General Rules of Conduct

These rules of conduct pertain to all league members. They are expected to be followed in all league activities and interactions. Please keep in mind that Mountain was originally established, and still remains, a friendly, fun, and family-oriented backgammon league. We encourage our members to introduce their sons and daughters (age 14 and up) to the joys of online gaming by allowing them to become a part of our league. For this reason, we insist the environment remain "PG" rated. Sexually explicit, foul, or obscene language will not be tolerated.

• As with any set of established "rules," there are always exceptions. That is true in this case as well. The league hosts a "Joke Tournament" on a weekly basis. As you might expect, several of the jokes submitted for consideration as the best joke of the evening are "colorful" in nature. If you have children who participate in the league, or if you may be offended by such jokes, then be sure to not be in the lobby during that time.

• Anyone reported as having cussed at, abused, or name-called another member may be booted from the ladder without a prior warning, or banned permanently from the league.

• We do not allow any rude talk, arguing, or intentionally trying to upset or antagonize someone via lobby chat. This applies to both league members and non-members.

• We ask that all conflicts and disagreements between players be taken outside of the public lobby. Please take the issue to a table or instant messenger to discuss with the TD running the tournament in which the issue arises, or with a member of the Head TD or Administration staff if you feel it is necessary, or if the issue is not related to a tournament currently being played.

• When you register for a tournament, please try to be in the lobby at the start time. Also, please watch the lobby for instructions from the TD regarding tournament rules and pairings. If you are not in the room or not responding to the TD, you will be placed on a 10 minute timer. It is the player's responsibility to be ready to play on time.

• When you have lost in a tournament, it is VERY important that you report. This includes a lobby report ("lost to player_x") AND reporting to the tournament page so that standings may be updated. Repeated non-reporting will result in a warning, and if behavior continues a 7 day suspension to the Penalty Box. Please remember to thank your hosts; all of our TDs volunteer their time to host tournaments.

• Anyone caught cheating in any way, for example reporting matches that did not happen (i.e. giving "free -ups"), will be penalized 100 rungs and receive 7 days in the Penalty Box the first time it happens, and booted off the ladder the second time.

• If you have a problem with another player or a TD, email the Head Administrator.

• Be courteous to and respectful of your opponent and our league at all times.

• MOST IMPORTANTLY-HAVE FUN!!!

Case's Ladder Ranking System.

The League is a member of the Case's Ladder family of internet tournament leagues. Case's Ladder, founded in February 1996, is the leader in Internet gaming Ladders, Leagues, and Tournaments. They offer a fair and fun environment to socialize while you play your favorite game, while keeping track of the statistics you obtain! Case's Ladder also provides the largest tournament system on the Internet.

Case's Ladder has one of the simplest ranking systems ever used for competitive play. They 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; 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 Ladder, and you become "ranked" after winning your first Ladder match. When you defeat a higher-ranked member, you move up in rank half the distance between their rank and your own. For example, if you are ranked #50 and you defeat the #1-ranked member, then your new rank would be #25. Your rank on the Ladder does not go down if you lose a match unless your opponent is ranked DIRECTLY below you. 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.

NON-Tournament Match Rules.

League members may engage in matches with one another outside the formal setting of tournaments. Before beginning a non-tournament match (Mountain Match), both members should agree in advance if the match is to be played as a ladder (formal) one, and on the number of points. The following rules apply to Mountain Matches.

• All matches are to be played at RATED/PROTECTED tables on Yahoo Backgammon in the Mosquito Pool room. Violation of this rule will result in the deduction of 10 rungs for both players.

• The pressure on players in the Top 10 can be considerable. If you are in the Top 10 and in the Mosquito Pool Lobby, you are presumed to be available for play (unless you are a TD and running a tourney).

• The #1 rung holder must defend his/her rung against the #2 rung holder at least once every three days. Penalty for non-compliance will be a drop of 10 rungs.

• Forcing a forfeit on a player during a Mountain Match is NOT acceptable.

• If you force a forfeit, do not expect the match to be reported to the Mountain Ladder, and don't bother submitting a complaint for an unreported match after forcing a forfeit.

• Requests to save a game should be accepted. If you are concerned that your opponent may be requesting a save to avoid a loss, don't argue the point; save the game and address your concerns via email to the Head Administrator.

