Posts from Rules for organizing, conducting, and participating in online Heroes of Might and Magic III tournaments.

/Based on the previous discussion of the Rules, I have quite thoroughly revised the Draft.
The discussion continues.
My thoughts are in purple and within //; points that cause me doubt are marked with * and require discussion; questions for everyone are in red. /

These Rules are the result of a synthesis, generalization, and clarification of tournament rules developed by Adelaide, ewgeniy, Nagan-4, StickyFingaz on HeroesWorld, and tournament rules conducted on HeroesPortal by sir Neoandy. The tournament experience shared by players during discussions and surveys has also been used.

Rules for the organization, conduct, and participation in HOMM3 online tournaments

I. General Provisions.

1. Official HOMM3 online tournaments are conducted by the Tournament Committee (TC).
2. Any registered user of ХВ has the right to organize a fan tournament. It is recommended to coordinate its dates and theme with the TC and be guided by these Rules.
3. The tournament theme should be interesting. Preliminary discussion to ascertain players' opinions on the theme and rules of the tournament is possible and desirable.
4. Information support for tournaments (section is under development):
- Table of current Heroes 3 online tournaments;
- Organizer reports on completed HOMM3 online tournaments;
- Hall of Fame - a thread for Tournament Organizers. This is where medals are awarded under avatars, and images of material prizes are posted, if any;
- Blacklist - a thread for Tournament Organizers and the Appeals Commission (AC). In this thread, Tournament Organizers express remarks and claims against Participants for violating tournament deadlines, unethical behavior (unjustified disputes, rudeness, both on the forum and in personal communication, ignoring requirements and decisions of Organizers and the AC, submitting an application to participate in a tournament followed by ignoring games, players, and the Organizer, repeated failure to appear at the agreed time, unjustified difficulties in finding a mutually acceptable time for play, delaying the completion of games), non-confirmation of reports, etc. The AC posts decisions here regarding unfair play and the awarding of "Cheater's Black Marks"; the TC makes remarks to Organizers for negligent attitude toward their tournament.

II. Duties and Rights of the Organizer.

1. The Organizer is obliged to:
a) before the start of the tournament, place an announcement in the thread Table of current Heroes 3 online tournaments;
b) if they are a participant in the tournament themselves, involve a neutral party - a Judge - to resolve disputes that may arise in their matches or in situations where they may be interested in a decision in favor of a specific player. The Judge, chosen by the Organizer, can be either a member of the Appeals Commission (AC) or any other neutral competent person;
c) treat Tournament Participants, their requests, remarks, and wishes with respect and attention;
d) place the following information in the first post of the tournament thread: rules, deadlines, regulations, same-bracket draws, methods of communication (ICQ number) with themselves and the Judge;
e) when discussing rules, deadlines, and regulations with players before the start of the tournament, simultaneously enter all changes into the first post and announce this in the thread. Changes to rules and regulations after the start of the tournament (i.e., once the first match has been played) are permitted only in extreme cases;
f) review the tournament thread daily and respond quickly to Participants' questions. If the Organizer is unable to systematically monitor the progress of the tournament, they must involve an assistant to consult Players;
g) carefully monitor compliance with deadlines and regulations, conduct round draws in a timely manner (see also section IV), and update all necessary information in the first post;
h) agree on the following issues with the rating manager: inclusion of games in the seasonal/permanent rating, the number of additional points added to tournament prize-winners' ratings, and reflect this information in the first post;
i) when accounting for tournament games in the rating, periodically provide the rating manager with information about played matches in the thread Reports of online games and their confirmations without duplicating reports into this thread;
j) upon completion of the tournament, write a free-form report in the specially created thread "Organizer reports on completed HOMM3 online tournaments", in which it is desirable to reflect the following information:
name, theme, tournament dates, number of participants, interesting statistics, winners and prize-winners, highlighting the best matches and achievements.
k) in the "Hall of Fame" thread, conduct an award ceremony for the winner and prize-winners. Winners of official tournaments are awarded a medal under their avatar. Images of material prizes, if any, are also placed here.
l) in the "Blacklist" thread, list participants against whom there were serious claims from either the Organizer or the Participants, with mandatory specification of the remarks. Punishment is at the discretion of the Organizer, up to disqualification from all tournament games and a ban on participating in their future tournaments. Based on such lists, other Organizers of subsequent tournaments have the right to refuse an application for participation from "distinguished" players.

m) should circumstances arise that prevent the Organizer from conducting the tournament and fulfilling their duties, they must contact the TC and request a temporary replacement or a replacement until the end of the tournament. The TC is obliged to provide a competent replacement. If a tournament was abandoned by the Organizer, the TC makes a replacement, and a warning is issued to the Organizer in the "Blacklist" thread.

