Hidden Cup 2 | Rules & Settings

[robo]

Sign up - Here

TIMEFRAME

ADMINISTRATION

Sign-up Deadline: 03rd March​

Seeding: 03rd March​

Brackets: 03rd March​

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HIDDEN CUP 2

Qualification Stage: Single Elimination

Round of 16: 4th March - 10th march​

Round of 8: 11th March - 17th March​

Semi Finals: 18th March - 24th March​

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Main Event: Single Elimination

Round of 16: 25th March - 31st March​

Quarter Final: 01st April - 7th April​

Semi Final: 14th April [LIVE GAMES]​

Grand Final: 14th April [LIVE GAMES]​

TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

Qualification Stage - Bracket​

Main Event - Bracket​

MATCH SETTINGS

Spoiler: Qualification Stage

Round of 16: (Bo5)

Game 1: HC2_Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Game 1 Home Map​

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 Home Map​

Game 4: HC2_Cup​

Game 5: HC2_Bay​

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Round of 8: (Bo5)

Game 1: HC2_Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Game 1 Home Map​

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 Home Map​

Game 4: HC2_Cup​

Game 5: HC2_Bay​

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Semi Finals: (Bo7)

Game 1: HC2_ Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 3: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 4: HC2_Cup​

Game 5: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 6: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 7: HC2_Bay​

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Players may not choose a map that has already been chosen, or which will be played later in the series.​

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All series will utilise a civ draft, done in the game lobby before the first game. Each player will ban one civ that both players can not use, then alternate choosing civs until they have 5/7 each. Players may not choose a civ that has been banned, or previously picked.​

The order will be Ban A, Ban B, Pick A, Pick B, Pick A, Pick B etc. Where A is the uppermost player in the bracket.​

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When sending the recorded games please also send the civ draft.​

Spoiler: Main Event

Round of 16: (Bo5)

Game 1: HC2_Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 3: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 4: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 5: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

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Quarter Final: (Bo5)

Game 1: HC2_Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 3: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 4: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 5: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

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Semi Final: (Bo5)

Game 1: HC2_Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 3: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 4: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 5: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

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Grand Final: (Bo7)

Game 1: HC2_ Arabia​

Game 2: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 3: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 4: HC2_Cup​

Game 5: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 6: Loser of Previous Game Home Map​

Game 7: HC2_Bay​

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Player must choose their home maps prior to the start of the series. They will choose home maps in the order of A B B A for a Bo5 and A B B A A B for a Bo7. Players can use home maps in any order that they choose. This is done before civ picking. ​

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Players may not choose a map that has already been chosen, or which will be played later in the series.​

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All series will utilise a civ draft, done in the game lobby before the first game. Each player will ban one civ that both players can not use, then alternate choosing civs until they have 5/7 each. Players may not choose a civ that has been banned, or previously picked.​

The order will be Ban A B, Pick B A A B B A A etc. Where A is the uppermost player in the bracket.​

​

When sending the recorded games you must also send the civ draft & map picks.​

WOLOLOKINGDOMS & USERPATCH

The tournament is to be played on Age of Empires II: The Conquerors with the 1.5 RC Anonymous Userpatch. This removes the multiplayer game setup ping display, save/vote panel ping display & yellow/red/turtle lag indicators. This will further mask the identity of each player, and add to the confusion contestants might experience.​

All players must also use the the WololoKingdoms Mod created by TriRem, Jineapple and Tails8521. Download the latest version here.​

TOURNAMENT MAPS

• The tournament will use a map pool including all the maps below.

Spoiler: See Tournament Maps

• HC2_Acropolis
• HC2_Arabia [Not a Home Map]
• HC2_Arabia (Regicide) [Is a home map]
• HC2_Bay
• HC2_Cross
• HC2_Cup
• HC2_El Dorado
• HC2_Goldrush
• HC2_Hideout
• HC2_Mongolia
• HC2_Rooster
• HC2_Scandinavia.