• Unreported Matches:

  • Losses ARE TO BE REPORTED PROMPTLY to the ladder before starting to play another Mountain Match.

  • If your opponent fails to report a loss promptly, please send them a reminder via email.

  • To obtain an email address, please contact a member of the administration team.

  • If the loss is still not reported 24 hours after sending the email, use the 'Unreported Match' link located on the left-hand menu on the support tab of the Mountain homepage.

    • Please include the date and time of the match to assist administration in verifying the information.

    • This link notifies Administration of the problem, and creates another email to your opponent.

  • By the next day, if the match is still not reported and Administration has not been contacted by your opponent, the loss will be reported by a member of the Administrative Team, and the player who failed to report will be penalized.

    • Penalty for first failure is a drop of 30 rungs.

    • Penalty for second failure is a drop of 50 rungs, and 3 days in the penalty box.

  • Penalty for third failure will result in the player being kicked from the ladder.

• Playing in more than one game at once:

  • You may play in up to a maximum of 2 Mountain Matches at one time, provided your opponent agrees.

  • If the progress of a game is delayed because you are playing in another at the same time, you should save the most recently started game and finish it later.

General Tournament Match Rules.

These rules apply for all tournament matches played. Please refer to the rules outlined in another section on this page for rules that are specific to the different tournament types.

• All matches are to be played at RATED/PROTECTED tables on Yahoo Backgammon in the Mosquito Pool.

• The only exception to the rated table rule is when a TD specifies unrated tables for specific tournaments.

• Play in up to 2 tournaments at any one time is permitted at the discretion of the TDs, as long as you are not causing undue delay to either tourney.

• Any player found to be playing in more than 2 tournaments at once, may be disqualified.

• If you are waiting to play during a tournament, you may play non-tournament games only after asking the TD and getting his/her approval, while also not exceeding the 2-game limit.

• Tournament matches take precedent over non-tournament matches.

• Speed rolling and over-cubing are discouraged. Please try to avoid doing both. This is a courtesy to your opponent and does not result in disqualification unless the use of either is abused or appears intentional---to be determined at the hosting TD's discretion.

• Excessive slow play will result in a warning; if slow play continues after warning, it may result in disqualification.

• If a player needs to leave their computer during a match they should notify their opponent with a BRB (Be Right Back) note prior to leaving. It is recommended that if TD is not already present at the table, that the remaining player summon them whenever this occurs. If the BRB player does not return promptly the TD will then begin the missing person clock described elsewhere in this chapter. Repetitive use of BRB is considered another form of excessive slow play and will subject the offending player to disqualification.

• Unsportsmanlike behavior results in disqualification after first warning.

• A 3 boot/10 minutes clock is used for missing, frozen, or booted players. This is 10 minutes cumulative for the entire tournament. Time starts when TD is informed or notices.

• Forcing a forfeit on a player is NOT acceptable and results in disqualification. If your opponent times out, the game is canceled.

• Please read the rules for each individual tournament so you are aware of any specific rules not covered here.

• The Tournament Directors have been trained to handle any problems that may arise in a tournament. It is impossible for us to list all the rules for the variety of circumstances that can happen.

  • This is why we have Tournament Directors.

  • In the event of any problems that are not covered on the tournament rules page, the Tournament Director's decision is FINAL.

  • Failure to abide by the Tournament Director's decision is an automatic disqualification.

Single Elimination Tournaments

This is the most common type of tournament offered within the league. There are many different "themes" that can be applied to this tournament type. A few of them are "Progressive Tournaments", the "Joke Tournament", and the "Battle of the Sexes".

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tourney pages.

• Unless otherwise specified on the tournament's rules page, the cube (doubling) is allowed and encouraged. The two common exceptions to this are No Hit No Cube Tournaments and 1 point matches.

