https://www.vekn.net/2-uncategorised/77 ... -july-2026
https://www.vekn.net/card-lists/2-uncat ... tion-guideNew Judges’ Guide
Along with the new Archon comes a new Judges' Guide that is far more precise, covers cases that used to be left entirely to judge discretion, and better separates "human error" from "bad faith," with fairer mechanisms to avoid ruining entire games over minor mistakes.
Here's a summary of the most important improvements in the modern guide (2026) compared to the 2004 version:
1. New intermediate penalty: "Standings Adjustment"
Replaces the old "Game Loss." Instead of causing the loss of the entire game, it applies a surgical -1 VP, without distorting the dynamics of the multiplayer table. It includes detailed rules on how it affects Game Wins and Tournament Points depending on when it's applied.
2. More gradual penalty escalation
Before: Caution → Warning → Game Loss → DQ (4 steps).
Now: Warning → Warning → Standings Adjustment → Standings Adjustment → DQ, giving more room before reaching disqualification.
3. Full new section on "assessing intent" (1.2.7)
Recognizes that VTES is a political game where suboptimal or sacrificial plays can be legitimate. It gives clear principles for not confusing a bad play with cheating (stalling vs. slow play, collusion vs. political cooperation, etc.).
4. Much more detailed game-state correction procedures
The old version gave only three generic examples. The new one formally distinguishes between full rollback, simple rollback, and partial correction, with precise rules on when to use each and how to handle hidden/random information.
5. Much stricter handling of in-game disqualifications
New extensive section on what happens to the game state after a DQ: adjusting table positions, prohibiting awarding VP as if an "oust" had occurred, restarting the table in extreme cases, etc.
6. Regulated time extensions (1.2.4)
Detailed system with scales based on the duration of the judge's intervention (previously discretionary and vague).
7. Entirely new infractions, including:
Outside Assistance (external coaching)
Failure to Maintain Game State (not reporting a visible opponent's error)
Obscuring Game State (messy table setup that hinders reading public information)
Public Information Miscommunication
Rage-Quitting
Failure to Play to Win (with a clear hierarchy: win the table > maximize VP > survive for 0.5 VP)
Health & Safety Disruption
Theft of Tournament Material
Bribery and Wagering (now explicitly includes betting)
8. Much more nuanced unsportsmanlike conduct
Moves from 3 generic levels (Minor/Major/Severe) to specific categories: Minor, Major (with an extensive list covering harassment, discrimination, non-consensual photos, etc.), Aggressive Behaviour (physical violence), with concrete protocols such as what to do if someone flips the table.
9. The "Proxy Player" role
New formal mechanism for when a judge must fill a vacant seat, with rules on neutrality, random deck selection, and not accumulating points.
10. "Force Majeure" section
Entirely new: protocols for fires, power outages, weather emergencies, or hostile venue staff, including how to score the tournament if it must be terminated mid-event.
11. Reporting to the VEKN Ethics Committee
Formalizes the obligation to report certain serious infractions (fraud, collusion, cheating, harassment) to a specific disciplinary committee, which didn't exist in 2004.
You find the new guide here: VEKN Tournament Conduct & Infraction Guide, and also in the new Archon.