| TOURNAMENT PLAY: |
| Capitol Spades Tournament June 5, 2010 |
If there are an even number of teams the format will be as follows:
8:00 AM 8:45 AM Cash at Door Payments, Check-in, Rules Q & A
8:45 AM 9:00 AM setup time
9:00 AM 10:00 AM ROUND 1
10:00 AM 10:10 AM break
10:10 AM 11:10 AM ROUND 2
11:10 AM 11:20 AM break
11:20 AM 12:20 PM ROUND 3
12:20 PM 1:20 PM LUNCH
1:20 PM 2:20 PM ROUND 4
2:20 PM 2:30 PM break
2:30 PM 3:30 PM ROUND 5
3:30 PM 3:40 PM break
3:40 PM 4:40 PM PLAYOFF
4:40 PM 4:50 PM break
4:50 PM 5:50 PM PLAYOFF
5:50 PM 7:20 PM DINNER
7:20 PM 8:20 PM PLAYOFF
8:20 PM 8:30 PM break
8:30 PM 9:30 PM PLAYOFF
9:30 PM 9:40 PM break
9:40 PM 10:40 PM PLAYOFF* if necessary
If there are an odd number of teams the format will be as follows:
8:00 AM 8:45 AM Cash at Door Payments, Check-in, Rules Q & A
8:45 AM 9:00 AM setup time
9:00 AM 10:00 AM ROUND 1
10:00 AM 10:10 AM break
10:10 AM 11:10 AM ROUND 2
11:10 AM 11:20 AM break
11:20 AM 12:20 PM ROUND 3
12:20 PM 1:20 PM LUNCH
1:20 PM 2:20 PM ROUND 4
2:20 PM 2:30 PM break
2:30 PM 3:30 PM ROUND 5
3:30 PM 3:40 PM break
3:40 PM 4:40 PM ROUND 6
4:40 PM 4:50 PM break
4:50 PM 5:50 PM ROUND 7
5:50 PM 6:50 PM DINNER
6:50 PM 7:50 PM PLAYOFF
7:50 PM 8:00 PM break
8:00 PM 9:00 PM PLAYOFF
9:00 PM 9:10 PM break
9:10 PM 10:10 PM PLAYOFF
10:10 PM 10:20 PM break
10:20 PM 11:30 PM FINALE
CHECK IN:
All teams are required to check-in prior to the tournament. Walk in registration (did not pre-
register online) is limited, and you are not guaranteed a spot if you wait to register as a walk
in. You will receive a TEAM package when you register containing your randomly determined
table assignment, rules and other tournament information.
LATE ARRIVALS:
If you are pre-registered and paid, and you are late for the first round, you receive a Forced
Forfeit (FF) and -100 points added towards your point differential total. If you arrive late to
sub sequential rounds you will receive a Forced Forfeit (FF) and -100 points added towards
your point differential total.
PARTNERSHIP:
Your partner will remain your partner for the duration of the tournament and you will remain a
team (no substitutes).
PRIZES:
There will be a tournament team winner with a first place prize and a second prize will be
distributed to the second place team. If there are enough entrants, a third place prize will be
awarded to the third place team. Prize pool will be determined by number of entries.
SCHEDULE:
The FINAL schedule will be released on June 4th. This allows for the best estimation of how
many players will attend and how to best use the time. We try to be fair and allow the most
games for the most players.
PRELIMINARY ROUNDS AND PLAYOFF BREAKDOWN:
First games are a round robin preliminary to determine the seeds for the championship
playoffs (which will be 4 games in length). Determination of playoff seeding will depend on
round robin win-loss record, and then point differential (‘points for’ (your team) minus ‘points
against’ (your opponent)). In the case of a FF, the winning team has 0 ‘points for’ and the
losing team has -100 ‘points against’.
CONSOLATION TOURNAMENT:
If there is interest, an optional consolation bracket will be run in parallel to the championship
playoffs with a nominal entry fee of $10. The sign-up poster will be located in the main room
after the 3rd round of the preliminary rounds.
RULES:
TIME/SCORING FORMAT:
All games will be as follows:
1 hour/500 points/ 10 hands whichever comes first.
In regards to the 1 hour time limit, finish the hand that is currently being played when the hour
mark passes.
Time will be announced at beginning of each round, at 15 minutes left and at last hand/5
minute left.
Accumulating 10 bags equals -100 points
Nil is worth 100 points
Bags from a broken nil will count as bags for the team but do NOT count towards the partner’s
bid.
Reneges, if proven to the TD will be -50 points for offenders and loss of their bid.
Score is to be kept by 1 player from each team.
