Time exceeded
In StepBridge tournaments, the computer precisely tracks how much time each pair uses based on the time registration. This page explains how the automatic score is assigned when a board (or multiple boards) can no longer be played or completed due to lack of time.
Automatic arbitral score for time exceeded
The computer automatically assigns a score based on time used. There are two situations.
1. A board can no longer be dealt
A board is only dealt if at least 80% of the time for that board is still available.
Example: in a round of 15 minutes with 3 boards, you have 5 minutes per board. A new board will not be dealt if fewer than 4 minutes remain.
For each board that can no longer be dealt:
- The pair that used the least time in the round: 60% / +3 IMPs
- The other pair: 40% / –3 IMPs
2. A board can no longer be completed
If the board is dealt (i.e. at least 80% of the time was available), the time measurement resets from that moment. Both pairs are then equally responsible for completing the board promptly.
If the board is not completed in time:
- The pair that used the most time during this board: 40% / –3 IMPs
- The other pair: 60% / +3 IMPs
The pair receiving 60% is entitled to a higher score if that 60% is lower than the result they would have achieved with normal play.
This reset of the time measurement prevents a fast pair from taking unnecessarily long in the last board, leaving the other pair with no realistic chance of completing it.
Adjustments by the tournament director (TD)
The computer assigns these scores automatically. The tournament director only corrects them when necessary.
- The TD proactively raises an assigned 60% score if it is likely that the pair would have achieved a better result with normal play.
- The pair receiving 40% has no right to a score correction based on an expected result, even if it is certain that a better result would have been achieved. Playing on time has the highest priority; this is comparable to chess, where you can lose a winning position on time.