Rules
PENNY DROP RULEBOOK
Article I. Introduction
Section 1.01 Vision
(a) IPDA exists to govern Penny Drop and to develop the game around the world. Our vision is to make Penny Drop truly global. We will help develop Penny Drop so that players around the world can compete at a top competitive level.
Section 1.02 One Standard
(a) IPDA is committed to rule of law, good governance, and transparency. By providing a central body to establish and govern Penny Drop competition regulations to provide stability across playing venues, clubs, states, and countries.
Article II. About
Section 2.01 History
(a) After months of playing Penny Drop at a local pub with the rules slightly changing for each match, a group of us decided that we needed to establish an official standard, rather a complete set of competition rules; Not only a set for "pub rules", but also set the standard for official global competition. After several pints and much discussion, while playing Penny Drop, the International Penny Drop Association was born.
Article III. Summary of game and Objectives
Section 3.01 Summary
(a) Penny Drop is a fun and entertaining competition. Each player starts with the same number of pennies and takes turns rolling one die to get rid of their pennies. Slots 1-5 hold the penny on the board, keeping them in play. Slot 6 allows the penny to drop into the box, thereby removing that penny for the rest of the match.
Section 3.02 Objective
(a) Competition Rules
(i) The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your pennies.
(b) PUB Rules
(i) The objective is to not be the last player remaining.
(c) PUB Rules vs. Competition Rules
(i) When playing in a PUB, it’s only fair that the stakes are raised and involve drinks. Although PUB Rules follow the Competition Rules for play, the goal changes from trying to be the winner, to trying not to be the loser - because the loser buys!
Article IV. Components of Game
Section 4.01 Game Pieces
(a) Penny Drop Box
(i) Wood box measures 6 inch by 2.4 inch by 1.5 inches
(ii) Top of box is hard wood consisting of 5 slots numbered “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” that hold a penny on top of the box, without the ability to fall into the box.
(b) One Wood Die
(i) Hard wood 7/8” die with lasered and painted dots.
(c) Pennies
(i) Enough pennies so every player has the required amount to start the match.
Section 4.02 Playing Surface
(a) The playing surface must be flat without any obstacles (Glass, Bottles, Cans, Coasters, Phones, ETC.)
(b) Surface may be a table or a bar top and may be designated to a specific area.
Article V. Set-Up
Section 5.01 1-on-1 Competition
(a) Each Player starts with 12 pennies.
Section 5.02 Multi-Player Competition
(a) 3-5 Players: Each player starts with 10 pennies.
(b) 6+ Players: Each player starts with 8 pennies.
Section 5.03 Team Competition
(a) 2v2: Each player starts with 10 pennies.
(b) 3v3: Each player starts with 8 pennies.
Article VI. Basic Game Structure
Section 6.01 Selecting Starting Player
(a) To select the starting player each player, will roll the die once. Player with the highest roll will start. If there is a tie amongst the highest rolled number, those players will re-roll until a high roller is distinguished.
Section 6.02 Direction of Play
(a) Play will continue in a clockwise direction.
Article VII. Specific Game Structure
Section 7.01 Turn
(a) Player rolls the die and places a penny in the slot corresponding to the number on the die.
(i) If player rolls a 2, player places penny in the slot labeled “2”. If player rolls a 6, player places a penny in the slot labeled “6”.
(b) If a penny already exists in the corresponding slot, player collects all the pennies displayed on the box and play goes to the next player.
(c) If die rolls outside of designated playing area, but still on the designated surface (drink rail on bar top) and hits an object, the roll will count if die is lying flat.
(d) If player rolls die and it settles “cocked” (not flat) a re-roll must be taken without penalty.
(e) Player must take at least one roll, but may take as many rolls as they want until they get stuck as in rule Section 7.01, (b).
(f) Hole labeled “6” lets the penny drop into the box, taking it out of play. Player may roll as many 6’s as possible without penalty.
Article VIII. Penalties
Section 8.01 Penalties will be awarded for the following:
(a) Die is rolled off the designated playing surface, not behind the bar. Player will collect all pennies displayed on the game board and turn will pass to next player.
(i) Player is not allowed to block the die from rolling off surfaces.
(b) Die is rolled off the designated playing surface, behind the bar. Player will collect all pennies displayed on the game board, turn will pass to next player and player buys the bartender a drink/shot.
(c) Die hits an object other than the game box in the designated playing surface. Player will collect all pennies displayed on the game board and turn will pass to next player.
(d) Delay of Game – If player takes more than 2 minutes to play when it’s their turn, that player must collect all pennies on box and play continues with next player.
Article IX. Ending the Game
Section 9.01 Competition Rules
(a) 1-on-1 Competition
(i) The winner is the first player to get rid of all their pennies.
(b) Multi-Player Competition
(i) First Place is awarded to the first player to get rid of all their pennies. Second Place is awarded to the second player to get rid of all their pennies. Third Place is awarded to the third player to get rid of all their pennies, ETC.
(c) Team Competition
(i) First Place is awarded to the first team to have all its players get rid of all their pennies.
Section 9.02 PUB Rules
(a) 1-on-1 PUB Competition
(i) The winner is the first player to get rid of all their pennies. Loser buys the drinks.