Scores are compared after every hand.
A member of each team will sign the score sheet with the final scores recorded.
Score sheets are to be turned in at TD table after every game.
Penalty cards are -25 points (more explanation below)
TIME LIMITS:
The time limit for tournament play is 60 minutes per round. Players are expected to do their
best to play the game without interruption. Stalling the game is not permitted. If your
opponents are playing slow, ask them once nicely to keep pace of play up. If they continue to
stall, call over a tournament staff and they will assist. If the problem continues, your
opponents may be assessed a stalling penalty of up to -100 points by the TD. Furthermore,
players are expected to start on time of the round; a delay of 15 minutes results in a Forced
Forfeit (FF) and -100 points to the delaying team and 0 points for the winning team.
DEALING:
The first dealer is chosen by drawing cards, highest card deals first. Cards are shuffled and
the cut is offered to the person right of the dealer. A cut of the cards must be offered. If it is
not offered and is caught prior to anyone looking at their cards, there is a re-deal. Regulation
dealing only (clockwise fashion starting with the eldest player, i.e., left of dealer, one card at a
time). If the deal does not come out equal (i.e., the dealer doesn’t get the last card) or it is
done out of turn, it is a misdeal. There are no misdeals based on the cards dealt to a hand (e.
g., no aces and no spades). One card exposed during the deal does not constitute a misdeal
unless it is any Ace or King of any suit or the Queen of Spades. However, if two cards or more
are exposed, then a misdeal has occurred. If there is a misdeal, the deal stays with the same
person.
BIDDING:
Bids are placed clockwise starting with the player to the left of the dealer. NO verbal bidding is
allowed. Use of bid decks will be employed. There is no discussion between partners. Once a
bid is turned up it cannot be changed. This includes bids made out of sequence. If a player
turns over their bid before it is their turn then the bid stands. Repeated out of sequence
bidding is considered signaling and can result in Disqualification (DQ). At the end of the hand
and after the score has been compared, but before the end of the deal of the next hand,
please remember to flip your bid deck over so that no bid is showing. If the hand is looked at
by a player with a bid still turned over from the last hand, this bid cannot be changed.
PLAYING THE HAND:
Each hand must be played to completion rather than announcing “the rest are mine” to avoid
potential scoring errors or instances of reneging.
Cards played out of turn may not be retracted, but instead become a “penalty card”. If the
card is a legal play to the lead then it may not be changed. If the card played out of turn is not
legal, it must remain on the table in front of the offender as a penalty card; a substitute card
(in turn) will be played. The penalty card must be played at the last legal opportunity. Play of
this hand should NOT resume until a TD is called to watch the hand play out. This is to
ensure proper play of the penalty card. The offending team will receive a -25 point penalty.
If a player plays out of a turn resulting in a “steal of lead”, the opposing team may either A)
make the offending player keep the card on the table in front of them as the penalty card, or
B) say nothing and allow the stolen lead to remain legal and continue play as is.
Failure to follow suit when possible is a renege. If this is recognized before the next trick is led
it is a renounce. Once a renege is identified please follow the rules above.
A renounce situation occurs when a player determines that his/her play was incorrect, and
corrects the play (follows the suit led) before the next trick is led. Call the TD as soon as a
penalty card (resulting from a renounce) situation occurs so that the TD can observe the rest
of the hand. The penalty card from a renounce results in a 25 point penalty.
LAST HAND VIEWING:
Any player at the table may ask to see the last trick until the fourth card of the current trick is
played.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Emergency phone calls (life and death situations) a temporary break is allowed. Call the TD
for a proper time call.
SPORTSMANSHIP and PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITY:
While tournament players are welcome to have guests, guests are not permitted in the
tournament rooms during play. Everyone should be reminded to keep a comfortable distance
from players who are in action.
KIBITZING:
During the playoffs, Kibitzing is allowed. Please keep in mind that comfortable distance must
be maintained and all players must agree.
RULINGS:
Do not make your own rulings. Call the TD for any rules/plays violation.
Players are responsible for their conduct as well as that of their guests. NO alcoholic
beverages are permitted outside of guest sleeping rooms. Abusive language or derogatory
language will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification (DQ) by the Tournament
Director. Disqualifications do not get refunds.
No table talk and no signaling. Either can/will result in a disqualification (DQ) as determined
by the Tournament Director. Players are reminded that excessive stalling is seen as a form of
unsportsmanlike conduct and can be grounds for disqualification.
Official tournament staff will be observing play and are available to answer questions or
address concerns. All play of the game related decisions are made by the TD and are final.
Please enjoy the tournament; we are here to have good, competitive fun!
