During the Contest

• For best scores, ``rate is key.'' Call CQ whenever possible. Many of the mults will call you. Even with 100 watts or even just 5 watts, there are times you can and should be CQing.

• Ignore other peoples' serial numbers. Some play games, and off-times are unknown.

• Use short pauses between CQs so no search and pouncers will tune across a silent frequency, and no ``intruders'' will start up a CQ on your frequency.

• Consider using the ``CQ after transmission on Alt Radio'' feature of many contest logging programs to keep your run frequency ``warm'' when doing SO2R.

• Need VY1, VE8, or VO2? Point antenna NE or NW while running. They often call you.

• Maintain run rhythm! See tips later. Bad: ``Who was the Yankee Zulu?'' Good: ``Yankee Zulu 59 N3BB Texas.''

• Maintain accuracy! Don't log it until you are sure.

• Scores converge. Every QSO is important. Catch up the second day.

• No alcohol, except maybe one ounce before Sunday morning sleep, and post-contest celebration.

• Call CQ beaming to population centers (W3 and W6 for USA; EU and JA for DX). Better footprint: spread out your transmitted signal in multiple directions to maximize rate and mults. Some keep two antennas on EU and ESE running EU and on JA and WSW running JA.