Joining the Konami Demo Judge Program
Q: What is the Konami Demo Judge Program?
A: The Konami Demo Judge Program is an addition to the Konami Judge Program. It focuses on developing, training, and supporting skilled judges to bring in new players through demo events and the promotion of Organized Play.
Q: Why should I join the Konami Demo Program?
A: In addition to supporting the players we have, we constantly strive to bring in new ones. Demos are one of the best ways to introduce new players to a game – joining the Konami Demo Judge Program enables you to help introduce the game you love to new people.
The Demo Judge Program’s goal is to strengthen Organized Play by introducing the game to a wider range of people, who will join the player base and support higher levels of play.
Q: How do I join the Konami Demo Program?
A: You must be at least 16 years old, and a Registered Konami Judge, in order to join the Konami Demo Judge Program.
First, read over this Konami Demo Judge Program FAQ to get an idea of what is required.
Next, take the online Demo Comprehension Level 1 (DC-1) test. You must score at least 80% in order to pass the test.
If you have passed the test with a valid CARD GAME ID and email and are a registered Konami Judge, you will receive an email containing a link to an online request to join form for the Konami Demo Judge Program. This is not an automatically-generated email, so you may need to wait up to two weeks.
Prospective Demo Judges will need to complete the online form, then await an email confirmation of their acceptance.
Q: Do I need to be a Registered Konami Judge in order to join the Konami Demo Judge Program?
A: Yes, you need to have taken and passed the RC-1 online test and have been registered as a Konami Judge in order to join the Konami Demo Judge Program.
If you have not registered as a Konami Judge, see here for more info on becoming a Registered Konami Judge.
Q: What is the difference between a Konami Judge and a Konami Demo Judge?
A: Konami Demo Judges will receive additional opportunities to apply for demo events and conventions which are focused on teaching new players the basics of the game.
Q: Is there an age requirement to join the Konami Demo Judge Program?
A: You must be at least sixteen (16) years.of age in order to join the Konami Demo Judge Program.
Q: What kind of prior experience is required to join the Konami Demo Judge Program?
A: You only need to be a registered Konami Judge. If you have previous tournament or demo experience, great! If not, you will still have an opportunity to participate in the various events that we organize. Make sure you are prepared by studying this FAQ and the various resources provided for Konami Judges.
Q: Will I get a special Demo Judge ID card or a shirt or anything when I join?
A: You will not receive any items just for joining the Konami Demo Judge Program. Judge shirts and ID cards can be accessed by working at an event which offers them.
Taking Certification Tests
Q: What certification tests are available?
A: Currently, the available tests are the Demo Comprehension Level 1 Test (DC-1), the Rulings Comprehension Level 1 Test (RC-1), and the Policy Comprehension Level 1 Test (PC-1).
All of these tests are available to take online.
Q: Which test to I need to take in order to become a Konami Demo Judge, and join the Konami Demo Judge Program?
A: You must take and pass the Demo Comprehension Level 1 Test (DC-1), be registered as a Konami Judge, and complete a request to join form in order to become a Konami Demo Judge.
Q: Is the DC-1 test available in multiple languages?
A: The Demo Comprehension Level 1 (DC-1) is currently available in English. Other languages will be added later.
Q: Does passing the DC-1 test make me a Konami Demo Judge?
A: No, just passing a test does not make you a Konami Demo Judge. You will have to complete an online application form after you pass the Demo Comprehension Level 1 (DC-1) Test, in order to be registered as a Konami Demo Judge.
This form is not automatically generated, so it can take up to two weeks to receive a link to it via email.
You will not receive information about the request to join form to become a Konami Demo Judge unless you are already registered as a Konami Judge.
Please go to the Judge Program home page for additional information on becoming a registered Konami Judge.
Q: How do I take the Demo Comprehension Level 1 (DC-1) Test?
A: Go to the Judge Program home page, then click on the link you will find there for the Demo Comprehension Level 1 (DC-1) Test. That link will take you directly to the online test.
Q: How should I prepare for the Level 1 (DC-1) Test?
A: Read through this FAQ to learn the basics of the Konami Demo Judge Program. This FAQ will provide you with all of the information you need to successfully take and pass the test.
Q: Do I have to join the Konami Demo Judge Program if I take the test?
A: No, you do not. You are not required to join if you don’t want to.
Q: When will I find out if I passed the test?
A: Your final score will be displayed to you when the test is completed. You will need to score 80% or higher in order to pass.
