T56 Begins!

Once again we have 7 section titles up for grabs, with 49 teams competing in all!

We suggest that new players read the Player's Handbook, which can be found under the Documents tab. Most importantly, remember to set your password via FICS, using the command "tell teamleague set password", and start all teamleague games with "tell teamleague play".

Game negotiations must take place in the Game Forum, where a portal will appear when you are paired with an opponent. Please use server times when making offers (using the 24 hour clock is also preferred), and make at least 3 initial offers on more than one day. Also, to avoid confusion, all offers should be made in server time, which can always be seen on FICS by using the "date" command.

Players in the Polgar (U1500) section should note the different schedule for this section. With 6 teams, there are only 5 regular season rounds, followed by a playoff between the top two teams. In order that this section runs parallel with the rest of the tourney, all teams in Polgar will have a bye in round 4, and again in round 7. The playoff will take place in round 8 as for all other sections.

Lastly, European players are reminded that the end of daylight saving time in Europe does not effect FICS server time, therefore the time difference between Europe and the server will decrease by one hour this weekend. (edit: some other countries, including Mexico, Lebanon and Israel also undergo DST changes this weekend).  Anyone in doubt about times is advised to use the "date" command on FICS, or to view the clock in the game forum.