Christy Sparks and Nicholas Smith
Founders, The 14th Trick
8:00 AM 8:45 AM Cash at Door Payments, Check-in, Rules Q & A
8:45 AM 9:00 AM setup time
9:00 AM 10:00 AM ROUND 1
10:00 AM 10:10 AM break
10:10 AM 11:10 AM ROUND 2
11:10 AM 11:20 AM break
11:20 AM 12:20 PM ROUND 3
12:20 PM 1:20 PM LUNCH
1:20 PM 2:20 PM ROUND 4
2:20 PM 2:30 PM break
2:30 PM 3:30 PM ROUND 5
3:30 PM 3:40 PM break
3:40 PM 4:40 PM PLAYOFF
4:40 PM 4:50 PM break
4:50 PM 5:50 PM PLAYOFF
5:50 PM 7:20 PM DINNER
7:20 PM 8:20 PM PLAYOFF
8:20 PM 8:30 PM break
8:30 PM 9:30 PM PLAYOFF
9:30 PM 9:40 PM break
9:40 PM 10:40 PM PLAYOFF* if necessary
If there are an odd number of teams the format will be as follows:
8:00 AM 8:45 AM Cash at Door Payments, Check-in, Rules Q & A
8:45 AM 9:00 AM setup time
9:00 AM 10:00 AM ROUND 1
10:00 AM 10:10 AM break
10:10 AM 11:10 AM ROUND 2
11:10 AM 11:20 AM break
11:20 AM 12:20 PM ROUND 3
12:20 PM 1:20 PM LUNCH
1:20 PM 2:20 PM ROUND 4
2:20 PM 2:30 PM break
2:30 PM 3:30 PM ROUND 5
3:30 PM 3:40 PM break
3:40 PM 4:40 PM ROUND 6
4:40 PM 4:50 PM break
4:50 PM 5:50 PM ROUND 7
5:50 PM 6:50 PM DINNER
6:50 PM 7:50 PM PLAYOFF
7:50 PM 8:00 PM break
8:00 PM 9:00 PM PLAYOFF
9:00 PM 9:10 PM break
9:10 PM 10:10 PM PLAYOFF
10:10 PM 10:20 PM break
10:20 PM 11:30 PM FINALE
CHECK IN:
All teams are required to check-in prior to the tournament. Walk in registration (did not pre-
register online) is limited, and you are not guaranteed a spot if you wait to register as a walk
in. You will receive a TEAM package when you register containing your randomly determined
table assignment, rules and other tournament information.
LATE ARRIVALS:
If you are pre-registered and paid, and you are late for the first round, you receive a Forced
Forfeit (FF) and -100 points added towards your point differential total. If you arrive late to
sub sequential rounds you will receive a Forced Forfeit (FF) and -100 points added towards
your point differential total.
PARTNERSHIP:
Your partner will remain your partner for the duration of the tournament and you will remain a
team (no substitutes).
PRIZES:
There will be a tournament team winner with a first place prize and a second prize will be
distributed to the second place team. If there are enough entrants, a third place prize will be
awarded to the third place team. Prize pool will be determined by number of entries.
SCHEDULE:
The FINAL schedule will be released on June 4th. This allows for the best estimation of how
many players will attend and how to best use the time. We try to be fair and allow the most
games for the most players.
PRELIMINARY ROUNDS AND PLAYOFF BREAKDOWN:
First games are a round robin preliminary to determine the seeds for the championship
playoffs (which will be 4 games in length). Determination of playoff seeding will depend on
round robin win-loss record, and then point differential (‘points for’ (your team) minus ‘points
against’ (your opponent)). In the case of a FF, the winning team has 0 ‘points for’ and the
losing team has -100 ‘points against’.
CONSOLATION TOURNAMENT:
If there is interest, an optional consolation bracket will be run in parallel to the championship
playoffs with a nominal entry fee of $10. The sign-up poster will be located in the main room
after the 3rd round of the preliminary rounds.
RULES:
TIME/SCORING FORMAT:
All games will be as follows:
1 hour/500 points/ 10 hands whichever comes first.
In regards to the 1 hour time limit, finish the hand that is currently being played when the hour
mark passes.
Time will be announced at beginning of each round, at 15 minutes left and at last hand/5
minute left.
Accumulating 10 bags equals -100 points
Nil is worth 100 points
Bags from a broken nil will count as bags for the team but do NOT count towards the partner’s
bid.
Reneges, if proven to the TD will be -50 points for offenders and loss of their bid.
Score is to be kept by 1 player from each team.
Scores are compared after every hand.
A member of each team will sign the score sheet with the final scores recorded.
