I hosted a LAN party last weekend for the first time.  I couldn't do it before because of the size of my living condition.  Now, I have a much bigger place- one that can easily host a good LAN party.  And that I did! 

We played UT04, Rogue Spear: Black Thorn, and Serious Sam: First Encounter.  I used Serious Sam as a filler, UT04 as tournament mode, and RS:BT as straight up team vs team.  I have to admit that Black Thorn was probably the most popular one to play.  I think it may be because UT04 was too broad a spectrum of player skills.  If you're a n00b, you have no chance against someone who's played for hours on end.  That also goes for if you're out of practice.  I know that I was sorely out of practice - and it showed! 

But with the RS series, you have a one-hit scene where a novice can walk behind a pro and cap 'em.  Also, it's pretty sweet when your team gets wiped out and you then avenge your comrades by slaughtering the whole entire enemy.  Oh, how sweet. 

There was one time my team decided to have some fun.  So, I equiped myself with some C-4, and placed a charge in a room that led into a corner room where we would then camp.  We would have a heart-beat sensor awaiting the other team with their heart-beat sensor, knowing that they would be tracking us.  It was so great!  You could tell they were strategizing when they found out where we were.  So, when they charged the first room, I pulled the trigger and then... they dissapeared off the heart-beat sensor.  Maybe cause their hearts were nowhere to be sensed... bua ha ha ha ha!!!!  One guy went the long way, so I had to cap him when he opened our door.  Yep, it was great.  Of course, the first time we tried this, it didn't work.  In fact, we were destroyed.  But that's because we made a mistake: don't stand next to a door that is waiting to be fragged!  Also, don't pick a room with multiple entrances.  More than likely, they'll pick the one that isn't rigged.

Overall, it was a successful event.  Hopefully, we'll have it again in a few weeks.  I may have to stay out of the tournament, though.  I learned that I can't run a tournament and participate at the same time.  I'm learning a lot by hosting...