Riftbound April Tournament Rules Update

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Riftbound Tournament Rules Last Updated: 2026-03-30
Riftbound Tournament Rules Last Updated 4/29/2026
- Golden Rule
- Golden Rule
- The tournament rules exist to ensure anyone who attends a Riftbound organized play event has a fun, equitable, fair, safe and consistent experience. They aim to empower competitors and judges to work together to have mutual expectations and understandings.
- The tournament rules exist to ensure anyone who attends a Riftbound organized play event has a fun, equitable, fair, safe and consistent experience. They aim to empower competitors and judges to work together to have mutual expectations and understandings.
- Introduction
- Introduction
- Purpose: This document provides the frameworks and structures for Riftbound competitions by defining rules, responsibilities and procedures to be followed in all Riftbound competitions.
- Purpose: This document provides the frameworks and structures for Riftbound competitions by defining rules, responsibilities and procedures to be followed in all Riftbound competitions.
- Consistency: All Riftbound competitions must be run consistently regardless of their organizer or location to ensure equal treatment of players and interchangeability of events no matter the region or level.
- Consistency: All Riftbound competitions must be run consistently regardless of their organizer or location to ensure equal treatment of players and interchangeability of events no matter the region or level.
- Responsibility:
- Responsibility:
- Attendees: All competitors AND all competition officials are expected to be responsible for following the rules as written and in the spirit in which they were written. This includes respecting all people at competitions.
- Attendees: All competitors AND all competition officials are expected to be responsible for following the rules as written and in the spirit in which they were written. This includes respecting all people at competitions.
- Spectators: Spectators have their own set of responsibilities and expectations. See XXX. for more information on spectators.
- Spectators: Spectators have their own set of responsibilities and expectations. See XXX. for more information on spectators.
- Penalties: Individuals who violate the frameworks and structures in this document are subject to penalties at the appropriate Organized Play Level (OPL). See 205 for more information on Organized Play Levels.
- Penalties: Individuals who violate the frameworks and structures in this document are subject to penalties at the appropriate Organized Play Level (OPL). See 205 for more information on Organized Play Levels.
- Precedence:
- Precedence:
- vs. Core Rules: In some cases, information in this document may contradict, or provide information not contained in, the Riftbound Core Rules. In all such cases, this document takes precedence for competitions.
- vs. Core Rules: In some cases, information in this document may contradict, or provide information not contained in, the Riftbound Core Rules. In all such cases, this document takes precedence for competitions.
- vs. Official Local Language Translations: The English language version of this document will supersede any translation.
- vs. Official Local Language Translations: The English language version of this document will supersede any translation.
- vs. Specific Event Addenda: In some cases, information in this document may be contradicted by alternate or additional policies or procedures in official addenda for specific competitions. In all such cases, those addenda take precedence.
- vs. Specific Event Addenda: In some cases, information in this document may be contradicted by alternate or additional policies or procedures in official addenda for specific competitions. In all such cases, those addenda take precedence.
- Alteration: Riot Games or its official Riftbound partners reserve the right to alter this document, or any subsequent competition-specific addenda, at any time without prior notice.
- Alteration: Riot Games or its official Riftbound partners reserve the right to alter this document, or any subsequent competition-specific addenda, at any time without prior notice.
- Definitions
- Definitions
- Competition Types: Riftbound competitions come in three types.
- Competition Types: Riftbound competitions come in three types.
- Premier: A competition that is run by Riot Games or an official competition organizer and has a unique name and features.
- Premier: A competition that is run by Riot Games or an official competition organizer and has a unique name and features.
- Qualifier: Any competition where rewards include access or advantages for premier events. (Premier events can themselves be qualifiers.)
- Qualifier: Any competition where rewards include access or advantages for premier events. (Premier events can themselves be qualifiers.)
- Local: Any competition that is neither premier nor qualifier.
- Local: Any competition that is neither premier nor qualifier.
- Competition Format: Riftbound competitions can be run with one of two formats.
- Competition Format: Riftbound competitions can be run with one of two formats.
- Limited: A limited competition is one where all product needed for play is provided during the competition.
- Limited: A limited competition is one where all product needed for play is provided during the competition.
- Constructed: A constructed competition is one where players compete using decks they prepare beforehand.
- Constructed: A constructed competition is one where players compete using decks they prepare beforehand.
- Swiss: A competition or component of a competition where players are paired based on their current standing in the competition.
- Swiss: A competition or component of a competition where players are paired based on their current standing in the competition.
- Playoff: A competition or component of a competition where players are initially paired based on their standing and are subsequently eliminated by losses.
