RULES.tex

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\title{WARP/WARP 12: Navigational Operations Manual}
\author{Interstellar Warp Gaming Federation}
\date{}

\begin{document}
\maketitle

\emph{Multi-trail Interstellar Dominoes, with federation terminology.}

\subsubsection{Warp vs Warp 12}\label{warp-vs-warp-12}

Our app was initially only targeted at Double Twelve dominoes and was
simply called Warp 12, befitting that scope. We then expanded the domino
set capabilities to be able to play double 9 through 18 and in many
places the game became known just as Warp or Warp Dominoes.

As an aside, we like Warp 12- it has a certain ring to it.

\subsubsection{A note on "official"
rules}\label{a-note-on-official-rules}

Unlike chess, multi-trail dominoes originally had no governing body and
no single canonical ruleset. Almost every published source, commercial
app, and family table differs on the details --- hand sizes, the value
of the blank, when a trail opens, how doubles are handled, and dozens of
optional variants. There was no authority to appeal to; there was only
common practice.

While Warp does not claim otherwise, we have formed the Interstellar
Warp Gaming Federation to be a fun semi-fictional authority. We have
studied the most widely cited sources and tournament-style conventions
and tried to stay true to the \emph{spirit} of authentic multi-trail
play, while making deliberate, documented choices wherever those sources
disagree. The result is meant to be three things at once:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{A faithful, flexible base.} The most common variations are
  supported as configurable options, so you can tune a table toward
  whatever "standard" your group grew up with.
\item
  \textbf{An opinionated house standard.} The \textbf{Official Warp
  rules} preset (Section VI) bundles our recommended choices and adds a
  little fun on top --- much as other domino publishers have shaped
  their own signature editions.
\item
  \textbf{A fun, but elevated and refined experience.} Warp combines the
  frantic action of "Mexican Train" dominoes with the decorum of the
  space academy and the refined future envisioned by so many science
  fiction authors.
\end{itemize}

Where this manual says "standard" or "tournament practice," read it as
\emph{the common multi-trail convention Warp has chosen to adopt} for
members/players of the IWGF, not a claim of sanctioned authority across
"Mexican Train" as a whole. This is our best attempt to honor the game,
cover the popular variants, and establish a Warp standard worth playing.
This is the IWGF Warp standard, but is by no means an authoritative
standard beyond Warp players.

This document is the authoritative rules reference \textbf{for
multi-trail Warp} (Warp 9 / 12 / 15 / 18). \textbf{Sections I--V} follow
widely published multi-trail practice (double-twelve set, engine double
set aside before the deal, personal trails, community / Neutral Zone
trail, distress beacons, doubles, boneyard, multi-round scoring).
\textbf{Section VI} lists optional Warp modules and the \textbf{Official
Warp rules} recommended preset. \textbf{Warp 6 --- Classic Dominoes} is
documented separately in \texttt{RULES-Classic.tex} (Warp 6 Classic
Dominoes Operations Manual); it is not multi-trail play.

\begin{quote}
\textbf{Digital implementation note:} Warp enforces these rules in
software. Setup defaults to \textbf{Official Warp rules} (Section VI);
hosts may change any toggle before launch. This manual describes
behavior when modules are \textbf{on} or \textbf{off} as stated in each
section. \textbf{Section VII} describes AI officers and the tactical
advisor; \textbf{Section VIII} describes solo TEI and the public
leaderboard (digital play only). The app also offers \textbf{Warp 9 / 15
/ 18} as \textbf{exhibition} (unrated) sets --- see Section II.
\end{quote}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{The Captain\textquotesingle s Oath --- Honor of the
Fleet}\label{the-captains-oath--honor-of-the-fleet}

Warp has no referees. Like the living-room multi-trail tables it
descends from, it runs on the honor of the people at the table --- and
on an older ideal, the one every officer sworn to explore the deep black
knows by heart: that \emph{how} you serve matters as much as whether you
win.

Every captain who takes the conn is expected to hold the line:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{We play with Honor.} A clean win is the only win worth
  logging. We do not cheat, exploit bugs, or manipulate a match to move
  a rating.
\item
  \textbf{We use sanctioned code.} Rated play runs on the official Warp
  build and its published engine. We do not tamper with the client,
  spoof results, or automate our turns.
\item
  \textbf{We earn our rating.} TEI reflects genuine, unassisted skill.
  We do not farm it against weak opponents, collude to feed it, or
  sandbag to protect it.
\item
  \textbf{We keep the pool clean.} If we witness cheating, we name it
  and report it. Guarding the integrity of the leaderboard is every
  captain\textquotesingle s duty, not the fleet\textquotesingle s alone.
\item
  \textbf{We respect the table.} Opponents, AI officers, and hosts all
  deserve a fair match, played to its finish. Chatter is kept
  appropriate for officers on the bridge.
\end{itemize}

A rated sector is a matter of record --- treat it like one. Only
sanctioned builds and eligible matches are ever rated; an unrated table
carries no standings, but it carries the same courtesy. Play like it
matters, because to a captain worth the uniform, it always does.

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{Victory conditions}\label{victory-conditions}

Fleet command chooses one objective before the sector opens:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Mode & Goal \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Points campaign} \emph{(standard)} & Thirteen rounds ---
Spacedock descends from the highest double (eg \textbf{12-12}) through
\textbf{0-0}. Lowest \textbf{cumulative points total} wins the
campaign. \\
\textbf{Go out} & Emptying your hand wins the \textbf{round}. Fleet
command chooses the sector structure before launch:
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item \textbf{Sudden death} \emph{(default)} --- first captain to empty
their hand wins the sector immediately.
\item \textbf{Fixed rounds} --- play a Spacedock descent of $N$ rounds
(same ladder as points); most \textbf{round wins} takes the sector. On a
tie, overtime rounds continue (host may \textbf{force} them or
\textbf{offer} accept/decline). Overtime past \textbf{0-0} wraps Spacedock
back to the highest double.
\item \textbf{First to $X$} --- first captain to win $X$ rounds takes
the sector (Spacedock keeps descending and wraps if needed).
\end{itemize}
A \textbf{blocked} go-out round (empty Uncharted, no legal charts, no
one out) is \textbf{re-dealt} at the same Spacedock --- no win credited.
\\
\end{longtable}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{I. Operations lexicon}\label{i-operations-lexicon}

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Multi-trail & Warp \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
Dominoes & \textbf{Navigational Coordinates} \\
Engine / station double & \textbf{Spacedock} \\
Personal train & \textbf{Warp Trail} \\
Community / public train & \textbf{Neutral Zone} \\
Train marker & \textbf{Distress Beacon} \emph{(Shields Down)} \\
Boneyard & \textbf{Uncharted Sectors} \\
Open Market (Drafting) & \textbf{Sensor Grid} --- optional Module Gamma
visible market \\
--- & \textbf{Red Alert} --- a double must be satisfied before normal
play continues (cover coordinate, or stabilizers when Subspace Fracture
applies) \\
--- & \textbf{Subspace Fracture} --- optional chicken-foot protocol on
doubles (scope: Own Trail, All Captains, or All Doubles) \\
--- & \textbf{Continuum Flash} --- optional Module Alpha anomaly on
0-0 \\
--- & \textbf{All Stop!} --- ceremony required after some round-winning
charts (Neutral Zone, or any go-out when All Stop! echo is active) \\
--- & \textbf{Drop to Impulse} --- optional house-rule announce when one
coordinate remains (uno / knock) \\
--- & \textbf{Hazard Marker} --- optional Module Delta hot potato
transferred on Neutral Zone contact \\
\end{longtable}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{II. Mission setup}\label{ii-mission-setup}

Setup matches standard double-twelve multi-trail practice:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Scramble} all 91\(^*\) coordinates face down.
\end{enumerate}

\hspace{0pt} *Or however many are appropriate for the warp factor in
play

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\item
  \textbf{Set aside Spacedock} before dealing --- \textbf{12-12} (round
  1), \textbf{11-11} (round 2), \ldots{} \textbf{0-0} (round 13). This
  coordinate is \textbf{not} dealt.
\item
  \textbf{Deal hands} from the remainder:

  \begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
  \toprule\noalign{}
  Captains & Hand size \\
  \midrule\noalign{}
  \endhead
  \bottomrule\noalign{}
  \endlastfoot
  2--4 & 15 \\
  5--6 & 12 \\
  7--8 & 10 \emph{(default; host may set 11 --- see below)} \\
  \end{longtable}

  \begin{quote}
  \textbf{Large fleet hand size (7--8 captains).} This is the one setup
  value where widely published rule sets genuinely disagree: Masters of
  Games and most modern/commercial sets deal \textbf{10}, while Galt
  (1994) and University Games deal \textbf{11}. Warp defaults to
  \textbf{10} (it leaves a healthier Uncharted Sectors pile --- 10 coordinates
  at 8 captains versus only 2 at 11) and lets the host opt into
  \textbf{11} on the setup screen. It has no effect below 7 captains.
  \end{quote}
\item
  \textbf{Place Spacedock} in the center.
\item
  \textbf{Uncharted Sectors} --- all remaining coordinates face down.
\end{enumerate}

\textbf{Round starter:} Fleet command designates any captain (human or
AI) as the round-1 opener. Each later round, the starter rotates
clockwise from that seat. The starter charts first; Spacedock was still
set aside before the deal.

\textbf{Optional modules} (Section VI) and \textbf{Subspace Fracture}
must be agreed before launch. Digital setup defaults to the
\textbf{Official Warp rules} preset (see Section VI). Hosts can change
any toggle before launch.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Exhibition sets \emph{(digital --- Warp 6
Classic; Warp 9 / 15 /
18)}}{Exhibition sets (digital --- Warp 6 Classic; Warp 9 / 15 / 18)}}\label{exhibition-sets-digital--warp-6-classic-warp-9--15--18}

Sections I--V above describe the \textbf{double-twelve} multi-trail game.
The digital app also supports:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Warp 6 --- Classic Dominoes} (Draw / Block / All Fives) on a
  double-6 \textbf{single shared line} --- see the separate
  \texttt{RULES-Classic.tex} manual. Not multi-trail.
\item
  Larger and smaller \textbf{multi-trail} sets (Warp 9 / 15 / 18) ---
  same protocols as Sections I--V, different bone count and fleet caps.
\end{itemize}

All of these are \textbf{exhibition} sectors and never update TEI
(Section VIII).

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}lllll@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Factor & Set & Coordinates & Fleet & Notes \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Warp 6} & Double-6 & 28 & 2--4 & Classic line --- see
\texttt{RULES-Classic.tex} \\
\textbf{Warp 9} & Double-9 & 55 & 2--4 & Multi-trail · 10 rounds (9-9 →
0-0) \\
\textbf{Warp 12} & Double-12 & 91 & 2--8 & Multi-trail · 13 rounds
(12-12 → 0-0) --- \emph{rated} \\
\textbf{Warp 15} & Double-15 & 136 & 2--12 & Multi-trail · 16 rounds
(15-15 → 0-0) \\
\textbf{Warp 18} & Double-18 & 190 & 2--18 & Multi-trail · 19 rounds
(18-18 → 0-0) \\
\end{longtable}

Hand sizes for Warp 9 / 15 / 18 follow the engine's set profile. The
\textbf{7--8 captain 10-vs-11} host choice still applies on Warp 15 / 18
when the fleet is exactly 7 or 8; fleets of \textbf{9+} use fixed
profile sizes (9 / 8 / 7 / 6 as the table grows). Official-rules presets
on exhibition factors use that factor's full campaign length, not
thirteen rounds.

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{III. Standard gameplay}\label{iii-standard-gameplay}

Play proceeds clockwise. Each turn, unless a special protocol applies
(Red Alert, Subspace Fracture, Continuum Flash resolution), a captain
does \textbf{one} of the following:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Chart} one legal coordinate, if any exist.
\item
  \textbf{Draw} one coordinate from Uncharted Sectors, then follow the draw
  rules below.
\item
  \textbf{Deploy a Distress Beacon} --- after drawing your one coordinate and
  still being unable to chart, your shields go down, distress beacon goes up,
  and your turn ends. (With \textbf{Manual shield control}, Section VI, you
  may also lower shields voluntarily during your turn.)
\item
  \textbf{Pass} only when their Distress Beacon is already active, they
  still cannot chart, and Uncharted Sectors are empty.
\end{enumerate}

\subsubsection{Must play when able}\label{must-play-when-able}

If you hold a coordinate that can be legally charted, you \textbf{must}
chart one coordinate this turn. You may \textbf{not} skip charting while legal
moves exist.

