Head to Head Shootout

With regional qualifiers in full swing and the regional finals within sight, the Big Buck game is about to take a different swing. The regional finals and the Championship rounds aren't going to be Pappy's usual game. These matches are all about some head to head competition. That's right, we're talking about a good old-fashioned shootout. Nobody wants to go down in the first round and look like some BBH rookie. All you prospective qualifiers and champions would be wise to brush up on your shootout game. With that in mind, here's some tips and strategies for when you're playing head to head.

Shootout Stragegy #1: Take it ALL
Rookie shootout players often make the mistake of trying to stick to just their side of the screen, be it left or right. Giving away half the scene is a quick way to handicap your score. Why settle for only three out of six bucks? Be dominant and take the entire screen. If anything, taking over your opponent's half of the screen is integral to winning a shootout. Every buck and every critter is your target. Leave nothing for your opponent. Clean em out!

Shootout Strategy #2: Say Hello to my little friend!

Shootout is a much faster paced game. Two players gunning for the same bucks makes it hard to wait for that perfect shot. Not to mention that with six bucks plus some critters, there are a lot of targets to shoot.

No time to think. No time to line up that ace shot. Its more about a fast reaction time and a fast trigger finger. Light those bucks up! A cleanout is a quick way to take the lead or pull off a big come back.

That being said, there are a few downsides to the machine gun strategy. The first is that if you hit first but don't down the buck, your opponent has a brief window of opportunity to steal your kill. Most of the time two shots will be enough to drop a buck, so if your opponent is always getting that final shot, its going to cost you. All your shot does is soften that buck up. So if you're going to break out the machine gun, you need to continue to aim for those kill shots at the head and heart.

The other downside to using the machine gun method is the negative effect on your accuracy. In shootout, a marksman award is given for an accuracy of 50% or higher. This award doubles the points earned for accuracy. That's a huge difference. In shootout, a 49% accuracy earns you 49 points per buck while a 50% accuracy earns you 100 points per buck. That's a big difference for only a single percent. You're earning anywhere from 51 to 151 points more per buck for a high accuracy. So even while rapid firing into those bucks, you should definitely try to maintain a 2 shot 1 kill ratio.

Shootout Strategy #3: Revenge of the Critters
Critters can be your best friend or your worst enemy. All depends on how many of the little buggers you can blast. Just like there are more bucks per stand, some stands will have even more critters. Its not uncommon to see stands with 7+ critters in a shootout match. Nail 9 critters and you've got 2050 points just in critters! Its actually possible on some stands to get more points in critters than you could get by nailing all six bucks!

Definitely be mindful of the frog log for those easy critter points.

Its almost key to remember those critters. Letting your opponent get them all is a big mistake as critters increase in value the more of them you kill. Even stealing away a single critter can be a major swing. While that first critter is only 50 points for you, it could potentially mean 450 points less for your opponent. Minimizing your opponent's gains is almost as important as secure your own points.

Shootout Strategy #4: Bonus Game Comeback
Even if you're behind heading into the bonus, it is possible to pull off a last minute victory. Just as with each stand having double the bucks, many bonuses have an increased number of targets. Additionally, the total possible points for a shootout bonus are double the norm. A double perfect is usually worth 2000 points. In a shootout, a double perfect is 4000 points!! Its not an easy feat to achieve especially with your opponent gunning for targets, but a solid performance on the bonus can change the outcome in a shootout match. Speed and accuracy are key. Yet, some good strategy can also help. If its a bonus with a clear pattern, figure out where you opponent is aiming and try to stay a target ahead. Stealing even a few shots can help push you ahead and can throw your opponent off their rhythm.

Shootout Strategy #5: Don't Give Up
Falling behind early in a shootout can be devastating to a player's morale. While its advantageous to grab an early lead and keep it, being behind in a shootout is no reason to abandon hope. Stay calm and remain focused. The pendulum can swing back quickly in a shootout match. A single doe shot can change the entire game and give you an opening to recover. A big critter stand or a quick cleanout can turn the tide back in your favor. Fight for every point until the very end.

As the regional qualifiers approach there end, take these tips to heart and practice up on your shootout game. Hopefully, they'll help get you closer to that $10,000 grand prize and the coveted Championship trophy.

The Best Things in Life are (almost) Free

Once upon a time, a man could walk into his neighborhood bar, slap a hard-earned dollar on the counter and get a frosty mug of ice-cold beer.

If you long for yesteryear...