Score sheets are to be turned in at TD table after every game.
Penalty cards are -25 points (more explanation below)
TIME LIMITS:
The time limit for tournament play is 60 minutes per round. Players are expected to do their
best to play the game without interruption. Stalling the game is not permitted. If your
opponents are playing slow, ask them once nicely to keep pace of play up. If they continue to
stall, call over a tournament staff and they will assist. If the problem continues, your
opponents may be assessed a stalling penalty of up to -100 points by the TD. Furthermore,
players are expected to start on time of the round; a delay of 15 minutes results in a Forced
Forfeit (FF) and -100 points to the delaying team and 0 points for the winning team.
DEALING:
The first dealer is chosen by drawing cards, highest card deals first. Cards are shuffled and
the cut is offered to the person right of the dealer. A cut of the cards must be offered. If it is
not offered and is caught prior to anyone looking at their cards, there is a re-deal. Regulation
dealing only (clockwise fashion starting with the eldest player, i.e., left of dealer, one card at a
time). If the deal does not come out equal (i.e., the dealer doesn’t get the last card) or it is
done out of turn, it is a misdeal. There are no misdeals based on the cards dealt to a hand (e.
g., no aces and no spades). One card exposed during the deal does not constitute a misdeal
unless it is any Ace or King of any suit or the Queen of Spades. However, if two cards or more
are exposed, then a misdeal has occurred. If there is a misdeal, the deal stays with the same
person.
BIDDING:
Bids are placed clockwise starting with the player to the left of the dealer. NO verbal bidding is
allowed. Use of bid decks will be employed. There is no discussion between partners. Once a
bid is turned up it cannot be changed. This includes bids made out of sequence. If a player
turns over their bid before it is their turn then the bid stands. Repeated out of sequence
bidding is considered signaling and can result in Disqualification (DQ). At the end of the hand
and after the score has been compared, but before the end of the deal of the next hand,
please remember to flip your bid deck over so that no bid is showing. If the hand is looked at
by a player with a bid still turned over from the last hand, this bid cannot be changed.
PLAYING THE HAND:
Each hand must be played to completion rather than announcing “the rest are mine” to avoid
potential scoring errors or instances of reneging.
Cards played out of turn may not be retracted, but instead become a “penalty card”. If the
card is a legal play to the lead then it may not be changed. If the card played out of turn is not
legal, it must remain on the table in front of the offender as a penalty card; a substitute card
(in turn) will be played. The penalty card must be played at the last legal opportunity. Play of
this hand should NOT resume until a TD is called to watch the hand play out. This is to
ensure proper play of the penalty card. The offending team will receive a -25 point penalty.
If a player plays out of a turn resulting in a “steal of lead”, the opposing team may either A)
make the offending player keep the card on the table in front of them as the penalty card, or
B) say nothing and allow the stolen lead to remain legal and continue play as is.
Failure to follow suit when possible is a renege. If this is recognized before the next trick is led
it is a renounce. Once a renege is identified please follow the rules above.
A renounce situation occurs when a player determines that his/her play was incorrect, and
corrects the play (follows the suit led) before the next trick is led. Call the TD as soon as a
penalty card (resulting from a renounce) situation occurs so that the TD can observe the rest
of the hand. The penalty card from a renounce results in a 25 point penalty.
LAST HAND VIEWING:
Any player at the table may ask to see the last trick until the fourth card of the current trick is
played.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Emergency phone calls (life and death situations) a temporary break is allowed. Call the TD
for a proper time call.
SPORTSMANSHIP and PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITY:
While tournament players are welcome to have guests, guests are not permitted in the
tournament rooms during play. Everyone should be reminded to keep a comfortable distance
from players who are in action.
KIBITZING:
During the playoffs, Kibitzing is allowed. Please keep in mind that comfortable distance must
be maintained and all players must agree.
RULINGS:
Do not make your own rulings. Call the TD for any rules/plays violation.
Players are responsible for their conduct as well as that of their guests. NO alcoholic
beverages are permitted outside of guest sleeping rooms. Abusive language or derogatory
language will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification (DQ) by the Tournament
Director. Disqualifications do not get refunds.
No table talk and no signaling. Either can/will result in a disqualification (DQ) as determined
by the Tournament Director. Players are reminded that excessive stalling is seen as a form of
unsportsmanlike conduct and can be grounds for disqualification.
Official tournament staff will be observing play and are available to answer questions or
address concerns. All play of the game related decisions are made by the TD and are final.
Please enjoy the tournament; we are here to have good, competitive fun!
Christy Sparks and Nicholas Smith
Founders, The 14th Trick