Smokin Spades
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 180 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.
  • 10 time(s) Per Day
    • You may play the same member 10 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

Smokin Spades�Good Times

Overall:

We at Smokin Spades Will Do Our Best To Provide An Enjoyable Gaming Experience.


We Will Be fair And Just In All Decision Making.


We Will Treat All Players With Respect.


We Will Answer All Player�s Questions In A Timely Fashion.


We Will Handle All Situations In A Timely Manner.


We Will Treat Everyone Equally.


In Turn We Ask All Players To Follow These Guidelines:


Sportsmanship: We Expect All Players To Treat Each Other With Respect And Courtesy, There Will Be No Bashing, Demeaning, Swearing or Personal Attacks Of Any Nature On Players Or Staff. A Person Or Persons May Not Accuse Others Of Cheating Without Chat For Proof, And Then A Decision Will Be Made By Smokin Staff As To The Legitimacy Of The Situation. If Someone Openly Accuses Another of Cheating In Public They Will Be Boxed A Minimum of 3 days. If A Player or Players Are Found To Be Cheating, That Will Result In A Permanent Ban From The League.


General: Only Staff Of Smokin Spades May Have The Smokin Name.


Next tourney: You Must Be In The Finals And on The 5th Hand Of The Tourney You Are In, And The Game Must Have Started Before You May Sign In The Next Tourney. If The Next Tourney Starts And You Are Still Involved In The Finals Of The Previous One, You Are Required To Have A Sub Available To Start For You, If You Do Not Have A Sub Available, You Will Be Timed, If After The 5 Minutes No Sub Is There For You, It Will Be A DQ.


Booting: If A player Boots, They Will Be Allowed 5 Minutes to Return, If They Do Not return A Sub May Finish In Team Play, In Bot Play There Are No Subs. A Player Is Allowed 3 Boots Per Match, Once The 3rd Boot Occurs, A Sub Will Complete The Team Tourney, If A Bot Tourney The Game Is Over And A Forfeit Declared.


Cloning: This Is Not Allowed, Do not Do it or YOU Will Be Boxed When Done During Game Play!!


Ties: If At The End Of The Game The Scores Are tied, You must play another hand, Bags are only counted in Loser Wins.


Reset Rule: There Will Be no Resets In The case Of A Misbid or Misplay. If A Player Misbids or Misplays the Game Is Over and The Other team Or player Is The Winner.


Same Table Rule: Players May Use The Same Table They Used In The Previous Round As Long As All Players Have Left The Table And It Has Been Allowed To Reset.


Location or Couple Rule: No Two Players Residing In The Same Househould Be it Temporary or Permanent May Be Partners In Any Tournaments. No Married Couples Or People Who Normally Reside In The Same Household May Be Allowed To Partner Together (One Is On A Business Trip , One Is At Home)unless prior approval is granted.


Room Boot: In The Event of A Room Boot, All Games Will Restart That Were In Play Be It Last Hand Or First Hand, They Will Be Restarted.


Table Settings: While We Are Playing in A Rated Room, All Tables Must Be Set At 9999/9999 And Reset Games Upon Completion. Or Player Ratings Will Be Affected.


Disciplinary : The Disciplinary Will Work As Follows:

1ST OFFENSE: Written Warning

2ND OFFENSE: Written Warning

3RD OFFENSE: 5 Days Boxed

4TH OFFENSE: Banned From the League

WE AT SMOKIN RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE WHAT ACTIONS WE FEEL WE NEED TO KEEP THESE PROBLEMS TO A MINIMUM
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.

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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