• Despite the serious nature of the tournament, the event is expected to be relaxed and enjoyable, in keeping with the spirit of the board game hobby.
    All participant are expected to treat their fellow players in a friendly, polite and respectful manner at all times.
  • The official tournament language is English.
    The players at a table may agree to switch to a different language for that particular game.
    All communication at the table must be conducted in a language that is understood by every player at all times.
  • English rules are leading. Occasionally, there may be differences between translations. However, the rules provided with the game (in English), along with the published clarifications on this website (see section “Rule Clarification – Game Specific”), constitute the official tournament rules. FAQs — whether official or unofficial — remain unofficial unless explicitly confirmed and published on our website.
  • Seating is assigned for each game by the tournament draw, so the starting player is not determined according to the method described in the game rules. The starting player always takes the role of banker, secretary, etc.
  • Only the original game materials – including the official rulebook – are permitted during the tournament.
  • No notes may be taken during the games, nor may any notes be brought to the table. Other aids such as calculators, mobile phones, or similar devices are strictly prohibited.
  • All actions in the game must be executed clearly visible and in a way that is transparent and understandable for all players. Ambiguous game situations must be strictly avoided.
    Examples of what to pay attention to include: open game materials must not be covered; markers must be placed clearly and unambiguously; money should be placed openly next to the general supply — not thrown directly onto it; the same applies to cards.
  • After each shuffle of game components such as cards, tiles, or tokens, a second player must cut the deck.
  • During tournament play, a referee may be called in case of a question or dispute regarding the current or a potential game situation. “Errors” from previous rounds may only be corrected if all players at the table agree, or if a referee decides that the game state can be clearly reconstructed and corrected, and no decisions depending on it have yet been made. Otherwise, the error will not be corrected and must be accepted.
    If a referee’s decision is not accepted, the head referee will be called. Their decision is final. Players may submit a protest. The tournament organizers will collect and review it, and provide feedback at a later stage. However, the game will continue based on the decision made. If a player refuses to continue the game, this is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and may result in removal from the current game.
  • It is prohibited during gameplay to negotiate with, persuade, or influence other players. Everyone plays their own game.
    Although most players may intend to offer helpful advice, such advice is often subjective and may serve their own interests. You should trust that other players will assess the situation fairly and make the best possible move for themselves.
  • The rules of fairness and of fair play must be respected and upheld.
  • Serious violations of game rules, tournament regulations, fairness and fair play, or disregard for referee decisions may be penalized by the referees. Affected participants may face warnings, deduction of victory points, demotion in the current game ranking, point penalties for their team, or complete disqualification.