- Playoff: A competition or component of a competition where players are initially paired based on their standing and are subsequently eliminated by losses.
- Rules: Each format has rules specific to it.
- Rules: Each format has rules specific to it.
- Multiple: Some competitions may consist of multiple formats within the same competition.
- Multiple: Some competitions may consist of multiple formats within the same competition.
- Units of Play:
- Units of Play:
- Game: A Riftbound game is defined in the Core Rules.
- Game: A Riftbound game is defined in the Core Rules.
- Match: A Riftbound match is defined in the Core Rules.
- Match: A Riftbound match is defined in the Core Rules.
- Competition Roles: Every attendee at a competition has at least one of the following roles.
- Competition Roles: Every attendee at a competition has at least one of the following roles.
- Official roles: Roles 3-6 are considered competition officials for the purpose of this document.
- Official roles: Roles 3-6 are considered competition officials for the purpose of this document.
- Multiple: Any individual can act in any combination of official roles.
- Multiple: Any individual can act in any combination of official roles.
- Judge roles: Roles 4-5 are considered judges for the purpose of this document.
- Judge roles: Roles 4-5 are considered judges for the purpose of this document.
- Judges equally serve as both rules arbiters and ambassadors of a healthy and welcoming environment for all players.
- Judges equally serve as both rules arbiters and ambassadors of a healthy and welcoming environment for all players.
- Competition Organizer (CO): The CO is responsible for all competition logistics, including:
- Competition Organizer (CO): The CO is responsible for all competition logistics, including:
- Sanctioning the event by registering it with Riot Games or its official partners.
- Sanctioning the event by registering it with Riot Games or its official partners.
- Providing a site for the event (the venue) that meets the competition’s needs, including providing sufficient space and amenities for the expected attendance.
- Providing a site for the event (the venue) that meets the competition’s needs, including providing sufficient space and amenities for the expected attendance.
- Promoting the event before it begins.
- Promoting the event before it begins.
- Staffing the event with the necessary tournament officials and support.
- Staffing the event with the necessary tournament officials and support.
- Providing all materials necessary to operate the event.
- Providing all materials necessary to operate the event.
- Reporting the event results.
- Reporting the event results.
- Maintaining records of the event results (by game and match) for a minimum period of 3 months for the purpose of appeals. See 413 for more information on appeals.
- Maintaining records of the event results (by game and match) for a minimum period of 3 months for the purpose of appeals. See 413 for more information on appeals.
- Head Judge: All sanctioned competitions require a Head Judge. The Head Judge is the final authority on competition rules and regulations, and their responsibilities include:
- Head Judge: All sanctioned competitions require a Head Judge. The Head Judge is the final authority on competition rules and regulations, and their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that rules, procedures and regulations are followed.
- Ensuring that rules, procedures and regulations are followed.
- Ensuring that all game or policy violations are dealt with and any appropriate corrective action taken.
- Ensuring that all game or policy violations are dealt with and any appropriate corrective action taken.
- Responding to floor judges who bring matters to their attention.
- Responding to floor judges who bring matters to their attention.
- Coordinating and delegating responsibilities to floor judges as necessary.
- Coordinating and delegating responsibilities to floor judges as necessary.
- Determining corrective action for errors or violations of the scorekeeper or floor judges.
- Determining corrective action for errors or violations of the scorekeeper or floor judges.
- The head judge has ultimate discretion if situations arise where the written rules are unclear or inadequate.
- The head judge has ultimate discretion if situations arise where the written rules are unclear or inadequate.
- Floor Judge: Floor judges respond to players and spectators who have questions about rules and regulations, and/or need judgment on the same, and their responsibilities include:
- Floor Judge: Floor judges respond to players and spectators who have questions about rules and regulations, and/or need judgment on the same, and their responsibilities include:
- Answering questions about rules, interactions among cards, providing Watcher wordings, or derived game state.
- Answering questions about rules, interactions among cards, providing Watcher wordings, or derived game state.
- At high OPL, judges may not answer direct questions about the results of game actions a player has not yet taken. In these situations, players must ask hypothetical questions about the rules. Examples:
- At high OPL, judges may not answer direct questions about the results of game actions a player has not yet taken. In these situations, players must ask hypothetical questions about the rules. Examples:
- Inappropriate question: “If I attack and conquer this battlefield with my Tryndamere, Barbarian, will I score the winning point?”
- Inappropriate question: “If I attack and conquer this battlefield with my Tryndamere, Barbarian, will I score the winning point?”
- Appropriate question: “Can point scoring abilities like Tryndamere’s score you the winning point?”
