Pinochles
Rules and Policies
The Ranking System!

MyLeague has one of the simplest ranking systems ever used for competitive play. The concept was adopted from the ranking system used on the official Case's Ladders. We call it a "Ladder" because each member holds a unique rank or "rung" that represents their standing among other members. The highest-ranked member holds the #1 Ladder position; for example, someone ranked #2 is ranked below the #1 member. The goal is to "climb" the Ladder all the way to the top!

  • When you first join, you are placed in an "Unranked" category on the League.
  • You become "Ranked" after winning your first League match. (Unranked members may play each other, and the winner becomes ranked at the bottom of the League.)
  • When you defeat a higher-ranked member, you move up in rank 50% the distance between their rank and your own.
    • Example: If you are ranked #50 and you beat the #1 ranked member, then your new rank would be 25.
  • Your rank on the League does not go down if you lose a match unless your opponent is ranked DIRECTLY below you.
    • Example: If you are ranked #5 and the #6 ranked member defeats you, then your new rank would be #6.
  • When members ranked below you are victorious against members ranked above you, it's possible the member will jump over you in rank and you will move down one rung. This depends on the ranks involved.
    • Example(per 50% rank gain): You are currently ranked #7. If the #10 ranked member defeats the #1 ranked member, then #10 will advance to the #5 rung and you will fall to the #8 rung.

Account Rules

  • League Names
    • If your League name is deemed offensive or contains profanity, your account may be removed.
    • If your League name is deemed abusive towards another member, your account may be removed.
    • You can edit your League name by using the 'My Account' tab and choosing the 'Edit Username' option. If you have problems changing your League name, please use the 'Contact Admin' link, located on the 'Support' tab.
  • E-mail Address
    • Your E-mail address must be kept current at all times, in case you need to be contacted. You can use the 'Edit E-mail Address' link on the 'My Account' tab to edit your E-mail address.
  • Password Security
    • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password.
    • You are not permitted to share your password with anyone for any reason.
  • Inactivity
    • In order to keep the League as dynamic as possible, your account will be automatically deleted if you are inactive for 365 days. However, one of the features of our Premium Membership Program is never being deleted for inactivity. Information regarding our Premium Membership Program can be found here.
  • Multiple Accounts
    • Only one account is allowed per person. There are no exceptions to this rule.
    • It is forbidden for more than one person to use or share the same account.
    • Multiple accounts from the same location will be investigated and possibly removed.

Challenges

Note: Please consult the Admin staff regarding whether or not League challenges are permitted for this League.

A challenge is defined as a request for a match with a higher-ranked member. Whether you are the challenger or the one being challenged, there are some rules that must be followed. Violating these rules may result in penalties. If you notice anyone violating these rules, please contact the Admin staff.

  • Chat
    • The best way to find League matches is to announce in chat that you are looking for a League match so that other members will know you are interested in League-play. You can also directly challenge a specific member in chat.
  • Formal Challenges
    • Most Leagues permit the use of Formal Challenges. A complete overview of the Formal Challenge system can be found here.
  • 15 time(s) Per Day
    • You may play the same member 15 time(s) per day. However, you may play as many different members as you would like on any given day. A "MyLeague" day begins at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
  • Verify Information
    • We recommend you ensure a potential opponent is also a member of the League before starting your match. You can do this very easily by searching for your opponent using the 'Search for Players' tool.

Playing a Match

Once you are ready to start playing a League match, there are some guidelines governing game play that you should keep in mind.

  • Opponents
    • You are not allowed to report losses to another member that also plays from the same computer as you. Our security software will detect this activity if it is attempted, and participating accounts may be penalized or removed.
  • Sportsmanship
    • The same rules that apply to behavior in chat (covered in a later section) also apply during matches.

Reporting the Match

Once your match is completed, the loser of the match is responsible for reporting the loss immediately. You can report your matches using the 'Report Loss' button located on the 'Standings' tab. Please note the 'Report Loss' link should only be used for League matches and not for tournament matches; you should consult the TD with any questions regarding reporting tournament matches. If you have any problems reporting a loss, you should contact the Admin staff and request assistance.

  • Reporting the Loss
    • In one-on-one matches, the loser of the match reports the loss to the winner.
    • In partner matches, each member of the losing team reports a loss to both partners of the winning team. At the end of the match, you would either gain two wins or report two losses.
    • In "free for all" matches (matches in which multiple opponents are competing against each other without partners), each loser of the match must report a loss to one overall winner.
    • When playing matches with more than one opponent, it is important for losses to be reported in the proper order if rank will be affected by the order of report. You must report to the better-ranked opponent first in those cases. It is your responsibility to make sure you report in the correct order when necessary. Not doing so may result in penalty.
  • Unreported Matches
    • If your opponent does not report their loss within one hour after completing the match or prior to starting another match, you should click on the "Contact Admin" link and then use the "Unreported Match" form.

Tournaments

The rules for a Tournament are determined by the Tournament Director hosting the event. You will find a summary of each individual Tournament, including a Rules page, if you follow the link for that specific Tournament.

League-Specific Rules



  • PINOCHLES LEAGUE RULES



  • Rules Of Behavior

    Please treat others as you would expect them to treat you!

