NOTE: MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS ARE IN RED.
1. What are the tournament rules?
2. What kind of tournament is this and how many players are allowed?
3. Which custom maps will be used for tournament?
4. What about the different versions of maps available, what if a version is rigged?
5. Do you plan to host more than one tournament?
6. How long will these tournaments take?
7. How are spots assigned?
8. I’d rather smurf in this tournament, can I only tell you my aka instead?
9. What about hacking?
10. WarVid lags/doesn’t work, can I just not use it? Or is there another option?
11. Does this mean if I use WarVid, I do not have to provide screenshot?
12. What if I cannot run W2Insight?
13. How do I take a screenshot?
14. Why must the SS be sent within 5 minutes after the game?
15. What if the player leaves before the 2 minute surrender mark?
16. What about 'gaying', if I leave during a draw, does it also count as a loss?
17. What about disconnects?
18. What about watchers?
19. What about WarLatency?
20. Will you post the tournament replays?

 

What are the tournament rules?

Please see the Standard Tournament Rules—read those rules first! If there are any exceptions to these standard rules for a specific tournament, it will be listed on the tournament details itself.

 

What kind of tournament is this and how many players are allowed?

Unless otherwise specified, these tournaments will usually be Single Elimination and only 16 players maximum will be allowed in the tournament, (this is to ensure each tournament will not run for hours and hours). 

Tournaments may be played as different maps each round, or the same map throughout--you must check the tournament page for specific details, as each tournament could be slightly different.

 

Which custom maps will be used for tournament? 

Since I am mainly hosting “custom map tournaments” (as there are already two "BNE" tournaments available already anyways), there are TONS of maps to pick and choose from.  Please refer to the specific tournament and its page to see its map selection details.  The maps will usually be randomly drawn from the selection listed for each round, unless otherwise specified--meaning there will usually be four different maps picked per tournament.

 

What about the different versions of maps available and what if a version is rigged?

To specify exactly which version of the maps is to be used for the tournament, they will be available for download on its tournament page.  I have pre-selected the “correct version” and renamed them to ensure when hosted, it is the correct and approved map.  All players must use the provided maps only.  This ensures the maps have been checked for “fairness” (rigged, upgrade timings, extra units/buildings, etc).  It also ensures W2Insight replays can be viewed by anyone properly.  All participants must PRE-DOWNLOAD the maps before the tournament begins.

 

Do you plan to host more than one tournament?

Depending on the success of this tournament, I’d like to make several more tournament ‘map types’ such as chops or whatever every 3-4 weeks.  A FORUM is available for you to voice your opinions on what maps you would like the tournaments to host.  Perhaps a league can form if there are enough players who can play all these different maps. 

 

How long will these tournaments take?

It really depends on the maps played; some maps will naturally finish faster (e.g. mini bgh usually finishes faster than chop chop jammin).  Tournaments are usually scheduled and estimated to run for approximately 2-3 hours.

 

How are spots assigned?

Spots must be reserved in advanced.  You may make a formal request to reserve a spot in a tournament by filling out this form here.  Players will be randomly matched up against each other shortly before the tournament starts; the tournament brackets shall only be posted 5 minutes before it starts.  This will ensure the players do not know exactly who they are facing in Round 1.

Please Note: Reserved spots will be forfeited should the player not be present and ready 10 minutes before the Tournament begins.  Forfeited spots can be given to anyone presently in channel wanting to play in the tournament (provided they are not a smurf and can run WarVid/W2Isight and/or provide legit screenshots, etc, etc.).

 

I’d rather smurf in this tournament, can I only tell you my aka instead?

No.  It is my preference that this be a smurf-free tournament.  And I feel it is also somewhat unfair to the players who aren’t’ smurfing to not also know who their opponents are.

 

What about hacking?

This is a hack free tournament.  Hacking will not be tolerated!  To prevent map/build/spell/etc hackers, players are encouraged to use WarVideo to record their games.

Download WarVid @ http://war2.warcraft.org/files/war

 

WarVid lags/doesn’t work, can I just not use it?  Or is there another option?

Although it is my preference for players to use WarVid, I would gladly accept W2Insight replays as well.  Please note the screenshot tournament rules are in effect when using W2Insight instead of WarVid. 

 

Does this mean if I use WarVid, I do not have to provide screenshot?

Because WarVid captures “many screenshots” in game like a “mini movie”, there is no real need to provide SS if you will provide a WarVid replay instead. (Therefore, it is your own preference to provide a SS to the "Accuser" should they ask).

IMPORTANT: For WarVid, you MUST set it to record at 1 FPS, to prevent files from getting too big.  WarVid replay files are to be submitted immediately after the game to me (if you are accused of hacking) to resolve the dispute.

 

What if I cannot run W2Insight?

Some players may experience difficulty running W2Insight version 1.03b.  However version 1.04 should fix the lag/freezing error in 1.03b. 

Download W2Insight @

Version1.04 http://rapidshare.de/files/9461860/insight2.rar.html    

or

Version1.03b http://war2.warcraft.org/files/warreplay/War2BNEInSight103b.exe

If any of those links do not work, I can personally provide the program to you instead via email/messengers.  I can be contacted via email at admin@war2.org. 
 

How do I take a screenshot? 

Refer to this page here instead.  I have included FULL instructions with pictures to explain this screenshot guide :)

ALL SCREENSHOTS MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL .PCX FORMAT!!

 

Why must the SS be sent within 5 minutes after the game? 