- Appropriate question: “Can point scoring abilities like Tryndamere’s score you the winning point?”
- Judges may ask players to rephrase their questions to be appropriate where possible.
- Judges may ask players to rephrase their questions to be appropriate where possible.
- Provide rulings related to game and policy violations brought to their attention.
- Provide rulings related to game and policy violations brought to their attention.
- Assist with translation if able.
- Assist with translation if able.
- Assist players in technically precise play (at low OPL). (This should generally not include strategic advice.)
- Assist players in technically precise play (at low OPL). (This should generally not include strategic advice.)
- Scorekeeper: All sanctioned competitions require a scorekeeper. Scorekeepers are responsible for correct competition logistics as it relates to games and game records, including:
- Scorekeeper: All sanctioned competitions require a scorekeeper. Scorekeepers are responsible for correct competition logistics as it relates to games and game records, including:
- Generating each round of the competition and necessary data to proceed with that round (e.g. match pairings).
- Generating each round of the competition and necessary data to proceed with that round (e.g. match pairings).
- Generating standings in the competition before the last round of the competition (in Swiss competitions).
- Generating standings in the competition before the last round of the competition (in Swiss competitions).
- Generating standings in the competition after the last round of the competition (in Swiss competitions).
- Generating standings in the competition after the last round of the competition (in Swiss competitions).
- Solving scorekeeping problems with a-c above in conjunction with the Head Judge.
- Solving scorekeeping problems with a-c above in conjunction with the Head Judge.
- Reporting on the competition afterward and including all necessary data.
- Reporting on the competition afterward and including all necessary data.
- Player
- Player
- Any non-official participant of the competition is a player.
- Any non-official participant of the competition is a player.
- Players have responsibilities, including:
- Players have responsibilities, including:
- Behaving respectfully to all attendees of the competition, including officials and spectators.
- Behaving respectfully to all attendees of the competition, including officials and spectators.
- Maintaining clear game state.
- Maintaining clear game state.
- Complying with all processes and procedures of the competition, including announcements and time limits.
- Complying with all processes and procedures of the competition, including announcements and time limits.
- Calling to the attention of a judge any rules or policy violation in their matches.
- Calling to the attention of a judge any rules or policy violation in their matches.
- Calling to the attention of a judge any error in their competition record as noted by the scorekeeper.
- Calling to the attention of a judge any error in their competition record as noted by the scorekeeper.
- Reporting the result of their competition matches to an official in a timely manner.
- Reporting the result of their competition matches to an official in a timely manner.
- Obeying eligibility rules.
- Obeying eligibility rules.
- Familiarizing themselves with this document and any addenda.
- Familiarizing themselves with this document and any addenda.
- Presenting themselves physically for the competition for its duration.
- Presenting themselves physically for the competition for its duration.
- Even if officials assist, the player remains ultimately responsible for the above.
- Even if officials assist, the player remains ultimately responsible for the above.
- Individual members of a team in a team competition are each individually responsible for the above.
- Individual members of a team in a team competition are each individually responsible for the above.
- Teammates are responsible for calling to the attention of a judge any rules or policy violations they observe in each others’ matches.
- Teammates are responsible for calling to the attention of a judge any rules or policy violations they observe in each others’ matches.
- Violations of the above responsibilities may be subject to penalties, suspension, or revocation of that player’s eligibility.
- Violations of the above responsibilities may be subject to penalties, suspension, or revocation of that player’s eligibility.
- Spectator
- Spectator
- Any person present at a competition but not in one of the above roles is a spectator.
- Any person present at a competition but not in one of the above roles is a spectator.
- A player who is at a competition but not currently playing a match is also a spectator.
- A player who is at a competition but not currently playing a match is also a spectator.
- Spectators have responsibilities, including:
- Spectators have responsibilities, including:
- Remaining silent during matches and anywhere else in the venue where silence is required.
- Remaining silent during matches and anywhere else in the venue where silence is required.
- At Casual and Competitive OPL, spectators can ask players to pause play while they alert a judge of a potential issue.
- At Casual and Competitive OPL, spectators can ask players to pause play while they alert a judge of a potential issue.
- At Professional OPL, spectators can’t ask players to pause play, but they can still alert a judge of a potential issue.
- At Professional OPL, spectators can’t ask players to pause play, but they can still alert a judge of a potential issue.
- Spectator are prohibited from the following:
- Spectator are prohibited from the following:
- Personally indicating rules or policy violations to players.
- Personally indicating rules or policy violations to players.
- Providing strategic advice to players.
- Providing strategic advice to players.
- At Professional OPL, spectators may not ask players to pause play while they call a matter to a judge’s attention.
