So you just got your Supporting Membership, and an invite to join an IHS might be sitting in your inbox. This might make you start to wonder about the whole In House Squad system, and exactly what it means to you. The following is to hopefully point people in the right direction.

In House Squads are something of a 'clan within a clan' (not that TG is really a clan, but you get the idea). They are bands of close-knit teams that are a subset of the larger TG community. They tend to focus on one or two games very strongly, and frequently (but not always) enter competitions in their main game of choice.

Should you join the first IHS that comes along? Probably not. In fact, there is a very good chance at least half of the IHSs in TG aren't well suited for you (or perhaps aren't your ideal fit). Why is that?

Well, each IHS has its own personality (and often that personality is different from the public perception). Some are more laid back than others. They each tend to have their own playstyles. Many IHSs focus on specific things in-game (like TG-AIR for example). Some are more competitive than others. The key thing is finding the IHS that meets your needs as a player and a person.

So how should you proceed? For starters, talk to people. Specifically, contact the leader of any of the IHSs that you are interested in. They may or may not be recruiting, and you cannot always trust their wiki to be up to date. Most leaders of IHSs are happy to talk with players about their IHS and explain what they are about.

Secondly, try to schedule some playtime with them. Playing as a part of a close-knit team like this is very different from your normal play. Don't be so blown away by one squadding up that you rush to that IHS - try playing with a few of them and broaden your horizons a bit before making a final choice.

And lastly, ask questions. The thought of joining an IHS can be exciting to some people and they tend to rush in. Waiting a few days won't kill you - the IHSs will all still be there. You don't have to take the first invite that comes along, or the last. Find the fit that is right for you, and you'll be far far happier in the long run!

Having said that, feel free to ask me any questions if you have them