Lincoln format

The "Lincoln" format, originally known as the "Edinburgh" format, is one of the two styles of gameplay used at co-events. It was devised by the Edinburgh Countdown Club in the 1980s, then reintroduced by Series 46 champion Ben Wilson at the first COLIN tournament in 2005.

The format is now used at the majority of co-events, dominating over the alternative classroom-styled "Bristol" format.

Setup

Events running to the "Lincoln" format have a number of tables set up around the venue, enough to accommodate three participants at each. Every table is equipped with letters and numbers packs, either handmade or from editions of the Countdown board game, and a small tent for the host to conceal conundrums under. The majority of attendants use a stopwatch on their phone for the timer.

Draws

For the first round, every participant is matched with another two; the fixtures are typically generated at random. In subsequent rounds, the standard practice involves players competing against two others who performed similarly to them in the previous, with the fixtures now being generated to reflect the Swiss pairings system. This allows for more well-matched and potentially closer games.

Table rotation

In each round, three games are played at every table, normally 9-rounders. Between games, participants rotate within their groups of three so that they all compete in two and host one. By the end of every round, all participants will have occupied the Player 1, Player 2, and hosting positions in separate games. The order of rotation does not matter.

Grand final and prize presentation

Conventionally, a grand final match is held at the conclusion of the heat games. This match is contested between the two top-performing contenders to determine an overall tournament winner. A prize presentation immediately follows; recipients of prizes are determined either by results or, in the case of special prizes (best word spot, etc.), the event host(s).