- At Professional OPL, spectators may not ask players to pause play while they call a matter to a judge’s attention.
- Players may request to a judge that a spectator not observe their match, at that judge’s discretion.
- Players may request to a judge that a spectator not observe their match, at that judge’s discretion.
- Players can’t request this for strategic reasons.
- Players can’t request this for strategic reasons.
- At non-local competitions, there may be additional rules for spectator behavior and presence.
- At non-local competitions, there may be additional rules for spectator behavior and presence.
- Competition officials may instruct that a spectator not observe a match.
- Competition officials may instruct that a spectator not observe a match.
- Organized Play Level (OPL): OPL is shorthand that helps communicate expectations to players and judges.
- Organized Play Level (OPL): OPL is shorthand that helps communicate expectations to players and judges.
- The purpose of OPL is to define how strictly to treat deviations from rules, policy, and procedures as violations and what penalty those violations warrant.
- The purpose of OPL is to define how strictly to treat deviations from rules, policy, and procedures as violations and what penalty those violations warrant.
- Casual (low): Most competitions are casual and are focused on fun and social interaction, not rules enforcement.
- Casual (low): Most competitions are casual and are focused on fun and social interaction, not rules enforcement.
- Players are expected to know most of the rules as defined in the Core Rules.
- Players are expected to know most of the rules as defined in the Core Rules.
- Players are responsible for playing according to the rules in the Core Rules and this document, but:
- Players are responsible for playing according to the rules in the Core Rules and this document, but:
- The focus of judges and competition officials is on education and sportsmanship.
- The focus of judges and competition officials is on education and sportsmanship.
- There is no priority placed on technically precise play.
- There is no priority placed on technically precise play.
- Generally, violations at this level have lower penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Generally, violations at this level have lower penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Competitive (high): These competitions have significant rewards, which may include invitations or advantages at the Professional level.
- Competitive (high): These competitions have significant rewards, which may include invitations or advantages at the Professional level.
- Players are expected to know the rules as defined in the Core Rules and this document.
- Players are expected to know the rules as defined in the Core Rules and this document.
- All attendees are expected to maintain the integrity of the competition, while recognizing that some players may not be used to playing at the highest and most technically precise level of play.
- All attendees are expected to maintain the integrity of the competition, while recognizing that some players may not be used to playing at the highest and most technically precise level of play.
- Generally, violations at this level have stricter penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Generally, violations at this level have stricter penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Professional (high): These competitions have significant rewards and prestige.
- Professional (high): These competitions have significant rewards and prestige.
- Players are expected to know the rules as defined in the Core Rules and this document completely.
- Players are expected to know the rules as defined in the Core Rules and this document completely.
- All attendees are expected to maintain the integrity of the competition and the highest standard of behavior and technically precise play.
- All attendees are expected to maintain the integrity of the competition and the highest standard of behavior and technically precise play.
- Generally, violations at this level have the strictest penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Generally, violations at this level have the strictest penalties which are covered below in section 700.
- Round Cycle: A round cycle is the duration (in turns) that contains the standard turn for all players.
- Round Cycle: A round cycle is the duration (in turns) that contains the standard turn for all players.
- Additional turns do not affect the round cycle.
- Additional turns do not affect the round cycle.
- Eligibility
- Eligibility
- Anyone is eligible to participate as a player in Riftbound competitions, unless the player is:
- Anyone is eligible to participate as a player in Riftbound competitions, unless the player is:
- Suspended.
- Suspended.
- A competition official in that same competition, unless the competition explicitly allows it (non-premier competitions only).
- A competition official in that same competition, unless the competition explicitly allows it (non-premier competitions only).
- Specifically prohibited by Riot or official partner policy.
- Specifically prohibited by Riot or official partner policy.
- Under 13 years of age and do not have a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
- Under 13 years of age and do not have a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
- Prohibited by law, the rules or policy of the Competition Organizer, or by the venue’s rules or policy.
- Prohibited by law, the rules or policy of the Competition Organizer, or by the venue’s rules or policy.
- Restricted by competition addenda regarding age, as long as those restrictions are messaged ahead of time (at low OPL).
- Restricted by competition addenda regarding age, as long as those restrictions are messaged ahead of time (at low OPL).
- Anyone is eligible to participate as a competition official, unless the player is:
- Anyone is eligible to participate as a competition official, unless the player is:
- Suspended.
- Suspended.
- A player in that same competition, unless the competition explicitly allows it (non-premier competitions only).
- A player in that same competition, unless the competition explicitly allows it (non-premier competitions only).