\subsubsection{Eligible routes}\label{eligible-routes}

When charting, you may play on:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Your own Warp Trail} (or start it from Spacedock on your first
  matching play).
\item
  \textbf{The Neutral Zone} --- communal line; any captain may start or
  extend it with a matching end.
\item
  \textbf{Another captain\textquotesingle s Warp Trail} --- \textbf{only
  while their Distress Beacon is active} (Shields Down).
\end{enumerate}

You may choose \textbf{any} eligible route when more than one is legal
--- you are not required to chart on your own trail.

\subsubsection{Opening the round}\label{opening-the-round}

On the first turn of a round, a captain who can play must open
\textbf{their own Warp Trail} or the \textbf{Neutral Zone} with a
coordinate matching Spacedock (e.g. any coordinate containing twelve when
Spacedock is 12-12). If they cannot play, they draw once; if the drawn
coordinate is playable, they must chart it immediately (choosing any legal
route). If they still cannot play, they deploy their Distress Beacon.

\subsubsection{Drawing from Uncharted
Sectors}\label{drawing-from-uncharted-sectors}

When you cannot chart and uncharted coordinates remain, you \textbf{must
draw} one coordinate.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  If the drawn coordinate can be played, you \textbf{must} chart it
  immediately (any legal route).
\item
  If it cannot be played, you deploy your \textbf{Distress Beacon}
  (shields down) and your turn ends. You draw \textbf{one} coordinate per turn
  --- you do not keep drawing, and the distress beacon goes up and shields go
  down after that single failed draw regardless of how many coordinates remain
  in Uncharted Sectors.
\end{itemize}

\subsubsection{Distress Beacon (train
marker)}\label{distress-beacon-train-marker}

Deploy your beacon when --- and \textbf{only} when --- you cannot make a
legal chart after drawing, or when the pile is already empty and you
still cannot chart.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Shields Down:} While your beacon is active, other captains may
  chart on your Warp Trail.
\item
  \textbf{Shields Up:} Your beacon is removed \textbf{automatically}
  when \textbf{you} chart on \textbf{your own} Warp Trail. Charting on
  the Neutral Zone or another captain\textquotesingle s trail leaves
  your beacon active.
\item
  \textbf{You cannot} deploy a beacon voluntarily while you still have a
  legal chart elsewhere. \emph{(Standard multi-trail --- no ``strategic
  pass.'')} With \textbf{Manual shield control} (Section VI), you may
  drop shields voluntarily after starting your own trail --- see that
  house rule.
\item
  \textbf{Passing:} If your beacon is already up, you cannot chart, and
  Uncharted Sectors are empty, you may \textbf{pass} your turn without
  charting; your beacon stays up.
\end{itemize}

\subsubsection{Red Alert pass}\label{red-alert-pass}

If you cannot satisfy an active Red Alert after drawing (or with an
empty pile), you deploy your Distress Beacon and \textbf{Red Alert
responsibility passes} to the next captain. The alert remains until the
double is satisfied.

When \textbf{Subspace Fracture} is active (Section VI), ``satisfy''
means \textbf{stabilizers} --- not a separate cover coordinate. Pass Red Alert
only when you cannot add the next stabilizer.

\emph{(Opt-in exception --- Section VI \textbf{Pass Red Alert without
draw or beacon}: the captain who \textbf{charted} the double may pass it
on immediately, without drawing or deploying a beacon, but only during
\textbf{Yellow alert}. Once the alert has passed once, standard rules
resume for everyone, including that captain when it comes back around.)}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{IV. Doubles --- Red Alert
protocol}\label{iv-doubles--red-alert-protocol}

When a \textbf{double} (matching pips on both ends) is charted on any
eligible route --- your Warp Trail, the Neutral Zone, or an open
opponent trail --- that double must be \textbf{satisfied} before normal
play continues. Charting the double does \textbf{not} by itself call
\textbf{Red Alert}; see Yellow vs Red below.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  The captain who charted the double must \textbf{satisfy} it by playing
  another valid coordinate on that double \textbf{in the same turn sequence},
  unless turn rules below apply. \emph{(Standard cover: one matching
  coordinate on the double. Subspace Fracture: three stabilizers --- Section
  VI.)}
\item
  \textbf{Going out:} An empty hand does \textbf{not} win the round
  while your chart left a double unsatisfied. Chart the cover (or final
  stabilizer) first; only then may an empty hand end the sector.
\item
  If you cannot satisfy the double from the coordinates already in your
  hand, \textbf{one draw per turn} decides whether you may attempt a
  draw to cover it:
  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    \textbf{You have not drawn yet this turn} (the double came from your
    opening hand, or you charted it without having drawn): draw
    \textbf{once} from Uncharted Sectors (or take one coordinate from the
    Sensor Grid when Module Gamma is on). If that coordinate still does
    not cover the double, deploy your Distress Beacon and \textbf{pass}.
  \item
    \textbf{You already drew this turn} --- including when the double
    \textbf{itself} was the coordinate you just drew and then charted
    --- you do \textbf{not} draw again. Deploy your Distress Beacon and
    \textbf{pass} immediately.
  \end{itemize}
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Worked example --- double was the draw (no second draw).}
Captain A has no legal charts, draws once from Uncharted Sectors, and
gets \textbf{8-8}. A charts that double but cannot cover it from hand.
Uncharted still has coordinates, but A\textquotesingle s draw for the turn
is already spent --- \textbf{one draw per turn}. A deploys the Distress
Beacon and \textbf{passes}; the sector goes to \textbf{Red Alert}.

\textbf{Worked example --- cover draw still available.}
Captain A charts a double that was already in hand (no prior draw this
turn) and cannot cover it. A \textbf{may} draw once to try for a cover.
If that draw still does not cover, A deploys the beacon and passes
(Red Alert).

\textbf{Worked example --- empty hand without going out
(tournament-style).} Four captains, points campaign, Red Alert only (no
Subspace Fracture). Captain A\textquotesingle s \textbf{last coordinate} is
\textbf{12-12}. A charts it on Captain B\textquotesingle s open Warp
Trail but \textbf{does not cover} the double. A\textquotesingle s hand
is empty, but the round \textbf{does not} end --- A was \textbf{not
officially out}.

Responsibility is still on A (Yellow alert). A cannot cover the double, so A
\textbf{passes} (drawing first if Uncharted Sectors still hold
coordinates and A has not drawn this turn; otherwise deploy beacon and pass).
Responsibility moves to B --- \textbf{Red Alert} --- then may continue to C.
Captain C \textbf{covers} the double with \textbf{11-12}. The alert clears
and normal play resumes.

Captain B still holds \textbf{one coordinate} and later charts it legally,
emptying B\textquotesingle s hand. \textbf{B wins the round} and scores
\textbf{0} for that round. A\textquotesingle s hand is still empty, but
A is \textbf{not} the round winner.

\emph{If B had not gone out:} play would continue around the table. A is
still \textbf{not} out of the sector. On A\textquotesingle s later turns
with \textbf{no legal charts} and the beacon up: if Uncharted Sectors
are \textbf{empty}, A may \textbf{pass}; if coordinates \textbf{remain}, A
\textbf{must draw one} before passing (same stuck-with-no-play rule as
everyone else) and re-enters the round with a coordinate in hand. The round
ends when someone \textbf{legally} goes out or the sector is
\textbf{blocked} (Section V).

\emph{Points campaign:} A may still win the \textbf{sector} on lowest
cumulative penalty even when another captain wins this round ---
\textbf{round winner} and \textbf{sector winner} are different tallies
(Section V).

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  While an unsatisfied double is active (Yellow or Red), \textbf{no other
  routes} may be played until the double is satisfied.
\item
  \textbf{Dead double:} If every coordinate in the set containing that pip is
  already charted (all thirteen coordinates showing that number in a
  double-twelve set), the double cannot be satisfied --- the alert ends
  and normal play resumes.
\item
  Covering a double on another captain\textquotesingle s open trail
  \textbf{does not} clear their Distress Beacon.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{One double at a time.} Warp resolves doubles one at a time:
chart a double, satisfy it (cover coordinate, or three stabilizers under
Subspace Fracture), and your turn ends. Because a cover must match the
double\textquotesingle s pip and no other double shares that pip, a
cover is always a non-double --- you never chain into a fresh unsatisfied
double, and you do not play multiple doubles in a single turn. (Some casual
house rules let a captain lay several doubles in one turn as long as the
last is covered by a non-double; Warp follows the tournament-style
single-double resolution instead.)

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Yellow alert and Red Alert}{Yellow alert and Red Alert}}\label{yellow-alert-and-red-alert-digital-status}

An uncovered double always uses the same satisfaction protocol. The
\textbf{Yellow} / \textbf{Red} distinction marks \textbf{whose turn it is
to answer} --- not a different set of legal moves.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Yellow alert} --- the double was just charted (or still sits on
  the captain who charted it). That captain remains responsible. There is
  \textbf{no table call} of ``Red Alert!'' at this stage. The digital
  bridge may light the status amber for drama; table play treats it as a
  quiet cover obligation.
\item
  \textbf{Red Alert} --- responsibility has \textbf{moved to the next
  captain} (Distress Beacon deploy and pass). Announce \textbf{``Red
  Alert!''} when the pass happens. Typical triggers for that pass:
  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    \textbf{One draw per turn already spent} --- you drew earlier this
    turn and then charted an unsatisfied double (often the drawn
    coordinate \textbf{was} that double), so you cannot draw again to
    cover; or
  \item
    You had not drawn yet, drew once to try for a cover from Uncharted
    Sectors (or Sensor Grid under Module Gamma), and still cannot
    satisfy; or
  \item
    Uncharted is empty (and Sensor Grid offers no legal take) so you
    cannot draw at all.
  \end{itemize}
\end{itemize}

Gameplay, scoring, and legal charts follow the same cover / stabilizer
rules in both phases. Sounds and HUD labels on the digital bridge track
Yellow vs Red for clarity.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Subspace Fracture interaction
\emph{(Section VI ---
opt-in)}}{Subspace Fracture interaction (Section VI --- opt-in)}}\label{subspace-fracture-interaction-section-vi--opt-in}

When Subspace Fracture is \textbf{enabled}, scope is chosen at launch:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Scope & Doubles that open Subspace Fracture \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Own Trail} \emph{(default)} & Only on \textbf{your own} Warp
Trail \\
\textbf{All Captains} & On \textbf{any} Warp Trail (yours or an
opponent\textquotesingle s open trail) \\
\textbf{All Doubles} & On any Warp Trail \textbf{or} the Neutral Zone \\
\end{longtable}

When a double in scope is charted:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Subspace Fracture and Red Alert open together} on that double.
\item
  While the fracture is open (fewer than three stabilizers), the
  responsible captain may play \textbf{only stabilizers} --- not a cover
  coordinate, not other routes.
\item
  The \textbf{third stabilizer satisfies the double} and clears
  \textbf{both} Subspace Fracture and Red Alert. No fourth coordinate is
  required on the trail to ``cover'' the double.
\item
  If the responsible captain cannot stabilize, draw and/or pass Red
  Alert as usual; the next responsible captain continues adding
  stabilizers until all three are placed.
\end{enumerate}

Doubles \textbf{outside} the chosen scope never open Subspace Fracture
--- Red Alert cover rules in this section apply unchanged.

When Subspace Fracture is \textbf{off}, all doubles use \textbf{Red
Alert only} (single cover coordinate).

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{V. End of round and
scoring}\label{v-end-of-round-and-scoring}

\subsubsection{Winning the round}\label{winning-the-round}

The round ends when one captain charts their \textbf{last} coordinate
(empty hand) \textbf{and} no Red Alert or Subspace Fracture on that
chart still requires satisfaction. You \textbf{cannot} go out on an open
double --- cover it (or complete three stabilizers when Subspace
Fracture applies) before the sector closes. See the worked example in
\textbf{Section IV} (empty hand without going out).