(b) Multi-Player Competition
(i) Play continues until one player remains.
(ii) Last remaining player buys the drink.
(c) Team Competition
(i) Play continues until one team has all players out.
(ii) Last team with players remaining buys the drinks.
Article X. Officiating
Section 10.01 Officials
(a) Officials for competition play must be certified by IPDA and cannot be playing in the current match.
(b) Officials for PUB Rules games may be designated by the players.
Article XI. League Play
Section 11.01 Duration / Venue / Frequency
(a) Four 8-week seasons
(b) Matches will take place on the same day each week, designated by league officials
(c) Matches will start at the same time each week.
(d) Changes in match schedule must be broadcast to all league members no later than 1 week prior
(e) Venue should offer discount to IPDA members during league night. (10% off check, 2 for 1 drafts, ½ price appetizers, etc.)
Section 11.02 Number of players
(a) A minimum of 5 players are required to form a league.
Section 11.03 Entry Fees
(a) $50 entry fee per season, $45 for IPDA members in good standing.
(b) Payment must be made prior to season start date.
Section 11.04 Accumulating Points
(a) Each match day will consist of present players participating in 3 matches
(b) Only league members may participate points qualifying matches.
(c) A minimum of 4 players must be present and playing for points to accrue
Section 11.05 Points
(a) Each player will receive points for each match played each week (3 matches per week)
(b) If a player is absent, they receive zero points
(c) Rankings are based on points standings each week
(d) Points Breakdown:
(e) 1st – 5 points (first place points will equal the total number of players in league, if 5 league members play matches, 1st one out is awarded 5 points)
(f) 2nd – 4 points
(g) 3rd – 3 points
(h) 4th – 2 points, etc.
(i) No Show / No Play / No Pay – 0 points
Section 11.06 League Operator
(a) League Operator is responsible for:
(i) Conducting weekly matches
(ii) Recording of points accumulated for players
(iii) Collecting payments if needed
(iv) Acting as referee, settling disputes, rules violations, and/or penalties
Section 11.07 Awards
(a) Prizes will be awarded to the top three ranked players at seasons end. (Amounts to be determined by number of entries)
(b) League Operator will be compensated at rate of $5/week
Section 11.08 League Tournaments
(a) Top 12 Ranked players in Brevard County will be eligible for season end tournament.
(b) Date/time/venue will be determined prior to start of season.
(c) Prizes will be determined at season start
Section 11.09 Biggest Loser
(a) Biggest Loser at end of season shall earn the biggest loser award (to be determined at start of season)
(b) To be eligible for the Biggest Loser award players must play in at least 6 of the regular season games.
Article XII. Tournaments
Section 12.01 Entry Fee amount shall be established by the tournament administrators.
Section 12.02 Awards (amounts vary based on number of entries) example of 16 player tournament:
(a) First Place $70 Gift Card for venue
(b) Second Place $35 Gift Card for venue
(c) Third Place $20 Gift Card for venue
(d) IPDA fees $35
(i) $10 Tournament administrator fee
(ii) $25 IPDA administrative fees
Section 12.03 Rules
(a) All matches will follow Competition Rules as published by the International Penny Drop Association.
(b) All matches, except final match, players will start with 10 pennies. Final match is head-to-head, each player will start with 12 pennies.
(c) Each match, if all players agree, has the option to adopt the PUB Rule: last player out buys all players a beer shot.
(d) Two Match Minimum – All players will play at least 2 matches.
(i) Round 1
1) 4 Players per match, seated by random draw.
2) First and Second place players from each match move to winners bracket.
3) Third and Fourth place players from each match move to losers bracket.
(ii) Round 2, 3, etc…
1) 4 Player per match.
2) First and Second place players from each match advance to next round.
3) Third and Forth players from each group are eliminated.
(iii) Third Place Match
1) 4 Players per match.
2) First and Second place players advance to finals.
3) Last two players battle for 3rd place title.
(iv) Final
1) 2 Players
2) Head-to-head competition.
3) Each player starts with 12 pennies.
Article XIII. IPDA Membership (Pending ratification my board)
Section 13.01 Eligibility
(a) IPDA membership shall be open to anyone and everyone
Section 13.02 Fees
(a) Initial Membership Fee
(i) Annual Membership fee is $75
(ii) Seasonal Membership fee is $25
(b) Renewal Membership Fee
(i) Renew Annual Membership fee is $65
(ii) Renew Seasonal Membership fee is $25
(c) Discounts to membership fees:
(i) Hero Discount is $10 off annual membership or annual renewal
1) Hero Discount eligibility:
a) Active/Retired/Veteran of any military service
b) Law Enforcement or Emergency First Responder personnel
Section 13.03 Benefits
(a) Discounts
(i) Entry Fees
1) Discounts on entry fees to IPDA sanctioned leagues and tournaments
(ii) Merchandise
1) Discounts on IPDA merchandise
(iii) Venues
1) Many venues offer discounts to IPDA members while participating in IPDA events at their location
(b) Prize eligibility
(i) Only IPDA members are eligible to accumulate points towards end of season/year tournaments and awards