HC2_Arabia (Regicide) starts with standard (not Regicide Fortress) vils, standard resources, a King, 1 barracks, and the tc supports +5 pop so that you are not housed. ​

Download Link - Hidden Cup 2 Map Pack​

PRIZE POOL

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Total Prize Pool - $10,200​

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1st - $3,000​

2nd - $2,000​

3rd/4th - $1,000​

5-8th - $600​

9-16th - $100​

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Contributors​

Microsoft - $5,000​

T90Official - $2,700​

LeglessAlex - $2,500​

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Big thanks to Microsoft and LeglessAlex for the huge support! Anyone who would like to contribute to the prizepool will be credited and can do so here. Anyone who would like to contribute towards T90Official's costs towards prizepool, graphics, admins, showmatches etc will also be credited and can do so here.​

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TOURNAMENT RULES

Spoiler: See Tournament Rules

§1 - Seeding and Participation​

Hidden Cup 2 has 14 Main Event spots available for players to sign-up for. After the sign-ups are closed the players will be ranked according to their current & highest ratings on the Voobly RM 1v1 Ladder at the end of signups. The top 14 players will be allowed to participate in the tournament. This to ensure that the players that participate are truly motivated and competitive.​

The next 16 highest sign ups will participate in the Qualification Stage to decide the remaining two Participants. The players who advance to the finals of the qualification bracket will play in Hidden Cup 2. ​

Seeding within the main event will be entirely random. ​

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§2 - Respecting Deadlines​

All players must respect the tournament schedule and times for each round. There will be no exceptions or delays granted to any player. No excuse will be accepted for failing to play in the specified time. If the admin staff determine that a player is trying to avoid scheduling and playing the tournament games, the player may be warned, receive an admin loss for the game or match or be disqualified from Hidden Cup 2 tournament. Players failing to schedule, or not showing enough effort to get the match scheduled (determined by staff), in the first round will be replaced by the first ranked player that missed out on the tournament. Any player offering an Admin Win to their opponent, and not completing any round/games will be penalized 50% of their prize money.​

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§3 - Admin Times​

If both players cannot come to an agreement in scheduling their match, the staff will analyse the situation, schedule and time zones in order to add a viable Admin Time that suits both players to the best of our ability. Admins will ensure players are not forced to play games between 2am - 6am local time.​

If there is no agreement about the playing time by Wednesday 23.59 GMT, the staff might start interfering in order to get the games scheduled and completed in time.​

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§4 - Respect & Fairplay​

Every player must respect their opponent. Bad behavior (determined by staff) will result in a warning and may lead to an immediate disqualification of the player. This tournament values not only great skills, but also sportsmanship and fairness. Any insult, racism or flaming will not be tolerated. Laming and mind games in game are allowed.​

Players are requested to limit the time between games as much as possible to make the experience as smooth for everyone as possible.​

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§5 - No Smurfing​

All players have agreed to the No Smurf rule. Each player must submit all relevant player usernames for Admin discussion. Smurfing and account sharing is not allowed. Any discovery of the aforementioned will result in player's disqualification.​

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§6 - Rated Ladders​

All Qualification games are by default to be played in the Tournament 1 Lobby using the VCOM Ladder. If both players agree to play in a different lobby on Voobly, that is accepted as well, please use the Match Stats Only Ladder if the VCOM ladder is not available.​

If a game is not recorded, it must be replayed regardless of the result.​

All Main Event games MUST be played unrated.​

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§7 - Recorded Games Posting​

All Recorded Games must be sent to a Tournament Admin immediately after the completion of the games by both players. Failure to do this may result in penalties.​

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§8 - Scheduling​

Players will schedule the Qualification Rounds publically in the Scheduling Forum. Scheduled Games will be posted to the calendar and posted in the Hidden Cup 2 Tournament Progress Thread.​

The main event rounds will be scheduled through Voobly Private Message using the assigned accounts and communication with Tournament Admins. These Private Messages will be created by Tournament Admins and players are expected to check and respond to messages at a minimum of once per day. Failure to schedule a game may result in Disqualification or loss of prize money.​

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§9 - Restoring​

In case of disconnections, the game must be saved and restored. All the .mgz recorded game files (multiple parts of the game before/after drop) must be provided when posting the recorded games.​

If restoring is not possible, the recorded game should be provided, along with any additional information to the Administration of Hidden Cup 2 instantly. Subsequently, facts will be analysed and a final decision made.​

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§10 - Schedule Reliability, Admin Wins, Rescheduling​

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If a player does not show up to a scheduled game without notice their opponent must wait for a minimum of 20 minutes before any action can be taken. They should notify an Admin as soon as possible and a decision will be made.​

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§11 - Prize Money​

Prizes will be sent via PayPal. If the recipients do not use/have PayPal the prizes will be sent by other means. However, certain fees may be deducted from the amount.​

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§12 - Communication​

Each player must be fluent in English and is responsible for scheduling, possible disputes, and everything else regarding their participation. If a player is not fluent in English, they can have an External Operator to represent them during scheduling, recorded game posting and in the Hidden Cup 2 tournament in general. The External Operator must be added in the sign-up post.​

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§13 - Streaming, Spectating & Spoilers​

Due to the nature of this event players are not allowed to stream their POV on any streaming website. Failure to comply will result in potential ban and replacement. Players are also asked to refrain from streaming on April 13th and 14th. Players should not reveal which hidden account they are playing as. Evidence of spoilers will result in the loss of 50% of your prize money.​

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Hidden Cup 2 is completely open for casters. The goal for this event is to have as many people as possible enjoying the games and doing so with no restrictions. Casters are required to have the Hidden Cup 2 tournament banner visible on their overlays. However, in efforts to make this even easier for casters, the tournament banner will be available in different color options. This is so channels can use a banner that matches their overlays, which will increase the production quality across the board for this event. Additionally, all broadcasters of the event will be thanked publicly for their involvement on every day of the main event. Casters interested in being involved should PM robo (link) on aoezone for access.​

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§14 - Player Location​

If a player has the potential to travel and play games from a different location, that player must request permission from the Admins beforehand. If Admins have any concern over a player's location and have not had a prior request, not only the player(s), but the whole player may be disqualified.​

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§15 - Rules Additions​

New rules can be added and current rules can be changed. However, Admins MUST inform the players about such changes in Hidden Cup 2 Rules & Settings forum. All the latest additions in Rules & Settings will be in red.​

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§16 - Sending Recorded Game​

Both players must send their recorded games, the civ draft and map picks immediately after the conclusion of their games. Failure to do so will result in a prize deduction. ​

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GAMING RULES

Spoiler: See Gaming Rules

§1 - Game Settings​

The game settings must be the following.​

Game	: Random Match
Map Style	: Custom
Location	: Determined by stage
Size	: Tiny (2 player)
Difficulty	: Standard
Population	: 200
Game Speed	: Normal
Reveal Map	: Standard
Starting Age	: Standard
Victory Condition	: Conquest
Team Together	: [X] Yes
All Techs	: [ ] No
Allow Cheats	: [ ] No
Lock Teams	: [X] Yes
Lock Speed	: [X] Yes
Record Game	: [X] Yes
Multi Building Queue	: [MQ]

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§2 - Restarts​

In a Best of 5 each player is awarded one restart each.​

In a Best of 7 each player is awarded two restart each.​

A restart must be requested before minute 4:00 game time (remember that this is shorter than real minutes). When a game is restarted, each player must chose the same civilizations as in the previous attempt. ​

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§3 - Bugged Map Restarts​

A player can request bugged map restarts during the first 6 minutes (game time). A restart requested due to a bugged map does not count as one of the restarts awarded before a series.​

A bugged map is defined as the following for standard resource starts:​

Gold: Less than 5 tiles of a main gold cluster are at least accessible on one side, extra gold are excluded.​

Stone: Less than 4 tiles of a stone cluster are at least accessible on one side, extra stones are excluded.​