\textbf{All Stop!} When the house rule is \textbf{on} (default), a
round-winning chart on the \textbf{Neutral Zone} --- or any go-out while
\textbf{All Stop! echo} is active --- ends the sector immediately and
the app \textbf{automatically} logs and announces \textbf{All Stop!}
(sound + round log). No helm hold and no manual button.

Turn \textbf{All Stop! ceremony} off in game options for pure standard
multi-trail play: Neutral Zone go-outs end the round silently, with no
announcement.

\textbf{All Stop! echo} (Continuum Flash Module Alpha): when active,
\textbf{any} round-winning chart triggers the same auto ceremony when
the house rule is on.

\textbf{Drop to Impulse} \emph{(house rule --- off by default)}: when a
captain charts down to \textbf{one} coordinate remaining, they are
\textbf{at impulse} --- they must call this befor their turn completes,
and they \textbf{cannot chart again} on that turn. This matches standard
multi-trail \textbf{knock}. (No, reaching one coordinate does not let you
silently play that last coordinate.)

They must \textbf{Drop to Impulse!} (announce and \textbf{pass helm}
with one coordinate still in hand) or \textbf{pass} without announcing and
risk a \textbf{catch}. On a \textbf{later} turn they may chart their
last coordinate under normal rules --- including going out when the hand
empties.

If they \textbf{pass} without having announced, any other captain may
\textbf{catch} the miss while the catch window is open. A successful
catch forces the forgetful captain to draw from Uncharted Sectors (1 or
2 coordinates per game setup, if any remain) --- they \textbf{return to warp}
(no longer at impulse). The window opens when they pass without
announcing and \textbf{closes} when the \textbf{next} captain passes
helm (if no one caught). This is separate from \textbf{All Stop!}
ceremony.

If they \textbf{cannot play} their last coordinate and \textbf{draw}
from Uncharted Sectors while at impulse, that draw \textbf{returns them
to warp} --- there is no need to announce first; drawing already ends
the impulse state.

\subsubsection{Blocked sector}\label{blocked-sector}

If Uncharted Sectors are empty and \textbf{no captain} can make a legal
chart (after dead doubles are resolved), the round ends \textbf{without}
a domino winner. \textbf{Every} captain scores the pip total of coordinates in
hand --- no exempt captain. All table coordinates, hands, and any remaining
pile are shuffled for the next round\textquotesingle s deal (standard
multi-trail recycle --- trails are not trimmed to open ends).

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Round scoring \emph{(points
campaign)}}{Round scoring (points campaign)}}\label{round-scoring-points-campaign}

When a round ends with a winner, every \textbf{other} captain totals pip
values in hand and adds that to their campaign score. The round winner
scores \textbf{0} for that round.

\textbf{Double-blank (0-0):} a double-blank caught in hand scores by the
\textbf{Double-blank score} setting --- \textbf{50} (tournament
standard, the default for hand-built rule sets), \textbf{25}, or
\textbf{0} (pips). The \textbf{Official Warp rules} preset uses
\textbf{0} so the 0-0 stays safe to hold as the Continuum trigger
(Module Alpha). This is independent of the Salamander Penalty, which
only affects the \textbf{highest double for the Warp Factor} (eg
\textbf{12-12} under Warp 12, \textbf{18-18} under Warp 18).

\textbf{Next round:} Spacedock steps down one double (12-12 → 11-11 →
\ldots{} → 0-0). After round 13, lowest cumulative points total wins.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{How to tally the score \emph{(step by
step)}}{How to tally the score (step by step)}}\label{how-to-tally-the-score-step-by-step}

The app does this automatically at round end and shows a summary before
the next deal. The procedure below is for understanding the math (and
for tabletop play with physical coordinates).

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Decide who counts.} When a captain goes out (empty hand), that
  \textbf{round winner scores 0}. Every \textbf{other} captain counts
  the coordinates left in their hand. In a \textbf{blocked sector} (no
  winner), there is no exemption --- \textbf{every} captain counts their
  hand.
\item
  \textbf{Count a hand.} A coordinate is worth the \textbf{total number of
  pips on it --- both ends added together}. A blank end counts as
  \textbf{0}. So:

  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    \texttt{5-3} = \textbf{8}, \texttt{6-0} (blank) = \textbf{6},
    \texttt{0-0} (double-blank) = \textbf{0 pips}.
  \item
    A \textbf{double counts both halves}: \texttt{9-9} = \textbf{18},
    \texttt{12-12} = \textbf{24}.
  \item
    Add every coordinate in the hand to get that captain\textquotesingle s
    \textbf{round score}.
  \end{itemize}
\item
  \textbf{Apply special-coordinate settings} (if enabled --- see Section VI):

  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    \textbf{Double-blank (0-0):} scored by the \textbf{Double-blank
    score} setting --- \textbf{50} (tournament standard, the default for
    hand-built rule sets), \textbf{25}, or \textbf{0} (its 0 pips). The
    \textbf{Official Warp rules} preset uses \textbf{0}.
  \item
    \textbf{Salamander Penalty (Module Beta):} a held \textbf{highest
    double} (\texttt{maxPip-maxPip}) scores \textbf{double its both-ends
    value} from round 2 onward --- eg Warp 12 \textbf{12-12 → 48}, Warp
    18 \textbf{18-18 → 72}. See \textbf{Section VI → Module Beta}.
  \end{itemize}
\item
  \textbf{Add to the campaign total.} Add each captain\textquotesingle s
  round score to their running cumulative total. Lower is better. If
  \textbf{Module Kappa (Temporal Inversion)} is on and this is an
  \textbf{even} round, do \textbf{not} use this normal write-up --- use
  the inverted tally in Section~VI (spread off the round's top hand;
  going out takes the full baseline). The campaign still ends on lowest
  cumulative total.
\item
  \textbf{Advance the round.} Step Spacedock down one double
  (\texttt{12-12\ →\ 11-11\ →\ …\ →\ 0-0}), re-deal, and play the next
  round. There are \textbf{13 rounds} in a full points campaign.
\item
  \textbf{Declare the winner.} After round 13, the captain with the
  \textbf{lowest cumulative total} wins the sector. If two or more
  captains tie on the lowest total, they \textbf{share} the victory.
\end{enumerate}

\textbf{Worked example (round 5, Salamander off).} Armstrong goes out →
\textbf{0}. Lovell holds \texttt{5-3}, \texttt{9-9}, \texttt{6-0} → 8 +
18 + 6 = \textbf{23}. Earhart holds \texttt{0-0} and \texttt{4-2} with
Double-blank score = 50 → 50 + 6 = \textbf{56}. Those round scores are
added to each captain\textquotesingle s campaign total; Armstrong adds
nothing.

\textbf{Go out mode.} There is \textbf{no pip tally}. Emptying your hand
wins the \textbf{round}; the sector victor follows the structure chosen
at launch (sudden death, fixed rounds, or first to $X$ --- see
Victory conditions). A blocked round is re-dealt. For optional Modules
under Go-out, use the \textbf{Go-out --- Modules} block in Section~VI
(not the Points campaign Module text).

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{VI. Optional directives and
variants}\label{vi-optional-directives-and-variants}

Warp has designed several Modules (currently 11, Alpha through Lambda)
that add optional gameplay mechanics. (\textbf{Subspace Fracture} --- the
chicken-foot protocol on doubles --- is part of \textbf{core} multi-trail
play, not a Module; it is documented as a separate directive below.) We
have taken extensive measures
to keep rated play unaffected: a skill/luck quantifier and over
285,000 game combinations across module configurations, checking for
strange outcomes or behaviors. Some modules are marked
\textbf{Warped} --- intentional chaos that throws the game on its
head, leans into luck, or can give an edge to lesser competitors.
Those are exhibition-only and never rated.

\medskip

\emph{Agree before launch. Unless noted, these are \textbf{not} part of
standard multi-trail tournament practice --- though \textbf{Sections
I--V} (trails, beacon, draw, doubles, scoring) still apply underneath.}

\emph{Modules by objective:} After Subspace Fracture and house rules,
Module text is duplicated with differences for \textbf{Points campaign} and
\textbf{Go out}. Follow only the block that matches your sector
objective (see \textbf{Modules by objective} below).

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Official Warp rules \emph{(recommended
preset)}}{Official Warp rules (recommended preset)}}\label{official-warp-rules-recommended-preset}

This is the \textbf{encouraged default} for Warp --- living-room tables,
online sectors, and any future \textbf{Warp--branded} play. It is
\textbf{not} a claim of sanctioned third-party tournament rules; it is
the rules bundle this project recommends when you want the full Warp
experience without assembling toggles by hand.

In the app, choose \textbf{Official Warp rules} on the setup screen (or
accept the defaults). Everything in \textbf{Sections I--V} applies; the
preset only turns on the extras below.

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Setting & Official Warp preset \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Module Alpha --- Continuum} & \textbf{On} \\
\textbf{Module Beta --- Salamander Penalty} & \textbf{On} \\
\textbf{Drop to Impulse} & \textbf{On} --- \textbf{1-coordinate catch} when
opponents catch a missed announce \\
\textbf{All Stop! ceremony} & \textbf{On} --- auto log/sound after
Neutral Zone wins and All Stop! echo go-outs \\
\textbf{Subspace Fracture} & \textbf{Off} (hosts may enable
separately) \\
\textbf{Deluxe house rules} & \textbf{Off} (own trail first, NZ after
all trails, beacon on any play, round starter plays two) \\
\textbf{Manual shield control} & \textbf{Off} \\
\textbf{Pass Red Alert without draw or beacon} & \textbf{Off} \\
\textbf{Double-blank (0-0) score} & \textbf{0} (pips) ---
hand-built/standard rule sets default to \textbf{50} (tournament
standard) \\
\textbf{Objective} & \textbf{Points campaign} (thirteen rounds) ---
\emph{Go out} remains an optional lobby mode \\
\end{longtable}

Hosts may mix and match any toggle; the preset is a one-click reset to
the recommended bundle.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Subspace Fracture \emph{(chicken foot ---
off in Official Warp
preset)}}{Subspace Fracture (chicken foot --- off in Official Warp preset)}}\label{subspace-fracture-chicken-foot--off-in-official-warp-preset}

When \textbf{enabled}, choose a \textbf{fracture scope} before launch:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Scope & Doubles that open Subspace Fracture \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Own Trail} \emph{(default)} & Only on \textbf{your own} Warp
Trail \\
\textbf{All Captains} & On \textbf{any} Warp Trail \\
\textbf{All Doubles} & On any Warp Trail \textbf{or} the Neutral Zone \\
\end{longtable}

When a double in scope is charted, \textbf{Subspace Fracture} and
\textbf{Red Alert} open together:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  Fleet navigation halts until the fracture is \textbf{stabilized}
  (three branches from the double).
\item
  While the fracture is open, the captain holding Red Alert
  responsibility may play \textbf{only stabilizers} matching the
  fracture pip --- no cover coordinate, no other routes.
\item
  Each stabilizer must match the double\textquotesingle s pip (e.g. any
  coordinate containing nine on a 9-9 fracture).
\item
  If you cannot add a stabilizer, draw; if still unable, deploy your
  Distress Beacon and pass Red Alert. The next responsible captain
  continues stabilizing.
\item
  Layout: the first two stabilizers branch from the double; the
  \textbf{third stabilizer is the center foot} and continues the warp
  trail from the double.
\item
  The \textbf{third stabilizer satisfies the double} --- it clears both
  Subspace Fracture and Red Alert. \textbf{No separate cover coordinate} is
  required afterward.
\item
  When the third stabilizer is placed, normal play resumes across all
  routes from the center foot\textquotesingle s open end.
\end{itemize}

When Subspace Fracture is \textbf{off}, doubles use \textbf{Red Alert
only} (one cover coordinate on the double).

\textbf{Fracture immunity} (Continuum Flash Module Alpha): the next
double on your own trail opens Red Alert but \textbf{does not} open
Subspace Fracture (regardless of scope).