- If a competition official for an event participates in that event, it must be run at Casual OPL.
- If a competition official for an event participates in that event, it must be run at Casual OPL.
- Owners of organizations that run premier competitions may not play in those competitions, even if otherwise allowed.
- Owners of organizations that run premier competitions may not play in those competitions, even if otherwise allowed.
- Some competitions have additional criteria regarding eligibility for players or competition officials (for example, invitation-only competitions).
- Some competitions have additional criteria regarding eligibility for players or competition officials (for example, invitation-only competitions).
- Employees of Riot and their families are subject to additional restrictions.
- Employees of Riot and their families are subject to additional restrictions.
- Family is defined here as any person living with or related to the relevant employee, but not themselves an employee.
- Family is defined here as any person living with or related to the relevant employee, but not themselves an employee.
- All employees and their family are allowed to participate in local competitions.
- All employees and their family are allowed to participate in local competitions.
- If the reward is product or cash, the employee or family member may claim that part of the reward.
- If the reward is product or cash, the employee or family member may claim that part of the reward.
- Employees must declare themselves to the CO.
- Employees must declare themselves to the CO.
- The CO may decline to allow Riot employees to participate in the competition for any reason; if so, they must abide by this decision.
- The CO may decline to allow Riot employees to participate in the competition for any reason; if so, they must abide by this decision.
- No Riot employee is allowed to play in premier or qualifier competitions.
- No Riot employee is allowed to play in premier or qualifier competitions.
- Families of employees are allowed to play in premier or qualifier competitions, if they are otherwise eligible to compete.
- Families of employees are allowed to play in premier or qualifier competitions, if they are otherwise eligible to compete.
- Policies
- Policies
- Deck Registration
- Deck Registration
- Players in competitions are required to register their decks and sideboards (if applicable to the format) at high OPL.
- Players in competitions are required to register their decks and sideboards (if applicable to the format) at high OPL.
- The Head Judge may require deck registration at low OPL.
- The Head Judge may require deck registration at low OPL.
- A registered decklist must have a complete, unambiguous record of the player’s Champion Legend, battlefields, Main Deck including Chosen Champion, Rune Deck, and sideboard (if applicable to the format).
- A registered decklist must have a complete, unambiguous record of the player’s Champion Legend, battlefields, Main Deck including Chosen Champion, Rune Deck, and sideboard (if applicable to the format).
- Once a decklist has been registered and delivered to a competition official, it can’t be changed.
- Once a decklist has been registered and delivered to a competition official, it can’t be changed.
- In a constructed event, a player’s deck must be registered prior to the start of the first round of competition.
- In a constructed event, a player’s deck must be registered prior to the start of the first round of competition.
- Other player’s decklists are normally considered private information. The head judge of an event may run that event or the final rounds of that event using an open decklist policy. In this case, all players’ decklists will be considered public information.
- Other player’s decklists are normally considered private information. The head judge of an event may run that event or the final rounds of that event using an open decklist policy. In this case, all players’ decklists will be considered public information.
- In an open decklist competition, each round players are provided with their opponent’s decklist to review at the start of the match and in between games of the match. Players may not review decklists during gameplay.
- In an open decklist competition, each round players are provided with their opponent’s decklist to review at the start of the match and in between games of the match. Players may not review decklists during gameplay.
- Typically, professional OPL competitions should be run with open decklists, but it is ultimately up to the discretion of the head judge regardless of the event level.
- Typically, professional OPL competitions should be run with open decklists, but it is ultimately up to the discretion of the head judge regardless of the event level.
- Deck Size
- Deck Size
- In a constructed event, players must register a Main Deck of exactly 40 cards (including a chosen champion), 1 Legend, 12 runes, and exactly 3 battlefields each with a unique name.
- In a constructed event, players must register a Main Deck of exactly 40 cards (including a chosen champion), 1 Legend, 12 runes, and exactly 3 battlefields each with a unique name.
- Otherwise, deck construction is defined in the Core Rules.
- Otherwise, deck construction is defined in the Core Rules.
- Sideboard
- Sideboard
- In certain competitions, players may have a group of additional cards (outside of their starting configuration) called a sideboard. See 600 for more information on sideboards based on competition formats.
- In certain competitions, players may have a group of additional cards (outside of their starting configuration) called a sideboard. See 600 for more information on sideboards based on competition formats.
- Sideboard size and contents are dictated by the competition format.
- Sideboard size and contents are dictated by the competition format.
- Limits on copies of named cards as defined by competition format apply to the combination of Main Deck and sideboard.
- Limits on copies of named cards as defined by competition format apply to the combination of Main Deck and sideboard.