2. The Organizer has the right to:
a) involve an assistant/assistants, including from among the Participants, for conducting draws, for design layout, for consulting players, for managing the tournament, and for providing other assistance;
b) participate in their own tournament;
c) refuse an application to participate in the tournament from a user against whom there were serious claims during any of the previous tournaments - as listed in the Blacklist thread;
d) refuse an application to participate in the tournament from a user who has fewer than 5 games in their activity on any known resource;
e) refuse an application to participate in the tournament from any user without a public explanation of the reasons.

III. Duties and Rights of Tournament Participants.

1. A Tournament Participant is obliged to:
a) treat the Organizer, Judge, and other Tournament Participants with respect;
b) familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations, and tournament deadlines before submitting an application and objectively assess their ability to participate in it;
c) specify all data required by the Organizer in the application - ICQ number, play time, versions, templates, communication language, etc.;
d) comply with game deadlines (see also section IV);
e) make daily saves of the match, keep them until the end of the tournament, and present them upon the first request of the Organizer, Tournament Judge, or any member of the AC. Saves can be made either manually at the end of one's turn or using a program, for example, Autosave counter /please suggest a link, mine isn't working. A player who does not have daily saves of the match must realize that they will be unable to prove their correctness when a decision is made in a disputed situation;
f) write a report for every tournament game regardless of the result. It is desirable to attach daily saves to reports about interesting games (especially semi-finals and finals);
g) when disputes arise, strive for a peaceful, constructive, and quick resolution, preferably without involving the Organizer, Judge, or AC. If players cannot reach an agreement themselves, the disputed situation is resolved according to section V.
h) play honestly and strictly follow the rules of the game.
Unfair play includes: cheating, maphacking, creating doubles/clones, substituting players, forging saves...
Upon suspicion of any form of unfair play, a Tournament Participant is obliged to contact either the Organizer, the Tournament Judge, or any member of the AC. The Organizer is obliged to review the presented facts and, if they are justified from their point of view, contact the AC, which makes a decision on this matter and assigns punishment if the accusations are confirmed.
Punishment for unfair play is the "awarding" of a Cheater's Black Mark, mandatory placement of the cheater in the Blacklist, lifelong disqualification from participating in all tournaments, invalidation of all games, and removal from the rating.

2. A Tournament Participant has the right to:
a) withdraw from the tournament if they disagree with changes in regulations and rules made after their registration in the tournament;
b) turn to the Tournament Judge and/or the AC (see section V) for a resolution when a disputed situation arises;
c) turn to the Tournament Judge and/or the AC if they disagree with the Organizer's decision on any particular issue;
d) if tournament games are not automatically entered into the rating, agree with the opponent to account for the game in the seasonal rating, and upon their agreement, duplicate the report in the thread Reports of online games and their confirmations.

IV. Compliance with Tournament Deadlines.

1. Preferred time for tournament games is considered daytime (12-24 MSK) on weekends and evening (19-24 MSK) on weekdays. The least popular times are nights and working hours on weekdays.
2. The deadline for each round must be determined by the Organizer during the round draw and written in the first post. The Organizer should strive to set realistic deadlines acceptable to players, listening to their opinions and circumstances. According to a survey among forum participants and based on the experience of past tournaments, one week per game is sufficient for almost everyone. However, depending on circumstances, 2 weeks may be required.
3. Immediately after the draw, tournament participants are encouraged to contact their opponent(s) and agree on a mutually acceptable play time. If difficulties arise with communication or reaching an agreement, players should immediately contact the tournament manager.
4. Before the round deadline expires, all participating players must write a report about the game/games. If a Participant is unable to play the current round on time, they notify this in the tournament thread and concede defeat. If the game(s) were not played for some objective reasons and both Participants are ready and able to play in the near future, they are obliged to notify the Organizer before the deadline expires and ask for a few days to finish playing.
5. The Organizer is obliged to summarize the results of the round and conduct the draw for the next round on the day following the expiration of the round deadline. Depending on circumstances, an extension (2-7 days) may be granted to those who did not manage to play. If a game did not happen due to some objective reasons, even with an extension - technical results without punishment. In case of complete ignoring of the game, opponent, and Organizer - at the discretion of the Organizer - up to disqualification from further participation in the tournament with mandatory mention of this fact in the tournament report (section I. 4. and II.1.l))

