IFPA Strike Knockout Tournament Rules
1. General Format
Groups: Players are typically placed in groups of 4 (with 3-person groups used when the player count isn't divisible by 4).
Match Play: Each group plays a single game on a randomly or pre-assigned machine.
Strikes: Based on the finishing order within that group, players receive strikes.
Elimination: Once a player reaches the tournament's strike limit (3 strikes) they are eliminated.
2. Strike Distributions
Classic (Original) Knockout
4-Player Groups: * 1st and 2nd Place: 0 Strikes
3rd and 4th Place: 1 Strike
3-Player Groups: * 1st and 2nd Place: 0 Strikes
3rd place : 1 Strike
3. Pairing and Machine Selection
Swiss Pairing: In most IFPA-sanctioned events, players are paired using "Swiss" logic after the first round. This means players with the same number of strikes are grouped together.
Random Selection: In the first round, pairings and machine assignments are completely random.
4. Ties and Final Placings
Elimination Round: If multiple players are eliminated in the same round, their final position is usually determined by their pre-round strike count.
Playoffs: If the tournament needs a definitive top 4 for a trophy or extra WPPR (World Pinball Player Rankings) points, a tie-breaker game is played.
IFPA WPPR Points: Final rankings for IFPA points are based on the round in which you were eliminated and your performance within that final round.
5. Standard Match Rules
No Practice: No practice games are allowed once the tournament begins.
Extra Balls: Must be plunged and not played (standard IFPA rule).
Stuck Balls: If a ball is stuck, a TD (Tournament Director) must be called to safely free it.
Malfunctions: Major malfunctions result in a replay; minor malfunctions are played through.
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