143.5 Definitions:

143.5.1 Method of Scoring

The Basic method of scoring is the method used immediately prior to any conversion to victory-points, eg match-points or imps.

The Final method of scoring is generally victory-points. If the event is not scored by VPs then the Basic and Final methods of scoring are considered the same.

If a hybrid method is used (as in the Pachabo Trophy) then see #143.6.4

143.5.2 Tie Break Points

These may be used in any tournament other than a perfect 'all-play-all event'. They are not exclusive to Swiss events. They were formerly called 'Swiss Points'.

In a teams or pairs tournament, Tie-break points are the sum of the final scores obtained by each and every direct opponent of the given contestant (ie opponents which the contestant involved actually played against at the table).

In an individual tournament, Tie-break points are determined by application of the formula 'O/P', where 'O' is the sum of the final scores obtained by each and every direct opponent of the given contestant and 'P' is the sum of the final scores obtained by each and every partner of the given contestant.

Where more points were available against some contestants (or with some partners) than others, then the final scores obtained against such opponents (or partners) shall be adjusted pro rata. Similarly if the contestant considered missed a round (eg they sat out) then their Tie-break point score is adjusted pro rata (see #143.6.2).

Where an opponent (or - in an individual event - a partner) has withdrawn before the end of the event, the score of that opponent (or partner) shall be adjusted pro rata for the purpose of establishing the Tie-break point score of those who played against (or with) them.

143.5.3 Point-a-board count-back

This may be used in any form of event, regardless of the basic format or scoring method.

Point-a-board count-back is a means of establishing which contestant has won more boards than the other. Whether a board is won/drawn/lost is established by reference to the basic method of scoring.

Examples

Pair A obtained 37 MPs on a certain board on a 50 MP top: pair B obtained 29 MPs on the same board (played against some other opponent and in the opposite direction): pair A have won this board. Had this board been played by pair B only, then pair B would be deemed to have won the board as their score is above average.

Where precisely two contestants are involved, all boards which the tied contestants played are taken into account. On each board which both contestants played, 2 points are awarded to the contestant with the higher score (IMPs, match-points or whatever), and 1 point for a tie.

On boards played by only one tied contestant, it is assumed that the contestant who did not play the board scored precisely average on it. Thus, the single result scores 2 points if above average and 1 point if exactly average. The contestant who did not play the board receives the complement of 2 points (ie 0, 1 or 2 dependent upon his rival's score on the board).

Where three contestants are involved, the above procedures would still apply with a 'top' of 4, an 'average' of 2 and a 'total per board' of 6. Similar principles apply in the case of four or more contestants.

143.5.4 Matches and Rounds

Often, a match and a round will clearly be the same thing and no ambiguity could arise. However, should such not be the case, then the definition of a round shall be as contained within the Laws of the game. The definition of a match shall be that it is the combination of two or more pre-scheduled rounds played between the same contestants, with every such round being played in similar (though not necessarily identical) circumstances and conditions.

In situations where contestants have played a match as defined above, then the term 'matches' within the expression 'matches/rounds' shall be taken. In any other situation, the term 'round' shall apply. Likewise, in determining whether or not one opponent has defeated the other, the test applied shall be in terms of the 'match' if there is such a thing: otherwise, the test shall be in terms of the 'round'.

By contrast, a double round-robin teams event would be deemed to constitute a single match between the contestants concerned, even though the scoring method in use might involve one encounter being scored independently of the other. To be clear on this point, a head-on teams game between two contestants played in several stanzas constitutes a match, and it is the result of the match (rather than of each individual stanza) which will be taken into account if necessary in determining who has won the match/round and how many matches/rounds each contestant has won.

For the purpose of counting the number of matches/rounds won, a 'win' is defined as having acquired a score of greater than average in the match/round in question (it is therefore possible that some obscure situations could arise in which both contestants were considered to have either won or lost the direct match/round between them).

By contrast, for the purpose of establishing whether one contestant has defeated the other, when all such contestants are directly involved in the split-tie situation, a 'win' is defined as having acquired a larger score than one's opponent in the match/round in question.

An unplayed match/round is deemed to be a 'win' if the score awarded to the contestant as a consequence of not having played the match/round is greater than average (ie greater than the score which would be awarded for playing and drawing a match/round).

143.5.5 Unplayed board

The score for an unplayed board shall be the score awarded to the contestant at the time, which could constitute a won, drawn or lost board when it comes to comparing it with a real score obtained by some other contestant on the same board.

143.5.6 Multiple ties

Suppose there is a tie between more than two contestants, and one contestant is eliminated from the tie by virtue of having clearly won or lost the tie. Any tie which then remains upon the full application of the particular test being applied at that stage shall be resolved (if still necessary) by recommencing the entire split-tie procedure from the beginning from amongst those that remain.

143.5.7 Procedural penalties and awards

The procedures listed make use of all the various methods of scoring, eg if tied in terms of VPs, then try IMPs or even net aggregate in certain circumstances. Any procedural penalties/awards which have been imposed/awarded at a relevant time should be converted to these other scoring units in accordance with standard principles (eg 3 IMPs = 100 aggregate points).