No Substitute for Experience

Newcomers can compete quite well in the reading games where knowledge of the subject matter is primary. However, in thecube games, inexperienced players have a tough time defeating veterans. A newcomer may have a good grasp of the core of each game but makes careless mistakes, such as forgetting to write what 0 wild equals or not calling a judge when uncertain about a situation or Solution. Prepare rookies as best you can for their first competition but be prepared to encourage them should they lose because of inexperience.