You will be notified when the tournament starts, so it is safe to play in another tab while waiting.
Is it rated?
This tournament is rated and will affect your rating.
Is it handicapped?
This tournament is *not* handicapped
How are scores calculated?
A win has a base score of 2 points, a draw 1 point, and a loss is worth no points.
If you win two games consecutively you will start a double point streak, represented by a flame icon.
The following games will continue to be worth double points until you fail to win a game.
That is, a win will be worth 4 points, a draw 2 points, and a loss will still not award any points.
For example, two wins followed by a draw will be worth 6 points: 2 + 2 + (2 x 1)
Extra points are awarded for a gammon (+1) or a backgammon (+2).
Arena Berserk
When a player clicks the Berserk button at the beginning of the game, they lose half of their clock time, but the win is worth one extra tournament point.
Going Berserk in time controls with an increment also cancels the increment (1+2 is an exception, it gives 1+0).
Going Berserk in time controls which have byoyomi removes all byoyomi periods and any initial increment. The initial clock time is also halved unless either it's less than 60 * increment, or less than 25 * byoyomi seconds. For example: 3|10 gives just 3 min game, whereas 10|10 gives 5 min game and 3+2|5 gives 1.5 min game.
Going Berserk in time controls which have delay removes the delay. The initial clock time is also halved unless it's less than 40 * delay seconds.
Berserk is not available for games with zero initial time (0+1, 0+2, 0|10).
Berserk only grants an extra point if you play at least 7 moves in the game.
How is the winner decided?
The player(s) with the most points at the conclusion of the tournament's set time limit will be announced winner(s).
When two or more players have the same number of points, the tournament performance is the tiebreak.
How does the pairing work?
At the beginning of the tournament, players are paired based on their rating.
As soon as you finish a game, return to the tournament lobby: you will then be paired with a player close to your ranking. This ensures minimum wait time, however you may not face all other players in the tournament.
Play fast and return to the lobby to play more games and win more points.
How does it end?
The tournament has a countdown clock. When it reaches zero, the tournament rankings are frozen, and the winner is announced. Games in progress must be finished, however they don't count for the tournament.
How do Medley tournaments work?
This is a medley tournament, there will be a different variant after each period of time. For more info see the medley page.
Other important rules
There is a countdown for your first move. Failing to make a move within this time will forfeit the game to your opponent.
Drawing the game within the first 10 moves will earn neither player any points.
Draw streaks: When a player has consecutive draws in an arena, only the first draw will result in a point, or draws lasting more than 30 moves. The draw streak can only be broken by a win, not a loss or a draw.