Hit List

6/14/08

SLOW PLAY


Practical Approach to Slow Play
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Based on an article written by Kevin Desprez
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Definition:
Slow Play is an infraction. A player is guilty of Slow Play if he fails to perform game actions in a reasonable period of time. Note that time in the round is not a factor of Slow Play, and Slow Play can occur in the initial portions of a round or in the untimed turns. If a judge watches a table where a player is thinking for a long time, the judge should probably pay a bit more attention to this game. If that amount of time becomes unacceptable, he should intervene.
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Objectivity and Subjectivity:
Slow Play and Stalling are the only infractions described in the Penalty Guide that do not rely on definite criteria. If Game Play Errors can be identified as soon as the Comp Rules see print, if Unsporting Conduct is described pretty accurately, Slow Play is defined with notions like, "longer than reasonably," or, "quickly enough." Slow Play is therefore a subjective notion whose evaluation is all up to the judge.
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Be aware that slow play can lead to a warning. Judges should consider the plating style and experience of the player. If stalling or deliberate slow play is a concern raised by a fellow player, the judge will make a decision to issue a warning or not. There will be only one warning. After the warning is issued, the next ruling will be a strike.
Three strikes in a tournament will lead to disqualification and ejection from the tournament. There will be no refunds due to a player's poor behavior.

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