Twilight Struggle is back for another year.  As last year, 2nd edition will be used; the FAQ, Q&A, and a list of the changes from 1st to 2nd edition can all be found at Consimworld.com, in the Twilight Struggle folder, and on the Boardgame Geek.  A list of card changes from 1st to 2nd edition is in the same locations (and included in the FAQ).  Incomplete games will use final scoring rules.
If necessary to accommodate even numbers in the next round, a player will get a bye.  Past champion gets the first bye.  After that, byes will be determined randomly.
 
Balancing rules will be in effect.  We will use the same adjustments as in the past with one modification listed below.  Specifically, both players roll a die.  The high roller gets the first bid or side preference (no minimum).  From there, simple auction bidding with the high bid taking the preferred side.  Based upon past experience, this will be the USSR.  Losing bidder then receives the amount of the bid in additional influence, placed after all other setup is complete, and only in countries where the player already has influence.  In addition, to reduce the runaway victories, scoring cards played on Turns 1 and 2 are added to the mid-war deck (for the Turn 4 reshuffle) and are NOT included in the Turn 3 reshuffle.  Players should keep this in mind when bidding.
 
A list of the card changes from 1st to 2nd edition can be seen at: http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?14@822.Typdcu3NHkX.79@.1dcfda60/6035.