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{House rules \emph{(Deluxe-style --- off
in Official Warp
preset)}}{House rules (Deluxe-style --- off in Official Warp preset)}}\label{house-rules-deluxe-style--off-in-official-warp-preset}

Hosts may enable any combination before launch.

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Toggle & When enabled \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Require own trail first} & You must chart at least one coordinate on
\textbf{your own} Warp Trail before playing on an
opponent\textquotesingle s open trail. The Neutral Zone and your own
trail are unaffected. \\
\textbf{Neutral Zone after all trails started} & The Neutral Zone cannot
be started until \textbf{every} captain has at least one coordinate on their
own Warp Trail. \\
\textbf{Beacon clears on any play} & Any legal chart removes
\textbf{your} Distress Beacon --- not only a chart on your own trail. \\
\textbf{Round starter plays two} & The round starter must chart
\textbf{two coordinate on their own Warp Trail} on their opening turn
(Spacedock + two from hand). If the first coordinate is a double, the Red
Alert cover counts as the second. If you cannot play the second coordinate,
deploy your Distress Beacon --- no extra draw. Cannot start the Neutral
Zone or opponent trails until both are played. \\
\textbf{Drop to Impulse} & At one coordinate left (\textbf{at impulse}),
your turn continues but you \textbf{cannot chart} until you \textbf{Drop
to Impulse!} (announce and pass helm) or \textbf{pass} without
announcing (opponents may \textbf{catch} --- 1 or 2 coordinate penalty per
setup). Draw while stuck at impulse → \textbf{return to warp}. Catch
window closes when the next captain passes helm. \\
\textbf{Pass Red Alert without draw or beacon} & Only the captain who
\textbf{charted the double} gets this break, and only while the alert is
still in \textbf{Yellow alert} (before it has passed to anyone). If they
cannot cover their own double, they may pass responsibility to the next
captain \textbf{without drawing} from Uncharted Sectors and
\textbf{without} deploying their Distress Beacon. Red Alert then
proceeds normally: every other captain --- and the original captain when
it cycles back to them --- must follow standard rules (draw when coordinates
remain, deploy the beacon on pass). \\
\textbf{Manual shield control} & Replaces the automatic "shields rise
when you chart your own trail" behavior with manual control, all
\textbf{during} your turn (never between turns). \textbf{Open (Shields
down):} you may open your own Warp Trail at any time, for any reason ---
even with legal plays in hand and even before you\textquotesingle ve
started your trail. \textbf{Close (Shields up):} after you drop shields
you must chart at least one coordinate on \textbf{your own} Warp Trail before
you may raise them again (that own-trail chart may be this turn or a
later one); charting your own trail does \textbf{not} auto-raise.
\textbf{One shield change per turn} --- a single open \textbf{or} a
single close, never both and never repeated. Shield changes never pass
helm on their own; adjust, then chart or \textbf{Pass}. Standard
draw/beacon rules still apply when you cannot chart (a forced beacon
after a failed draw ends your turn). \\
\end{longtable}

\subsubsection{Modules by
objective}\label{modules-by-objective}

Optional Modules (Alpha through Lambda) are written
\textbf{twice} below --- once for each sector objective. Read
\textbf{only} the block that matches how you launched:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Objective & Which Module text to use \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Points campaign} & \textbf{Points campaign --- Modules}
(immediately below). Stop when you reach the Go-out block. \\
\textbf{Go out} & Skip the Points campaign Module text. Use
\textbf{Go-out --- Modules} (after Zeta in the Points block). \\
\end{longtable}

Subspace Fracture and the house-rule toggles above are the same under
either objective. Hosts should keep Go-out Module choices playable with
physical coordinates on a hub table as well as in the app.

\paragraph{Points campaign ---
Modules}\label{points-campaign--modules}

The Module text in this block applies when the sector objective is
\textbf{Points campaign}. Do \textbf{not} use it for Go-out.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Module Alpha --- The Continuum \emph{(on
in Official Warp
preset)}}{Module Alpha --- The Continuum (on in Official Warp preset)}}\label{module-alpha--the-continuum-on-in-official-warp-preset}

When \textbf{enabled}, charting \textbf{0-0 on your own Warp Trail}
triggers a \textbf{Continuum Flash} before helm passes. That captain
immediately chooses \textbf{one} directive for the rest of the round
(cleared when the sector scores):

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Continuum Flash & Effect \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Reverse turn order} & Helm passes counter-clockwise for the rest
of the round. \\
\textbf{Skip lowest points} & The captain with the lowest campaign
points score skips their next turn. \\
\textbf{Peek Uncharted Sector} & The invoker sees the next coordinate that
would be drawn from Uncharted Sectors (hidden from others). \\
\textbf{Temporal inversion} & Turn order reverses until the next double
is charted on the table. \\
\textbf{Distress amplification} & All warp trails are open to every
captain without a Distress Beacon. \\
\textbf{Fracture immunity} & The next double on an own trail will not
open Subspace Fracture (Red Alert still applies). \\
\textbf{Salamander swap} \emph{(requires Module Beta)} & If anyone holds
the highest double (\texttt{maxPip-maxPip}) at round end, the full
Salamander penalty (double its pips) lands on the
\textbf{highest-points captain among those who did not win the round}
instead --- the holder pays nothing for that coordinate.
If the holder \textbf{is already} that captain, the swap does
\textbf{not} transfer: they keep the full doubled penalty (same as
Salamander without swap). \\
\textbf{All Stop! echo} & Any captain going out this round must call All
Stop! before the sector closes. \\
\textbf{Continuum Wager} & Draw two coordinates from Uncharted
Sectors --- keep one, return the other face-down. \\
\end{longtable}

0-0 charted on the Neutral Zone or an opponent\textquotesingle s trail
does \textbf{not} trigger Continuum Flash. A winning 0-0 on your own
trail still requires Continuum Flash resolution before the sector can
close.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Module Beta --- The Salamander Penalty
\emph{(on in Official Warp
preset)}}{Module Beta --- The Salamander Penalty (on in Official Warp preset)}}\label{module-beta--the-salamander-penalty-on-in-official-warp-preset}

If a round ends and a captain holds the \textbf{highest double for the
Warp Factor} (\texttt{maxPip-maxPip}) in hand, that coordinate scores
\textbf{double its both-ends pip value}. Round 1 never applies (that
double is Spacedock). From round 2 onward it is in circulation.

Examples: Warp 12 \textbf{12-12 → 48} (base 24); Warp 9 \textbf{9-9 →
36}; Warp 15 \textbf{15-15 → 60}; Warp 18 \textbf{18-18 → 72}.

With \textbf{Salamander swap} (Continuum, Module Alpha), the
\textbf{entire doubled penalty} transfers to the
\textbf{highest-points captain among non-winners} of the round --- the
highest-double holder pays \textbf{nothing} for that coordinate, and that
leader receives the full amount. The round winner is not eligible as the
swap target (they score 0 for the round hand). If the holder is already
that campaign leader, there is no transfer: they keep the full doubled
penalty, exactly as under Salamander without Continuum swap.

\subsubsection{Module Gamma --- Long-Range Sensor
Sweep}\label{module-gamma--long-range-sensor-sweep}

High-density sectors demand high-fidelity intel. When DecisionQ metrics
spike, captains cannot rely on intuition alone; they require real-time
tactical awareness to optimize their navigational throughput.

When \textbf{enabled}, navigating the Uncharted Sectors is augmented by
a \textbf{Sensor Grid} to manage the increased decision density of
large-fleet engagements.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{The Sensor Grid:} A market of 4 to 5 face-up coordinates is
  dealt face-up next to the Uncharted Sectors.
\item
  \textbf{Sensor Sweep vs. Blind Jump:} When a captain is required to
  draw a coordinate, they may perform a \textbf{Sensor Sweep} (select
  from the Sensor Grid) to maintain optimal decision quality, or execute
  a \textbf{Blind Jump} (draw a random face-down coordinate from the
  Uncharted Sectors) if the tactical situation requires an uncharted
  coordinate.
\item
  \textbf{Replenish:} Whenever a coordinate leaves the Sensor Grid
  (Sensor Sweep, or any module that draws through the market), replace it
  from Uncharted Sectors so the market returns to its configured size
  while Uncharted still has coordinates. Blind Jumps draw only from
  Uncharted and do not change the face-up market.
\item
  \textbf{Real-Time Updates:} The grid provides a constant, refreshing
  view of the immediate navigational environment, allowing for precise
  hand-management in complex, high-skill sectors.
\end{itemize}

\subsection{Module Delta: Hot Potato (Neutral Zone
Hazard)}\label{module-delta-hot-potato-neutral-zone-hazard}

The Neutral Zone is highly unstable subspace. Playing there is
convenient but dangerous---every contact transfers custody of a volatile
\textbf{Hazard Marker}, and captains stuck holding it when they pass
suffer immediate penalties.

\subsubsection{The Hazard Marker (Hot
Potato)}\label{the-hazard-marker-hot-potato}

\textbf{Transfer Rule:} Whenever a captain charts a coordinate onto the
\textbf{Neutral Zone}, they immediately take custody of the
\textbf{Hazard Marker}.

\textbf{Pass Penalty:} If you \textbf{pass} your turn while holding the
Hazard Marker (cannot chart, drew or pile is empty, beacon already
deployed), you suffer a \textbf{+5 point penalty} added to your round
score.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  The penalty applies \textbf{each time} you pass while holding the
  marker
\item
  Multiple passes in a round stack: 2 passes = +10 points, 3 passes =
  +15 points, etc.
\item
  The marker stays with you until someone else plays to the Neutral Zone
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Round Initialization:} The round starter receives the Hazard
Marker at the beginning of each round (they got the ``privilege'' of the
opening coordinate).

\textbf{Warp Drive Engagement (Spool):} On your turn (when not blocked by
Red Alert or Subspace Fracture), you may \textbf{engage warp drive} to
draw coordinates from \textbf{Uncharted Sectors only}---draw one at a
time until you draw a coordinate that cannot be charted to your chosen
route, or Uncharted is empty. Each matching coordinate is charted and
the route endpoint updates. The first mismatch goes to your hand and the
spool \textbf{stops}; undrawn coordinates remain in Uncharted (you never
draw past the stop).

\textbf{Doubles during spool:} If a matching double is drawn, the next
draw must cover it (or, when Subspace Fracture applies to that double,
three matching stabilizers must follow). If the cover or any required
stabilizer fails to match --- or Uncharted runs out before the double is
satisfied --- the unfinished double is \textbf{retrieved to your hand}
along with any failed cover or stabilizer draw(s). The route endpoint
reverts to its value before that double. \textbf{No Red Alert} and
\textbf{no Subspace Fracture} remain on the table from that aborted
double.

Spooling does \textbf{not} take coordinates from the Sensor Grid (Module
Gamma); sensor takes remain a separate action. Spooling is part of Module
Delta; Module Theta does not unlock it. Engage Warp Drive is unavailable
when Uncharted Sectors are empty.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} The Neutral Zone becomes a strategic dumping
ground with real risk. Captains must weigh convenience against the
danger of getting stuck with the marker and being forced to pass.
Spooling stretches a trail (or the Neutral Zone) at hand-bloat risk.

\subsubsection{Scoring}\label{scoring}

When the round ends, each captain\textquotesingle s score is:

\[\text{Final Score} = \text{Hand Pips} + \text{Pass Penalties}\]

\textbf{Pass Penalties:} +5 points for each time you passed while
holding the Hazard Marker during this round.