- Players may use sideboard cards to modify their deck in between games of a match. Sideboard cards must be exchanged 1 for 1 with Main Deck cards.
- Players may use sideboard cards to modify their deck in between games of a match. Sideboard cards must be exchanged 1 for 1 with Main Deck cards.
- During that time, a player may change their Chosen Champion to one from their sideboard or Main Deck that meets the deckbuilding rules of the competition format.
- During that time, a player may change their Chosen Champion to one from their sideboard or Main Deck that meets the deckbuilding rules of the competition format.
- In constructed formats, a player may not change their Runes, Legend, or Battlefields at any point after deck registration.
- In constructed formats, a player may not change their Runes, Legend, or Battlefields at any point after deck registration.
- After the sideboarding process, a player’s Main Deck must meet deck size requirements dictated by the competition format.
- After the sideboarding process, a player’s Main Deck must meet deck size requirements dictated by the competition format.
- Players may not use sideboard cards in the first game of a match.
- Players may not use sideboard cards in the first game of a match.
- Players may count the cards in their opponents’ sideboards at any time.
- Players may count the cards in their opponents’ sideboards at any time.
- A player may look at their own sideboard at any time, but must keep it distinguishable from other cards.
- A player may look at their own sideboard at any time, but must keep it distinguishable from other cards.
- A player’s deck and sideboard must be returned to their registered states before the first game of the next match.
- A player’s deck and sideboard must be returned to their registered states before the first game of the next match.
- If a match skips the first game due to a penalty or an intentional draw, neither player qualifies for 403.5.
- If a match completely skips the first game due to a penalty, neither player may sideboard for the following game.
- If a game ends in a draw, neither player may sideboard for the following game.
- If a game restarts due to an in-game effect or due to corrective action by judges, the state of each player’s deck and sideboard must remain the same in the restarted game.
- If a game restarts due to an in-game effect or due to corrective action by judges, the state of each player’s deck and sideboard must remain the same in the restarted game.
- Match
- Match
- A match of Riftbound consists of a series of games that are played until one side has won a predetermined number of games.
- A match of Riftbound consists of a series of games that are played until one side has won a predetermined number of games.
- Most matches of Riftbound are “best of 3,” meaning the predetermined number of games to win is 2.
- Most matches of Riftbound are “best of 3,” meaning the predetermined number of games to win is 2.
- Games that end in a draw do not count toward this goal.
- Games that end in a draw do not count toward this goal.
- If the competition round ends (due to time limits) prior to any side achieving the goal, the winner of the match is the one who has won the most games.
- If the competition round ends (due to time limits) prior to any side achieving the goal, the winner of the match is the one who has won the most games.
- If all sides have equal game wins, the match is a draw.
- If all sides have equal game wins, the match is a draw.
- Start of Match Procedure
- Start of Match Procedure
- Prior to the start of each round, players must seek out information about their imminent match, opponent, and seating in the venue.
- Prior to the start of each round, players must seek out information about their imminent match, opponent, and seating in the venue.
- Players must arrive at their seats prior to the start of the round.
- Players must arrive at their seats prior to the start of the round.
- Start of Game Procedure
- Start of Game Procedure
- The setup process for a game of Riftbound is defined in the Core Rules. See CR XXX. Setup Process. Additionally:
- The setup process for a game of Riftbound is defined in the Core Rules. See CR XXX. Setup Process. Additionally:
- In competitions where sideboards are allowed, players may exchange cards from their main deck and their sideboard after each game of a match.
- In competitions where sideboards are allowed, players may exchange cards from their main deck and their sideboard after each game of a match. See 403 for more information on sideboards.
- If a game ends in a draw, players must use the same battlefields for the following game.
- Each player must shuffle their Main Deck and their Rune Deck. See 420 for more information on shuffling.
- Each player must shuffle their Main Deck and their Rune Deck. See 420 for more information on shuffling.
- Each player must present their Main Deck, Rune Deck, and sideboard (if applicable to the format) to their opponents.
- Each player must present their Main Deck, Rune Deck, and sideboard (if applicable to the format) to their opponents.
- Each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of each of their opponents.
- Each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of each of their opponents.
- In team competitions, each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of one of their team’s opponents.
- In team competitions, each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of one of their team’s opponents.
- At Professional OPL, this is required.
- At Professional OPL, this is required.
- A player may request a judge shuffle their deck in lieu of an opponent, to be honored at judge discretion.
- A player may request a judge shuffle their deck in lieu of an opponent, to be honored at judge discretion.
- For the first game of a match, start of game procedures may be performed as soon as both players reach their assigned seat, even before the start of the round clock. Gameplay must wait for the round clock to begin.
- For the first game of a match, start of game procedures may be performed as soon as both players reach their assigned seat, even before the start of the round clock. Gameplay must wait for the round clock to begin.
- For competitions run using a “best of 1” format instead of a “best of 3” format, the head judge may opt to use the altered initial setup process listed below to closer mirror the “best of 3” experience:
- For competitions run using a “best of 1” format instead of a “best of 3” format, the head judge may opt to use the altered initial setup process listed below to closer mirror the “best of 3” experience:
- Each player separates their Champion Legend and places it in the Legend Zone.
- Each player separates their Champion Legend and places it in the Legend Zone.
- Each player randomly selects one of their three Battlefields, and places it into the Battlefield Zone.
- Each player randomly selects one of their three Battlefields, and places it into the Battlefield Zone.
- Players use the Play First Rule listed below to determine the designated player. See 407 for more information on the Play First Rule.
- Players use the Play First Rule listed below to determine the designated player. See 407 for more information on the Play First Rule.
- The designated player chooses if they would like to go first or last.
- The designated player chooses if they would like to go first or last.
- Players then have the opportunity to sideboard as if they were in between games of a “best of 3” match. See 403 for more information on sideboards.
- Players then have the opportunity to sideboard as if they were in between games of a “best of 3” match. See 403 for more information on sideboards.
- After sideboarding is complete, each player separates their Chosen Champion and places it in the Champion Zone.
- After sideboarding is complete, each player separates their Chosen Champion and places it in the Champion Zone.
- Players perform shuffling steps 406.1.b.-406.1.d.3. listed above, then proceed to CR XXX. Setup Process.
- Players perform shuffling steps 406.1.c.-406.1.e.3. listed above, then proceed to CR XXX. Setup Process.
- Play First Rule
- Play First Rule
- For the first game of a match, a designated player decides whether they wish to play first or last.
- For the first game of a match, a designated player decides whether they wish to play first or last.
- Any random method that is agreed upon by all players in the current game may be used to determine the designated player.
- Any random method that is agreed upon by all players in the current game may be used to determine the designated player.
- At high OPL, during playoff matches that occur following the end of Swiss rounds, the higher ranked player from the Swiss rounds is automatically the designated player for the first game of each match.
- At high OPL, during playoff matches that occur following the end of Swiss rounds, the higher ranked player from the Swiss rounds is automatically the designated player for the first game of each match.
- The player is designated and the choice of playing first is made during the Start of Game procedure. See CR XXX. Determine turn order.
- The player is designated and the choice of playing first is made during the Start of Game procedure. See CR XXX. Determine turn order.
- For games after the first game of a match, the loser of the previous game gets to choose if they play first or last. If the previous game was a draw, the starting play from the previous game is maintained.
- For games after the first game of a match, the loser of the previous game gets to choose if they play first or last. If the previous game was a draw, the starting play from the previous game is maintained.
- For alterations to this rule for 2v2, see 603.7.
- For alterations to this rule for 2v2, see 603.7.
- End of Match Procedure
- End of Match Procedure
- A match is complete once a match result is recorded by players or a tournament official.
- A match is complete once a match result is recorded by players or a tournament official.
- If the time limit for a competition round is reached before a winner is determined, the player whose turn it is finishes their turn.
- If the time limit for a competition round is reached before a winner is determined, the player whose turn it is finishes their turn.
- After that player’s turn is complete, three additional turns are played, and then the match ends.
- After that player’s turn is complete, three additional turns are played, and then the match ends.
- If the game is incomplete at the end of the additional turns, a player is declared the winner of the game if they have a point lead of two or more. If no player has a point lead of two or more, the game is a draw.
- If the game is incomplete at the end of the additional turns, a player is declared the winner of the game if they have a point lead of two or more. If no player has a point lead of two or more, the game is a draw.
- Additional turns are untimed, but at professional OPL a judge must be present to ensure a reasonable pace of play.
- Additional turns are untimed, but at professional OPL a judge must be present to ensure a reasonable pace of play.
- If the players are between games when the round time ends, no new game is started.
- If the players are between games when the round time ends, no new game is started.
- The winner of a match is the first player who reaches the appropriate game win score.
- The winner of a match is the first player who reaches the appropriate game win score.
- If neither player has reached that score by the end of the end of match procedure, the player with more game wins wins the match.
- If neither player has reached that score by the end of the end of match procedure, the player with more game wins wins the match.
- If players are tied on game wins, the match is a draw.
- If players are tied on game wins, the match is a draw.
