Format

Each monthly event will feature a 4 x 9pt swiss type format using an anti-seeded draw with all players playing at least 3 matches.
Month 1 Round 1 will be determined using the 2023 win percentage (Masters players first then intermediates)
Subsequent months draws will be determined by the 2024 annual tables. i.e. 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4 etc. then if tied by matches won, then by the 2023 win percentage (Masters players first then intermediates)

Byes - Every effort will be made to equalise the number of byes a player recieves
Rounds 2 to 4 will follow the standard swiss format.

The monthly winner and runner up to be determined by the following criteria:
1.   Match points (1 for a win, 1 for a bye win, 0 for a loss, -2 for forfeit loss)
2.   Head-to-head result between tied players
3.   1 or 3 point play off’s if required

Points will be accumulated as follows for both quarterly and annual leagues: -
4 wins (no byes) = 2 points, 3 wins + 1 bye win = 1.5 points, 3 wins = 1 point, 2 wins + 1 bye win = 0.5 points.

In the event of tied players in quarterly leagues prizes will be shared equally.

In the event of tied players in annual leagues the finishing position will be determined by the following tie break rules:
1. Most events won
2. Matches won
3. Most attendances
4. Head-to-head
5. If still tied there will be a play-off between players involved.

Any players not completing all their matches (except dead rubbers*) will forfeit any points gained in earlier rounds and be penalized 2 points for each match not played. In addition, should this occur on more than one occasion without any extenuating circumstances said player will be excluded from future tournaments.

Any players found guilty of “fixing” a match to benefit themselves and/or others will be disqualified and become ‘persona non grata’ at any future events.

*Definition of a dead rubber - A pairing that will not impact another players chance of winning 3 matches.

Play off criteria

With two players tied, if they've met during the event then use the head-to-head result, otherwise play a tiebreak match.

With four players tied, a randomly drawn KO with byes as necessary.

With three players tied, if one of them has already beaten the other two during the event, then that player wins. (Whether the other two have met or not is irrelevant.) Otherwise, a playoff is needed as follows:
Round robin. If the result is 1-1-1 then ……. Two randomly chosen players play for a spot in the final. The loser plays the third player for the other spot in the final.

• Play off matches will not be awarded Pennine points nor added to UKBGF database

3 Wins Consolation

Entry fee for this is included in entry fee with an optional £10 side pool.

Winner and runner up determined by same criteria as main event.
Alternately players may choose to share the prize money using majority vote.

0-2 Consolation

Players that lose their first 2 matches will play a mini KO (match lengths 5/7/9 determined on the day) with the winner receiving the following
Entries up to 14 = £10
Entries 15 to 24 = £20
Entries 24+ = £30

Default start times and match points

Matches in rounds 2 to 4 will play reduced points if starting more than 30 minutes after default time.

Clocks

Clocks - All matches are clock mandatory . Therefore: -
9-point matches = 14 minutes +12 seconds per move
7-point matches = 11 minutes +12 seconds per move
5-point matches = 8 minutes +12 seconds per move

IMPORTANT RULES you need to know about monthly tournaments  

Any players not completing all their matches (except dead rubbers) will forfeit any points gained in earlier rounds and be penalized 2 points for each match not played. In addition, should this occur on more than one occasion without any extenuating circumstances said player will be excluded from future tournaments.

In addition, any player forfeiting a match will become ineligible for quarterly and Xmas monies regardless of number of events attended.

Any players found guilty of “fixing” a match to benefit themselves and/or others will be disqualified and become ‘persona non grata’ at any future events.

General Rules

All monthly tournaments will start at 12.00pm (Bradford) and 12.30pm (Manchester) prompt. Last registrations taken 15 minutes before start times.

Legal moves only

Tournaments will use UKBGF rules

Results of matches (except play off's) will be included in the  UKBGF's ranking system

Baffle Box - optional.  Both players must agree to using a baffle box

If any additional rulings are required then these will be handled by the Tournament Director and selected experienced players at the tournament.