/In Neo's Portal Cup, there is a good rule for determining who advances in elimination games: if both are silent - the one higher in the rating advances to the next round. But it doesn't work for finals. Right now we see, both here and on HP, that finalists have been unable to finish tournaments for 2 months already. It has come to the point where Organizers are forced to threaten reprisals. Should we just put the winner in the Dungeon after the tournament ends?
If I may put it this way, due to circumstances in Zhenya's real life, I had to familiarize myself with the work of a tournament organizer. And here is a situation I have observed repeatedly over the last month. Both opponents express full readiness to play, but there is no result. Either they can't agree on a time, or I don't know what. *****/

***** Question 6. In your opinion, what decision should the organizer make if players are dragging out the round deadlines? Assign them a time and track their appearance in ICQ? Or simply mark technical losses for both? Or another situation: a player appears on time, starts the match, and after 20-40 minutes reports that they have urgent business and need to postpone the game. Maybe we should introduce a rule - if there was an agreement to play, then play for at least 2 hours?

V. Resolution of Disputed Situations in Tournaments.

1. Disputed situations arise during violations of game rules, disconnects, desynchronization, software glitches, etc.
2. Disputed points during the tournament are resolved by the Organizer.
3. If the Organizer is simultaneously a Tournament Participant, then disputed situations that occurred with their participation, or in which they have an interest in a specific decision, are resolved by the Judge.
4. Should difficulties arise in resolving a dispute, both Participants and the Organizer and the Judge have the right to turn to the AC.
5. A disputed point may be brought to the forum for discussion by all users in the thread Disputed issues and their resolutions.
6. When a disputed situation arises in a match, Tournament Participants must turn to the Organizer, the Tournament Judge, or the AC and present all necessary information: daily saves of the match, ICQ logs, screenshots, etc. If at the moment the dispute arises it is impossible to contact any of the aforementioned comrades, the match must be postponed until the situation is reviewed and a decision is made.
7. The decision is issued by the Organizer; it may be appealed by the disagreeing party to the Tournament Judge and/or the AC. The decision of the AC is not subject to further discussion or appeal.
8. Disputed situations involving ACCUSATIONS by one of the parties OF UNFAIR PLAY must be referred to the AC. THESE SITUATIONS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION ON THE FORUM. The same is discussed privately, a decision is made by a majority vote of the AC, and punishment is imposed ONLY by [URL="AC.

VI. Organization and Conduct of Inter-Portal Tournaments (IP).

/here we need to discuss the organization of IP, assembling the ХВ team... Nagan-4 promised to help.../

/This post will be edited as the Rules are clarified./

In addition to answers to the questions asked, I look forward to discussions, clarifications, and additions to everything else.

1. What titles should be used for awarding winners and punishing rule-breakers? Prize winners of our Tournaments, Award Ceremony, Hall of Fame, Portal of Glory...? Blacklist, Wall of Shame, Violation Log, Dungeon, List of Scoundrels, or something else?

I don't think it's necessary to overcomplicate things.
Create one topic: "Award Ceremony," and award all winners and prize-winners from different categories there. For cheaters and other rule-breakers, a black mark should be sufficient. =)

2. Do you think the Tournament Organizer has the right to refuse an application to participate in the Tournament WITHOUT EXPLAINING THE REASON? Or based on the fact that the applicant has just registered and is not playing in the league?

I don't think so. Then organizers will be able to select participants for the tournament based on their personal preferences, and personal sympathy (or the opposite) may come into play. I agree that such cases haven't occurred, but we want to create a serious project that will last for ages, as they say. And it's difficult to say who will join the resource in a week, a month, or a year, and who will stay.

