Tournament Rules

The World Championship tournaments GAT, GBT, and GQT are played using the Gomoku Swap2 rule. RAT, RWT, RBT, and RQT are played using the Taraguchi-10 rule.

• AT: 120 minutes of main time per player + 30 seconds added after each move (starting from the first move).

• QT: 70 minutes of main time per player + 30 seconds added after each move (starting from the first move).

• BT: 60 minutes of main time per player + 30 seconds added after each move (starting from the first move).

Players in AT, RWT, BT, and QT must record their games using official game protocols. Players who do not know how to record a game must ask the referee or other players before the tournament begins.

Players must record the opponent’s move before making their own. No moves may be recorded before they appear on the board.

Recording must continue until the end of the game.

A player wins the game when:

• There is a win on the board while the player still has time left on the clock. The player must declare victory and show it to the opponent by saying “five” or “foul.” If the win is not noticed, the game continues. Referees and observers must not point out the situation on the board.

• The opponent resigns.

• The opponent’s time runs out.

The game ends in a draw when:

• A player offers a draw by saying “draw?” or “I offer a draw,” and the opponent accepts by shaking hands and stopping the clock. If the opponent plays a move instead, the offer is rejected. A draw may only be offered after making a move, during the opponent’s turn.

• The board is completely filled, and no one has claimed victory.

• There are two consecutive passes in Renju (Player 1 passes, then Player 2 passes).

Players must not speak with other players or observers during the game. Important conversations may be held only in English and in the presence of the referee.

Players who have not finished their game may leave the room only with the referee’s permission.

Any kind of assistance related to the game is strictly forbidden during play.

No electronic devices are allowed during QT and AT games.

Serious or repeated violations of these fair play rules may result in disqualification.

Observers must remain silent at all times while in any tournament room during a round.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the tournament building.

Tie-breaking rules for AT:

1. Number of points

2. Berger coefficient

3. Head-to-head result

4. Number of wins

Tie-breaking rules for BT and QT:

1. Number of points

2. Buchholz coefficient

3. Berger coefficient

4. Head-to-head result

5. Number of wins

If all criteria are identical, the players share the place—unless precise ranking is required. In that case, an extra match with 20 minutes per player is played (for two tied players). If more than two players are tied, the referee will determine the time limit for tie-break matches. If the tie is still not broken, additional matches will be played until it is. The referee will decide the time limits for these matches.