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rules question / Answer by new A.I. bot, the 'Backgammon Rules Assistant
Posted By: Sebalotek In Response To: rules question (christian munk-christensen)
Date: Tuesday, 11 June 2024, at 12:38 p.m.
Hi Christian,
Your post has excellent timing! Have you heard about my new A.I. bot, the 'Backgammon Rules Assistant?
I plugged your text roughly into it and I got advised these citations / next-steps for the players/TD in less than 60 seconds. Might my bot be useful for resolving questions or problems in future, real-time backgammon tournaments?
Please let me know if you are interested in joining the beta testing here: https://forms.gle/eaT4hnxCUEVx9rkZ8
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CMC >> You're in a super jackpot and your opponent is really low on time. Is it legal for the opponent to take forever to start the next game because he needs a lot of time to calculate take points in the break? I was kibitzing and I felt in the situation he was abusing the clock rules, thereby gaining an unfair advantage. I guess if there is a rule against this, then it's not easy to enforce it. The opponent could just go to the rest room and do his calculations there. But as he was just sitting at the board, checkers set up and ready, it felt really wrong that he wouldn't start playing until a couple of minutes had passed.
I am not sure he was breaking the rules, I merely think he was abusing the clock rules. We're given a certain amount of time for a match and we're supposed to do our thinking and play within this time. He found a way to mitigate consequences from having very little time left by doing his thinking while the clock was not running.
The episode happened a few years ago, and I don't recall if he had used his break or not before this incident. In any case, he didn't announce that he was using a break while he was calculating the TPs.
Robot >> In a super jackpot backgammon tournament, the rules regarding breaks and the use of time are clearly defined. Here’s an overview of the relevant regulations from the USBGF rules to address your concerns:
Breaks Between Games: Each player is allowed a certain number of 5-minute breaks between games, calculated as the match length divided by 6, rounded down (e.g., in a 9-point match, each player gets 1 break). If a player needs to take a break, it should be explicitly announced. Abusing breaks to gain extra thinking time while the clock is not running is against the spirit of the rules.
Etiquette and Time Management: Players must engage in fair play and avoid actions that give an unfair advantage. Taking excessive time to start the next game without announcing a break can be considered gamesmanship, which is frowned upon.
Clock Handling and Penalties: If a player fails to start or resume a match on time or takes excessive break time, the Tournament Director (TD) may assess penalty points or start the clock against the player. Specifically, a penalty point can be assessed after each 5 minutes of delay caused by the player, leading to forfeiture if total penalty points exceed half the match length.
In the situation you described, where the opponent did not announce a break and took extra time to calculate take points, it could be considered an abuse of the clock rules. The TD should have been informed to address this issue immediately, as it falls under delaying tactics and poor sportsmanship.
Here are the steps you can take in such situations:
Inform the Tournament Director: As soon as you notice a delay or abuse of break rules, inform the TD. They have the authority to assess penalties and enforce fair play.
Announce Breaks Clearly: Ensure that all breaks are clearly announced and agreed upon, preventing ambiguity and potential abuse.
Request a Monitor: If you suspect any form of gamesmanship, request a match monitor to ensure the rules are followed strictly.
Would you like to see the specific sections of the rules for further details?
Me >>Yes please
Robot Here are the specific sections and page numbers from the USBGF Tournament Rules and Ruling Guide that address your concerns:
1. Breaks Between Games USBGF Tournament Rules (2024): Page 2, Section "START OR RESUME TIMES AND BREAKS" Each player may call a number of 5-minute breaks between games, up to the match length divided by 6 (rounded down). Abuse of break time may be penalized by the TD. 2. Clock Handling and Penalties USBGF Tournament Rules (2024): Page 2, Section "START OR RESUME TIMES AND BREAKS"
The TD may assess penalty points or start the clock against any player who fails to start or resume a match on time or takes excessive break time. A player may be assessed one penalty point after each 5 minutes of delay that they cause and shall be forfeited when the total penalty points assessed exceed half the match length. USBGF Ruling Guide (2024): Page 22, Section 2.2.3 "Breaks"
Matches must start, or resume following a scheduled suspension, at the designated time. Players are allowed a limited number of breaks, and any abuse may result in penalties. 3. Etiquette and Sportsmanship USBGF Tournament Rules (2024): Page 1, Section "ETIQUETTE AND LANGUAGE" Players must engage in good sportsmanship, fair play, and avoid actions that give an unfair advantage. Excessive delay without announcing a break may be considered poor sportsmanship. 4. Stopping the Clock USBGF Ruling Guide (2024): Page 55, Section 4.3.2 "Stopping the Game Clock" Clocks must not be stopped except in limited situations, most notably between games, when a die gets away, and during a dispute. For detailed guidance and examples, you can refer to the following pages in the respective documents:
USBGF Tournament Rules (2024): Pages 1-2, 22 USBGF Ruling Guide (2024): Pages 1, 10, 13, 16, 22, 55 These references provide comprehensive details on the rules regarding breaks, clock management, and penalties for delays, ensuring fair play and adherence to tournament standards. If you need more specific information or have further questions, please let me know!
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