3. What time of day (Moscow time) and on what days of the week do you prefer to play HOMM3 tournament matches online? The options are approximately as follows (to make it easier to process the survey results):
a) around the clock,
b) I can play at any time, but by prior arrangement,
c) weekdays - evening (19-24), weekends - daytime (10-24)
d) only at night (0-6)
e) only during working hours (10-18) only on weekdays,
f) only on weekends during the day (10-24),
g) other option - specify it.

This is a sensitive topic for me, as it depends little on me. It depends more on the specific situation, but based on previous years: D, it's probably option (g)
because I'm almost always at home at night during the school year, which means I'm near a computer with internet access. And problems rarely arise at 1 a.m.
From option (g), I can say that there are situations when I can play at another time, but rarely and unpredictably.

4. How much time do you usually need and is sufficient for 1 tournament game?
a) 1 week,
b) 2 weeks,
c) more than 2 weeks,
d) no matter how much time is given, I still won't finish in time.

It depends only on the opponent. If they are accommodating and try to find a time that works for both of us, then a week is enough. In general, I think that in such cases, the maximum amount of time should be given - when there were 2-2.5 weeks, everything was fine.
I think the organizer should remind in the topic during the tour period that there are so many games left, so-and-so hasn't played, so-and-so has problems - in general, as Kash does now in "Novichki."

5. Do you agree in advance about a tournament game with your opponent, and when do you start doing this? Or do you wait until the last moment, and then try to catch him on ICQ?

I try to agree right away, but usually you already know everyone and understand that it's pointless to agree with Roma (SEM-56) - we'll play anyway,
You can write to Vitya in the official chat and play without any problems. With others, your schedule perfectly matches theirs - in my case, there are few such people, but it's a long shot to catch them. And others sign up for the tournament with the phrase "I can only play on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00" - try to agree with such a person.

6. How should the Tournament Organizer act in case of delays in the deadlines by the players? Should they assign a time and monitor their attendance on ICQ? Or simply assign technical defeats to both? And if it's the final? Or another situation: a player appears on time, starts the game, and after 20-40 minutes reports that they have urgent matters and need to postpone the game. Perhaps a rule should be introduced - if there was an agreement on a game, then at least 2 hours should be played?

Based on their personal discretion and the players' attitude towards the tournaments, not just the current one. For example, Javdet left for a long time, but he warned Zhenya, and he included him in the tournament. Roma arrived after 1.5 months and played faster than many others. Although by that time, there was a delay of 2 rounds. People are different, some are more responsible, some are less.
Some, like me, have a difficult schedule and regular problems. But I'm ready for it - I always agree to a technical defeat in such a case.
There was a situation with Lesgor - we talked every day for a week, made arrangements. In the end, we agreed, and I spent the whole night in the hospital - what could I do? Reality remains the deciding factor, and this should always be taken into account. But if that happens, you should be able to accept a technical defeat from any player, and the organizer, in turn, should be able to assign that technical defeat. There is no need to put pressure on people's pity and kindness. You need to accept life as it is.
P.S. I'm ready to get beaten up

Regarding point 1, subparagraph 4: "Hall of Fame" and "Wall of Shame." Regarding point 3: This is a difficult issue for me! My job involves periodic business trips; I leave for 4-5 weeks and then return to rest for 4-5 weeks. This is precisely why I cannot participate in almost all tournaments due to the tight deadlines. Even if I can play 1-2 games in the initial stage, I then have to leave for a business trip, and there is no way to continue during that period. But when I come home, I can play at any time of the day and any number of games. If the regulations allowed for 2-2.5 weeks for one round, or something similar, I would most likely be able to play the postponed games, even if with a delay of up to 1 week. I would be very happy if the tournament rules included an exception for this point, in favor of people like me. Moreover, there are probably only 2-3 such people on the entire forum (or maybe even fewer). If not, then that's fine. "Seven won't wait for one." Subparagraph 6: If there is no very serious reason (like my case) for postponing a game, then a technical loss should be automatically awarded, and there should be no need to BEG or SHOW EXCESSIVE ATTENTION. If this person decided to participate in a tournament with a large number of participants (each of whom has their own personal life) who find time for games, then they must respect the time of others! Sincerely, OUTLAW!!