Berries: Less than 4 tiles of a berry cluster are at least accessible on one side.​

Animals: Spawned with less than 3 deer or less than 8 sheep or less than 2 boars or, one or more of the animals being trapped.​

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§4 - Hidden Civilizations​

For the Hidden Cup 2 "Hidden Civilizations" under "Advanced Settings" in the Voobly Game Room Settings menu must be enabled during every game.​

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§5 - Different Civilizations​

Different Civilizations means a civilization must be picked, choosing "Random" or "Team Random" at the start of the game is not allowed.​

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§6 - Graphical Mods​

Any graphic changes that only affects the player's Age of Empires II: The Conquerors are allowed.​

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§7 - Cheating​

Cheating is not allowed under any circumstances. Players using any kind of cheat will be disqualified from Hidden Cup 2 tournament and banned from future events.​

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§8 - Automatic Agreement & Punishment​

All the game settings provided in this post MUST be followed. Not following them may result in penalties and possibly disqualification.​

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§9 - Player Colours​

Players must stick with a single colour for an entire series. They may freely choose their colour, as long as it does not clash with the opponents colour. EG. Red vs Orange, Blue vs Teal etc.​

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§10 - Admin Participation​

No Hidden Cup 2 Admin is allowed to participate in the tournament.​

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§11 - Straggler Trees​

Players are not allowed to delete the straggler trees which spawn within 10 tiles of an opposing player’s Town Center. This rule does not apply if the straggler tree which is being deleted forms part of a wall for the defending player. On maps where main forests are exclusively straggler trees it is strictly forbidden to delete straggler trees from opponents (using the "palisade trick") unless they are being used as part of a mid-section of wall.​

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TOURNAMENT ADMINISTRATION

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robo

Voobly

AoEZone

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[robo]

§1 - Seeding and Participation
Hidden Cup 2 has 14 Main Event spots available for players to sign-up for. After the sign-ups are closed the players will be ranked according to their current & highest ratings on the Voobly RM 1v1 Ladder at the end of signups. The top 14 players will be allowed to participate in the tournament. This to ensure that the players that participate are truly motivated and competitive.The next 16 highest sign ups will participate in the Qualification Stage to decide the remaining two Participants. The players who advance to the finals of the qualification bracket will play in Hidden Cup 2.
Seeding within the main event will be entirely random.

Slight change to the qualifiers, to allow more player to participate. The names of the qualifier rounds have been updated accordingly.

 

[robo]

Qualification Ro16 & Ro8 settings changed to

Round of 8: (Bo5)
Game 1: HC2_Arabia
Game 2: Loser of Game 1 Home Map
Game 3: Winner of Game 1 Home Map
Game 4: HC2_Cup
Game 5: HC2_Bay

 

[robo]

A few rules changes & additions:

HC2_Arabia (regicide) is added to the home map pool.

HC2_Arabia (Regicide) starts with standard (not Regicide Fortress) vils, standard resources, a King, 1 barracks, and the tc supports +5 pop so that you are not housed.

Home map picking

Player must choose their home maps prior to the start of the series. They will choose home maps in the order of A B B A for a Bo5 and A B B A A B for a Bo7. Players can use home maps in any order that they choose. This is done before civ picking.

Civ Draft change

The order will be Ban A B, Pick B A A B B A A etc. Where A is the uppermost player in the bracket.

Tournament Rules

§16 - Sending Recorded Game​

Both players must send their recorded games, the civ draft and map picks immediately after the conclusion of their games. Failure to do so will result in a prize deduction. ​

​

Gaming Rules

§11 - Straggler Trees​

Players are not allowed to delete the straggler trees which spawn within 10 tiles of an opposing player’s Town Center. This rule does not apply if the straggler tree which is being deleted forms part of a wall for the defending player. On maps where main forests are exclusively straggler trees it is strictly forbidden to delete straggler trees from opponents (using the "palisade trick") unless they are being used as part of a mid-section of wall.​