The tournament will be triple elimination, and will use the 3rd edition rules. The game will be basic Settlers with no expansions. Not everyone is rich enough to afford or has an interest in playing the expansion. Some don't know the additional rules, which would put them at a disadvantage. The additional playing time isn't worth going that route. Four-player games will be used to the maximum extent practical. Three-player games will be used as necessary, or if it is to the advantage of the tournament. (E.g. an odd-number of players in a round, or say 12 contestants remain, each with two losses. Four three-player games would leave the finals as one four player game, which is deemed preferable to a three-player final). I will evaluate this issue throughout and consult with designated assistant GMs on this issue.

Players with like records will be matched to the maximum extent practical. Barring an extreme situation, there won't be players with dissimilar records (e.g. 2-0, 1-1, 0-2, 0-2) at the same table, but there will be situations where not all the players at the table have the same record (e.g. 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 2-1).

Games are 90 minutes in length (maximum), and the next round begins immediately at the conclusion of the previous round. The exception is there is a one hour break between rounds 2 and 3 and between rounds 5 and 6. Please leave your house rules at home. They will not be used.

GM Philosophy: While everyone would like to win the tournaments they enter, only one will emerge victorious. With that in mind, playing your best should be your objective, while keeping sportsmanship in mind at all times. The 90 minutes allotted for each game is more than enough time to complete a game. I don't tolerate slow play, but I don't adjudicate. It is up to the players to police themselves. If you show up for round 1, be prepared to play two games. If you show up to play in round 3, agree to play three more games or play until you are eliminated. If you qualify for and attend round 6, agree to play until you are eliminated or emerge victorious. I ask this not only out of courtesy to myself as GM, but to the estimated many others who will be your fellow contestants. Do I ask for you to do paperwork? A very minimal amount, but it helps track your progress through the tournament. Your cooperation and participation are greatly appreciated.