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

Double Elimination Tournaments

This tournament is different than the Single Elimination in that you are not finished playing in it until you have lost twice. It consists of an upper and a lower bracket. The points for the tournament are usually listed as 3/2 or 2/1. Using 3/2 points as an example, this means that the upper bracket matches are to be 3 points, and the lower bracket matches are to be 2 points. All players begin in the upper bracket. If you lose in the upper bracket match, you move to the lower bracket and play another member who has also lost in the upper bracket. You are not eliminated from the tournament until you have lost in both the upper AND lower bracket. As the tournament nears its conclusion, there is a winner of the upper bracket and a winner of the lower bracket. These two players then play one another to determine the overall winner of the tournament. Keep in mind that the winner of the upper brackets is not eliminated until they have lost twice; so the winner of the lower bracket must win two matches against the winner of the upper bracket in order to win the tournament.

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tourney pages.

• Unless otherwise specified on the tournament's rules page, the cube (doubling) is allowed and encouraged. The two common exceptions to this are No Hit No Cube Tournaments and 1 point matches.

• You must lose twice to be eliminated from this style of tournament.

• These take considerably longer than Single-Elimination Tournaments. Sometimes there is a longer wait between matches, if you leave the room while you are waiting to play, you will be disqualified. This does not apply to frozen/booted players.

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

Regular Swiss System Tournaments

In Swiss style tournaments, all players compete in every round. Losing a match does not result in elimination. At the conclusion of the tournament, all wins are awarded a certain amount of ladder bux per win. This amount is determined by the number of people in the tournament and the total numbers of wins--please refer to the Prizes link on the individual tournament pages for a more detailed break down of how the ladder bux awarded per win are determined. The total number of rounds played will vary, depending on the number of people entered and how long it takes to declare a clear winner. Wins are awarded 1 point. If you receive a bye in any round, it is counted as a win and you receive 1 point.

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tourney pages.

• Unless otherwise specified on the tournament's rules page, the cube (doubling) is allowed and encouraged. The two common exceptions to this are No Hit No Cube tournaments and 1 point matches.

• Everyone plays every round. The tournament is finished as soon as there is only one player remaining who is undefeated.

• The # of rounds is set before the tournament in order to specify a max # of players. If it is set for 6 rounds, this does not guarantee that there will be 6 rounds of play. When a winner can be declared, the tournament is over.

• You may be removed from the tournament after the completion of any round. It is the PLAYER'S responsibility to notify the TD if you wish to be removed, or you may withdraw yourself, using the withdraw link on the tournament page.

• These take considerably longer than single-elimination tournaments. Sometimes there is a longer wait between matches, if you leave the room while you are waiting to play, you will be disqualified. This does not apply to frozen/booted players.

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

True Swiss System Tournaments

This is almost identical to the Regular Swiss System Tournament. The exception is that there is a set # of rounds at the start of the tournament, and the tournament may end without a "winner." All players compete in every round. Losing a match does not result in elimination. At the conclusion of the tournament, all wins are awarded a certain amount of ladder bux per win. This amount is determined by the number of people in the tournament and the total # of wins--please refers to the Prizes link on the individual tournament pages for a more detailed break down of how the ladder bux awarded per win are determined. Wins are awarded 1 point. If you receive a bye in any round, it is counted as a win and you receive 1 point.

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tourney pages.

• Unless otherwise specified on the tournament's rules page, the cube (doubling) is allowed and encouraged. The two common exceptions to this are No Hit No Cube tournaments and 1 point matches.

• The # of rounds are preset by the TD before the tournament starts. Regardless of # of players, the # of rounds does not change once the tournament begins.

• After all the rounds are complete, the player with the most points wins. If there is no conclusive point leader there is no winner of the tournament.

• You may be removed from the tournament after the completion of any round. It is the PLAYER'S responsibility to notify the TD if you wish to be removed, or you may withdraw yourself, using the withdraw link on the tournament page.

• These take considerably longer than single-elimination tournaments. Sometimes there is a longer wait between matches, if you leave the room while you are waiting to play, you will be disqualified. This does not apply to frozen/booted players.

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

Teams / Partners Tournaments

Teams tournaments are usually ran in the Single Elimination format, as either regular backgammon or no hit, no cube. Each team consists of two members. You may find a partner early and sign up with the team name of your choice. The password you sign up with is only used for that specific tournament. You may also join using the auto-team locator and you will be randomly paired with another player who has signed up without a predetermined partner and a password will be emailed to you. You and your teammate may co-conspire on cubing, moves, etc. Teams tournaments generally take a few hours to play, depending on the number of teams entered.

