Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for competing?

You must sign up on the website, be on a team (even if it's only one person), and upload your resume.

Do I have to be good at programming?

Experience definitely helps, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Do I have to be an MIT student to participate?

Nope! Non-MIT students are welcome.

How big can my team be?

1-4 people. Teams can be a mix of MIT and non-MIT students.

What are the supported programming languages?

Java and Scala.

Tell me more about lectures.

The optional lecture series is intended for beginners and mid-level competitors to learn how to get started writing a bit and to learn about some techniques employed by more advanced players. This year, we'll have lab sessions afterwards for any code issues you may have.

Will there be prizes?

Yes! The top teams from the newbie tournament and final tournament will be awarded cash prizes. In addition smaller prizes will be awarded to top teams in other tournaments.

How can I get credit?

If you are an MIT student, you must sign up for 6.S187 in your IAP registration, sign up on this website. Then, you are eligible for 6 units of credit if:

  • You defeat the reference bot in a set of matches
  • Submit a well-written strategy report if you do not defeat the reference bot.

How can I find teammates?

One option is to use the forums to find a team.

What are the tournaments?
  • Sprint Tournament - One week after spec release, you're given a chance to win small prizes in this tournament, the goal is to get an idea of the meta-game, and a chance to test your bot prototypes.
  • Seeding Tournament - One week after the Sprint Tournament, this tournament determines your positioning in the Qualifying tournament.
  • Qualifying Tournament - One week after the Seeding Tournament, this tournament determines the contestants going into the Final Tournament, and showcases the final strategies of all the competitors. Final submissions must be in by this tournament.
  • Final Tournament - On February 2nd, the top teams compete for glory and fame.