Ladder FAQ

Ladder Play FAQ

This is a unique ladder. And it carries some unique questions, and problems. I'll try and answer the most obvious here.

Other ladders let me challenge anybody. I can only challenge a few people here. Why is that?

This is an aspect which I believe sets the BruceGames ladders apart from most other ladders. It is HARD to move up. You have to WORK at it. But, it's a different concept here, because you don't have to CONTINUALLY play to make progress! Because as much as it's harder to move up, it's also harder to move down. What we have here, is a combination of good play, along with good use of strategy in your movements up the ladder.

When I try and challenge somebody, nobody is ever available! What should I do?

Wait. There are two reasons that a person above you cannot be challenged. Either because you have recently played them (which ALWAYS occurs immediately after you lose a chance to move up, and you lose), and if they have an outstanding challenge against them. If it's another challenge, when that challenge is resolved, you will be able to then challenge that person.

When I first challenged a player, they were at (for example) position 10. Now, they have moved up to position 6. When I play, and if I win, which position will I end up at?

In a challenge match, you ALWAYS take over the position they were at on the ladder. That means (in this example), you would take over position 6, and everybody between where you were, and position 6 moves down a rung.

Is that fair?

Yes. This is an aspect of the strategy of ladder movement. It's not impossible for a player to move up a large amount, depending upon the results of various challenges.

So, the strategy is, wait as long as possible to play somebody I've challenged?

Not necessarily. Even though that seems like an obvious strategy... consider this. During the time you wait, you will "drift" (see below)... so over time, you will be lower than you were. Now, you've waited as long as possible to play... and you LOSE! You have not only not moved up, but you've drifted down. If, on the other hand, you had played sooner, you'd have been able to place another challenge, and had an additional chance to move up. I've found over playing this style of ladder in the past, that it's generally advantageous (with rare exception) to play a challenge match whenever I can get one, irrespective of pending matches they may have.

So, what's this "drift" thing all about?

The evil part of a ladder. You do nothing wrong, and yet you lose position. Why? Because somebody below you moves into the position of somebody above you. This forces you down a slot, even though nothing has happened. I've recently seen my own position drop 3 positions in about a 2 hour period. That is quite rare. But, it happens, and is a normal part of the process of the ladder.

It's near the challenge deadline, and our match hasn't played. What happens now?

It depends. If you are the challenger, and the deadline passes, unless the defender requests a withdrawl of the match, it will be awarded in your favor. Naturally, if you are the defender, and do nothing, you will forfeit the match. However, if, as defender, you feel that a forfeit would be unfair, you may REQUEST a withdrawl of the match. This should ONLY be done when you've tried to schedule a match, and have failed, OR MORE LIKELY you have showed up for a scheduled match, and your opponent hasn't shown up, and you are out of time for the match to be able to play. As a challenger, if the person you challenge requests a withdrawl, you should get an email. It is crucial if you think the request is unfair to respond as soon as possible. I have a tendancy to allow the withdrawl of a challenge, over awarding a forfeit.

Why is it, sometimes I have only 5 days to play a match, and other times, I get 6 or even 7 days to play?

Challenges are due to play within 5 days of their being set, HOWEVER, there must be a full Saturday in between. Therefore, if a challenge is placed on a Saturday or Sunday, you will get extra time to play it. I do this, because of the international nature of game play here. With sometimes difficult timezones, I have found that Saturday is a day that almost everybody can play at an "unusual" time, either very early, or very late, and not overly disrupt their life. Granted, many of you work Saturday as a regular day, but for MOST people here, Saturday is a good day to find a match, and that's the reason for this rule.

Under what circumstances will I get automated emails?

1. When you place a challenge, or are challenged.
2. When a challenge is responded to.
3. When a challenge match is posted.
4. When a pickup match is posted.
5. As a warning, when a match is within a day of being forfeited due to non-response to the challenge.
6. As a warning, when a match is within a day of being forfeited due to non-play of a challenge.
7. When a match is forfeited.

If a match is forfeited, can it be undone?

Generally, no. It is my belief that I provide sufficient information, and sufficient notice, that there really is no excuse for a match forfeiting, without you knowing about it. I know this will sometimes cause grief, but I think this is what is most fair to most players. Already, I've seen a LOT of matches play, but a small number of people hanging it up for others. It is my goal to NOT see people causing play on the ladder to not move along for whatever reasons.

What are Pickup Matches?

These are matches that do NOT affect ladder standings. However, they DO affect overall won/lost records, and they DO affect your player rating. Many people find the ability to play pickup matches to be an enjoyable thing to do. Play in a pickup is always optional.