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tournament pages.

• Tables are to be set as UNRATED and PROECTED.

• In the first point of every match, the cube (doubling) is NOT allowed. After the first point, the cube is allowed and encouraged unless it is otherwise specified on the individual tourney page.

• Each member of the team must play one complete game in the first two games played.

• Team members may not switch at will until each team member has played against both members of the other team. After that anything goes, and you may switch as often as you like.

• In the event of a member being booted, the TD or any other league member who is available and willing, may sub for a booted member until they return. During the period of time there is a sub playing, the same rules apply regarding switching. Once the member has returned to the lobby, the sub should allow the member to resume playing. If the booted member should not return, the sub may continue to play on to the completion of the tourney. The clock is suspended while a sub is playing.

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

No Hit w & w/o Cube Tournaments

No Hit Tournaments can be played in virtually any of the formats previously described: Single Elimination, Double Elimination, Regular or True Swiss, Teams/Partners. In No Hits the object of the game remains the same (to bear off all your pips before your opponent does). What makes it unique is that you are not allowed to hit any of your opponent's single pips and bump it to the bar! Most of the time, No Hits are played without the use of the cube (No Cube). Occasionally, some TDs will call for a No Hit Tournament where the cube (doubling) is in play.

• Points for the matches are determined by the hosting TD and are listed on the individual tourney pages.

• The cube (doubling) is not allowed in the most common format but on occasion the hosting TD will include the doubling cube as a part of the game. If you use the cube in a match that does not allow it, you must resign for a single point.

• Hitting (bumping opponent's pip to bar) is not allowed. If you hit, you must resign for single stakes.

• All moves are final once the dice are passed. (Hint: Turning auto-pass off helps prevent accidental hits.)

• Refer to rules on each individual tournament page for entire list of rules specific to the tournament in which you are playing.

Glossary of Terms Used

Administration/Administrators

Both terms refer to the team of league members that have been selected by the Head Administrator to share in the duties necessary to maintain the day-to-day operation of the league and to keep the league running smoothly. Much of the work performed by these individuals is behind the scenes, and largely administrative in nature. They also help enforce the rules laid out on this page as well as provide guidance and leadership to the entire Mountain Staff. All Administrators work on a volunteer basis.

Battle of the Sexes Tournament

This is a special themed tournament that actually consists of two single elimination tournaments. There is one tournament for the men, and one for the ladies. Thus, Battle of the Sexes. Once a winner of each sex's tournament has been declared, the winner of the men's and the winner of ladies' tournament play one another in a regular Mountain Match that is equal to the points that were played in the separate tournaments. The loser of this match reports a regular Mountain Match loss on the main Mountain homepage. If the winner is a premium member, they are awarded the Battle of the Sexes Medal by a member of Administration.

Head Administrator

The Head Administrator (HA) is completely in charge of all aspects of the league. The HA sets the league rules, co-ordinates and manages the Administration team, manages the entire TD staff, has the final say in all league warnings/punishments and ensures the league's healthy existence. The HA also handles most of the communication necessary with the Case's site and oversees the daily operations within the league. Problems that cannot be resolved through the efforts of HTDs and Administrators are also addressed and handled by the HA. Click to Email HA

Head Tournament Director

Head Tournament Directors (HTDs) are a position that is a step up from the Tournament Directors. HTDs have been well trained to run any type of tournament and have the ability to run another TD's tournament in the event they cannot be present to do so. They assist TDs as they are learning and provide assistance to TDs when necessary. HTDs are responsible for setting and running tournaments according to the rules that are established on this page. All HTDs "work" on a volunteer basis.

Instant Messenger

A majority of members in the league use Yahoo Messenger as a communication tool. This serves several purposes. It allows TDs to send out group messages regarding upcoming tournaments and relevant signing up information. It also provides a way for members to communicate with each other outside of the Mosquito Pool lobby or at match tables. Lastly, when another member of the league is on your "Friend's List," they will show up in blue text at the top of the list of members in the Mosquito Pool lobby. This makes it easier for players to find one another for matches and allows TDs to quickly locate the members that are playing in their tournaments.