Honestly, it’s to mainly avoid delays in the tournament by minimizing the time wasted waiting on the SS.  It is also to limit the time needed to “edit” a SS. 

Invalid (missing, edited, blank, denied, etc, etc.) screenshots will result in AUTO DISQUALIFICATION---->>NO EXCEPTIONS!

Bottom Line: If you cannot at least submit screenshots (computer problems, no email, etc, etc.), then you cannot join the tournaments.

NOTE: If you're a MAC user, please email me first and I will explain how to send me proof.  Once you're a confirmed MAC user, I will exempt you from the screenshot rule.

 

What if the player leaves before the 2 minute surrender mark? 

If a player leaves--it's a LOSS, regardless of the 2 minute surrender mark—NO EXCEPTIONS. So if you didn’t run WarVid, you'll have to press the SS button SUPER-FAST to show the "So-n-So has left the game" (to prove your victory in case he doesn’t admit it, etc.).  This is to prevent players from leaving games and making excuses for spots, hall placement, pop-ups, etc. etc.  Please do not make excuses, play fair!

 

What about offensive towering (gaying, ot-ing, etc.), if I leave while it’s still a draw, does it still count as a loss?

YES IT DOES!  If you leave—it’s a loss.  Offensive towering is a legitmate early game strategy—it is also not unbeatable!  I regard ot-ing as a practical and valid strategy just like rushing, dualing, powering, etc, etc.

 

What about disconnects?

Early* disconnects resulting in a DRAW stat screen after the game will simply be re-hosted up to a maximum of 3 times per round.  If the connection is still disconnecting your games, you will be automatically disqualified. Please take screenshot proofs of the stat-screen once disconnected.
 

Late** disconnects will have to be my judgment calls.  Please report to the tournament channel immediately after the late disconnects instead.
 

It is strongly recommended all players use WarVid and W2Insight to record their games. You should also take screenshots of the game while and after they’ve disconnected to help me make a fair and informed decision. Helpful screenshots will help me judge your games map control, resources, etc. (Take SS of mini-map, final stat-screens, etc, etc.)
 

If I’m unable to reasonably determine the obvious winner, a rematch may be hosted if the time permits.  If the time does not permit a rematch, the disconnect will simply count as an automatic loss.

*Early means before the two minute surrender mark
**Late means after the two minute surrender mark.

 

What about watchers?

There are advantages and disadvantages to having watchers.  It is up to you if you want them in your games.  The only problem is when they’re “newb watchers”—so what makes a “pro watcher?”

NOTE: GAMES SHOULD BE HOSTED 'MELEE'', INSTEAD OF 'TVB' WHEN POSSIBLE TO AVOID EXTRA VISION (EXCEPTIONS ARE WHEN UNITS ARE MAP DEFAULT SETTINGS).
Simple: They’re invisible—meaning they do not interfere with the game!

1.  DO NOT VIS ANYONE—(UNVIS EVERYONE RIGHT AWAY) Watchers should go to a less travelled area of the map right away (usually corners) and hide there. They also ensure they do not show themselves while on their way there, in case it hints which spot the opponents are in.

2.  NO BUILDING—Watchers do not build!  The space is for the PLAYERS to build.  Yes, that means you should even avoid making a hall.  This also means that if you're playing on a map where its fixed units--meaning you have LOTS of buildings, KILL YOUR OWN BUILDINGS to free space for the players so they may build and expand there, etc.

3.  NO TALKING—If you must talk, it should be on ALLY CHAT to the other watchers so you do not disturb and spam the players.

4.  LEAVE GAME IMMEDIATELY WHEN LAGGING—or even when requested!

5.  NO TIPPING/CHEATING/HELPING ANYONE!—It’s retarded to be in a tournament and get tipped.  If you can’t understand and handle the concept of fair play, don’t play.

If you and your opponent cannot agree who can watch.  Then there will be no watchers—EXCEPT for anyone I grant “official watcher status”.
UPDATE 01/12/06: THE FOLLOWING PLAYERS HAVE OFFICIAL WATCHER STATUS:
1. 
2. 
3. 
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME ABOUT BECOMING AN "OFFICIAL WATCHER".  OFFICIAL WATCHER STATUS IS ONLY GRANTED TO THOSE WHO HAVE ASSISTED ME IN PROMOTING, PREPARING, HOSTING, SUPPORTING, ETC. THESE TOURNAMENTS--IT IS AN HONOURARY STATUS FOR ME TO RECOGNIZE AND SHOW APPRECIATION FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.  YOU CANNOT "APPLY" FOR THESE OFFICIAL WATCHER POSITIONS.  THANKS.

 

What about WarLatency?

3rd party programs are “hacks”. But just like WarVid and W2Insight, I believe WarLatency is a “good hack” and therefore will *allow* it in the tournament if the two players’ preferences are that it will be used. However, I should be notified in advance of its agreed useage BEFORE your game starts. This is to prevent players from stupidly accusing each other of its pre-approved use afterwards.

 

Will you post the tournament replays?

If I receive W2Insight replays, I will automatically post them.  WarVid replays will not be posted as its purpose is only to prove you’re not hacking—I don’t really want to give their strategy out (exactly HOW they play and WHERE the player clicks, etc, etc).  I will gladly post them if the WarVid recorder requests so themselves though.

 

Any other concerns may be addressed by me via email admin@war2.org

NOTE: ANY EMAILS ASKING ME QUESTIONS ALREADY ANSWERED ON THIS FAQ WILL BE IGNORED.  THANKS.