• Example: If you are ranked #50 and you beat the #1 ranked member, then your new rank would be 25.

• Example: If you are ranked #5 and the #6 ranked member defeats you, then your new rank would be #6.

If you have any problems in either chat or a game, look for a member of the Admin Staff to assist you.

A list of all administrators is found at the top of the New Horizons main page.

If you are waiting on an "Unfinished Match" your wait time is limited to if and only if your opponent's current match is at double match point AND bearing off. If challenged in the lobby, except for this situation, you must accept that challenge.

If any match is not finshed for any reason, including boots, the match has to be continued by both players at a later date.

Any player in the left seat of a match, who does not restore the match after a boot or re-sit to the table, during a NH tourney match in progress, will be immediately disqualified from the tourney by the host.

If this same situation occurs during any NH ladder match or other NH event, and the players cannot come to a mutual agreement, the left seated player who does not restore a match in progress, will report the match as a loss.

In the unlikely event of a glitch, the rule stands.

If it comes to NH Admin attention of an unreported match, a friendly reminder will be sent to the member who did not report, either by NH Admin or by the member who is owed the report. If, after 24 hours from the "friendly reminder" the match is still not reported, NH Admin will report TWO (2) losses to the opponent.

1)The Top 5 Playoffs takes place every Last Saturday of the month at 1pm PST,4pm ET, and 9pm GMT in Safe Harbor Games, NH Ladder Room.

2)The match play is:

Rank #5 vs. Rank #4 (Match=5 Points)

Winner vs. Rank #3 (Match=5 Points)

Winner vs. Rank #2 (Match=7 Points)

Winner vs. Rank #1 (Match=9 Points)

3)The ranks of #6 and #7 are standby positions. If ranks #1 through #5 do not show at the start of the playoffs, rank #6 and #7 will be used at this time. This is the only time that the #6 and #7 ranked players are used. No more than 5 players maximum will play in the Top 5 Playoffs.

If players ranked 1-5 ALL show for the Top 5 Playoffs, then all prior commitments for the #6 and #7 players are completed. The rank of the #6 and #7 players remain the same.

4)The cutoff for entering the Top 5 Playoffs is Saturday 2 am PT. At this time the Top 7 ranks will be frozen. Anyone who might accidentally enter the top 7 after the cutoff will have their rank adjusted to their original rank, prior to the start of the playoffs.

5)A player in the Top 5 Playoffs who is unable to attend will be moved to the rank of #8, IF PERSONAL WRITTEN NOTIFICATION is given to the TOP 5 Playoff Director prior to the rank freeze.

6)All Top 5 players,including the #6 amd #7 ranked player, must be present in the NH Ladder Room by start time, or be moved to rank #20 if ADVANCE PERSONAL WRITTEN NOTIFICATION WAS NOT received by the Top 5 Playoff Director before the rank freeze. A five minute grace period will be allowed.

7)During the Top 5 Playoffs, if a player has booted during the match, that player has 7 minutes to return to the table. If that player does not return, the match is forfeited. If a player boots more than three (3) times during the Top 5 Playoffs, that player will forfeit his/her current match.

8)Rank freeze means that from Saturday 5 AM ET until Saturday 4 PM ET its illegal to play matches which can change top 7 on ladder ( ex. #1 loses vs #9 and #9 goes to #5 pushing #7 out of top 7) Those matches will be counted as illegal, and it's recomended to pay attention and try to avoid those matches. Please check ranks before you play a match.

9)Top 5 players must play any other player who may challenge them while the playoffs are in progress and waiting to play(with the exception of the Top 5 Player ondeck for the next match). This is on the provisions that a potential loss will not affect positions within the Top 5 prior to the completion of the championship playoffs, and the playoff match will take preference in timing, should the match be incomplete.This is a permitted cause for an incomplete match to be finished at a later time without penalty.

10)All Top 5 matches will be reported by ADMIN ONLY !!

11)All rules are subject to change to better fit ALL players needs.

1)The Top 10 Playoffs takes place every SECOND Saturday of the month at 1pm PT, 4pm ET, and 9pm GMT in Safe Harbor Games, NH Ladder Room. Days and times subject to change.

2)The match play is:

1st Round:

Rank #1 vs. rank #2 (9-point match), rank #3 vs. rank #10, rank #4 vs. rank #9, rank #5 vs. rank #8, and rank #6 vs. rank #7. First round matches are 5 points (with the exception of the #1 vs. #2 match in 1st round).

2nd Round:

Second round matches will depend on results from first round of play. Second round matches are 5 points. Lowest remaining rank will receive a bye during the second round (if needed). Highest remaining rank will play lowest remaining rank.

3rd Round:

Third round matches will depend on results from second round of play. Third round matches are 7 points. Highest remaining rank will receive a bye during the third round, thus, sending the highest remaining player to the finals (if needed). Highest remaining rank will play lowest remaining rank.

4th Round:

The Final (4th) round will be a 9-point match.

3)The rank that you held prior to the start of the Top 10 Playoffs, will be the rank that you keep throughout the duration of the Top 10 Playoffs. (This is for ranking purposes during the Top 10 only) Example: If you are the #5 ranked player, you will continue to be the #5 ranked player for the duration of the Top 10 playoffs.The final two players remaining in The Top 10 Playoffs will play a 9 point match that is considered a #1 vs #2 match, fulfilling requirements for the #1 vs #2 match.

4)The cutoff for entering the Top 10 Playoffs is Saturday 12am ET. At this time the Top 13 ranks will be frozen. Anyone who might accidentally enter the top 13 after the cutoff will have their rank adjusted to their original rank.

5)The positions of #11, #12, and #13 are standby positions. If ranks #1 through #10 do not show at the start of the playoffs, ranks #11, #12, and #13 will be used at this time. This is the only time that the #11, #12, and #13 ranked players are used.

If players ranked 1-10 ALL show for the Top 10 Playoffs, then all prior commitments for the #11, #12, and #13 players are completed. The ranks of the #11, #12, and #13 players remain the same.

6)A player in the Top 10 Playoffs who is unable to attend, will be moved to the rank of #14 IF PERSONAL WRITTEN NOTIFICATION is given to the TOP 10 Playoff Director prior to the rank freeze.

7)All Top 10 players, including the #11, #12, and #13 ranked players, must be present in the NH Ladder Room by start time, or be moved to rank 25 if ADVANCE PERSONAL WRITTEN NOTIFICATION WAS NOT received by the Top 10 Playoff Director before the rank freeze. A five minute grace period will be allowed.

8)The # 1 and # 2 players are required to be present in the NH ladder room 30 minutes prior to the start of the Top 10 Playoffs to begin their 9 point match. A 5 minute grace period will be allowed. (If the playoffs start @ 4pm ET, then the #1 and #2 players must be present and playing no later than 3:35 pm ET). If only one of the two players is not present in the NH room by 3:35pm ET he/she will be moved to the rank #10 at this time. If both players are not present in the NH room by 3:35pm ET they will be moved to the ranks of # 9 and # 10. If only one of the two players (now ranked # 10) are not present in the NH room by 4:05pm ET he/she will be moved to rank # 30 at this time. If both players (now ranked # 9 and # 10) are not present in the NH room by 4:05pm ET they will be moved to the ranks of # 29 and # 30. Anytime after the 3:35pm ET deadline, the host reserves the right to make any changes in the Top 10.

9)During the Top 10 Playoffs, if a player has booted during the match, that player has 7 minutes to return to the table. If that player does not return, the match is forfeited. If a player boots more than three (3) times during the Top 10 Playoffs, that player will forfeit his/her current match.

10)Rank freeze means that from Saturday 12:00 AM ET until Saturday 4 PM ET its illegal to play matches which can change top 13 on ladder ( ex. #1 loses vs #9 and #9 goes to #5 thus changing the current top 13 ranks) Those matches will be counted as illegal, and it's recomended to pay attention and try to avoid those matches. Please check ranks before you play a match.

11)All Top 10 matches will be reported by ADMIN ONLY !!

12)All rules are subject to change to better fit ALL players needs.

The Super League (SL) is a special monthly competition from within the New Horizon Ladder and is directed by the NH SL Admin consisting of NH_I_M_BADDOG (Chair), NH_puppy, NH_CHGOBLKHAWK, NH_Windrunner, and NHscorpiodragon with NH_Silvermist as “Conflict of Interest” alternate. All NH SL Admin decisions will be FINAL!

A. The NH Super League is open to all NH Ladder players, who have also been NH community members for the full previous month . The monthly Super league will consist of 7 players as designated in the following order:

i) The previous month’s SL Winner.

ii) Any player holding the #1 Rung on the ladder in the last two days of the month.

iii) Ladder Ranking as of 2359hrs ET the final day of the month.

B. On the first day of each month, a list of these top 7 will be posted on the NH Freeteams site, along with 4 alternates. An Opt-In email will be sent to all SL qualifiers and alternates (4) and MUST be returned to the SL Director within the first 72 hours or the qualifier and/or alternate will be replaced. By opting in you agree to contact all 6 opponents, via email, by the 10th of the month for scheduling if a Round Robin match has not already been played. All unplayed SL matches after the 21 day Round Robin period will be reviewed by NH Admin and a penalty may be imposed as determined by NH Admin.

C. The SL will be run in 2 parts. Each qualifier will play a full round robin series of matches versus each of the other qualifiers within the first three weeks of the month. The Top 4 players will advance to a playoff round, to be completed, the last 7-10 days of the month.

D. All round robin matches will be played to 7 points. Play-off games will be played to 9 points in Page Round, 11 points in the Semi-final and the SL Final will be played to 13 points. “ALL” SL Matches will count as Ladder matches and be posted by the loser of the match in the usual manner by the losing player.

E: Ladder Reporting Exception! Should a SL Match, that would violate the “Leapfrog” rule, be unavoidable, the match will ONLY be counted as an SL match. Note: EVERY attempt should be made to ensure that any new “1-2” Ladder Matches involving a SL qualifier be played ASAP to clear these conflicts.

F. The final score (maximum 7pts) of each match is to be posted by the winner on the NH MSN Community site. The match winner earns 7 points for a victory regardless of the actual final score. Both Winner and Loser point scores will be retained and may be used for Playoff “Tie breaking” purposes.

G. Qualifier Info: All players should ensure that their "Ladder Profile" info on the NH MSN Community web site, particularily location (time zone?) is up to date. Once the qualifiers have been posted, (i will put location on the list if available) you should make a special note of any player you must play against with a time zone difference greater than 5 hours.

H. Match Scheduling: For players with 5+hours time zone difference, the higher qualifier, should send an email ASAP and try to arrange a match date/time. ALSO; should you not get an SL match done in the first 10 days (when I send the SL update out) through casual meeting in Anchors, I STRONGLY suggest that the higher qualifier, send an email and arrange a match date/time. This will save on forfeits!

I. If for some reason, a member does not complete all his or her “Round Robin” matches as of the 21nd day at 2359hrs EST. The match will be scored as a forfeit. The NH SL Admin team will decide rulings on forfeits (A score of either 7- 0 or 0-7 for BOTH players). Players may submit details of any/all actions (emails and responses) of an attempted match (or result of partial/incompletes) that may have a bearing on the NH SL Admin’s decision.

J. Should the Round Robin be completed early (inclusive of known “unplayable” matches) the NH SL Admin may (will) advance the start of the Play-offs accordingly and this will be posted on the NH MSN Community site.

K. The top 4 players of round robin play will qualify, and be seeded, for the Playoff, based upon their Match Records (and tie breakers). The playoff will be run under the “Page Playoff” . (This takes 3 rounds of play)

Page Round: 1vs2 (Winner to Final, Loser to Semi)

Page Round: 3vs4 (Winner to Semi, Loser out)

Semi-final Round: L1-2 vs W3-4 (Winner to Final, Loser out)

Final Round: W1-2 vs W Semi (Winner SL Champion!)

L. Playoff Scheduling: The playoff matches may begin immediately upon announcement by Admin of the playoff qualifiers and seeds. It is adviseable to Email your opponent with your best times to play and propose/attempt to schedule a date and time to meet, though not necessary in order to play the match. If you schedule the match for a specific time and date, it would be nice to post a message on the msn site, so that members be informed and come and watch the match, if desired. The SL MUST be completed by the end of the month and the NH SL Admin will adjudicate as needed to ensure completion.

M. MOST IMPORTANTLY: REMEMBER IT IS A GAME, THE SL IS INTENDED TO BE COMPETITIVE BUT FUN! SO HAVE FUN!!!

N. Play-off Seeding/Tie-Breaking Formula:

1) Round Robin Match Record

2) Point Differential “Points For”/ “Points Against” in all Round Robin Games Played.

3) Head-to-Head Match Between Tied Players Only

4) Point Differential “Points For”/ “Points Against” in Games Amongst Tied Players Only.

5) Greater # of “Points For” in all Round Robin Games.

6) Coin Toss

“Camping” is defined as showing in the room, but not responding to challenges at all in the main lobby. Usually it is a result of someone being in the room, then leaving their computer and forgetting to come back or leave the room.

1st Offense: Written Private Warning

2nd Offense: Player is put in Penalty Box for 1 Day

3rd Offense: Player is put in Penalty Box for 3 Days

4th Offense: Player is put in Penalty Box for 10 Days

5th Offense: Player is reduced in rank 10 rungs

6th Offense: Player is reduced in rank to bottom of ladder

7th Offense: Player is “kicked” (Removed from ladder)

**The only exceptions to this rule will be for the New Horizons Admin Staff who are on “Lobby Duty”, Tourney Directors currently running a tournament, and players who are currently playing in an NH Tourney**

1)If you are communicating in the lobby and not playing in a match, it will be assumed that you are there to play. If you are challenged in the lobby and do not accept the challenge, you will be considered to be “Avoiding”. No excuses are valid (ie, playing in a non NH tourney, playing in another room, waiting on “someone” etc.) Avoiding is considered a serious offense. This is important to maintain fairness and the integrity of the ladder at all times.

1st Offense: Written Private Warning

2nd Offense: Player is put in penalty box for 1 day and reduced in rank 10 rungs.

3rd Offense: Player is put in penalty box for 3 days and reduced in rank to bottom of ladder

4th Offense: Player is “kicked” (removed from ladder)

**The only exceptions to this rule will be for the New Horizons Admin Staff who are on “Lobby Duty”, Tourney Directors currently running a tournament, and players who are currently playing in an NH Tourney**

2)“Avoiding” also means playing all players regardless of rank. Specifically, not just playing “Ups” (players who are ranked higher than you). For the ladder to remain fair, all players must have the opportunity to play Ups. Most people are striving to move up the ladder; it is a part of the fun & challenge of ladder play. Any player viewed as not willing to play lower ranks may be penalized as “Avoiding”.

If players cannot come to an agreement on match points; 5 points is set as default.

All New Horizons player challenges must be made in the lobby of NH Ladder Room in Safe Harbor Games or by the Formal Challenge procedure.

SafeHarborGamesOnline, NH Ladder Room is the Home of New Horizons Ladder. ALL players are to play their matches in SHG site, NH LADDER ROOM.

Before playing the same person consecutively, players must check lobby for an other players that are available. A announcement in lobby looking for other players must be made at this time. Any other player has priority to challenge either one of the players that previosly just played.

You are allowed to play Ladder matches against people who live in the same household as you; but you should limit matches against them.

New Horizons is an area for friendly chat and the place where new visitors are welcomed. First impressions count for a great deal and to that end, it is unacceptable for you to argue and fight with other players. If you have a disagreement with another player, then you should occupy a table and invite a member of the Admin Staff/Host to join you. Chat that is harassing, unfriendly or abusive will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely. You have been warned. It's important to be considerate to all players, whether members of New Horizons or not.

Though dice play an important role in every backgammon match, it is not always the dice and it is a discredit to opponents when they have to hear from an opponent repeatedly this type of interaction/comments. It also takes away from the fun and relaxation that we all really come to play for.

New Horizons complies with the Safe Harbor Games Code of Conduct. If you are playing anywhere in an NH ladder nic, you are expected to uphold the NH sportsmanship/behavior standards.

Only affects players in the top 4 ranks

Rule allows each NEW #2 player to get their chance at the #1 rank. The player holding the #1 rank must allow a NEW #2 player a chance to play for the 1 spot prior to accepting challenges from either #3 or # 4 ranks. Rank #3 cannot legally play rank #2 until the new #2 has played #1. If a player is in violation of the leapfrog rule, he/she will be moved back to their original rank. Once there is a change in the two top spots (# 1 or # 2), the leapfrog rule is in effect for the first 48 hours. After the 48 hours has expired, all ranks are accessible by all players.

1)Rank #1 vs #2 Play: Current #1 and 2 players must play each other at least every 3 days. The match will be played to at least 9 points; at the discretion and agreement of the players, may be played for any number of points, but at least 9. The two top players should play as soon as possible after a change in the top two spots, in order to free up movement within the top of the ladder. The top 2 players MUST play each other within 3 days of earning their rank. If either of the two top players are unable to play within 3 days, admin or the My League default rule, will move BOTH players to rank #6 and #7 respectively without notice. Admin reserves the right to move only one player if proper cause. The top position on the ladder is lost when #2 rank wins a match over #1 rank. When this occurs, the previous #1 rank is moved to rank #25.

2)# 1 vs # 2 may only be played a maximum of once per calendar day, unless mutually agreed by both players. A second challenge within the same calendar day may be declined by either party with no avoiding coming into play.

Members will not be permitted to belong to 2 teams or ladders simultaneously who are playing in the same room as their primary ladder room. We don't care how many ladders you want to play on, but you will not be allowed to play on NH and another ladder that shares a ladder room with us.

Players can ask Admin. for rank reduction if they are not able to play for a few days.

It is suggested that if you choose to play a friendly match, that you go to a social room to do so. If you are in the ladders room, and another member is free and you decide to play a friendly, that will be the same as if you are avoiding. There is nothing wrong with playing a social match, however there is always a time and place, and in ladder while other MEMBERS are waiting is NOT the time nor place. Respect your ladder and your team mates!

It is not appropriate to challenge another player if you are currently involved in a match or if the other player is involved in a current match. It is not proper etiquette to ask a player who is already playing to play you next, either in the lobby or by zone mail. It is also not considered proper etiquette while you are playing in a match to ask another player for a match and have them wait for you.

To maintain fairness to ALL New Horizon team members, players should always complete current matches and only challenge and be challenged when they are actually free to play. This way, everyone will have the maximum capability to play. We should not have players who are free and trying to find matches being told by someone else who is free that they can’t play or that they are waiting for someone else.

Please follow proper protocol when addressing a problem with another player or admin. member. AS FOLLOWS:

1) Never, ever, ever argue in the main lobby or at the tables when other members are present.

2) If you find you are having a problem with someone, attempt to work out the differences privately; most people wish to work things out, if they are given the chance; so attempt to communicate first one on one, privately, with the spirit of maintaining the peace.

3)If you find you cannot work out your differences, make copies of offensive remarks; coc violations, rule violations and talk to any admin person immediately; ( do not let it fester), then let admin handle it;

4)Discuss these problems you may have, whether the problem is with other members or is with admin personel, only discuss with admin in private, NOT WITH OTHER MEMBERS!! All this gossipping does is spread; people pick up your offense and it causes divisions. By the time the problem is discussed and spread around a couple times, it is totally distorted and no where near the truth. Remember there is always two sides. This kind of gossipping, sharing problems with friends only leads to division, it never solves anything.

I assure you, the admin approach will be to look into any problem; get the facts from all involved parties; and try to resolve it peaceably. We are not interested in kicking anyone, unless it becomes a last resort to save the team from continous abuse and divisiveness. Admin will meet as a group with anyone who has a gripe with us; a serious problem with a member or any other concerns.

Standard backgammon rules trump a software glitch on the site; meaning that even though the site allows it, the forced move still MUST be taken.

An illegal move must be corrected before next roll of dice or the illegal move stands.

If this situation occurs, where an opponent playing a NH ladder match does not take the forced move by taking advantage of the game software glitch (whether inadvertently or deliberately), the illegal move must be challenged by their opponent PRIOR TO ROLLING THE DICE FOR THE NEXT MOVE. If you roll, it is the same as in a live game the opponent picking up their dice and you rolling yours. If that happens, the illegal move stands and the game continues on.

If however, the opponent challenges the illegal move prior to rolling the dice, they should at that moment call for any NH admin to the table for a ruling, if in the room. If no admin are present, the following default rule will take effect for this glitch.

The current game with the illegal move will be deemed invalid and the match will resume from what the score was prior to the invalidated game.

In the event that either opponent disputes that an illegal move occurred, call admin immediately to the table. If no admin are present, save the match as is without another roll or move and one or both players save the dice log before leaving the table. The dice log then can be submitted to admin and at a time when admin and both players can be present, the match board can be resumed, dice log reviewed, and a ruling made at that time.

Any new players on the New Horizons ladder/league will be on a 30 day probation period at the start of their membership. NH admin reserve the right to remove any probationary player for just cause.

If a member withdraws from the NH ladder without any prior discussion with the NH Admin Team, there will be a mandatory minimum 3 week waiting period before that member would be reconsidered for coming back onto the ladder as a member.

If you have a dispute or a problem with someone on the NH ladder, including any member of the NH Admin Team, please discuss the issue with the Head Admin or any other admin in writing, prior to withdrawing from the NH Ladder. Any member leaving the NH ladder in good standing, regardless of the reason, has always been welcomed back.

The rules for New Horizons are constantly being reviewed. We are always revising them for better clarification and to better meet the needs of our players. Please feel free to submit any suggestions you have to any admin member.


Top Ten
The purpose of the League is to climb to the top and the competition for the rungs in the Top Ten is high. As such, we have special rules that apply for members in the Top Ten.

• Inactivity
  • Members in the Top Ten must play a League match at least once every 3 days; otherwise, you will be automatically dropped five rungs and your inactivity counter is reset. There are no exceptions to this rule.

• Cheating
  • If you believe your opponent is cheating, then you should contact the Admin staff.
• Abuse
  • It is forbidden to abuse or harass another League member.
  • It is important to remember that two wrongs do not make a right. If you are being harassed by another League member, contact the Admin staff for assistance. Do not take matters into your own hands or return the abuse, or you could be penalized as well.
• Nice Guy Rule
  • Please note that behavior guidelines govern all methods of communication. This includes chat, E-mail, message forums, instant messenger services, etc. Treat other members with respect!