Joke Tournament

This is simply a themed form of a single elimination tournament. Members are encouraged to "tell" jokes in the Mosquito Pool lobby prior to, during, and immediately following the tournament. At the conclusion of the tournament, the hosting TD selects the best joke of all those submitted and deems it the best joke of the evening--for which there is a ladder bux prize.

Ladder

The ranking system used by the League and the Case's system to establish the position of an individual within the leagues standings. For a complete understanding of the ladder ranking system refer to Case's Ladder Ranking System.

Mixed Swiss Tournament

This is a type of Swiss System Tournament in which alternating rounds are played as no-hit and as regular backgammon. See the rules of the individual tournament page for the rules that are specific to this type of tournament. (AKA Split Swiss Tournament.)

Mosquito Pool

This is the title of one of the Social Lounge Game Rooms within Yahoo Games Backgammon. The game room is open to the public; it does not exclusively belong to the league so players that are not members of the league are free to play in or chat in the lobby at any time. However, Case's Ladder affiliated leagues may not conduct any activities in this room per Case's rules.

Multi-Week Tournaments

This can be any type of the tournaments listed throughout this page. They are played over the course of several weeks. Registration is usually open for an extended period of time to allow larger numbers of members to participate. The posted time for the tournament is when the registration will be closed and pairings posted on the standings page. Each player has one week to complete the match with their opponent. The points are usually higher than most of the regular tournaments. Players email one another to set up a time to play in Mosquito Pool and the TD does not need to be present while the matches are being played. Reporting is the responsibility of players and should be done immediately following a loss on the report link on the individual tournament page. Most regular tournament rules apply and members who sign up should make sure to read the rules page for that specific tournament.

Over Cubing

Over cubing is cubing beyond the number of points needed to win a match. For example, if you are playing a 3 point match, over-cubing would be cubing so the match is worth 8 points. Over-cubing is NOT cubing to 4 in a 3 point match. If one player has zero points, cubing to 4 points makes the game being played match point.

Penalty Box

This is a tool used by the Administration team for when a member has repeatedly violated league rules. The punishment is for a set number of days and varies depending on the both the specific rule violated as well as the severity of the violation. Usually, a member is given multiple warnings prior to be placed in the penalty box. However, if the rule violation is severe enough, a member may be placed it the penalty box without having received any prior warnings. While in the penalty box, members are unable to play in tournaments or participate in any other league activities.

Progressive Tournament

A type of tournament, usually single elimination, where the point values of the matches increases with each round. For example, round 1 matches might be worth 5 points, round 2 worth 7 points, round 3 worth 9 points, etc. These take a considerable amount of time, so please keep that in mind if you choose to join one.

Rung(s)

This is the smallest unit of measurement on the Case's Ladder Ranking System. Players move up and down rungs on the ladder as their rankings on the ladder change relative to other players in the league. The objective of every player is to achieve the #1 rung position.

Tournament Directors

This term can encompass all TDs collectively (this includes HTDs), but may also specifically refer to those people who have not yet been promoted to HTDs. TDs are responsible for setting and running tournaments according to the rules that are established on this page. All TDs "work" on a volunteer basis.

Tournament of Champions Tournament

This is a form of single elimination tournament that is held once a month that recognizes all of the members who have won a tournament in the current month (roughly 30 days usually). This is set up as an invite only tournament. Members receive an invitation via email and are already registered in the tournament at the time they receive the invitation, they only need to go to the tournament page and check-in. On whatever day the TOC is scheduled to be on, there are two different tournaments at different times of the day to ensure more members have an opportunity to participate. The winners of each tournament play one another in a non-tourney match to determine the TOC Champion of the month. Both the winner of this match and the runner-up have their name highlighted on the main Mountain homepage until the next TOC takes place.

Speed Rolling

This refers to rolling the dice in any match too quickly while your opponent is on the bar. If your opponent is on the bar and they are unable to get back onto the board, the dice automatically pass to you before the dice are done rolling. You should always allow your opponent to see what they rolled even when they can't get off the bar. Rolling quickly before the dice have stopped and not allowing your opponent to see their roll is considered speed rolling.

Split Swiss Tournament

This is a type of Swiss System Tournament in which alternating rounds are played as no-hit and as regular backgammon. See the rules of the individual tournament page for the rules that are specific to this type of tournament. (AKA Mixed Swiss Tournament.)