Q: What do I do after I pass the test?
A: Demo Certification Level 1 (DC-1): As long as you pass the test, provide a valid CARD GAME ID and email address, and are currently registered as a Konami Judge, you should receive an email from Konami within two weeks. This email will congratulate you on passing, provide you with some additional information about the Konami Demo Program, and will include a request to join form for you to send back if you decide to join the Konami Demo Program.
The email is not generated automatically, so you will need to wait for the Konami Judge and Demo Manager to process your test results and contact you.
Q: If I don’t hear back about my test, what should I do?
A: If you have not received an email from Konami within two weeks of passing pass the test, and you are sure you entered your CARD GAME ID and email correctly, and you are sure you are a registered Konami Judge, first check your spam filter to see if the email was misdirected there.
If you do not find it there, you can email us-judgesupport@konami.com and inquire. Please include your full name, CARD GAME ID, and an explanation of the problem.
Q: Will there be more tests added later?
A: More tests will be added as the resources to study for them are made available.
Q: Can I take the test if I don’t have a CARD GAME ID?
A: You can take the test, but you will not receive an email confirmation or be able to join the Konami Demo Judge Program if you do not have a valid CARD GAME ID.
Q: How can I get a CARD GAME ID if I don’t have one?
A: You can get a CARD GAME ID at any Official Tournament Store, or Sanctioned Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament.
You can find a list of Official Tournament Stores and Sanctioned Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments at www.yugioh-card.com – please select your territory from the map, and go to the Organized Play section of the appropriate territory.
You can also get a CARD GAME ID directly from the Konami Card Game Network (KCGN) website, here: https://cardgame-network.konami.net
Q: An online test isn’t working for me, what should I do?
You can email us-judgesupport@konami.com if you encounter any technical problems with the test.
Please be as specific as you can about the problem, so we can better assist you.
General Judge Program Information
Q: What is expected of a Konami Demo Judge?
A: A Konami Demo Judge should…
- behave in a respectable, respectful manner
- uphold high standards of personal behavior, in person and online
- avoid making derogatory comments about a competitor’s products
- avoid making derogatory comments about Konami’s products
- wear clean, appropriate clothing while demoing
- notify location management before running demos
- advertise demos when able, to maximize attendance
- clean up the area after running a demo
- learn the basic rules of any game being demoed
- perform demos in a comprehensive and understandable manner
- teach the basics of the game during the demo
- complete the demo in a timely fashion, especially if other people are waiting for a demo
- provide the demo customer with a positive experience
- learn and stay up-to-date on the rules for games they are demoing
- encourage new players to participate in Organized Play
- interact with the store and local gaming scene to provide information and a positive image for the game
- Support other Konami Demo Judges as part of a team
- cooperate with other Konami Demo Judges to maximize their efforts, instead of working against one another or competing for “territory”
Q: What does a Konami Demo Judge do?
A: They teach people how to play! Demos can be run independently, or as part of an established program or convention. A Konami Demo Judge can teach new players by:
- running a demo session (meaning a block of time of a few hours set aside to run demos, not one individual demo), scheduled in cooperation with a storestore or other location.
- demoing at a Konami Duel Day at a Konami Official Tournament Store.
- demoing at a promotional event like a Mall Tour or Library Demo Program.
- demoing at a convention, such as Comic Con.
Q: Will I get a shirt for joining?
A: No, there will occasionally be events for which you may be provided with a shirt or other accessory identifying you as a Konami Demo Judge, but you will not automatically get one just for joining the program.
Q: Will I get anything for running a demo?
A: Special events, demo initiatives and conventions which are organized directly by Konami in the United States will recompense judges at an hourly rate, according to the local laws and employment regulations of the location in which the events are run. Additional gifts from Konami may be provided, information about the gift (if any) will generally be included in the Demo Judge Call for these events.
Q: If I want to set up my own demo events, do I need to schedule them ahead of time with Konami?
A: Yes, you will need to contact Konami ahead of time to schedule demo sessions. Konami will need to review and approve your proposed demo event.
Demo judges interested in setting up demo events should contact us at us-judgesupport@konami.com. Please include your full name, CARD GAME ID, and the details of the event you’d like to set up.
Q: How will I find out about demo opportunities?
A: Konami Demo Judges may receive emails directly from Konami, for opportunities managed by Konami.
Konami Demo Judges are also encouraged to act on their own, by seeking out opportunities to demo, for example, at your local store.