\textbf{Worked Example (Module Delta enabled, 3 captains, Points
campaign):}

Round 5 ends. Captain Armstrong goes out (empty hand). Captain Lovell
and Captain Earhart remain:

\begin{itemize}
\item
  \textbf{Lovell\textquotesingle s hand:} \texttt{{[}5-3{]}},
  \texttt{{[}9-9{]}}, \texttt{{[}6-0{]}} = 8 + 18 + 6 = \textbf{32 pips}
\item
  \textbf{Lovell passed once with marker:} +5 penalty
\item
  \textbf{Lovell\textquotesingle s round score:} 32 + 5 = \textbf{37}
\item
  \textbf{Earhart\textquotesingle s hand:} \texttt{{[}0-0{]}},
  \texttt{{[}4-2{]}}, \texttt{{[}11-8{]}} = 0 + 6 + 19 = \textbf{25
  pips} (assuming Double-blank score = 0)
\item
  \textbf{Earhart never held marker / never passed:} +0 penalty
\item
  \textbf{Earhart\textquotesingle s round score:} 25 + 0 = \textbf{25}
\item
  \textbf{Armstrong (went out):} \textbf{0} round score
\end{itemize}

Armstrong adds 0, Earhart adds 25, Lovell adds 37 to their respective
campaign totals.

\subsubsection{Module Theta: Longest Trail
Bonus}\label{module-theta-longest-trail-bonus}

Strategic long-range navigation rewards extended personal trails.
Captains who invest in building the longest continuous warp trail
receive a tactical advantage at round end.

\textbf{Longest Trail Bonus:} At round end, the captain(s) with the
longest personal Warp Trail receive a \textbf{-3 bonus} (negative =
fewer points). If multiple captains tie for longest, all tied captains
receive the bonus. The bonus \textbf{cannot reduce a captain's round
score below 0} (a go-out or tiny hand stays at 0 after all normal-round
adjustments). Engaging Warp Drive / Spool is \textbf{not} part of
Theta---it ships with Module Delta.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Creates opposing incentives with Module Delta
(hot potato and NZ spool push toward Neutral Zone risk; longest trail
pulls toward your own trail).

\textbf{Status:} Rated --- preserves skill ordering (78.5\% higher-skill
win rate in calibration).

\subsubsection{Module Iota: Double Down}\label{module-iota-double-down}

Doubles become tactical weapons. When you chart a double, the next
captain must immediately draw additional coordinates---forcing hand
bloat on opponents.

\textbf{Mechanic:} When any captain charts a double to any eligible
route (own trail, Neutral Zone, or opponent\textquotesingle s open
trail), the \textbf{next captain} draws \textbf{2 coordinates} from Uncharted
Sectors (or Sensor Grid if uncharted exhausted) before their turn
begins.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Doubles shift from liability (Red Alert) to
weapon (burden next player). Encourages double hoarding or strategic
timing. Adds variance through forced draws.

\textbf{Status:} Rated --- excellent skill preservation (81.4\%
higher-skill win rate in calibration).

\subsubsection{Module Eta: Temporal Debt}\label{module-eta-temporal-debt}

Drawing from the unknown carries consequences. Each time you reach into
Uncharted Sectors, you accumulate Temporal Debt---a penalty due at
round\textquotesingle s end.

\textbf{Mechanic:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  Each blind draw from \textbf{Uncharted Sectors} accumulates
  \textbf{+1 debt token}
\item
  At round end, each debt token adds \textbf{+2 points} to your final
  score (regardless of whether you went out or were caught holding)
\item
  Debt tokens \textbf{reset to zero} at the start of each new round
\item
  \textbf{Sensor Sweep draws (Module Gamma)} do NOT accumulate
  debt---you\textquotesingle re drawing from visible market, not blind
  chance
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Example:} You make 3 blind draws from uncharted during the
round. At scoring, you\textquotesingle re caught with 18 pips in hand +
3 debt tokens (\texttimes2) = \textbf{24 points total}.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Punishes excessive drawing} --- the classic "draw until you
  can play" strategy becomes costly
\item
  \textbf{Rewards playing from hand} --- skilled coordinate management
  (holding versatile coordinates, planning ahead) gains an edge
\item
  \textbf{Strategic drawing} --- you must weigh: is drawing worth +2
  penalty? Can I play from hand instead?
\item
  \textbf{Sensor Grid synergy} --- Module Gamma\textquotesingle s
  visible market becomes even more valuable (no debt penalty for
  targeted draws)
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Status:} Rated --- preserves skill ordering by rewarding hand
management and strategic restraint (calibration pending).

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Module Kappa: Temporal Inversion
\emph{(Warped --- exhibition
only)}}{Module Kappa: Temporal Inversion (Warped --- exhibition only)}}\label{module-kappa-temporal-inversion-warped--exhibition-only}

Reality bends. Who ``wins'' a round flips every other round, but the
\textbf{campaign still ranks by lowest cumulative total}. Kappa does not
replace that ledger --- it only changes how each even round is written
into it.

\textbf{Which rounds invert:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Odd rounds} (1, 3, 5\ldots): use the normal tally in
  Section~IV (empty hand = 0; others add hand pips; lower is better).
\item
  \textbf{Even rounds} (2, 4, 6\ldots): use the inverted tally below.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Even-round tally (tabletop):} Count hands the same way as
Section~IV (pip totals, double-blank setting, Salamander if on). Find
the \textbf{top hand} --- the largest hand pip total any captain still
holds this round. Then write each captain's \textbf{campaign
adjustment} as a \emph{spread} off that top hand --- do \textbf{not}
award ``0 for going out'' on these rounds.

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Baseline = top hand.} Every captain starts the round at that
  number.
\item
  \textbf{Subtract your own hand.} The captain holding the top hand
  nets \textbf{0} --- they win the round. A thinner hand nets the
  difference (top hand minus theirs). Whoever \textbf{emptied their
  hand} (went out) kept nothing, so they take the \textbf{full baseline}
  --- the worst outcome, since on an inverted round you wanted to
  \emph{keep} coordinates, not shed them.
\item
  Apply any other enabled Module add-ons from this section (Hazard pass
  penalties, Longest Trail $-3$, Temporal Debt, and so on) \textbf{after}
  that hand term, same as the app.
\item
  The sector winner at the end is still whoever has the
  \textbf{lowest cumulative} score --- Kappa never switches the campaign
  to ``highest wins.''
\end{enumerate}

\textbf{Scoring floor and ties (both round types):} The lowest score a
captain can \emph{show} is \textbf{zero}. The only term that can dip a
round below zero is the Longest Trail bonus ($-3$); that sub-zero amount
is \textbf{kept} so it can break an otherwise-tied campaign (a true
$-3$ edges a $0$), but it is never \emph{displayed} as a negative ---
scoreboards clamp the shown total to zero and use the raw value only to
rank level totals.

\textbf{Why the top hand wins:} On an even round a fat hand should
\emph{help} you under a lowest-total campaign, and the spread does
exactly that: the biggest hand contributes 0, thinner hands contribute
the gap, and an empty hand (a go-out) contributes the most. Unlike the
old fixed dump, the swing scales with the actual hands --- one bad even
round no longer dwarfs an entire campaign. Offline, just keep a running
total column and add each captain's spread as written.

\textbf{Worked example (Warp 12, even round, three captains).} Before
the round: Armstrong 20, Lovell 25, Earhart 30. Earhart goes out;
Armstrong holds 40 pips; Lovell holds 12. The \textbf{top hand is 40}
(Armstrong).

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  Armstrong (40 in hand): \(40-40=\) \textbf{$+0$} $\rightarrow$
  campaign \(20+0=\textbf{20}\) --- wins the round with the fattest
  hand.
\item
  Lovell (12 in hand): \(40-12=\) \textbf{$+28$} $\rightarrow$ campaign
  \(25+28=\textbf{53}\).
\item
  Earhart (went out): \(40-0=\) \textbf{$+40$} $\rightarrow$ campaign
  \(30+40=\textbf{70}\).
\end{itemize}

Armstrong leads the campaign for holding the most; Earhart is penalized
for emptying out when coordinates were the prize --- but by a proportional 40,
not a flat 312.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Going out in even rounds is the worst outcome
(you take the full top-hand baseline). Medium-to-large hands become
optimal. AI struggles to adapt. Lower-skilled players win
\textasciitilde65\% of the time (35.6\% higher-skill win rate in
calibration --- intentionally inverts skill ordering).

\textbf{Status:} Exhibition/Warped mode only---\textbf{intentionally
breaks skill ordering} for casual chaos play. Never rated (TEI does not
use these scores).

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Module Lambda: Wormholes
\emph{(Warped --- exhibition
only)}}{Module Lambda: Wormholes (Warped --- exhibition only)}}\label{module-lambda-wormholes-warped--exhibition-only}

Spatial instability permits topological manipulation. Captains can open
\textbf{Wormholes} that transpose their personal Warp Trail with the
Neutral Zone, fundamentally altering board state ownership.

\textbf{Mechanic:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Wormhole Trigger:} Playing a \textbf{double} onto the
  \textbf{Neutral Zone} opens a Wormhole
\item
  \textbf{Spatial Inversion:} The captain\textquotesingle s personal
  trail and the Neutral Zone \textbf{immediately swap ownership}
  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    Your former trail becomes the new public Neutral Zone (open to all)
  \item
    The former Neutral Zone becomes your new private trail
  \end{itemize}
\item
  \textbf{Distress Beacon:} If you had a beacon active before the swap,
  it is \textbf{destroyed during transit} (fresh start)
\item
  \textbf{Red Alert Resolution:} The double triggers Red Alert on your
  \textbf{newly acquired} trail. You must satisfy it from your hand; if
  you cannot, you deploy a beacon on your new trail.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Strategic Implications:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{The Escape Pod:} Dump a dead-end trail full of blocked
  doubles into the public sphere and claim the Neutral Zone\textquotesingle s
  momentum
\item
  \textbf{Risk Assessment:} Before opening a Wormhole, ensure you can
  answer the Red Alert after the swap; otherwise you beacon your stolen
  trail open to everyone
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Tabletop (physical coordinates):} Do \textbf{not} slide entire
warp trails when a Wormhole opens. Keep the coordinates where
they sit on the hub and \textbf{re-seat} the captain who opened the
Wormhole so they sit in front of the arm that is now their private
trail (the former Neutral Zone arm). Mark the arm they left as the new
\textbf{Neutral Zone} (public). Other captains stay put. Digital play
swaps ownership labels instead; the board geometry is the same either
way.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Fundamentally rewrites the game from linear
coordinates shedding to aggressive board state hijacking. High-skill
players\textquotesingle{} long-term trail building becomes a
vulnerability (theft target). AI heuristics must weigh theft
opportunities against defense. Lower-skilled players benefit from the
randomness of dynamic ownership (\textasciitilde50-60\% expected skill
preservation).

\textbf{Status:} Exhibition/Warped mode only---\textbf{predicted to
significantly reduce skill ordering} (untested; awaiting calibration).
Never rated.

\subsubsection{Module Epsilon --- Tactical Requisition (The
Captain\textquotesingle s
Draft)}\label{module-epsilon--tactical-requisition-the-captains-draft}

In top-tier Warp 18 engagements, victory is determined at the drafting
table. Pre-mission optimization is essential; captains must requisition
their tactical loadout to match the projected skill ceiling of the
sector.

When \textbf{enabled}, the random blind deal is replaced by a drafting
phase, allowing captains to engage in strategic loadout optimization
before the sector launch.

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Requisition Packs:} Uncharted Sectors are scrambled. Each
  captain receives a Requisition Pack.
\item
  \textbf{First Selection:} Captains analyze their initial intel,
  selecting one coordinate to lock into their permanent tactical
  loadout.
\item
  \textbf{Data Transfer:} Remaining coordinates are passed clockwise,
  forcing captains to adapt their strategy based on the available data
  pool.
\item
  \textbf{Strategic Depth:} This phase transforms the start of the
  sector from a luck-based event into a high-skill predictive challenge,
  ensuring that every captain enters the sector with a coherent,
  optimized navigation strategy.
\end{enumerate}

\subsubsection{Module Zeta --- Fleet Squadrons (Warp
Crews)}\label{module-zeta--fleet-squadrons-warp-crews}

The DecisionQ requirement of 18-captain sectors is extreme. To maintain
peak operational performance, the fleet forms localized task forces,
pooling their cognitive resources to manage the massive navigational
complexity of the board.

