Knot and Strand is a three-round strategy and management event designed for the Intercollegiate Fun Zone. The event focuses on resource allocation, risk assessment, strategic planning, and decision-making under time constraints. Conducted entirely indoors, the event follows a skill-based scoring system where outcomes depend on planning, bidding, and puzzle-solving rather than chance. Round 1 – First Light Teams receive a kit containing structural parts, decoy pieces, and a blueprint. They must identify the correct parts and assemble the structure according to the blueprint. The round tests observation, accuracy, teamwork, and time management. Performance determines the team's starting resources for Round 2. Round 2 – Chiral Network Teams compete for limited delivery contracts through sealed bidding. After selecting their routes, hidden hazards are revealed. Teams must either bear the associated costs or solve short puzzles to avoid penalties. The team's profit is calculated based on the contract value after deducting bidding and hazard costs. Round 3 – One Last Mile Top-performing teams advance with their accumulated resources. Teams compete in a live 3 bid for a high-value contract and choose from routes with revealed hazards. They must assess the risks and available resources before making their final strategic decision. The winner is determined by the highest cumulative score across all three rounds, rewarding teams that demonstrate consistent strategic thinking, effective resource management, and calculated risk-taking.

Round 1 score is based on the accuracy and completeness of the assembled structure against the blueprint, with partial credit for incomplete builds. Round 2 and Round 3 scores follow the formula: Round Profit = Delivered Cargo Value − Bid Cost − Hazard Costs Incurred The final winner is determined by the highest cumulative score across all three rounds.

1. Resources and standing earned in earlier rounds carry forward directly into subsequent rounds; there is no reset. 2. Use of mobile phones, smartwatches, or any AI-based tools/applications during the event is strictly prohibited. 3. Decisions once submitted or locked in during a round (bids, route selections, etc.) cannot be changed. 4. Only the highest performing teams from Rounds 1 and 2 will qualify for Final round. 5. Judges decision will be final and binding

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