Special rules for the initial challenge period.
Since there might be a frenzy of challenges in the first few days of the ladder, the following rules are in place for now.
If you are challenged by two people, you may choose which challenge to accept. Please explain to the other challenger that you've been challenged twice simultaneously. You can of course still play that person, but it is not an official ladder game.
Ladder rules
You may only challenge someone one or two spots higher than you on the ladder
Each participant is permitted to participate in only one ladder game at a time
Games must be 24 hour time control, with no vacation allowed
The challenger has their choice of color
If the challenger wins, the players switch places on the ladder. If the challenger loses, there is no change. If the game is a draw, the positions do not change but the challenger may issue another challenge immediately (instead of the 5 day waiting period mentioned below)
New players will be placed on the bottom of the ladder.
Challenge rules
If you are challenged, you must respond promptly (within a day or two)
You must accept a challenge. If you are particularly busy; have too many games going etc, you are permitted to request that the game not begin for up to 72 hours.
Failure to accept a challenge within these rules will result in a forfeit and switching of positions on the ladder
Once a game has been completed, the two participants may not challenge each other for 120 hours (but may immediately challenge other players within these rules). This rule is waived if the game ended in a draw.
Challenges and the results of games must be posted in this forum ASAP. Challenges are not official until they are posted in the forum. In case of multiple challenges, the time of posting in the forum will decide which is "official"