If you’ve never been to a proper German Oktoberfest, it’s really a sight to behold. People start drinking before the sun comes up, and every train to Munich is filled with rowdy teens ready to down some 1-liter beers and munch on overpriced giant pretzels.

In order to properly do an Oktoberfest, you’ve got to get a good seat in a proper beer hall. This can be quite a challenge, as every space is promptly filled by eager drinkers who are looking for the ideal spot to get hammered in.

Here’s what that process looks like in practice: