📜 Competition Rules
Rules and structure for tournaments organised by the Icelandic Backgammon Association.
The association organises tournaments in four main formats that make up the annual circuit. The goal is to build an active competitive culture, strengthen player skill and secure Iceland’s participation in WBIF events.
Icelandic Championship
The association’s premier event. The winner earns the title of Icelandic Champion and the right to represent Iceland at the WBIF Individual World Championship.
- Format
- Match play — knockout
- Match length
- Semis: 9 points · Final: 11 points
- Clock
- 12 seconds per move
- Cube rules
- Beaver/raccoon in semis; standard in final
- Match records
- All .mat files saved
- Age
- 16 and older
- Membership
- Paid membership required
Cup Tournaments
Shorter events that serve as practice tournaments, community gatherings and a way for new players to experience competition.
- Format
- Match play — knockout or Swiss
- Match length
- 5–7 points per match
- Clock
- 10 seconds per move
- Field size
- 16–32 players
- Membership
- Preferred (guests allowed)
Online Tournaments
Regular online events — the most accessible form of competition. Played on BG Studio Heroes or Backgammon Galaxy with a season-long standings table.
- Platform
- BG Studio Heroes (main WBIF platform)
- Format
- Match play or points
- Match length
- 5–7 points
- Clock
- 12 sec + 2 sec bonus (BGSH standard)
- Eligibility
- Open to all members
The League
A long-term competition running across a full season, giving players regular match time. Split into A and B divisions depending on the number of entrants.
- Type
- League (round-robin/Swiss)
- Season
- September–April (~8 months)
- Format
- Match play — 7 points
- Clock
- 12 seconds per move
- Points
- Win 3 · gammon +1 · backgammon +2
🤝 Player Conduct
- ›Players must conduct themselves with respect and courtesy.
- ›Deliberately disturbing an opponent (stalling, unnecessary noise) is prohibited.
- ›Cheating leads to disqualification and possible bans from future events.
- ›The tournament director may issue a warning, time penalty or disqualification.
⚖️ Disputes
- ›Disputes are first resolved between the players.
- ›If no agreement is reached, the tournament director rules.
- ›The director’s ruling is final for the duration of the event.
- ›An appeal to the board is possible after the tournament.
🌍 WBIF Requirements
- ›All events played to at least 7 points.
- ›Match records (.mat) submitted to WBIF.
- ›Results published on kotra.is.
- ›The Icelandic Champion represents Iceland at the WBIF World Championship.