Rules:

• Firstly, please note that the embedded Ladder spreadsheet on the left gives the players' positions while the Invitations list on the right is alphabetical.
  
  

  Starting matches

• Each player is to invite one opponent up to four rungs above them on the ladder. For example, a player at position 20 may invite a player at 19, 18, 17, or 16.
• Each player is allowed to play only one invited opponent at a time although he or she may play up to four other opponents who have invited them. The exception is the player at the bottom of the ladder who may invite two players. However, both matches must be finished before another challenge can be made.
• All matches are to be made using the invitation buttons above. They will be named "Scooby's 5-point Ladder" along with the date, and set at a time control of once per day.
• All match invites must be accepted within three days of the invitation unless the TD grants an extension of time.
  
  

  Reporting match results

• In order to get credit for a win, winner must report it in the thread within a reasonable period. The loser is not obliged to report their loss. In fact doing so removes the winner's option to take advantage of when they post their report.
  
  For instance, if player 9 beats player 5 and player 5 beats player 1 at about the same time then the order of reporting will make a big difference. Player 9 will take position 5 if their win is reported first but they'll be at the top if it's reported after player 5's win is reported, as player 5 will have risen to the top. Thus, if player 1 reports their loss to player 5 first then they will prevent player 9 from also jumping ahead of them.
  
  So, if you do post "on behalf of the winner", please realise that it should be considered on your behalf if the timing is more to your advantage than theirs.
  
  Plus, if a winning challenger fails to post in time then you effectively didn't lose a match. On the other hand, if you think that they have forgotten, you may prefer to sportingly reminding them or report their win before it's too late.
• If a challenger loses their match then they may invite as soon as the match has finished. It would be unfair if they had to wait for the winner to declare the match over. It may even be that the winner doesn't declare at all. Reporting the new invitation will not be taken as implying anything about the outcome of the match just finished.
  
  Please do ensure that the match has finished for your opponent as well as yourself. You shouldn't send a new invitation if you had a predicted ending. The opponent has yet to play out the last few moves and a rollback may occur. A match is active on your profile page until both players have played through the last move.
  
  

  Outcomes

• If a challenger wins against an opponent who is in a higher ladder position then the challenger will move into the defeated opponent's position and the defeated opponent will move down one rung on the ladder.
• If a challenger loses to an opponent who is in a higher ladder position then there is no change in either player's position. The challenger may then challenge the same opponent again or choose another player within range.
• If a challenger loses to an opponent who has since dropped to a lower ladder position then the winning opponent will move into the defeated challenger's position and the challenger will move down one rung on the ladder.
  
  

  Updates

• The spreadsheet will be updated irregularly and take matches in the order that they are reported. If you are unsure who to invite, please ask in the thread.
• The Tournament Director has the right to amend the rules.
• Be pleasant and have fun!

If you have any questions, please ask in the thread or contact BIG-SCOOBY. Good Luck!