Oh, Pete, you really went all out. You put in a lot of work, but I think you could have simplified a few points...
1. Game sessions: I try to play as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid stressing the organizers...
2. Time of day: You can play around the clock, but it comes down to common sense (I prefer to play during the day)...
3. Organizer can refuse: by providing a valid argument (referring to the mistakes of previous tournaments, etc., made by the player)...
4. Game time per match: determined by such criteria as personal workload. I have a minimum and maximum time that I can dedicate to playing (but a week should be enough)...
5. Match fixing: it's better to agree with your opponent in advance and choose a convenient time than to drag things out later...

Sincerely, SEM_56!!!

Question 1 - what are the names of these two topics? Hall of Fame, Portal of Glory? Blacklist, Board of Shame, Dungeon, List of Goats, or something else?

Portal of Glory – resonates with the name of the neighboring resource, in my opinion, Hall of Fame is better.
Regarding the negative. Board of Shame – won't work if a person starts cheating, loses their conscience, then they are indifferent to shame. Dungeon – players of Dungeon will be offended. List of Goats – incredibly accurate and good, but we are, after all, a cultural resource. I will vote for Blacklist – unobtrusive, not offensive, but immediately clear.

[Question 2. Do you think the Tournament Organizer has the right to refuse to accept an application from a user WITHOUT EXPLAINING THE REASON? Or based on the fact that the applicant does not play in the season?/QUOTE]

No. Let's say, I don't play in the season (and never have, unlike tournaments - I just don't have time), so I should also be refused, and several other people who have been working on the forum for a long time, who cannot play constantly. And newcomers should be given more chances. It is possible that they may drop out of the tournament, but that is not scary, because…
- if it's a Swiss system, then the maximum damage from their non-participation is a plus for someone in the 1st round;
- if it's a group tournament, then a correct seeding of players is simply needed, because I remember how in one tournament three newcomers who don't play against each other ended up in the same group. And if there are three experienced players in the group, they will somehow survive the absence of one.

Question 4. How much time do you usually need and is enough for 1 tournament game?

It depends not only on the players, but also on the organizers. At the beginning of the year, several tournaments were running simultaneously, and one of the players said that he was participating in 5 tournaments at the same time. And all of them were going smoothly precisely because the players were overloaded. A well-composed schedule of major tournaments on the resource is simply necessary, where the main mass of players is involved. Those who want more tournaments can participate in small tournaments, which are only welcome (mini-champs with new ideas are very useful, like a breath of fresh air).
Ideally, 1-2 major tournaments should run simultaneously: a player who plays little will choose only one champ, a player who plays more – in case of failure in one tournament, he takes revenge in another.
It is important that there are tournaments and that they are held regularly.

Question 5. Do you agree in advance about the tournament match with your opponent and when do you start doing this? Or do you wait until the last moment, and then try to catch him on ICQ?

I think it's good manners for people to immediately start agreeing with their opponent about the game. If this does not happen, then there is a small flaw – unwillingness to play, a demonstrative disrespect for the opponent, fear of the opponent's skill, hope to earn a plus without playing.
In my opinion, a player should simply send his opponent something like: "Ready to play the game in the tournament, write when...", and the sooner, the better.

[Question 6. What decision should the organizer make, in your opinion, if the players delay the deadlines for the round? Should he set a time for them and monitor their attendance on ICQ? Or simply assign technical defeats to both? Or another situation: a player appears on time, starts the game, and after 20-40 minutes reports that he has urgent matters and needs to postpone the game. Maybe a rule should be introduced - if there was an agreement on the game, then play for at least 2 hours?/QUOTE]

The organizer has nothing to do but catch the players. I also tried to do this when players did not play in team tournaments, and it was a Sisyphean task. If the players didn't want to play – they didn't want to.
If only one person didn't want to – then the other, who wanted to play, announced it on the forum. Let's say, if a player writes about his desire to play at the beginning or in the middle of the allotted time, 3-4 days before the end of the round, then it is clear who wants to play. The referee can set the game time on the forum.
However, there are cunning people who wait until the last moment, and then rush to the forum: like, there are two hours left until the end of the round, and there is no opponent. And he demands a victory for himself.
Such people – should be punished without mercy, if a person cannot confirm that he wrote to his opponent on ICQ not on the last day and did not inform the referee – minus to both, both are not worthy of the word "Victory".

