WSBG FAQ
ring Tournament Structure
Can you play in multiple games on the same day? What if you make it to the finals of multiple games?
You can play in one Ring Event per day. Choose carefully and play until you lose.
How many Ring Events can I play in?
A maximum of four: Each competitor may only play in one Ring Event per day.
How could you possibly have left that game off the list of Ring Events?
No game was selected as one of our 16 Ring Events on an individual basis. Our final 16 were chosen to form a cohesive representation of old and new, simple and complex, this mechanic and that mechanic. Many very deserving games were left out of our field of chosen qualifiers. But don’t give up hope – the field of games will change from year-to-year.
What is the difference between a Ring Event and an Outer Ring Event?
Ring Events are official qualifying events for the World Series of Board Gaming’s Sunday Playoffs. The 16 Ring Event Winners will compete against one another for the Grand Prize and recognition as the best board gamer on the planet. Outer Ring Events are single game tournaments that will take place at the WSBG, and will be open to Ring Event Competitors and Outer Ring Players. Outer Ring Events will be smaller and very informal, but the winners will still get some great stuff! Join the WSBG Guild to receive our newsletter.
Can I win more than one Ring Event or do I have to stop playing after I win one?
You can definitely win more than one! It’s both possible and beneficial to win multiple rings. If you win more than one ring, the Playoffs will begin with fewer than 16 Semifinalists.
What happens in the Semifinals if someone wins more than one Ring Event?
Anyone who wins more than one Ring Event will be assigned seats. They then may decide which of those seats they wish to fill. The seat they choose not to fill will remain empty.
War Games Invitational
Can you play in more than one War Game Tournament?
You will only be able to compete in one War Game as each Game starts on Day 1 of the WSBG and continues the next day with the Final in the evening of Day 2.
Can I attend both WGI and WSBG?
WSBG is a 6-day event with WGI opening the event on the 1st day. When you purchase a WGI ticket you will be able to participate not only in 1 of the WGI War Game Tournaments but you also receive entry into the 5 days of Side Events offered by WSBG (shows, Open Gaming, Outer Ring Games, National Championship Games & Award ceremonies). Purchase a 6-Day COMBO ticket and you will also be able to play in 3 of the WSBG Ring Game Tournaments and compete for the $25,000 Grand Prize.
How many hotel nights will I need with a WGI Ticket?
The War Game ticket includes all 6 days of the WSBG event. The first two days will be your War Game competition and you will need to be there ready to play starting early afternoon the 1st day (around noon) and ending in the evening the 2nd day. Then it is followed by four days of WSBG Side Events (Shows, Open Gaming, Outer Ring Tournaments, National Championship Games & Award ceremonies). You have the option of just attending the 1st two days or take advantage of all that your ticket purchase offers and stay the week.
What version of the games / what expansions will be used?
All games will be using the base game only. War of the Ring and Star Wars Rebellion will be using the two-player version.
How are sides allocated?
Each player will bid for sides. More details in the specific description page for each event (Julius Caesar, Twilight Struggle, War of the Ring, Star Wars Rebellion) https://wsbgvegas.com/wgi/
Game Rules
How will rules be enforced?
Experienced, objective floor judges will monitor the games, rotating after a set amount of time. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
I love table talk. Can I use mind games and diplomacy to try and get my opponents to make a play that benefits me and hurts someone else?
Table talk is allowed until it becomes harassing or offensive. If an opponent politely asks that you cease your behavior, you will be expected to do so. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
Why can’t I use my phone during the game?
Using phones and electronic devices during the WSBG is at best a distraction and at worst a means to cheat. They will simply not be allowed in sight. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
What if we have a rules dispute?
Rulings will be made and reconciled by WSBG staff. If necessary, those rulings may be appealed, until a final consensus is reached by at least two of WSBG’s Game Masters.
Can I be disqualified if I take too long to make a decision?
We realize that there is a lot to play for, and that there will be some big decisions to make. Taking an extra minute or two at a crucial point in a game is certainly to be expected. The WSBG has allowed reasonable allotments of time to complete each round of qualifying. Any slow play which jeopardizes a game finishing on time will be dealt with by putting players on a clock, but this will not occur until after they have received a warning. We do want to stress here, however, that no competitor will advance by “running out the clock.” In the unlikely event that a game must end due to time constraints, disqualifications may be issued to any players who had been warned for stalling. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
If I forgot to pay for something, or made an honest mistake during gameplay, can I be disqualified for cheating?
The answer to this question is very complex, and as much as we hope this situation doesn’t arise, we know that it will. Mistakes inevitably happen. We expect you to play correctly and we expect your opponents to make sure you play correctly. We expect you to play fairly, and we expect your opponents to make sure you play fairly. WSBG officials will issue warnings and correct mistakes as best they can, but the possibility does exist that repeated procedural mistakes may indeed result in disqualification. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
What rules are you using for each Ring game?
Because some of these games are very new, the WSBG will continue to playtest Ring Event games in tournament environments throughout the next few months. Final rules and variants will be announced by August 1, so competitors will know exactly what to expect and have a few weeks to prepare. Remember, most games will be played using just the base game.
So will any Ring games use expansions/variants? Which editions will be used?
- Terraforming Mars will use the Prelude expansion.
- Be prepared to play either side of the Azul board.
- Great Western Trail will use the 2nd Edition.
- Terraforming Mars will draft both Preludes and Projects.
Will interpreters be present?
The official language of the World Series of Board Gaming will be English. Each competitor will be responsible for providing their own translator if needed. Read more about gameplay, ticketing and other WSBG policies in our Code of Conduct.
Tickets and Registration
Can I change the games I’m playing after I register?
The WSBG is currently allowing players to change their games chosen as long as the game they want to switch to is not at full capacity. This policy will end no later than September 1st. Requests for changes can be made in the Player Portal.
Does the Outer Ring Ticket Limit how many games I can play?
Your can play in as many Outer Ring Games that you both have time for and there are available seats. Outer Ring Ticket Holders can pre register for 5 Outer Ring Games, saving them a seat at each table. BUT both Outer Ring and Ring Players can register to play in any open Outer Ring Game while they are at the event.
How much will open gaming tickets be at the door?
Open Gaming tickets are still available at the door for $140 BUT no discount codes may be used when purchasing these tickets at the door. Only full price tickets will be sold.
Are the tickets refundable?
Cancellation Policy – All tickets cancelled prior to April 1, can choose either a full refund minus 3% bank processing fee, or have their ticket funds transferred to the following year’s WSBG Vegas event. Tickets cancelled after March 31 and before Aug. 1, will have full ticket credit transferred to the following year’s WSBG Vegas event. Any ticket cancelled after July 31 and before Sept. 1, will be accessed a $50 cancellation fee and the balance of funds will be transferred to the following year’s WSBG Vegas event. There will be no cancellations accepted after September 1st for the current year’s event.
Have a question about WSBG Vegas that isn’t answered here? Read our Code of Conduct or contact us.
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