The Coin Flip and Side Selection
Before a single argument is spoken, a coin flip determines a crucial strategic choice. You will be able to explain what the coin flip winner may choose and what the loser then controls.
How the Flip Works
One debater from each team calls the coin flip. The winner of the flip chooses either which side of the resolution they want (Pro or Con) or which speaking position they want (speaking first or speaking second). Whichever option the winner does NOT choose then belongs to the other team.
Strategic Implications
If the coin-flip winner picks a side, the other team picks the speaking order. If the coin-flip winner picks the speaking order instead, the other team is stuck with whatever side is left. Teams often have a prepared preference based on how the topic favors Pro or Con that month, and whether they feel stronger presenting first or responding second.
Team Washington wins the coin flip against Team Lincoln on a topic they believe favors Con.
Team Washington says, 'We choose side: Con.' Team Lincoln is now Pro by default, and Lincoln gets to choose speaking order since Washington used up its choice on side. Lincoln says, 'We'll speak first.' Now the order is set: Lincoln (Pro) speaks first, Washington (Con) speaks second.
1. The coin flip winner may choose:
Answer all 1 to check.
The coin flip winner picks side or order, never both — the loser controls whichever is left.