1. For winners, a "hall of fame" can be created; for rule-breakers, a "list of offenders" or a "blacklist";

2. It's not advisable to refuse, at least if the player doesn't systematically violate the tournament rules (everything can happen in reality), but if the player constantly and repeatedly violates the rules (at least 3 times in a row), then it's possible;

3. Option c);

4. 2 weeks;

5. In advance;

6. The organizer has a lot of work, so it's possible to consider as decisive the fact that one player informed the organizer that he had notified his opponent (with proof of notification attached), while no information was received from the other player.

1. Hall of Fame or Hall of Champions - for the best
Blacklist (goes well with Black Mark ;) ) - for rule breakers

2. No... I think that's just impossible!! At least it shouldn't be allowed in official tournaments! I, like Nagan, don't play in the season... There was a proposal to introduce a criterion for participation in tournaments. In my opinion, this is not the right step. Not everyone has time to play in the season - but they have time and desire for tournaments. And it's also more interesting for beginners to start with tournaments...

But for fan tournaments, the organizers should decide for themselves.

The only option for a ban is in case of systematic and gross violation of the rules.

3. More likely option b). With adjustments regarding the schedule - from 12-13 hours. And every time it can vary depending on what's happening in real life... I think, like everyone else.

4. And here it depends, strangely enough, on the season :) In winter-autumn-early spring (i.e., when the street is not inviting) - one week is enough. But in the warm (and gardening) season - hmm... 2 weeks, but rather even c). :o Although I usually manage to complete everything on time (it's a pity that I can't seem to finish Best of HW right away).

5. I usually agree in advance. From the very beginning of the new round. (again - Best of HW somehow became an exception - I catch the opponent at different times).

6. I agree with the respected Nagan on this issue. It's stupid to rush the players. But the deadlines for the rounds should be strictly adhered to. If not соблюдены - technical defeat. Everyone will be on equal terms! Make rare exceptions - if, for example, the game has already started... and not for 2-3 weeks... but rather for 1-2 days.

In the very beginning of online games on HW (the Seasons tournament), there was even this: they agreed with the opponent about the game. If the opponent was late for MORE THAN AN HOUR, without notifying the opponent or the organizer, a technical defeat was given!!! And no other days, replays, etc. Of course, now it's not so fun to play anymore - but still. Many would be more disciplined.

1. "Hall of Fame" or "Wall of Fame". "Blacklist" - for the bad guys :)
2. Each tournament has its own rules, which specify who it is for and who can participate. Refusal to participate must be justified in any case.
3. Weekdays - evening, weekends - daytime. Otherwise, by agreement.
4. Usually 1 week is enough, but situations can vary.
5. I try to discuss this in advance.
6. At the discretion of the organizers.

1. Hall of Fame and Blacklist
2. None. However, if someone withdraws from the tournament, I would prefer to replace them with a more active player than someone who is likely to be a "casual guest."
3. g) another option – by agreement, preferably from 4:00 PM Moscow time, but not necessarily every day.
4. a) 1 week (if the opponent responds on ICQ or on the forum and has time).
5. I agree in advance.
6. Technical Win.
Example: I played in the "Jebus Cross" tournament. My opponent in the second round, Aldegyr, withdrew from the tournament and informed me in time. I told Javdet. And then, on January 26 (the deadline for the 2nd round), I read in the thread that I was playing in the 2nd round against Evgeny, and I was given an extension. WHY SHOULD I NOW BE STRESSED OUT BECAUSE THE TOURNAMENT IS BEING DELAYED BECAUSE OF ME??? Besides, Evgeny disappeared for a week (although, if we had both received a technical win in the 2nd round because our opponents withdrew, the tournament would not have been delayed). It wasn't my fault that I didn't play the match on time! On the "Chess Planet" website, in such cases, a "technical win" is awarded, and the next round begins!!!
IMHO – a round-robin system is better, with at least 1 week per match. Play all the matches and then you can take a month off. After all, everyone has their own things to do.
A "Swiss" system (and an "Olympic" system) is good when everyone is disciplined and ready to play weekly.