When \textbf{enabled}, the fleet divides into equal squadrons before the
sector launches. Squadrons are the professional standard for managing
high-complexity 18-captain sectors.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Squadron Formation:} Captains divide into equal teams. This
  structure allows for shared cognitive load and collaborative
  high-level strategy.
\item
  \textbf{Bridge Seating:} Teammates alternate turns with opposing
  squadrons to ensure balanced tactical pressure.
\item
  \textbf{The Shared Trail:} Each squadron shares a single Warp Trail
  and a single Distress Beacon, creating a unified navigational front.
\item
  \textbf{Shield Protocols:} The squadron's shields remain "Up" as long
  as \emph{any} member of the team maintains forward momentum on their
  shared trail.
\item
  \textbf{Collaborative Command:} Teammates may openly discuss
  high-level strategy and coordinate moves, effectively leveraging
  shared brainpower to master the complex decision trees of the Warp 18
  board.
\item
  \textbf{Scoring:} Victory is a team achievement; a squadron goes out
  when \emph{one} captain clears their hand, with the team penalty
  calculated by the aggregate remaining pips.
\end{itemize}

\paragraph{Go-out --- Modules}\label{go-out--modules}

The Module text in this block applies when the sector objective is
\textbf{Go out}. Campaign points are never tallied. Do \textbf{not}
mix these rules with the Points campaign Module text above --- each
Module below is complete for Go-out on its own.

\subsubsection{Module Alpha --- The Continuum
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-alpha--the-continuum-go-out}

When \textbf{enabled}, charting \textbf{0-0 on your own Warp Trail}
triggers a \textbf{Continuum Flash} before helm passes. That captain
immediately chooses \textbf{one} directive for the rest of the sector
(cleared when the sector ends):

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Continuum Flash & Effect \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Reverse turn order} & Helm passes counter-clockwise for the rest
of the sector. \\
\textbf{Skip Lightest Hand} & The captain(s) holding the fewest
coordinates skip their next turn. If several captains tie for fewest,
all of them skip (including the invoker if they are among the
lightest). \\
\textbf{Peek Uncharted Sector} & The invoker sees the next coordinate that
would be drawn from Uncharted Sectors (hidden from others). \\
\textbf{Temporal inversion} & Turn order reverses until the next double
is charted on the table. \\
\textbf{Distress amplification} & All warp trails are open to every
captain without a Distress Beacon. \\
\textbf{Fracture immunity} & The next double on an own trail will not
open Subspace Fracture (Red Alert still applies). \\
\textbf{Force Draw} & The invoker chooses one opposing captain; that
captain immediately draws \textbf{1} coordinate from Uncharted Sectors
(or the Sensor Grid if Uncharted is empty and Module Gamma is on). If
neither pool has a coordinate, the draw is canceled. \\
\textbf{All Stop! echo} & Any captain going out this sector must call All
Stop! before the sector closes. \\
\textbf{Continuum Wager} & Draw two coordinates from Uncharted
Sectors --- keep one, return the other face-down. \\
\end{longtable}

0-0 charted on the Neutral Zone or an opponent\textquotesingle s trail
does \textbf{not} trigger Continuum Flash. A winning 0-0 on your own
trail still requires Continuum Flash resolution before the sector can
close.

\subsubsection{Module Beta --- Salamander Surge
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-beta--salamander-surge-go-out}

When \textbf{enabled}, charting the \textbf{highest double for the Warp
Factor} (\texttt{maxPip-maxPip}) from hand --- \textbf{not} as Spacedock
/ the opening engine play --- triggers a \textbf{Salamander Surge}:
every opposing captain immediately draws \textbf{1} coordinate from
Uncharted Sectors (or the Sensor Grid if Uncharted is empty and Module
Gamma is on).

Resolve forced draws in turn order starting with the next captain after
the surger. If the draw pools empty mid-resolution, fulfill as many
draws as possible and cancel the rest.

Examples of the Salamander double: Warp 12 \textbf{12-12}; Warp 9
\textbf{9-9}; Warp 15 \textbf{15-15}; Warp 18 \textbf{18-18}.

\subsubsection{Module Gamma --- Long-Range Sensor Sweep
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-gamma--long-range-sensor-sweep-go-out}

High-density sectors demand high-fidelity intel. When DecisionQ metrics
spike, captains cannot rely on intuition alone; they require real-time
tactical awareness to optimize their navigational throughput.

When \textbf{enabled}, navigating the Uncharted Sectors is augmented by
a \textbf{Sensor Grid} to manage the increased decision density of
large-fleet engagements.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{The Sensor Grid:} A market of 4 to 5 face-up coordinates is
  dealt face-up next to the Uncharted Sectors.
\item
  \textbf{Sensor Sweep vs. Blind Jump:} When a captain is required to
  draw a coordinate, they may perform a \textbf{Sensor Sweep} (select
  from the Sensor Grid) to maintain optimal decision quality, or execute
  a \textbf{Blind Jump} (draw a random face-down coordinate from the
  Uncharted Sectors) if the tactical situation requires an uncharted
  coordinate.
\item
  \textbf{Replenish:} Whenever a coordinate leaves the Sensor Grid
  (Sensor Sweep, or any module that draws through the market), replace it
  from Uncharted Sectors so the market returns to its configured size
  while Uncharted still has coordinates. Blind Jumps draw only from
  Uncharted and do not change the face-up market.
\item
  \textbf{Real-Time Updates:} The grid provides a constant, refreshing
  view of the immediate navigational environment, allowing for precise
  hand-management in complex, high-skill sectors.
\end{itemize}

\subsubsection{Module Delta --- Hot Potato (Neutral Zone Hazard)
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-delta-hot-potato-go-out}

The Neutral Zone is highly unstable subspace. Playing there is
convenient but dangerous---every contact transfers custody of a volatile
\textbf{Hazard Marker}, and captains stuck holding it when they pass
suffer immediate hand-bloat penalties.

\textbf{Transfer Rule:} Whenever a captain charts a coordinate onto the
\textbf{Neutral Zone}, they immediately take custody of the
\textbf{Hazard Marker}.

\textbf{Pass Penalty:} If you \textbf{pass} your turn while holding the
Hazard Marker (cannot chart, drew or pile is empty, beacon already
deployed), draw \textbf{2} coordinates from Uncharted Sectors (or the
Sensor Grid if Uncharted is empty and Module Gamma is on). If both pools
are completely empty, skip your \textbf{next} turn instead.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  The penalty applies \textbf{each time} you pass while holding the
  marker.
\item
  The marker stays with you until someone else plays to the Neutral Zone.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Sector Initialization:} The sector starter receives the Hazard
Marker at the beginning of the sector (they got the ``privilege'' of the
opening coordinate).

\textbf{Warp Drive Engagement (Spool):} On your turn (when not blocked by
Red Alert or Subspace Fracture), you may \textbf{engage warp drive} to
draw coordinates from \textbf{Uncharted Sectors only}---draw one at a
time until you draw a coordinate that cannot be charted to your chosen
route, or Uncharted is empty. Each matching coordinate is charted and
the route endpoint updates. The first mismatch goes to your hand and the
spool \textbf{stops}; undrawn coordinates remain in Uncharted (you never
draw past the stop).

\textbf{Doubles during spool:} If a matching double is drawn, the next
draw must cover it (or, when Subspace Fracture applies to that double,
three matching stabilizers must follow). If the cover or any required
stabilizer fails to match --- or Uncharted runs out before the double is
satisfied --- the unfinished double is \textbf{retrieved to your hand}
along with any failed cover or stabilizer draw(s). The route endpoint
reverts to its value before that double. \textbf{No Red Alert} and
\textbf{no Subspace Fracture} remain on the table from that aborted
double.

Spooling does \textbf{not} take coordinates from the Sensor Grid (Module
Gamma); sensor takes remain a separate action. Spooling is part of Module
Delta; Module Theta does not unlock it. Engage Warp Drive is unavailable
when Uncharted Sectors are empty.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} The Neutral Zone becomes a strategic dumping
ground with real risk. Captains must weigh convenience against the
danger of getting stuck with the marker and being forced to pass into
extra draws. Spooling stretches a trail (or the Neutral Zone) at
hand-bloat risk.

\subsubsection{Module Theta --- Trail Momentum
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-theta--trail-momentum-go-out}

Strategic long-range navigation rewards extended personal trails.

\textbf{Trail Momentum:} The first captain whose \textbf{personal} Warp
Trail reaches \textbf{5} coordinates (trail length $\geq 5$ after a
chart, including a spool that extends the trail) earns one immediate
\textbf{extra turn}. Claimable \textbf{once per round}. Engaging Warp
Drive / Spool is \textbf{not} part of Theta---it ships with Module
Delta.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Creates opposing incentives with Module Delta
(hot potato and NZ spool push toward Neutral Zone risk; trail momentum
pulls toward your own trail).

\subsubsection{Module Iota --- Double Down
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-iota-double-down-go-out}

Doubles become tactical weapons. When you chart a double, the next
captain must immediately draw additional coordinates---forcing hand
bloat on opponents.

\textbf{Mechanic:} When any captain charts a double to any eligible
route (own trail, Neutral Zone, or opponent\textquotesingle s open
trail), the \textbf{next captain} draws \textbf{2 coordinates} from Uncharted
Sectors (or Sensor Grid if uncharted exhausted) before their turn
begins.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Doubles shift from liability (Red Alert) to
weapon (burden next player). Encourages double hoarding or strategic
timing. Adds variance through forced draws.

\textbf{Status:} Rated --- excellent skill preservation (81.4\%
higher-skill win rate in calibration).

\subsubsection{Module Eta --- Desperation Dig
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-eta--desperation-dig-go-out}

Drawing from the unknown can be a last resort. When \textbf{enabled},
Temporal Debt is an optional push-your-luck dig rather than a scoring
penalty.

\textbf{Mechanic (Desperation Dig):}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  When you cannot chart and must draw from \textbf{Uncharted Sectors},
  you may invoke Temporal Debt.
\item
  Draw up to \textbf{3} coordinates one at a time, stopping immediately
  when you draw a playable coordinate --- \textbf{chart that
  coordinate} as part of this action (then finish any Red Alert /
  Fracture duties as usual).
\item
  Your Distress Beacon stays \textbf{open for your next two turns}
  (opponents may chart onto your trail while it is open).
\item
  You may dig even if fewer than three coordinates remain in Uncharted
  Sectors. If the deck empties before a playable coordinate appears, the
  dig ends, you pass, and the two-turn open-beacon cost still applies in
  full.
\item
  \textbf{Sensor Sweep takes (Module Gamma)} are not a Desperation Dig
  and do not incur the beacon cost.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Lets a blocked captain gamble for a line out of
a dead hand at the cost of an open trail. Rewards knowing when the dig is
worth the exposure.

\subsubsection{Module Kappa --- Hand Exchange
\emph{(Go-out; Warped --- exhibition
only)}}\label{module-kappa--hand-exchange-go-out}

Reality bends once per round. When \textbf{enabled}, the first time any
captain charts a \textbf{double} other than Spacedock, the captain with
the \textbf{most} coordinates in hand and the captain with the
\textbf{fewest} resolve an exchange:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  The larger hand randomly takes \textbf{1} coordinate from the smaller
  hand.
\item
  The larger hand then chooses \textbf{1} coordinate from their own hand
  to give back.
\end{enumerate}

If two or more captains tie for most or for fewest, or if the same
captain would be both, skip the exchange for the round.

\textbf{Status:} Exhibition/Warped mode only --- casual chaos play. Never
rated.

\subsubsection{Module Lambda --- Wormholes
\emph{(Go-out; Warped --- exhibition
only)}}\label{module-lambda-wormholes-go-out}

Spatial instability permits topological manipulation. Captains can open
\textbf{Wormholes} that transpose their personal Warp Trail with the
Neutral Zone, fundamentally altering board state ownership.

