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 47% 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 24.
• 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.
• 254 time(s) Per Day
  • You may play the same member 254 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

Game Specific Rules for the Team Pinochle (Gaming Safari)Ladder

If any of these rules, here under "Game Specific Rules", appear to be in conflict with anything stated elsewhere in other sections of the rules relating to non-tournament ladder matches, then the rule in this section takes precedence.

Where To Play (Amended 08/14/2014)

All ladder matches must be completed in Case's Team Room.

Reporting Losses (Amended 08/14/2014)

Once the match is complete (game over per Gaming Safari, or if one player from each team agrees to game over), the losing team is responsible to report the loss to Case's Ladder within 20 minutes of game completion. In the event that Case's Ladder is down for all reporting, the losing team must notify the winning team that the loss was not yet reported and the reason why. If events other than Case's Ladder being down prevent the losing team from reporting, then the loss shall be reported to a LadderOp.

Traffic Controllers (Added 01/11/2003)

Traffic Controllers (TCs) may periodically assist teams in setting matches. A match set by a TC must be played. If it appears to be set incorrectly, after the match is played a member may report the error through "Contact Us" with supporting evidence.

Kibitz (Amended 08/14/2014)

No kibitz will be allowed at anytime during play of the game and will result in automatic loss to team whose members kibitz. Watchers are allowed but cards must remain hidden.

Boston (Added 08/04/2000)

Pulling all 50 points is called a Boston. Any team pulling a Boston wins the game as long as they took the bid and saved.

Subs Permitted In Match (Added 02/01/2004)

If one of the partners leaves before the match is finished, the remaining partner will be given 10 minutes to locate a sub. If there are no subs available, the remaining partner will promptly report the loss. The only exception would be if the opponents offer a cancellation. If the player obtains a sub to finish the match, the original player receives the loss; if it's a win, the sub receives the win.

In the event a mass disconnection from the gaming site, all matches will be canceled with no reports, and teams will return to the lobby for new matches.

Obtaining A Match (Amended 05/24/2009)

Once two team members are available for play, one player from the team must immediately announce they are available for play and identify who their partner is.

The onboard team sets the table and has first seat choice. All players must verify the table settings. All teams will play on unrated and protected tables with at least 20 points needed to score and an extra score for duplicate sequences. If the settings are incorrect, and before the first hand is complete, the match will be reset using the correct settings. If the error is noted after the first hand is completed, the match must be finished to completion as any other ladder match.

Consecutive Matches (Amended 09/04/2011)

Teams can play the same team twice in a row as long as one player from one or both teams is different. Each team is liable only for their own team's compliance. Matches are not considered back to back when played on different calendar days. All members must leave the game table and obtain the next match by following first come and challenge rules.

Cheating (Amended 04/22/2008)

If cheating is suspected, the match must still be completed and the losing team must report the loss and then may file a cheating complaint with proof.

If it is found that cheating did occur, the guilty team will bear the loss of the match.

1 vs 2 (Amended 11/20/2011) SUSPENDED DURING TEST PERIOD

Teams ranked #1 and #2 must play each other in a non-tournament ladder match once per day. It is the responsibility of both teams to have their first two available team members to play this match and not to wait for specific players. The #1 team will have seat choice for this match.

Once the #1 or #2 team challenges in the lobby and there is no response, then the team that challenged must accept a match with the on board team, or take board in accordance with the first come, first serve method for obtaining a match.

Match Challenges (Amended 04/22/2008)

Any team currently in the on board position has the option of securing a game by the first come, first serve method or by issuing a challenge to two members of a higher ranked team sitting in the lobby or visiting a table, who are not actively playing or seeking a match.

This challenge must be issued in the game lobby only by one member of the challenging team and stating their partner's name, the name of the team to be challenged, and the two specific members. Email challenges are prohibited, with the exception of the 1 vs. 2 rank defense match, which can be arranged by email, instant messaging programs, or in the Advanced 10 lounge.

If the on board team chooses to issue a challenge, they relinquish their on board position and will be a challenging team. The challenging team will have seat choice.

Top Five (Added 07/02/2015)

All rules in the section titled "Top Ten", excluding Inactivity, will apply to the Top Five (5) teams.


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 247 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.