If you feel the need to harken back...

If you're an 8-track player trapped in an iPod world...

We've got the perfect place for you!

Every Monday Night is Old-Man Beer night at Duffy's Irish Pub in Washington D.C.
Forget the Imported or Micro-Brew beers, we're talking good old fashion beer-in-a-can.
If it was good enough for Archie Bunker, it's good enough for you!

Such old school beer labels as:

PBR, National Bohemian (aka Natty Boh), Schlitz, Miller, Bud, and more.

Hey, come on... your dad loved it!



But there's more!

You may feel concerned, as we were, that stepping back into Duffy's time machine means you have to play checkers on a pickle barrell while you swill your old school beer.

Ahhh, but that's the best part.

Duffy's combines the best of the old with the best of the new.

What do they offer patrons, to go along with their vintage brew? You guessed it...

Big Buck Hunter.

Now you can save some bucks while you shoot some bucks.

According to Fritz Hahn, of the Washington Post:

"It's probably never going to be featured in a style magazine. But the staff is friendly, and the proprietor is usually around, introducing himself and hanging out."

More details HERE

Come git'cher Grit On!

The prestigious Pennsyltucky olympics has added another event to their austere list of world-caliber contests.

The Pennsyltucky olympics, held annually in Sharon, PA, feature such events as Seed Spitting, Beer-Belly Wet T-Shirt Contest, and the esteemed Hub Cap Hurl. In addition to these events, now fans can play 'LIVE Big Buck Hunter'.

LIVE Big Buck Hunter will see contestants shooting paintballs at employees of the Original Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant.(No word whether this is shootout style or turn-based)

The top Prize? Sarah Poulton, of Valley24.com writes:
“..forget the Gold Medal. The winner of this fine competition wins a sweet 1984 Limited Edition Ford Crown Victoria. It's missing first gear, but it runs like a champ.”
The event is hosted by the Original Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant on 101 Chestnut Street, in Sharon PA. The opening ceremonies begin at 3:30 pm on Saturday, August 16th 2008.

Complete Olympic Schedule:
3:30 pm Opening Ceremonies
4:30 pm Hub Cap Hurl & Bobbing for Pigs Feet
5:00 pm Git 'R' Dun Long Jump
5:30 pm Seed Spitting
6:00 pm Dumpster Dive & Big Hair Contest
6:30 pm Best Mullet & Toilet Seat Toss
7:00 pm LIVE Big Buck Hunter
7:30 pm Hot Wing Eating Contest
8:00 pm Beer Belly Wet T-Shirt Contest
Live Band – Sharecroppers of Live (on stage until 10:30pm)
8:30 pm Cornhole Tournament
9:30 pm Closing Ceremonies & Awards Presentation

There's no word yet on how many countries will be sending athletes, but you can bet our own beloved pappy will be there, moonshine jug in hand.

For more details look HERE.

Tournament Tips

Thanks to the upcoming 2008 World Big Buck Championships, there is no better time to brush up on your game. With a grand prize of $10,000, there is sure to be a good deal of competition. Every point is going to matter and could mean the difference between qualifying and drowning dashed hopes with a beer. Yet all is not grim. A few quick points could help you advance to the regional championships.

Tip #1: Go Streaking
A max streak is a quick way to seperate you from the competition. A 5-streak nets you a quick 1500 points. That's 500 points more than a 4-streak. 900 points over a 3-streak. The difference is considerable considering this isn't even counting the points for those bucks. Downing all three bucks on each stand is your first step to victory. Even if it means sacrificing some accuracy, make sure those bucks don't get away. It takes a great deal to make up the difference between a 4-streak and a 5-streak.

Tip #2: Count on Critters
A single critter may not seem like much. Yet, even a mere 50 points can be enough to push you over the top. The real trick with critters is the increased gain the more of them you kill on each stand. While the first is only worth 50, the second is worth 100 points. Get a stand with 5 critters and they will net you an extra 750 points!! That's half the points earned for a 5-streak.

Tip #3: One shot, One kill
Accuracy may not seem that important, yet in a tournament, every last point can help. If you run a 50% accuracy over a 5-streak, you'll earn 750 points for accuracy. A 75% accuracy over a 5-streak is worth 1125 points. When it comes down to the wire, that 375 point difference becomes significant. Its even more important when it comes to the bonus. A double perfect is worth 2000 points, but if you miss even a single shot while hitting every target, you'll only get around 1600 points depending on the bonus. That's 400 points for a single shot. To improve your accuracy be sure to aim for those vital head and heart on bucks. Perhaps more importantly, for moving targets you need to lead your shot. Bullets take a small amount of time to reach your target. Aim where your target is going to be; not where they are.

