Question about tournaments

Alright, so because of the lack of tournaments around here I decided it would be a good idea to organise on myself, and seeing how I have a birthday coming up I thought it would be cool to organise one for my birthday There is one problem however... I actually have friends that don't play 40k o.o I wouldn't like to alienate them... so here is the question:

Is it somehow possible to make beginners able to participate in a 40k tournament?

Elzadar wrote:

I wouldn't like to alienate them...

The grim dark future is all about xenophobia and alienation embrace it!

Maybe try running 500 point lists? It's a tough one as it's not the easiest game to learn.

If you do go ahead and try this, Elzadar, I would suggest you do a "40K in 40 minutes" type event.

Limited time so it should hold their attention, limited units so fewer rules to remember, smaller playing area and fast pace.

Or do a team event with a newbie and a regular player on each side.

Yes I was thinking of making it a doubles tournament... should I then make it 1000 or 750 points per player?

Yea, the easiest way (and one that is done around me) is a 500 point list where many armies are provided and older players are encouraged to come and help the others along, rules and the like.

Here: http://snakeyesgaming.blogspot.com/

is there site, check out the beginners tournament. (and as a side note; that's me under sportsmanship #2).