure

The country is divided into regions for qualification:

Exact allocations may vary by year based on player activity.

Qualification Criteria

To earn an NDT spot, players typically need:

• Minimum games played during the season
• Ranking threshold within their region
• No major conduct violations
• Active membership at NDT time

Wild Card Selection

Additional spots are awarded for:

• Exceptional individual performances
• Rising stars with strong late-season runs
• Specific achievements (Elite Six streaks, city championships)
• DCS committee selection for demonstrated excellence

The Tournament Format

Pre-Tournament

Before players arrive:

• Qualification confirmed — Final spots announced
• Seeding determined — Based on season rankings
• Bracket released — Competition structure published
• Travel/logistics — Players arrange attendance

Day 1: Group Stage

Players divided into groups:

• Round-robin within groups
• All players play multiple matches
• Points accumulated determine group standings
• Top finishers from each group advance

Day 2: Knockout Rounds

Elimination begins:

• Single-elimination bracket
• Higher seeds have favorable positioning
• Best-of-5 match format
• Win or go home

Day 3: Finals

The climax:

• Semifinal matches
• Third-place match
• Championship final
• Prize ceremony and recognition

Prize Structure

Main Prize Pool

The NDT features a substantial prize pool:

Actual amounts depend on participation and sponsorship levels.

Beyond Money

NDT participants receive:

• Dominologist consideration for top performers
• National ranking recognition
• Media coverage and exposure
• Community respect and legacy
• WDC qualification for champion

Preparing for the NDT

Season-Long Preparation

If NDT is your goal:

• Play consistently — Every week matters for qualification
• Prioritize regional ranking — This determines your spot
• Stay sharp — Don't coast once qualified
• Study competition — Know the national landscape

Pre-Tournament Preparation

Once qualified:

• Review opponents — Research players from other regions
• Physical preparation — Multi-day events require stamina
• Mental preparation — High stakes require focus
• Logistics — Travel, accommodation, schedule

At the Tournament

During the event:

• Stay focused — Distractions are everywhere
• Manage energy — Pace yourself across days
• Play your game — Don't change what works
• Respect the moment — This is special

The Dominologist Title

What It Means

Dominologist is the highest recognition in DCS:

• Reserved for NDT champions and exceptional performers
• Permanent title and recognition
• Ambassador role for the game
• Legend status in the community

Responsibilities

Dominologists are expected to:

• Represent DCS positively
• Support the community
• Mentor developing players
• Compete with integrity

Benefits

Being a Dominologist comes with:

• Lifetime recognition
• Special event access
• Community respect
• WDC qualification

NDT History

Past Champions

As DCS grows, this section will list past NDT champions, memorable matches, and legendary performances.

Memorable Moments

Stories of dramatic finishes, upset victories, and defining NDT moments will be documented here.

Common Questions

How do I track my qualification standing?

The DCS app shows real-time regional rankings throughout the season. You'll always know where you stand.

What if I qualify but can't attend?

Spots may be passed to the next qualifier. Notify DCS as early as possible if you can't attend.

Is there an entry fee?

Qualified players have their entry covered by DCS. Travel and accommodation are player responsibility.

Can I qualify from any membership tier?

Yes. Qualification is based on performance, not membership level. However, higher tiers may provide more opportunities to accumulate ranking points.

Next Steps

• Tournament System Overview — Understand the full structure
• Elite Six Guide — Weekly qualification building
• Competitor's Guide — Strategy for serious players
• WDC Information — The global stage