Tournament Rules

Official rules and regulations governing all DominoInsta tournaments. These rules ensure fair play and competitive integrity across all events.

Last updated: December 22, 2024•Version: 2.1

Tournament Rules

1. Tournament Overview

DominoInsta tournaments are competitive events designed to test players' skills in traditional domino games. All tournaments follow standardized rules to ensure fair competition and accurate skill assessment.

Competitive Play

Skill-based matchmaking

Team Support

Individual and team events

Fair Play

Anti-cheat measures

2. Domino Game Rules

Standard Block Dominoes

The primary game format used in DominoInsta tournaments:

Game Setup

  • Standard double-six domino set (28 tiles)
  • 2-4 players per game
  • Each player draws 7 tiles (6 tiles with 4 players)
  • Remaining tiles form the "boneyard"

Gameplay Sequence

  1. Opening Move: Player with highest double tile starts
  2. Tile Placement: Players add tiles to either end of the line
  3. Matching: New tiles must match the pip count on the connecting end
  4. Drawing: If no playable tile, draw from boneyard until playable or empty
  5. Passing: If unable to play and boneyard empty, pass turn
  6. Winning: First player to play all tiles wins the hand

Blocking and Scoring

  • Blocked Game: When no player can make a move
  • Winner: Player with lowest pip count in remaining tiles
  • Points: Sum of all opponents' remaining pips
  • Target Score: First to reach agreed target (typically 100-500 points)

3. Tournament Formats

Single Elimination

  • One loss eliminates player from tournament
  • Bracket-style progression
  • Fast-paced format for large tournaments
  • Best-of-3 games in early rounds, best-of-5 in finals

Double Elimination

  • Players eliminated after two losses
  • Winners and losers brackets
  • More opportunities for comeback
  • Longer tournament duration

Round Robin

  • Every player plays every other player
  • Best for smaller groups (8-16 players)
  • Most comprehensive skill assessment
  • Rankings based on win-loss record and point differential

Swiss System

  • Players paired based on current standings
  • No player elimination
  • Predetermined number of rounds
  • Balanced competition throughout

4. Registration Process

Registration Requirements

  • Valid DominoInsta account with verified Telegram integration
  • Meet minimum ELO rating (if applicable)
  • Complete tournament registration form
  • Accept tournament-specific terms and conditions
  • Payment of entry fee (for premium tournaments)

Registration Timeline

  • Open Registration: 2 weeks before tournament start
  • Early Bird Period: First 48 hours (may include discounts)
  • Registration Deadline: 24 hours before tournament start
  • Late Registration: May be available with penalty fee

Withdrawal and Refunds

  • Free Withdrawal: Up to 48 hours before tournament
  • Partial Refund: 50% refund up to 24 hours before
  • No Refund: Within 24 hours of tournament start
  • Emergency Withdrawal: Medical emergencies considered case-by-case

5. Player Eligibility

General Eligibility

  • Active DominoInsta account in good standing
  • No current suspensions or penalties
  • Compliance with all platform rules and guidelines
  • Minimum age requirement (13+ with parental consent, 18+ for prize tournaments)

Skill-Based Categories

Beginner Division

  • ELO Rating: Under 1200
  • Less than 50 games played
  • Learning-focused environment

Intermediate Division

  • ELO Rating: 1200-1600
  • Regular competitive play
  • Balanced competition

Advanced Division

  • ELO Rating: 1600-2000
  • Experienced players
  • Higher stakes competition

Master Division

  • ELO Rating: 2000+
  • Elite competition
  • Highest prize pools

6. Scoring System

Match Scoring

Point Awards

  • Win by Going Out: Sum of all opponents' remaining pips
  • Win by Block: Difference between your pips and opponents' pips
  • Bonus Points: +10 for going out with a double
  • Perfect Game: +25 for winning without drawing from boneyard

Tournament Standings

Tournament rankings are determined by:

  1. Primary: Number of match wins
  2. Tiebreaker 1: Head-to-head record
  3. Tiebreaker 2: Total point differential
  4. Tiebreaker 3: Total points scored
  5. Final Tiebreaker: Sudden-death playoff game

7. ELO Rating System

Rating Calculation

DominoInsta uses a modified ELO system to track player skill levels. Ratings are updated after each tournament based on performance.

Rating Formula

New Rating = Old Rating + K × (Actual Score - Expected Score)

K-Factor: Varies based on player experience and tournament importance

Expected Score: Calculated based on rating differences between opponents

Actual Score: Tournament performance (1.0 = 1st place, 0.0 = last place)

K-Factor Values

  • New Players (under 30 games): K = 40
  • Regular Players: K = 20
  • Master Players (2000+ rating): K = 10
  • Major Tournaments: K × 1.5 multiplier

Rating Floors and Ceilings

  • Minimum Rating: 400 (cannot fall below)
  • Starting Rating: 1000 for new players
  • Provisional Period: First 20 games have higher K-factor
  • Inactivity Decay: -5 points per month after 6 months inactivity

8. Time Controls

Standard Time Limits

Regular Tournaments

Move Time: 60 seconds per move

Game Time: 15 minutes maximum per game

Match Time: 45 minutes for best-of-3

Warning: At 45 seconds

Blitz Tournaments

Move Time: 30 seconds per move

Game Time: 8 minutes maximum per game

Match Time: 25 minutes for best-of-3

Warning: At 20 seconds

Time Violation Penalties

  • First Violation: Warning and 5-second penalty on next move
  • Second Violation: Loss of current hand
  • Third Violation: Loss of entire match
  • Chronic Violations: Tournament disqualification

