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If one goes to a law school where participation in the 1L moot court tournament is mandatory, and one happens to advance in the tournament, what is the best way to get out of advancing any further?

Option 1: Purposefully lower performance in the next round in order to lose. If this option is taken, how far should one go? Would getting up, giving the opening statement from "My Cousin Vinny" and sitting down be taking this too far?

Option 2: Tell the profs ahead of time that you don't want to do it? Would this burn any bridges in the future? Is there a way to take this option without burning bridges?

Option 3: Go, give it your best shot, but do not show up for the next round of ranking, thus forcing the next seed in line to replace you.

What would be the better choice?

I would just put in the minimum effort required not to embarrass yourself.

GrapeApe wrote:If one goes to a law school where participation in the 1L moot court tournament is mandatory, and one happens to advance in the tournament, what is the best way to get out of advancing any further?

Option 1: Purposefully lower performance in the next round in order to lose. If this option is taken, how far should one go? Would getting up, giving the opening statement from "My Cousin Vinny" and sitting down be taking this too far?

Option 2: Tell the profs ahead of time that you don't want to do it? Would this burn any bridges in the future? Is there a way to take this option without burning bridges?

Option 3: Go, give it your best shot, but do not show up for the next round of ranking, thus forcing the next seed in line to replace you.

What would be the better choice?

I'd check the policies. At some schools you are honor-court bound to do your best once you proceed, so if you tank you'd have to do it artfully.

If you really don't want to do it, just show up and argue without preparing. It doesn't cost you anything, and if you make it all the way you can turn the offer down.

Two questions re: the OP-
1) Is the performance in your round graded?
2) Does pulling out of the round preclude you from participating in competitions later?

If the answer to both is no: option 1 seems to be the best answer (though I'm not sure it's the right one).

Don't ever pick option 2 or 3.

I feel called to question the premise of your question. Is there any real harm in progressing as far as your merits take you?