Tip #4: Bigger Distance = Bigger Points
When it comes to your three bucks per stand, a long distance target is worth a significantly higher amount than one standing practically on top of you. A close buck may be worth 150-250 points, while a buck farther away could be worth 500-600 points. Some can even weigh in at over 700 points. That's a lot of points over 15 bucks. The trick here is to watch and learn the pathing. Those bucks that start off as easy marks may actually run a path that takes them farther away from you. That means more points if you have the patience to wait for a better shot.

Tip #5: Practice and Persistence
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Knowing the stands only comes from playing them several times over. Finding the optimal shots for squeezing the most points out of each buck isn't something that happens with a single attempt. Finding the stand order that has the most critters and the longest shots takes some experimentation. With multiple versions of each stand, it simply takes practice to become familiar with the game. Which brings us to another old saying, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Persistence pays off in the end. Most litteraly in the case of a $10,000 grand prize. That aside, consistent 5-streaks and one shot kills are a result of persistence. Dedicate your focus and results are sure to follow. A little persistence may be all you need to qualify for those regional championships.

Hopefully, these tips will push you ahead of the competition. Best of luck to everyone in the regional qualifiers.

Play Big Buck Hunter for a crack at $10000 dollaz!!

All around the world, competitors are practicing in hopes of being crowned ‘the best in the world’. Practicing, perfecting their technique as they prepare to compete side-by-side with other competitors from around the globe.

Olympics? Beijing? Nothing that ordinary… I’m talking about the

2008 World Big Buck Championships

Hundreds of Big Buck players will be competing for cash prizes and a shot at being invited to the World Championships in Chicago on Oct 18th 2008. The World Championships in Chicago will feature the top 20 players from the US competing for the $10,000 Grand Prize and the title of ‘World Big Buck Champion’ – along with the coveted Pappy’s Cup.

Here’s how it will work:

Step 1: Regional Qualifying Tournament
The country is being divided up into 4 parts (West, North, South & East) view map here. All the Online Big Buck Hunter Machines in the West will receive the ‘Western Regional Qualifying Tournament’, All the Online Big Buck Hunter Machines in the North will receive the ‘Northern Regional Qualifying Tournament’, etc. etc.

So EVERY Online Big Buck Hunter machine will be participating in one of the four Regional Qualifying Tournaments. These four tournaments will run simultaneously for four weeks, August 8th – September 7th . The top placers will win cash prizes just like the national tournaments.

Step 2: Regional Championships
The top 50 finishers in the Southern Regional Qualifying Tournament will be invited to participate in a one-day live event on Friday Sept 19th at Hooligans, San Antonio, TX.

The top 50 finishers in the Western Regional Qualifying Tournament will be invited to participate in a one-day live event on Sunday Sept. 21st at Wichita Bar & Grill, Portland, OR.

The top 50 finishers in the Eastern Regional Qualifying Tournament will be invited to participate in a one-day live event on Friday, Sept 26th at Black Bear Lodge in New York, NY.

The top 50 finishers in the Northern Regional Qualifying Tournament will be invited to participate in a one-day live event on Sunday Sept 28th at Majors Sports Cafe, Inver Grove Hts., MN.

Each of these 4 ‘Regional Championships’ will be live events. There will be special promotions, giveaways, and guest appearances by the Big Buck Girls. There will be Tournament Bracket set up and a live play tournament (Single Elimination – ‘Shootout’ Style) will determine the top placers. The top 5 placers will win cash prizes, and will be invited to participate in the World Championships in Chicago on Oct 18th.

Step 3: 2008 World Championships

The 2008 Big Buck Hunter World Championship will be in Chicago, IL on Saturday, October 18th 2008. There will be a preliminary International Open Tournament immediately before the World Championships. Participants from any country (including US) are invited to participate. There is a $250 fee to participate in the International Open Tournament. The top 4 finishers from the International Open will be added to the 20 US Regional Champions for a 24 man bracket. The play will be Double Elimination – ‘Shootout’ Style. The top 8 placers will receive cash and prizes, with the top finisher recieving $10,000 plus the coveted Pappy's Cup.

(Click HERE for more details)

I gotta go… I gotta brush up on my game!