GOOD TIMES PINOCHLE
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 100% 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 50.
  • 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.
  • 3 time(s) Per Day
    • You may play the same member 3 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

  • You are here to play Pinochle in a Social Setting. Win or Lose, HAVE FUN. Leave the Drama outside. Display Good Sportsmanship at all times and show respect to the full membership and those we share the room with.


  • Do not criticize anyone for the way they play nor have discussions of cheating. Acts of disrespect, drama, and cheating are dealt with seriously which may include removal from league.


  • If you have a member blocked and are assigned to play them you have the choice to UNBLOCK and Play or the game is forfeited to your opponent.


  • There are no registration restrictions on making teams, however, tours will not be held up to allow members to join late teams. It is strongly recommended you make a team as soon as possible as late teams could be dropped if both members have not joined at tour time.


  • When starting a tournament, either player from the 1st team announced will sit 1st, followed by the remaining 3 players. !!!!! WHEN ALL SEATED CLICK ON START !!!!!

    It is important to note, that if game starts before all are seated: !!!!! IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL LEAVE TABLE AND THE TABLE BE RESET !!!!!

    Settings: Enter Game Score / Enter Hand Limit / Check Both boxes to Disable Bots and Show Score. !!!!! NO HAND LIMIT FOR FINAL !!!!!


  • The game ends when game score is reached, a team resigns, or after the last hand is played. If both teams reach game score on same hand then the bidding team is determined as the winner. If neither team reaches game score then High Score is winner, or, in the case teams are tied then the bidding team wins.


  • We encourage play to final hand before losing team chooses the option to resign. If a team chooses to resign and as a couetesy, they should have taken atleast one counter after allowing the opposing team to play for a Boston.


  • Players already registered on AUTO TEAM should not withdraw from tour to even out the AUTO registrants. Our hosts join or withdraw to even up tour.


  • Do Not register for a tournament while playing in another.


  • Kibitzing (Watchers) must be left on for the Host to access table. Others may Kibitz with the consent of the Host & Players at Table.


  • You are expected to play if you have entered a tour at GTP. Depending on circumstances exceptions can be made, however, missing tour and playing at another venue can result in a 3 day box. Continued offenses will result in removal from league.


  • If you are found to be playing in other games while participating in a tour at GTP you will be ask to cease play at the other venue. If you object, you will be replaced by a substutute player and subsequently boxed for 3 days. Continued offenses will result in removal from league.


  • Any time a table freezes or the high bidder is unable to select trump the game will restart if on the first hand, otherwise the score will be recorded by the host and game resume with the current hand at a new table. Score should be kept manually and winning team announced at conclusion of game.


  • Although we discourage the use of Bots in Tournament Play, we may ask that a Bot be used when a partner is displaced and after exhausting all attempts to secure a Substitute. Tables are normally set to disable bots, meaning remaining players must move to another table, sit at same seat and enable bots in the settings. Game then will continue with the current score and hand played being kept manually.


  • We do not allow (2) substitutes sitting and playing for a missing team. A (5) minute timer will be set by the host after allowing a few minutes for one of the team members to sit at the table. If time runs out the match will be awarded to the waiting team.


  • Should you have a concern please contact an Administrator or Host in privacy.



    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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