How to Demo
Q: What is a demo?
A: A demo is one complete teaching session of a Konami game to an individual or group. A demo should consist of, at a minimum:
- A breakdown of each card type
- An explanation of basic game mechanics
- A basic gameplay walkthrough
Q: What is the goal of a demo?
A: A good demo should result in a new player, who is excited about the game and is ready to pick up a Deck and rulebook to learn more. Demos help to build a stronger community around the areas hosting the demos, and give you an outlet to share your passion for gaming with new players.
Q: What information do I need to cover in a demo?
A: You won’t need to cover every aspect or rule of a game in a demo. The basic rules, components of the game, and some experience playing are generally all that need to be covered. For a Yu-Gi-Oh! demo, you should explain:
- The different kinds of cards (Monster, Spell, Trap)
- What each kind of card does
- The basic features of the cards (effects, levels, stats)
- The phases of a turn
- The basic interactions of cards
- Calculating Life Point damage
- How the game is won
Walk the participant through at least a few turns of the game, to explain and illustrate these different concepts. It isn’t necessary for the game to be completed with a clear winner, although you should conduct the demo in a way that allows the participant to attack successfully and get a sense of victory.
Q: How long should a demo last?
A: A demo should generally not exceed 10–15 minutes. That is usually the ideal amount of time for you to maintain a participant’s interest while keeping the information fresh. You won’t have time to teach the entire game, so don’t worry about covering absolutely everything. Usually, you will teach just enough of the basics so the participant can clearly understand the concept of the game, then pick up the rulebook and go on from there.
Q: How should I prepare to demo?
You will find that your demos progress quite smoothly if you prepare for them ahead of time. Here are some things you should do before you demo:
• Know how the game works and review the cards you’ll be using, so you’ll be able to give informative demos.
You can’t demo the game if you don’t know how to play. Look over the cards you will use to demo, so you’ll know all the text and statistics.
• Know any rulings you are likely to encounter.
You should be able to give correct useful, strategically sound advice while you are guiding the customer through the demo.
- Be prepared to promote upcoming Organized Play events.
A demo participant becomes a new player when he or she begins participating in Organized Play. If you can provide information about the kinds and locations of events that are happening soon, it is more likely that the participant will take that important step.
- Learn about the latest products.
This is vital, so you can answer questions about available products.
- Be familiar with a variety of cards, and know where to get them.
You should be able to tell an interested participant which packs, decks or tins could contain some of the cards they might be looking for. No one can memorize every card, so don’t stress about it – but you should know enough to be competent.
Q: What are the most important things to remember when I demo?
A: Focusing on these key points will help make your demos successful.
- Check with the location to make sure they are prepared with demo supplies; including demo decks, pens, paper, dice or counters (as appropriate). Konami Official Tournament Stores can contact their OTS Liaison to order Demo Kits.
- Arrive with a positive attitude!
- Keep the demo short and focused, between 10 – 15 minutes.
- Tailor the demo to the age of the demo participant. If you are demoing to a 10-year-old, try to simplify things a bit more than you would demoing to a 25-year-old.
- Try to let the demo participant win, since nothing turns a prospective player off more than losing the game the first time they try it.
- Enjoy the demo, and have fun! If you are having fun, so will the demo participant. And if the demo participant has fun playing, they are much more likely to want to continue to play.
Q: How should I dress for a demo?
A: A Demo Judge acts as a visual representation for the game, and needs to present a positive image. You should look neat and clean, with an appearance that does not detract from the event.
- Avoid wearing clothing that is excessively baggy, extremely tight, or overly ornamented.
- Avoid wearing accessories such as hats, caps, bandanas, or oversized jewelry.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be standing for a long period of time.
- Do not wear or carry clothing or accessories representing a brand other than Yu-Gi-Oh! or Konami.
Grooming and hygiene are also very important –Demo Judges must arrive showered, with deodorant applied, with their hair clean and properly groomed.
Your attention to your personal appearance will encourage the respect and interest of the demo participants.
Q: What else do I need to know to get started and be successful?
A: The most important thing to remember is that as a Konami Demo Judge, you can set the tone for a demo participant’s relationship with the game. The impression that they take with them after the demo is one they will associate with the game, and with Konami. Make it a positive one! Participants should come away from your demo with a positive opinion of the game, having enjoyed the time they spent learning how to play.
