TYRANNO EX was designed by Karl-Heinz Schmiel who has also given us such great games as DIE MACHER, WAS STICHT and EXTRABLATT among other jaw-breaking titles. It was first published in German by his own company, Moskito, around 1990. Avalon Hill did an English version in 1992 which featured a less cartoonish approach artwise and added educational value with descriptions of the creatures depicted. As such, it was among the first of the popular German boardgames to be introduced to the United States hobby.

The tournament, like the subject of the game itself, has evolved from a single elimination event to a three-round, multi-heat format. Although the crown has remained in the clutches of the De Marco family for five years running, perennial contenders Verity Hitchings, Peter Staab, Mike Lecault and Will Wible are expected to contest the even-odd rotation that favors Carolyn in 1999.

Last year's event featured a record 17 games by the largest field ever. The final proved to be the lowest scoring game in recent tournament history with all players keeping the environments chaotic. Mike Lescault gained an early lead but that proved his undoing as the combined efforts of the other three finalists pulled him back into the pack by turn 4. GM Tom DeMarco then took the lead after a couple close battles on turn 5 to emerge victorious by 11 points for his third championship with 46 points.