  • Lobby Arguments

    Arguments in the lobby of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes arguments with non-league players. If you have a problem with somebody please take them to a table and discuss privately.



    BOXING PENALTIES

    1 Warning

    a. First Offence = 1 Days Minimum

    b. Second Offence = 3 Days Minimum

    c. Third offence= Ejection from league





  • Good Sportsmanship

    We expect all members to display good sportsmanship. It is a common courtesy to say good game or good hand at the end of a game. All games must be played out, regardless of the score. Treat your partner and opposition with respect at all times.

    Accusations Of Cheating During A Tour Is Considered UnSportsman Like Conduct. If Cheating Has Occured And If 100% Tangable Proof Is Provided, You May E~Mail Host Of Tour For The Incident To Be Investigated.
    (All TDs Email Addresses Are Provided By Clicking Names On Directors Page)

    DO NOT STATE CHEATING OUTLOUD DURING TOUR IN EITHER LOBBY OR AT TABLE, As This Will Be Considered UnSportsman Like Conduct.

    Any display of unsportsmanship like behavior will result in the following boxing penalties:



    BOXING PENELTYS

    1 Warning

    a. First Offence = 1 Days Minimum

    b. Second Offence = 3 Days Minimum

    c. Third offence= Ejection from league





  • Abusive Behavior Toward Tournament Directors

    Please remember that all of the tournaments hosts are volunteers. They are here to make your playing experience fun and fair. They are to be respected at all times. If you have a problem with a host please speak with them privately. Any type of abusive behavior toward hosts will result in an automatic removal from the league.

    Arguing with a host in the lobby will result in the following boxing penalties:

    1 Warning

    a. First Offence = 1 Days Minimum

    b. Second Offence = 3 Days Minimum

    c. Third offence= Ejection from league





  • Cursing or Inappropriate Language

    To keep the playing experience for everybody enjoyable, we ask that you use common sense when chatting in lobby and game rooms. Please remember that what may seen acceptable to you may offend others. We will not tolerate any cursing, sexually explicit language or chat drawings, or other language that may be deemed inappropriate.

    Any inappropriate chat will result in the following:

    1 Warning

    a. First Offence = 1 Days Minimum

    b. Second Offence = 3 Days Minimum

    c. Third offence= Ejection from league

    Please note that admins may and will use discretion depending on circumstances when determining boxing penalties.



  • Tie Score
    Bidding Team Wins



  • PARTNER SUBBING RULES

    ( Sub Or Wait )

    SUB

    The Player Will Have A Sub Immediately Join The Game, While Their Real Partner Is Reloading.
    ( Partner May Rejoin As Soon As Possible )
    NO TIMER NEEDED.


    WAIT

    Waiting For The Partner To Return ( 10 Min Timer ) If Their Partner Does Not Return In The Time Allotted, The Entire Team Will Be Disqualified.
    ( Game May be Finished By Bots For Ratings )


    Once Player Has Responded They Cannot Change Their Original Call Of Sub Or Wait.



  • Teams DQ Rule

    If one players does not show up for the tournament and DQ's *Sub Or Wait Rule*, the other team member will be allowed to use a sub~host as a partner and remain in the tournament. However, a new tracking is in place that monitors the number of times a certain player does not show or play in a teams tournament they are registered in. This is not intended to penalize those players that may be experiencing computer problems, rather it is directed toward those that are abusing the . You will receive a warning email if you have been reported. Once 3 reports are issued against a player, that player will no longer we able to jump in teams tournaments. After 4 warnings, they will be boxed for 7 days. After 5 warnings you will be removed from the league.



  • Unreported Ladder Match

    All non-winners of a ladder match are expected to report the loss on the league main page within 24 hours. If you are playing a 4 person ladder match, you must report losses to BOTH opponents. If you have won a ladder match and the results have not been posted in 24 hours you must use the Unreported Match link on the left side of the page. Any emails or im's to TD's will not be enforced.

    BOXING PENELTYS Ladder Match Reporting Rule

    1st violation = warning

    2nd violation = boxed for 1 days

    3rd violation = boxed for 3 days and loss of 10 ladder rungs

    4th violation = ejection from league

    If you have questions about any of the rules please contact a staff member. Thank you for playing in Pinochles
    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 30 days; otherwise, you will be automatically dropped five rungs and your inactivity counter is reset. There are no exceptions to this rule.

    Expected Behavior

    As a member of MyLeague, you are representing the League, the Admin staff, and all other members when you are participating on a MyLeague. It's part of your responsibility as a member to act in a respectable manner within your League community.

    • Avatars
      • The rules of common decency should be followed when uploading images to use as avatars. Inappropriate avatars may be removed without warning or notification.
    • 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!

    Fill in the Blank

    Although we have tried to be as detailed as possible, we can't cover every aspect of gaming in our rules. Please be advised that just because something is not stated in our rules and policies, then that does not mean it is allowed. Use common sense. If it is something that will adversely affect other members and you might think twice about it, then it's probably against the rules. The Admin staff will have the final say in such matters. If you have a specific question please feel free to contact us via E-mail.
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