7 Tips to Forming a Successful NOSB Team #4
Know the Rules and Game Playing Strategies
Make sure each student knows the rules of the competition. This cannot be stressed enough. Every year there is a team that loses points because the students don’t know all the rules. Furthermore, learn how to use the rules to your advantage; strategies of the game are important. While this is an academic event it is also a competition, don’t ignore strategy preparation. Believe it or not, this could be your ace in the hole. For example: if your team is in the lead during the second half of the game, recognize that the clock is now your ally. If you are awarded a bonus question, let the students take a few extra seconds to double check with each other to make sure they get the question right. The questions usually get more difficult as the match progresses. If you are too hasty with your decisions, the lost six bonus points could come back to haunt you in a close match. By being well versed in the rules and knowing all the strategies of the game, your team will have the edge in a close match and may even allow them to triumph over a better team that isn’t as strategic. Your students should also be very familiar with the roles of the officials to ensure the rules of the game are enforced and the game is played fairly.