- Single elimination matches use untimed rounds so players can play their games to a natural conclusion. In the event that single elimination rounds must use a timer, the following altered End of Match Procedure can be used to determine a winner if time runs out:
- Single elimination matches use untimed rounds so players can play their games to a natural conclusion. In the event that single elimination rounds must use a timer, the following altered End of Match Procedure can be used to determine a winner if time runs out:
- When time is reached before a winner is determined, if players are in-between games, if a player has more game wins in the match they win the match. If game wins are tied, proceed to 408.4.d.
- When time is reached before a winner is determined, if players are in-between games, if a player has more game wins in the match they win the match. If game wins are tied, proceed to 408.4.d.
- When time is reached before a winner is determined, if players are in the middle of a game, the player whose turn it is finishes their turn.
- When time is reached before a winner is determined, if players are in the middle of a game, the player whose turn it is finishes their turn.
- After that player’s turn is complete, three additional turns are played. At the conclusion of those additional turns:
- After that player’s turn is complete, three additional turns are played. At the conclusion of those additional turns:
- If a player has the most points in the current game, they win that game. Then, if a player has more game wins in the match, they win the match. If the game score is tied, proceed to 408.4.d.
- If a player has the most points in the current game, they win that game. Then, if a player has more game wins in the match, they win the match. If the game score is tied, proceed to 408.4.d.
- If the point score of the current game is tied, but a player has the most game wins in the match, that player wins the match.
- If the point score of the current game is tied, but a player has the most game wins in the match, that player wins the match.
- If the point score of the current game is tied and the game score of the match is tied, players continue to play until the next point is scored. The player who scores that point wins the match. This does not remove normal scoring restrictions if the next point is the Final Point. See CR XXX. for Final Point details.
- If the point score of the current game is tied and the game score of the match is tied, players continue to play until the next point is scored. The player who scores that point wins the match. This does not remove normal scoring restrictions if the next point is the Final Point. See CR XXX. for Final Point details.
- If the game score is tied and a new game needs to be started, players start the new game and act as though time immediately runs out, beginning the process of
- If the game score is tied and a new game needs to be started, players start the new game and act as though time immediately runs out, beginning the process of
408.4.a., except with five additional turns following the first player's turn before moving into sudden death scoring as described in XXX. if the point score is tied at the end of those turns.
408.4.a., except with five additional turns following the first player's turn before moving into sudden death scoring as described in XXX. if the point score is tied at the end of those turns.
- Tiebreakers
- Tiebreakers
- In the course of determining standings, the scorekeeper might need to distinguish between two players with equal match records.
- In the course of determining standings, the scorekeeper might need to distinguish between two players with equal match records.
- In these cases, the following tiebreakers should be applied in order:
- In these cases, the following tiebreakers should be applied in order:
- The player with higher opponents’ mean (average) match win percentage.
- The player with higher opponents’ mean (average) match win percentage.
- The player with higher game win percentage.
- The player with higher game win percentage.
- The player with higher opponents’ mean (average) game win percentage.
- The player with higher opponents’ mean (average) game win percentage.
- If after all tiebreakers are applied, two players are still of equal standing in the competition, the scorekeeper should use a random method to break the tie.
- If after all tiebreakers are applied, two players are still of equal standing in the competition, the scorekeeper should use a random method to break the tie.
- Concessions and Intentional Draws
- Concessions and Intentional Draws
- At any time before a game is completed, any player may concede that game or all players may mutually agree to draw it.
- At any time before a game is completed, any player may concede that game or all players may mutually agree to draw it.
- At any time before a match is completed, any player may concede that match or all players may mutually agree to draw it.
- At any time before a match is completed, any player may concede that match or all players may mutually agree to draw it.
- Players can’t agree to concessions or draws in exchange for anything. See XXX. for more information on bribery.
- Players can’t agree to concessions or draws in exchange for anything. See XXX. for more information on bribery.
- Players can’t scout other match results before deciding to concede or draw their match and need to remain in their seats while their match is in progress.
- Players can’t scout other match results before deciding to concede or draw their match and need to remain in their seats while their match is in progress.
- If a player refuses to play, tournament officials should treat that as conceding the match.
- If a player refuses to play, tournament officials should treat that as conceding the match.
- Deck Checks
- Deck Checks
- At high OPL, judges should perform deck checks during the course of the competition.
- At high OPL, judges should perform deck checks during the course of the competition.
- When deck checks are performed, at least 10% of all decks, chosen at random, should be checked during the course of the competition.
- When deck check
- Deck checks for the players in a match should occur after players have randomized and presented their d