Michael Confoy tries to find Bin Laden.	Steve Huskey and Phil Rennert try out the terrorist CDW.

The 2012 tournament drew 34 players to a Friday Mulligan and Saturday elimination rounds for a total of 43 exciting games. As in 2011, the scenario used was "Let's Roll" in a single deck configuration. Among the unusual occurrences was a US victory that eliminated every Jihadist cell -- an unheard of accomplishment. We also saw an entirely new class of laurelists as Jessa Burdett made her debut by downing last year's champion Christopher Yaure. Jessa's husband, Jeff, finished third so it's obvious the two have been practicing, but not so obvious who talked who into playing.

Play balance changed markedly from the 2011 debut. Last year, the US won 29 of 44 games for a win rate of 65.9%. This year the results were decidedly more even; the US won 22 of 43 for a win rate of 51.1%. I attribute this to evolving Jihadist play featuring a more patient approach. It is the US player who has the burden to change the board by making countries advance to Good governance before game end.

As always, events like this do not work without players who go above and beyond. This year we had quite the honor roll. Roger Taylor not only taught other players, but even sacrificed his own advancement by giving his opponent a takeback and pointing out a game winning play. All of the players deserve kudos for playing under less than ideal conditions in an AC-less Lampeter Hall. This year truly proved the adage that the players more than anything else make the tournament. And last but by no means least, credit must go to Labyrinth designer Volko Ruhnke who again appeared and acted as a sort of "Yoda" for rules inquiries while showing off some intriguing new projects. Having him there is a real treat. Planning for the 2013 event will as always start soon and will be open to discussion and debate in the ConSimWorld Labyrinth discussion board.

Tom Vickery and GM Joel Tamburo on the humt.	Dan Hoffman checks out the action as Michael Confoy moves.