Thank you all for your responses. I received over 20 messages, and we can draw some conclusions. A creative synthesis of opinions on the questions asked. 1. What should be the names of the topics for Rewarding Winners and Reprimanding Violators? Quotes (apologies for not including links to the authors – to save space): I think the name isn't the most important thing; whatever you call it, that's what it will be. A Blacklist is also necessary. A Wall of Shame is an integral part of the forum. Tracking Violations is possible and perhaps necessary. Well, I don't think we should come up with anything original for the topic name for rewarding prize-winners... but "Blacklist" is perfect for violators. A Wall of Shame won't work if a person has started cheating and has lost their conscience; they will be indifferent to shame. There is clear support for the idea of creating two topics – one for rewards and one for punishment. As for the names, the main thing is that they are clear about what they are about. Perhaps we'll call them Portal of Glory and Blacklist. Do you think these names will work? If the topic is called "Portal of Glory," then it will be only for rewarding. Reports from the Organizers about the tournaments held will be in a different topic. Based on the previous discussion, the "Black Mark" will be awarded by the AK administration for unfair play. This fact will also be reflected in the Blacklist. But the Blacklist will also collect information about other violations – missed tournament deadlines, unethical behavior, ignoring tournaments, etc. Perhaps we will develop a system for assigning penalty points to create objectivity. 5. Do you agree in advance on a tournament match with your opponent, and when do you start doing this? There is almost complete agreement here. The vast majority of players prefer to agree in advance, immediately after the draw. Accordingly, the answers to question 3: 3. At what time of day (Moscow time) and on what days of the week do you prefer to play HOMM3 online tournament matches? Most people try to arrange for daytime (12-24) on weekends – this is the most preferred time. Next are evenings (19-24) on weekdays. There are those who play at any time, but by prior arrangement. Only nighttime or only working hours are the least popular. Therefore, in the Rules, we will focus on the preferred time: weekdays – evening (19-24), weekends – daytime (12-24). We will definitely indicate the possible time for the game in the tournament application. 4. How much time do you usually need and is sufficient for 1 tournament game? Both from the survey and from the experience of Best and other tournaments, in most cases, one week for 1 game is enough for almost everyone. But under the circumstances, 2 weeks may be required. For some reason, no one said that they never meet the deadline. Although experimental results sometimes say the opposite. I haven't summarized the results for questions 2 and 6 yet. For now, I will make these changes.

IMHO, "Hall of Fame" or "Board of Honor" would be better. The thing is, both the word "Portal" and the phrase "Portal of Fame" already carry a significant amount of information in the Heroes universe, and it's not worth adding to that...

In my opinion, "Hall of Fame" or "Board of Honor" would be better. The fact is that both the word "Portal" and the phrase "Portal of Fame" already carry a significant amount of information in the Heroes universe, and it's not worth increasing it...

I probably agree, although I personally prefer the Heroes-style names (Portal of Fame and Dungeon). Let it be Hall of Fame.

ps: imo, it would be fairer to schedule additional matches in such scenarios, rather than determining the winner based on the rating. There was still plenty of time and desire to play. Otherwise, it feels like watching Italy at Euro 2004.
It feels like you played well, but ended up with nothing.

So, how will the rest of the matches be played? Will we have to wait another month? And what if the same thing happens again? The problem is that this often happens in the group stages. But no one knows how to determine the winner in such cases... :smile32: Does anyone have any suggestions for a system to determine the winner?

So, how much longer do we have to play? Another month?...

Why a month? Two weeks is more than enough. And if it's a tie again, then it's based on the rating.
And it depends on who you're waiting for; I finished all my games in the two tournaments ahead of schedule. There were no delays on my part.
Maybe for the future, it would be worth considering such an important factor as discipline (I don't know if it's possible to keep an optional rating of performance for each player participating in tournaments) and, in addition to the seasonal rating, some kind of coefficient. That would give you three indicators for comparison, instead of just one.

P.S.: Misha and Andrey, are you ready for one more? Or will you be satisfied with winning the rating?:smile19:

Do you think it's fair to challenge someone like that? The rules were established beforehand, weren't they? Suggestions could have been made, but there weren't any. And then, out of nowhere, everything went haywire...