\textbf{Mechanic:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Wormhole Trigger:} Playing a \textbf{double} onto the
  \textbf{Neutral Zone} opens a Wormhole
\item
  \textbf{Spatial Inversion:} The captain\textquotesingle s personal
  trail and the Neutral Zone \textbf{immediately swap ownership}
  \begin{itemize}
  \tightlist
  \item
    Your former trail becomes the new public Neutral Zone (open to all)
  \item
    The former Neutral Zone becomes your new private trail
  \end{itemize}
\item
  \textbf{Distress Beacon:} If you had a beacon active before the swap,
  it is \textbf{destroyed during transit} (fresh start)
\item
  \textbf{Red Alert Resolution:} The double triggers Red Alert on your
  \textbf{newly acquired} trail. You must satisfy it from your hand; if
  you cannot, you deploy a beacon on your new trail.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Strategic Implications:}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{The Escape Pod:} Dump a dead-end trail full of blocked
  doubles into the public sphere and claim the Neutral Zone\textquotesingle s
  momentum
\item
  \textbf{Risk Assessment:} Before opening a Wormhole, ensure you can
  answer the Red Alert after the swap; otherwise you beacon your stolen
  trail open to everyone
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Tabletop (physical coordinates):} Do \textbf{not} slide entire
warp trails when a Wormhole opens. Keep the coordinates where
they sit on the hub and \textbf{re-seat} the captain who opened the
Wormhole so they sit in front of the arm that is now their private
trail (the former Neutral Zone arm). Mark the arm they left as the new
\textbf{Neutral Zone} (public). Other captains stay put. Digital play
swaps ownership labels instead; the board geometry is the same either
way.

\textbf{Tactical Impact:} Fundamentally rewrites the game from linear
coordinates shedding to aggressive board state hijacking. High-skill
players\textquotesingle{} long-term trail building becomes a
vulnerability (theft target). AI heuristics must weigh theft
opportunities against defense. Lower-skilled players benefit from the
randomness of dynamic ownership (\textasciitilde50-60\% expected skill
preservation).

\textbf{Status:} Exhibition/Warped mode only---\textbf{predicted to
significantly reduce skill ordering} (untested; awaiting calibration).
Never rated.

\subsubsection{Module Epsilon --- Tactical Requisition (Draft)
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-epsilon--draft-go-out}

\textbf{Unavailable.} Go-out sectors must leave drafting \textbf{off}.
The race depends on captains adapting to the inefficiencies of their
dealt hands; sculpting a starting loadout removes that friction.

\subsubsection{Module Zeta --- Fleet Squadrons (Warp Crews)
\emph{(Go-out)}}\label{module-zeta--fleet-squadrons-go-out}

The DecisionQ requirement of 18-captain sectors is extreme. To maintain
peak operational performance, the fleet forms localized task forces,
pooling their cognitive resources to manage the massive navigational
complexity of the board.

When \textbf{enabled}, the fleet divides into equal squadrons before the
sector launches. Squadrons are the professional standard for managing
high-complexity 18-captain sectors.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Squadron Formation:} Captains divide into equal teams. This
  structure allows for shared cognitive load and collaborative
  high-level strategy.
\item
  \textbf{Bridge Seating:} Teammates alternate turns with opposing
  squadrons to ensure balanced tactical pressure.
\item
  \textbf{The Shared Trail:} Each squadron shares a single Warp Trail
  and a single Distress Beacon, creating a unified navigational front.
\item
  \textbf{Shield Protocols:} The squadron's shields remain "Up" as long
  as \emph{any} member of the team maintains forward momentum on their
  shared trail.
\item
  \textbf{Collaborative Command:} Teammates may openly discuss
  high-level strategy and coordinate moves, effectively leveraging
  shared brainpower to master the complex decision trees of the Warp 18
  board.
\item
  \textbf{Victory:} A squadron scores a round win when \emph{one} captain
  clears their hand (no pip tally). Sector victory follows the go-out
  structure chosen at launch.
\end{itemize}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{\texorpdfstring{VII. AI officers \& tactical advisor
\emph{(digital)}}{VII. AI officers \& tactical advisor (digital)}}\label{vii-ai-officers--tactical-advisor-digital}

Local simulation and online sectors can fill empty chairs with
\textbf{AI officers}. The in-game \textbf{tactical advisor} uses the
same decision stack to suggest moves and explain reasoning. This section
describes what those systems know and how \textbf{Lookahead} works.

\subsubsection{What an AI officer can
see}\label{what-an-ai-officer-can-see}

An AI captain has the same \textbf{public} information you do:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  Its \textbf{own} hand (coordinates held).
\item
  Every coordinate already \textbf{charted} on the table (all Warp
  Trails, Neutral Zone, fracture stabilizers).
\item
  How many coordinates each opponent is \textbf{holding} (hand count only ---
  not which coordinates).
\item
  How many coordinates remain in \textbf{Uncharted Sectors}.
\end{itemize}

An AI officer \textbf{cannot} see which specific coordinates are in an
opponent\textquotesingle s hand. It does not read hidden coordinates from the
game state when choosing a move.

\subsubsection{AI officers (Ensign / Lieutenant /
Commander)}\label{ai-officers-ensign--lieutenant--commander}

Everyone at the table is a \textbf{Captain} (seat role).
\textbf{Ensign}, \textbf{Lieutenant}, and \textbf{Commander} are
opponent / placement tracks --- commission flavor for AI difficulty, not
a separate ladder from TEI:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Track & Profile \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Ensign} & Provisional / new profile --- more blunders, lighter
heuristics \\
\textbf{Lieutenant} & Competent / standard \\
\textbf{Commander} & Veteran / sharp --- self-play neural policy ($\Omega$):
greedy inference, ms/move. Same Commander / $\sigma$=\texttt{commander} label
--- not a separate ``Commander+'' tier. \\
\end{longtable}

Controls how often the officer blunders and how sharply it prefers
high-scoring lines. All tracks still obey the same legal-move and
rules-engine constraints.

\subsubsection{Lookahead (per-officer
opt-in)}\label{lookahead-per-officer-opt-in}

When \textbf{Lookahead} is \textbf{off}, the officer uses a fast
\textbf{greedy} policy: score each legal move for this turn with
heuristics (shed heavy pips, own-trail pressure, Red Alert safety,
objective mode, modules, and so on) and pick among them.

When \textbf{Lookahead} is \textbf{on}, the officer
\textbf{forward-searches} before acting:

\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  For each candidate move, it runs the move through the \textbf{real
  Warp rules engine} a few turns ahead.
\item
  Because opponent hands and the draw order are hidden, each simulation
  \textbf{guesses} plausible holdings: opponents receive a random
  assignment from the pool of coordinates not on the table and not in the
  AI\textquotesingle s hand, while preserving each
  opponent\textquotesingle s \textbf{actual hand count}. Uncharted
  Sectors are filled from the same unseen pool.
\item
  The search repeats that guess several times
  (\textbf{determinizations}), averages the outcomes, and picks the move
  that tends to work best across those possible worlds.
\end{enumerate}

Lookahead is \textbf{imperfect-information search} --- not clairvoyance.
It is slower but can reason about consequences (for example, whether a
play sets up an opponent to go out). Commission track still applies on top
(blunders and noisy tie-breaking).

\subsubsection{Tactical advisor}\label{tactical-advisor}

The tactical advisor suggests one move plus plain-language reasons so
humans can see \emph{why} a line is strong, not only what to play.

\textbf{Today:} it uses the \textbf{Commander} simulation profile with
\textbf{Lookahead} enabled (heuristic stack).

\textbf{Planned:} a hybrid neural--heuristic model \textbf{distilled
from $\Omega$} --- trained to agree with the Commander neural
officer\textquotesingle s picks and explain them in named game concepts.
It does \textbf{not} imitate legacy Commander heuristics. Assisted play
remains unrated (below).

Invoking the tactical advisor \textbf{during live play} marks the match
as \textbf{assisted} for rating purposes (Section VIII). Post-match
advisor reports and campaign downloads do \textbf{not} affect whether a
match is rated.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{$\Omega$+ extended thinking \emph{(planned,
exhibition)}}{$\Omega$+ extended thinking (planned, exhibition)}}\label{omega-plus-extended-thinking-planned-exhibition}

The same $\Omega$ neural weights can run with \textbf{extended thinking} ---
Commander-free PUCT search (Omega policy prior + value leaves) with a
per-move iteration budget. Stronger than greedy Commander play when the
value head is competent; slower. Intended for exhibition / casual hard
mode, not as a separate rated anchor.

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{\texorpdfstring{VIII. TEI \& leaderboard
\emph{(digital)}}{VIII. TEI \& leaderboard (digital)}}\label{viii-tei--leaderboard-digital}

Local solo sectors against \textbf{AI officers} can report results to
\textbf{\href{https://iwgf.org}{iwgf.org}} when the client is signed in
to Firebase. Team campaigns, unrated lobby modes, and builds without a
working stats backend do not update the public boards.

\begin{quote}
\textbf{In-person play:} While we encourage Warp to be played in person with physical dominoes --- around a table, with friends and family --- the TEI rating system requires digital tracking to compute and maintain ratings accurately. For tabletop games, use the \href{https://iwgf.org/calculator}{TEI calculator} or officiated match codes to report results and update your rating. The full online app (\href{https://warp.iwgf.org}{warp.iwgf.org}) and the leaderboards (\href{https://iwgf.org}{iwgf.org}) handle all TEI computation automatically.
\end{quote}

Warp keeps \textbf{three rating contexts}, each split into
\textbf{Go-out} and \textbf{Points} tracks:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Solo pool} --- unassisted matches against reference AI
  officers (Ensign / Lieutenant / Commander).
\item
  \textbf{Human pool} --- online sectors and officiated matches
  \textbf{without} a crew charter (global \texttt{humanTei}).
\item
  \textbf{Crew charters} --- friend-group ladders on
  \href{https://iwgf.org/crews}{iwgf.org/crews}; scoped \textbf{group
  TEI} per charter. See \href{docs/crews-roadmap.md}{Crews \& charters}.
\end{itemize}

TEI is displayed as a \textbf{grade} (letter + score, like ``V67'')
combining your skill estimate and rating confidence. For how that
grade relates to the underlying OpenSkill model, see the in-app page
\textbf{How TEI works} (linked from Profile and About), or the
normative write-up in \textbf{\url{docs/tei-spec.md}}.

\subsubsection{Online sectors (human
pool)}\label{online-sectors-human-pool}

A completed online sector is rated into the \textbf{human pool} when it
meets every condition below; otherwise it plays out normally but changes
no ratings. The lobby shows a live \textbf{rated / unrated} banner so
the fleet knows before launch.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{The set is double-twelve (Warp 12).} Warp 9 / 15 / 18 are
  \textbf{exhibition} --- the lobby forces unrated and the server
  rejects TEI reports for those sets.
\item
  \textbf{Two or more captains are signed in with an account.} Guests
  (anonymous sign-in) can play, but a guest at the table makes the whole
  sector unrated --- a rating that can\textquotesingle t persist across
  devices isn\textquotesingle t a rating.
\item
  \textbf{Every AI officer is Ensign / Lieutenant / Commander.} These have fixed
  reference strength and serve as rating \textbf{anchors}: finishing
  above or below them moves your TEI, which keeps online results on the
  same scale as solo play. An experimental \textbf{Class I*} search
  officer makes the sector unrated. (Commander is a neural policy ---
  still rated, same \textsigma=\texttt{commander} anchor.)
\item
  \textbf{The objective is Points or Go-out.} Other modes are unrated.
\item
  \textbf{No captain consulted the tactical advisor.} Just as in solo
  play, invoking the in-game advisor during live turns makes a match
  \emph{assisted} --- and online, one assisted captain leaves the
  \textbf{whole} sector unrated. You are warned the moment you engage
  it.
\end{itemize}

When the sector ends, every signed-in captain\textquotesingle s TEI is
updated with a single pairwise pass over the final standings (see the
spec, §6.5 / §10). The server re-derives the result from the
authoritative game record and re-checks each seat, so no captain can
report a score they didn\textquotesingle t earn. Ratings are applied
once per sector.

\subsubsection{Crews \& charters (group
TEI)}\label{crews--charters-group-tei}

A \textbf{crew} is a persistent friend group with a \textbf{charter} ---
a frozen contract: Official Warp rules (\texttt{warp12-official-v1}),
objective (Points or Go-out), fleet size (2--8), and campaign length.
When a rated match or online sector is played \textbf{under a crew
charter}, TEI updates go to that crew\textquotesingle s ladder
(\texttt{groupTei}), not the global human pool.

