Rules

Tournament system:

 

McMahon 6 rounds, with the top group of the appropriate size (if reasonably possible 16 players ordered by GoR on March 24, 2026). In the first two rounds, the top group is paired using the “split and slip” method: 1-9, 2-10, .. 8-16 (switching the colors will be applied automatically by OpenGotha software).

Final standings are decided by:

 

  1. Number of McMahon points
  2. SOS (Sum of Opponents’ Scores)
  3. SOSOS (Sum of Opponents’ SOS)
  4. DC (Direct Confrontation – result of mutual game)
  5. Drawing of lots

Time limits for all tournaments: 60 minutes of basic time, with 3×30 seconds Japanese byoyomi. In case Fischer timing is used: Fischer time 45 minutes plus 15 seconds increment. Tournaments will be rated as Class A in European Go Database.

Rules: Japanese with the EGF Tournament Rules regulations.

Before the game:

 

  • Players must arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the round.
  • Pairings will be published both online and in printed form.

During the game:

 

  • Electronic devices (phones, tablets, headphones, smartwatches) are strictly prohibited. All such devices must be left outside the playing hall.
  • The organizer will provide kifus for recording games.
  • Players must be seated at their board 5 minutes before the round starts.
  • The player with White stones chooses the side. Clocks must not be moved.

Photography rules:

 

  • Team leaders and visitors may take photographs only during the first 5 minutes of the round.
  • After that period, using cameras or mobile phones is prohibited, except for referees and organizers.

Access to playing halls:

 

  • Top Boards Playing Hall: Only players and referees are allowed after the first 5 minutes. The organizer will provide online broadcast of top games. EGF will provide Twitch commentary for rounds 2-6.
  • Lowest Boards Playing Hall: Team leaders may be present, but they are not allowed to interfere in games.

Game conduct:

 

  • Players must respect the rules and not disturb their opponents.
  • The clock must not be stopped without referee permission.
  • Moves should be made promptly – take a stone from the bowl and place it on the board without unnecessary delays.
  • Prisoners should be placed in a visible area (preferably on a lid).
  • Before the end of the game (two consecutive passes), all dame points must be filled interchangeably.
  • Placing two stones of the same color simultaneously on the board is the sign of resignation.

After the game:

 

  • Players must call a referee by raising their hand before counting.
  • Counting begins only after the referee takes a photo of the final position, including badges and board number.
  • After counting, both players confirm the result to the referee.

Skipping the round:

 

  • Players in the top group cannot skip rounds.
  • All other players must notify the organizer at least 90 minutes before the round they wish to skip.

Complaint procedure:

 

  • If a dispute arises during a game, the referee makes the first decision.
  • The referee must inform the team leader of the decision.
  • If the player or team leader disagrees with the decision, they may submit a written complaint to the Appeal Committee within 30 minutes after the game ends.

Appeals Committee:

 

  • 3 main members + 2 reserves (to prevent conflicts of interest)
  • The Appeal Committee will make a final decision within 30 minutes after reviewing all relevant information.
  • If a decision cannot be made before the next round’s pairings, the game result for pairing purposes will be based on the referee’s decision.

Documentation:

 

  • All complaints must be documented in written form by the main referee and submitted to the EGF Executive Committee.
  • The EGF will review cases to improve tournament rules and regulations.