• From all players it is expected that you know the rules and know the game (so extensive training camps during the weekends from now on). The playing standard is very high (and very sportsmanlike)! You really should practice and have played each game at least 3 times. You will notice that through practicing you will enjoy the challenge at the tournament even more.
  • Take into account that time is also a gaming factor and a restriction!!
    We have some shorter games and some longer games. Do not train only on the knowledge of rules and strategy, but also on gaming speed. Know where you can speed up and where you might need some time to think. If your table is lagging, know that you will play with increased time pressure in the final rounds.
  • English rules are leading. Sometimes there could be a difference between translations. But the rules provided with the game (in English) together with the published clarifications on this website (see section rules specific clarification) are the standard rules for the tournament. FAQs, official or non-official, remain non-official unless we notify you differently and it is posted on our website.
  • Seating is assigned per game by the tournament draw, so the starting player is not based on the way described in the rules. The starting player always takes the position of the banker, secretary, etc. He has to carry out all actions clearly visible and comprehensible for all players.
  • After each shuffle of playing material such as cards, tiles or tokens, a second player must cut the deck.
  • During tournament play, a referee can be called in case of a question/dispute regarding current or possible game situation. “Errors” in previous rounds of play can only be corrected if all players at the table agree, or by a decision of a referee, if the state of play can be clearly reconstructed and corrected and no decisions depending on it have yet been made. Otherwise, the “Error” will not be corrected and has to be accepted. In case the decision of the referee is not accepted, the main referee will be called and his decision is decisive. Players may sign protest, the organization will collect the protest and will give feedback at a later stage, but the game will be continued based on the decision made. In case the player refuses to continue, this is not regarded as fair-play and the player can be dispelled from this specific game.
  • It is prohibited during game play to negotiate with/persuade or influence other players. Though most players just want to give good advice, most of the time this is rather subjective and will benefit their own. You should rely on other players that they judge the gaming situation right and make the best possible move for THEIR own benefit.
  • The rules of fairness and of fair play must be respected and followed.
  • You play not only to win, but also to have a very good time (so if you would not become champions, you still go home with a very good feeling, and met some nice other international gamers) (so more sportsmanlike)

TIP: reread the rules after you have played the game several times. You will notice you have overlooked some rules.