Some formats stand the test of time. Others give way to the times. After many years, we introduced a streamlined version of Adel competition in 2009 which cut two games off the wood making process.

In Adel Verpflichtet, also known as Hoity Toity and By Hook or Crook among others, players assume the roles of eccentric aristocratic collectors who attempt to buy the greatest collection of obscure items at the auctionhouse and exhibit them at a number of grand halls; the best exhibits gaining prestige and movement around the board. But beware! Thieves may appear at the auctionhouse to steal the money paid for items or steal the items themselves when exhibited. And when a Detective appears, the Thieves get caught and must spend some time in prison, while the Detective also gains movement around the board. Finally, when at least one player crosses the line to the final table, all the players have a final exhibit and the one who ends up farthest along the track is the winner.

Everyone plays three games in Round 1, each of which will last 45-50 minutes. However, players have joined in the second round and still managed to advance after missing the first round so it is possible - if not easy. Players earn points based on their finishing position in each game. Based on how many have played all three games, up to 25 of the top scorers will advance to a single semifinal round. The top five will advance to the Final for the wood.

50+ players:     25 advance for five 5-player games. Five winners advance to the Final.

40-49 players: 20 advance for four 5-player games. Four winners & best 2nd advance.

30-39 players: 15 advance for three 5-player games. Three winners & two best 2nds advance.

20-29 players: 10 advance for two 5-player games. Two winners, two 2nds & best 3rd advance.

<20 players:     No semifinal. Top five advance directly to the Final.

The "best" 2nd or 3rd is:

1. The farthest advanced on the track.

2. The largest set of cards.

3. The oldest card in the set.

4. The highest Round 1 score.

5. A coin flip.