Technical Time Issues

  • Connection problems: Up to 2 minutes additional time
  • Platform issues: Time compensation at discretion of tournament director
  • Repeated technical issues: May result in disqualification

9. Tournament Conduct

Expected Behavior

  • Respectful communication with all participants
  • Prompt attendance for scheduled matches
  • Honest play without external assistance
  • Acceptance of referee decisions
  • Proper sportsmanship in victory and defeat

Prohibited Behavior

  • Cheating, collusion, or match-fixing
  • Harassment, abuse, or discriminatory language
  • Deliberate disconnection or time-wasting
  • Using external tools or assistance
  • Sharing tournament information with competitors
  • Creating multiple accounts for unfair advantage

Communication Guidelines

  • Tournament chat should be used for game-related communication only
  • No coaching or advice from spectators
  • Keep discussions focused and respectful
  • Report inappropriate behavior to tournament officials

10. Dispute Resolution

Dispute Categories

Technical Disputes

  • Connection issues during games
  • Platform malfunctions or bugs
  • Timer or scoring discrepancies
  • Resolution: Technical review with possible replay

Rules Disputes

  • Disagreement on game rules interpretation
  • Disputed moves or game states
  • Scoring calculation questions
  • Resolution: Head referee decision (final)

Conduct Disputes

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior
  • Suspected cheating or violations
  • Harassment or abuse reports
  • Resolution: Investigation with possible sanctions

Dispute Process

  1. Immediate Report: Notify tournament official within 5 minutes
  2. Documentation: Provide screenshots, logs, or evidence
  3. Initial Review: Floor referee makes preliminary decision
  4. Appeal Process: Formal appeal to head tournament director
  5. Final Decision: Head director's decision is binding

Appeal Timeline

  • Immediate Appeals: During tournament for urgent matters
  • Post-Tournament Appeals: Within 24 hours of tournament end
  • Appeal Response: Decision within 48 hours
  • Final Appeals: Platform administration review (up to 7 days)

11. Prizes and Awards

Prize Structure

Prize distribution varies by tournament type and entry fees collected. All prize pools are announced before registration opens.

Standard Tournaments

1st Place: 40% of prize pool

2nd Place: 25% of prize pool

3rd Place: 15% of prize pool

4th Place: 10% of prize pool

Remaining: Distributed to top 10%

Championship Events

Champion: Trophy + 50% of pool

Runner-up: Medal + 25% of pool

Semi-finalists: 12.5% each

All Participants: Achievement badge

Non-Monetary Rewards

  • ELO Points: Bonus points for tournament performance
  • Achievement Badges: Special recognition for accomplishments
  • Leaderboard Status: Featured placement for winners
  • Tournament History: Permanent record of achievements
  • Qualification Benefits: Auto-qualification for future events

Prize Distribution

  • Prizes distributed within 48 hours of tournament completion
  • Identity verification required for prizes over $100
  • Tax obligations are responsibility of prize recipients
  • Prizes may be forfeited for rule violations

12. Penalties and Sanctions

Penalty Types

Minor Violations

  • Late arrival (up to 10 minutes): Warning
  • Minor time violations: Time penalty
  • Minor unsportsmanlike conduct: Public warning

Major Violations

  • Excessive time violations: Game forfeit
  • Serious unsportsmanlike conduct: Match forfeit
  • Harassment or abuse: Tournament disqualification

Severe Violations

  • Cheating or match-fixing: Permanent ban
  • Account manipulation: All accounts banned
  • Repeated major violations: Extended suspension

Appeals Process

Players may appeal penalties through our formal dispute resolution process. Appeals must be submitted within 7 days of the penalty notification.

13. Technical Requirements

Platform Requirements

  • Active Telegram account with DominoInsta bot integration
  • Stable internet connection (minimum 1 Mbps)
  • Compatible device (smartphone, tablet, or computer)
  • Updated browser or Telegram app

Connection Standards

  • Latency: Under 200ms ping recommended
  • Reliability: Less than 2% packet loss
  • Backup: Secondary connection method recommended
  • Testing: Connection test available before tournaments

Technical Support

  • Technical assistance available during tournaments
  • Pre-tournament system checks recommended
  • Known issues announced before tournaments
  • Emergency contact methods provided

14. Rule Modifications

Tournament-Specific Rules

Tournament directors may implement specific rules for individual events, provided they are announced during registration and do not contradict core platform rules.

Emergency Rule Changes

  • Critical rule changes may be made during tournaments for fairness
  • All participants will be notified immediately
  • Changes will be applied consistently to all remaining matches
  • Major changes may result in tournament suspension or restart

Rule Updates

  • Rules are reviewed and updated quarterly
  • Community feedback is considered for improvements
  • Changes are announced with 30-day notice
  • Version history maintained for transparency

15. Tournament Support

For questions about tournament rules or support during events:

Tournament Support

Tournament Help: admin@dominoinsta.com

Technical Support: admin@dominoinsta.com

Rule Questions: admin@dominoinsta.com

Emergency Contact: Available in tournament chat

Response Time: Within 5 minutes during tournaments

For urgent matters during tournaments, use the emergency contact button in the tournament interface for immediate assistance.

© 2024 DominoInsta Tournament Rules v2.1. Last updated December 22, 2024. These rules are subject to change with notice.