BaM Time Clock
The following is a proposal on how to control Time Limits when playing Bonaparte at Marengo pbem.
Please note that as is the first time in which such a system has been implemented, it is provided as a guideline only!
You will not lose your game if you exceed the time limit for the first round game. However, I would ask that players try to adhere to the schedule as closely as possible in order that we can eventually establish reasonable and timely limits for BaM players.
In the case of any disputes, players are strongly encouraged to try to resolve them among themselves. If unable to do so, then a 'non-charged' timeout can be called, and the question put to the GM.
BaM is unusual in that a player's move is often executed in steps, with each step predicated upon an opponent's reaction to a previous step of the same move (e.g. 'I maneuver attack to X - will you block or retreat?'). This can result in several email exchanges just to resolve one turn. The problem arises as to how to keep track of an opponent's 'clock' (i.e. how long is it really taking for an opponent to make a move). The solution is to implement a 'running' clock which serves to keep track of a players 'excess' time when playing PBeM.
The BaM Time Clock starts when the winning player's bid is accepted and has acknowledged the final bid. You gotta be able to get this far without a clock!
One Day Response Has No Time Penalty
If any player receives any move (or proposed move or a move which requires a response), he has one day (24 hours) to respond. He may take longer to respond, but for each day longer than one day, he adds '1' to his time clock.
If a player responds to every move (or proposed move, etc.) sent to him within one day, then at the end of the game his time clock would be '0'.
If a player responds to every move exactly two days after receiving his opponent's move (and the game lasts the full 16 turns), and responds to every 'query' move within one day, then his clock at the end of the game would be +16.
The Austrian player is allowed a maximum of '30' on his time clock; the French player is allowed '24'. If either player exceeds this limit, then that player forfeits the game.
Each player may call a timeout twice during the game, and take up to five days to respond to a move without penalty.
Disputes and Clarification Issues
In case of disputes or clarification issues, the clock is considered to be 'not running' until the dispute is settle, or the clarification issue resolved.
Each player should indicate the current running time in each correspondence to avoid any questions or problems. For example, the French player may take three days to resolve his current move. He would add in his email the following:
French +2/12
Austrian -/14
This means the French has used two 'extra' days on his clock for this move for a total of 12. The Austrian has a recorded value of 14 days on his time clock.