Organized Play Guide Update - OPG 4.2

by Matthyas Kiraly, Director of Organized Play

15th December 2014

The final update to The Continuing Committee's Organized Play Guide for 2014, version 4.2, is now available to download from the home page and takes effect immediately.

The following is a summary of all major changes from the last released version (4.1), in order of appearance in OPG 4.2. This is then followed by further detail on the major changes.


SUMMARY OF CHANGES

[UPDATED] 5.1.2 – Tournament Legality of Virtual Cards and Errata
Clarified the sanctioned tournament legality of new sets for release tournaments.

[UPDATED] Section 7: Running a Tournament
Added new dot-point to what Players should bring, covering outside the game materials.

[UPDATED] 7.4.1 – Calculating Differential
Updated definition as per interim ruling, clarifying differential calculation and the interaction with alternate victory conditions.

[UPDATED] 11.1.1 - Regional Championships
Updated definition to include tournament level and new k-value.

[UPDATED] 11.1.2 – Continental Championships
Updated definition to include tournament level and new k-value.

[UPDATED] 11.1.3 – World Championships
Updated definition to include tournament level.

[UPDATED] 11.2.1 – National Championships
Updated definition to include tournament level and new k-value.

[NEW] 11.2.2 – Trek Masters
Added definition and Masters Points calculation table.

[UPDATED] 11.3.1 – Release Tournaments
Clarified the sanctioned tournament legality of new sets for Release Tournaments. Also clarified the expectations of Release Tournament organizers in the timing and advertising of Release Tournaments.

[UPDATED] 14.2 – Contact Information
Updated contact information for the North American Organized Play Coordinator.

[UPDATED] Glossary
Update to the wording of the "Differential" definition.

====================

RUNNING RELEASE TOURNAMENTS
As per 5.1.2 - Tournament Legality of Virtual Cards and Errata and 11.3.1 – Release Tournaments

Release Tournaments are generally held very close to the date of release for a new set and are generally designed to give players an opportunity to play new cards for the first time in a tournament environment, even within the normally-restricted seven (7) day grace period following the release date.

Release Tournaments may be run by any tournament director. There are no restrictions on, or applications required, for the running of the Release Tournaments. However, to ensure consistency and that players are adequately informed of card pool legality for the event, organisers are asked ensure that the event is clearly advertised as a Release Tournament (as a minimum, in the tournament system listing, but noting this in any articles and forum threads being used to advertise/discuss the event may also serve to help better inform players attending the event).

In addition, it is preferred that Release Tournaments be scheduled reasonably close to the release date in order to keep them relevant. What do we mean by reasonably? Within 1-2 weeks is great. Over a month after, not so great.


PLAYERS TO BRING THE MATERIALS THEY NEED FOR A TOURNAMENT
As per Section 7: Running a Tournament

There are a number of items that players may need to bring with them to use for gameplay on cards in their deck. These include, but are not limited to, booster packs, a smart-phone with internet connectivity, dice, and so on.

In general, unless otherwise pre-arranged with the tournament director or fellow players, a player is responsible for bring any additional materials required.

In addition, in some cases, a suitable substitution can be made for certain materials. For instance, a smart-phone dice application could functionally substitute a physical die. The tournament director must be consulted prior to the tournament (if possible) as to the appropriateness of the substitution.

Discuss this article in this thread.