Be courteous and understanding of the participants to whom you demo. Be sure to thank them for their time and interest in the game, regardless of whether or not they seem intent to pursue the game. Offer information on upcoming demos or tournaments, especially if the participant is interested but cannot spend more time on the game during your demo session.
Remember what it was like the first time you learned a new TCG, and always be friendly and polite. Try to answer as many of the participant’s questions as possible. If you are supportive and helpful, you may turn a demo participant into a new player, who will strengthen Organized Play.
Demoing and Organized Play/Finding Opportunities To Demo
Q: Where are some good places to run demos?
A: In addition to card, game, or comic book stores, locations such as libraries, youth or community centers, summer camps, and after-school clubs are excellent places to run demos. Contact the managers or activity directors for such locations and see if they are interested in hosting some demos.
Q: I want to run a demo in my local store. How should I prepare for the event?
A: Speak with the store owner and/or manager first to get their permission, and also to ask if they can help publicize the event.
Contact Konami to have the demo event approved, ahead of time. You should allow at least 4 weeks advance notice, to get your event approved.
If there are any Konami flyers or posters promoting the event, make sure to post them where people can see them.
If the store is a Konami Official Tournament Store (OTS), remind them to order some Demo Kits.
Encourage the store to publicize the event on their store’s webpage or social media sites. Konami will also list all Duel Days that have been created in advance, here:
Q: Can I run demos at more than one store or location?
A: Yes. In fact, we encourage you to run demos at any location where you have a good working relationship with the store manager and/or owner. Before you set up a demo, check with the store to see if there are any other Konami Demo Judges already involved with that location. If there are, work with them rather than trying to take over.
Q: How do I get the product needed to demo?
A: There are two ways. An OTS can contact Konami to request Demo Kits. Kit content can vary, but typically contains a number of 20-card demo decks, and some fold-out game mats. Any demo product ordered by an OTS is the property of that OTS. Demo Judges should not keep any leftover product or supplies that were ordered by the OTS.
Demo Judges will also be able to request demo supplies. This includes demo kits as well as lanyards, badges, shirt, etc. (when available, and depending upon the demo event) to identify the Demo Judge.
Konami will reserve the right to put reasonable limits on the amount of supplies that judges can order, and judges will be required to use all supplies in a responsible manner.
Q: A store owner has asked me what would be the best type of product to have available for the new participants during a Duel Day. What should I tell them?
A: Starter Decks are the best product to have readily available on Duel Days – those are the products that new players find most useful. Starter Decks provide a Beginner’s Guide and a ready-to-use Deck, both of which are valuable to a beginning Duelist. Booster packs, sleeves, deck boxes and binders are also great to have available.
Some Structure Decks are also designed with simpler cards and can be a good choice for a beginning Duelist with a good grasp of the game.
Resources for Konami Demo Judges
Q: What kinds of resources are available for Konami Demo Judges?
A: Konami Demo Judges need to know a lot of information, in order to give effective demos. The www.yugioh-card.com website is your best resource.
Different territories will have additional information on their specific versions of this site.
- For information relevant to new players: This section has information on all aspects of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, including the Trading Card Game, video games, anime, and manga. https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/about/new-to-ygo/
- There is also a glossary explaining many basic terms, which is very helpful when you are teaching customers about the game: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/about/
- If you primarily demo to children, the “For Parents” section has a good overview of the social and educational benefits of the game: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/about/faq-for-parents/
- For information about Gameplay, including the rulebook: This section contains the rulebook, the Konami Strategy Site, a video demo, and the current Advanced Format lists.
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/play/
- For information about Organized Play: This section has information on all levels of Organized Play, from Konami Official Tournament Store locations, to Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series.
- The Konami Official Tournament Store locator can help you find OTS at which you can demo, or that you can recommend to new players.
https://yugiohblog.konami.com/locator/
For information about products: This section contains lists with images and descriptions of products.
Q: I get asked a lot of questions about Konami that I am not sure how to answer. Where can I direct people so they will get the answers they need?
A: You can use the following list to direct almost everyone to the right place.
KDE-US (North and Latin America):
Judge issues : us-judgesupport@konami.com
Player issues: us-cardsupport@kde-us.com
Organized Play (North America): us-opsupport@konami.com
Organized Play (Latin America): la-opsupport@konami.com
Rules and gameplay questions (North and Latin America): us-ygorules@konami.com
KDE-E (Europe and Oceania):
Send all questions to: yugioh@konami-europe.net