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Create / join} at
  \href{https://iwgf.org/crews}{iwgf.org/crews}. \textbf{Google sign-in
  required.} No shared crew passwords --- invite links only (owner can
  rotate).
\item
  \textbf{Officiated nights:} the match official selects the crew when
  creating an \texttt{MT-} code. All checked-in captains must be crew
  members. Approval moves \textbf{crew TEI only}.
\item
  \textbf{Online sectors:} the host selects a crew in the lobby waiting
  room; fleet size, objective, and rules lock to the charter. Sector
  must match exactly or it stays unrated (\texttt{charter\_mismatch}).
\item
  \textbf{Guests} at the table do not earn crew TEI (same as global
  human pool).
\item
  \textbf{Global Official} is a special open charter
  (\texttt{global-official}). Rated play under it updates \textbf{both}
  the Global Official crew ladder \textbf{and} global human-pool TEI.
\end{itemize}

The \href{https://iwgf.org/calculator}{TEI calculator} can preview
crew-ladder outcomes without saving anything. Full design:
\url{docs/crews-roadmap.md}.

\subsubsection{Lexicon}\label{lexicon}

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Term & Meaning \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Captain} & Seat at the table --- every player is a Captain \\
\textbf{TEI} (Tactical Efficiency Index) & Your rating, displayed as a grade (letter + score, like ``V67'') \\
\textbf{TEI Grade} & Letter indicating rating confidence: \textbf{E} (Elite), \textbf{V} (Veteran), \textbf{C} (Consistent), \textbf{I} (Improving), \textbf{P} (Provisional) \\
\textbf{TEI Score} & 0--99 number showing conservative skill on one global scale --- not restarted per letter \\
\textbf{Commission track} & Opponent / placement tier on file: \textbf{Ensign}, \textbf{Lieutenant}, \textbf{Commander}. Personal \textbf{federation commission} (Cadet--Fleet Admiral) is derived from your TEI. \textbf{Flag Officer} prestige covers Rear Admiral and above \\
\end{longtable}

\subsubsection{Federation commission
(ranks)}\label{federation-commission-ranks}

Your TEI maps to a \textbf{federation commission} --- Cadet through Fleet
Admiral --- so a grade like ``V67'' also reads as a naval rank on the HUD
and profile. It is \textbf{flavor over TEI}, not a second rating: same
grade string, same update rules.

\textbf{Seat vs commission:} every player at the table is still a
\textbf{Captain} (seat role). Commission ranks never replace that word.

\textbf{Opponent tracks vs personal commission:} rated AI buckets and
Academy placement use three coarse tracks --- \textbf{Ensign /
Lieutenant / Commander}. Your \emph{personal} commission is finer
(Cadet through Fleet Admiral) and updates whenever your TEI does.

\textbf{Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lt.~JG)} is the naval rung between
\textbf{Ensign} and full \textbf{Lieutenant} --- an early Improver who
has cleared Ensign territory but is not yet mid-trail Lieutenant
strength. The app may show \textbf{Lt.~JG} in tight HUDs; tooltips and
this manual use the full name.

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}lll@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Commission & Short & Typical TEI band \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Cadet} & Cdt. & Below P25 \\
\textbf{Ensign} & Ens. & P25--I25 \\
\textbf{Lieutenant Junior Grade} & Lt.~JG & I25--I40 \\
\textbf{Lieutenant} & Lt. & I40--C45 \\
\textbf{Lieutenant Commander} & Lt.~Cmdr. & C45--C55 \\
\textbf{Commander} & Cmdr. & C55--V63 \\
\textbf{Commodore} & Cdore. & V63--V70 \\
\textbf{Rear Admiral} & R.~Adm. & V70--V80 \\
\textbf{Vice Admiral} & V.~Adm. & V80--V90 \\
\textbf{Admiral} & Adm. & V90--V99 \\
\textbf{Fleet Admiral} & F.~Adm. & V99 (and top Elite scores) \\
\end{longtable}

Bands follow letter order \textbf{P $<$ I $<$ C $<$ V $<$ E}, then score.
\textbf{Elite (E)} uses the same score thresholds as \textbf{Veteran
(V)} for commission (so E73 sits with high admiralty).
\textbf{Rear Admiral} and above are \textbf{Flag Officer} prestige
territory --- earned through TEI, never selected at Academy.

\subsubsection{Two independent tracks}\label{two-independent-tracks}

Your solo TEI is \textbf{not} one number --- the app keeps separate
ratings for each \textbf{objective} and each \textbf{AI commission track}
you face:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.64\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Track & When it applies \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Go-out TEI} & Sector win under the chosen go-out structure
(sudden death, fixed rounds, or first to $X$) \\
\textbf{Points TEI} & Lowest cumulative points total when the campaign
ends \emph{(or the round, in single-round solo)} \\
\end{longtable}

Each track is further split by opponent profile: \textbf{Ensign},
\textbf{Lieutenant}, and \textbf{Commander}. Beating Commander officers
does not move your Ensign bucket.

\subsubsection{Federation Academy
placement}\label{federation-academy-placement}

Before your first rated match in each track, the app asks for a
\textbf{commission track} separately for \textbf{go-out} and
\textbf{points}. Choose \textbf{Ensign}, \textbf{Lieutenant}, or
\textbf{Commander} on each track (with a short self-description), then
fine-tune a \textbf{starting TEI} within that track's band. You might
place as Commander for go-out and Ensign for points. Each track is
saved \textbf{once}; after you save placement for a track --- or after
your first unassisted rated match in that track --- its starting TEI
field locks. \textbf{Flag Officer} is not selectable at onboarding --- it is
earned.

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}lllll@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Track & Self-description & Points TEI band & Go-out TEI band & Example \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Ensign} & New to dominoes & P0--I25 & P0--I25 & P0, I9 \\
\textbf{Lieutenant} & Knows multi-trail & I25--C45 & I25--C45 & C21, C30 \\
\textbf{Commander} & Seasoned strategist & C45--V70 & C45--V70 & V53, V62 \\
\end{longtable}

\subsubsection{Fixed opponent reference
ratings}\label{fixed-opponent-reference-ratings}

Unassisted matches are scored against \textbf{fixed} reference ratings
--- not the other chairs\textquotesingle{} live TEI. AI officers have calibrated skill estimates that serve as stable anchors:

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}llll@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Track & Ensign & Lieutenant & Commander \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Points} & Conservative baseline & Competent player & Sharp strategist \\
\textbf{Go-out} & Conservative baseline & Competent player & Sharp strategist \\
\end{longtable}

Your TEI grade reflects how you perform relative to these anchors. Consistently beating Commander officers will push your rating into Veteran (V) or Elite (E) territory, while struggling against Ensign keeps you in Provisional (P) or Improving (I) grades. The leaderboard also shows \textbf{percentile} (top X\%)
within each board so rank stays meaningful across the rating distribution.

\subsubsection{How your TEI moves}\label{how-your-tei-moves}

After each \textbf{rated} match, your TEI grade updates to reflect both
\textbf{how well you play} and \textbf{how confident the system is} about
your skill level.

Your TEI is shown as \textbf{two parts}:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Letter grade (E/V/C/I/P)} --- How established / confident the
  rating is. More consistent rated play over time tends to tighten
  confidence.
\item
  \textbf{Number score (0--99)} --- Conservative skill on one global
  scale. Same number $\approx$ same skill even across different
  letters.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{The Letter Grade (Confidence):}

Your letter shows how \textbf{established} your rating is --- how sure the
system is that the score is in the right neighborhood. More rated play
usually tightens confidence, but a new module or long break can widen it
again:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{P (Provisional)} --- Still establishing; high uncertainty.
\item
  \textbf{I (Improving)} --- Estimate is moving; not locked in yet.
\item
  \textbf{C (Consistent)} --- Reliable enough for everyday comparison.
\item
  \textbf{V (Veteran)} --- Highly reliable estimate.
\item
  \textbf{E (Elite)} --- Tightly anchored rating.
\end{itemize}

\textbf{The Number Score (Skill):}

Your score is \textbf{conservative skill on one global 0--99 scale}. Same
number $\approx$ same skill even across letters --- \textbf{I40} and
\textbf{C40} are equally strong estimates; C is simply more established.
The score stays deliberately cautious: until confidence rises, the
displayed number sits a bit below a raw ``best guess.''

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Win games} against strong opponents → score tends to go up
\item
  \textbf{Lose games} against weaker opponents → score tends to go down
\item
  \textbf{Play more rated matches} → confidence tends to rise, which
  often lifts the conservative score as well
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Placement, not margin.} Ratings track \emph{where} you finish,
not \emph{by how much}. When a match is scored, the final standings are
collapsed to finishing places (1st, 2nd, 3rd\ldots) and your rating
moves on those places alone: every captain you finish ahead of nudges
you up, every one who finishes ahead of you nudges you down, each
weighted by how strong that opponent was. The size of the point gap
never enters the math --- losing a points campaign by 3 and losing it by
300 move your TEI by \textbf{exactly the same amount}, and a blowout win
counts no more than a one-point squeaker. (Tie on the cumulative total
and you split the place, a half-step each.) So a single ugly round ---
say a Module~Kappa inversion or a fat go-out penalty that dumps a big
number on you --- only costs rating if it actually drops you \emph{past}
another captain; if you still finish in the same place, your TEI is
unchanged. Chase \textbf{finishing order}, not a pretty scoreline.

\textbf{Two ways to improve your TEI:}
\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Play more rated matches} so confidence tightens (letter tends
  to climb P → I → C → V → E)
\item
  \textbf{Win more games} so skill climbs (number toward 99)
\end{enumerate}

\textbf{Example progression:}
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Week 1:} P15 · Cadet (still learning)
\item
  \textbf{Week 3:} I28 · Lieutenant Junior Grade (settling in)
\item
  \textbf{Month 2:} C42 · Lieutenant (stable estimate)
\item
  \textbf{Month 4:} V58 · Commander (highly reliable)
\item
  \textbf{Year 1:} E76 · Rear Admiral (anchored elite confidence)
\end{itemize}

\textbf{What happens when you try new modules?}

When you play with a new module or rule variant, your \textbf{letter
grade may temporarily drop} (e.g., V→I) and the conservative score may
dip with it. This is intentional --- the system is
\textbf{re-evaluating} your skill under new conditions, not punishing
you. Play more games with that module and confidence climbs back once
the estimate settles.

\subsubsection{\texorpdfstring{Starting TEI
\emph{(Academy)}}{Starting TEI (Academy)}}\label{starting-tei-academy}

Before your \textbf{first rated} match in each track, complete
\textbf{Federation Academy placement} for that track: pick Ensign,
Lieutenant, or Commander, then save a starting TEI within that track's
band. Tracks are independent --- strong at go-out but new to points
campaigns is fine. If you skip placement and play unassisted, the first
match in that track's bucket begins from the \textbf{default starting rating} (P25 --- Ensign commission floor).

\subsubsection{What counts as rated}\label{what-counts-as-rated}

\textbf{Solo pool} --- only \textbf{unassisted double-twelve} matches
update TEI:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Rated:} Warp 12, played without invoking the in-game
  \textbf{tactical advisor} during live turns.
\item
  \textbf{Assisted:} you requested a coach suggestion during play. The
  win or loss still appears in your profile and general stats, but
  \textbf{TEI does not move}. Assisted wins are tracked separately
  (\texttt{advisorMatches} / \texttt{advisorWins}).
\item
  \textbf{Exhibition:} Warp 9 / 15 / 18 never update TEI, with or
  without the advisor.
\end{itemize}

Downloading a post-match advisor report or campaign analysis does
\textbf{not} disqualify a match.

\textbf{Human pool} --- an online sector is rated when it clears the
eligibility bar above (Warp 12, two or more signed-in captains, only
Ensign / Lieutenant / Commander AI, Points or Go-out, \textbf{and no captain used
the advisor}). Any guest, experimental Class I* seat, exhibition set, or
advisor consult leaves the whole sector unrated.

\textbf{Crew charter} --- same eligibility bar, plus: host attached a
\texttt{charterId}; sector settings match the charter (fleet size,
objective, campaign length, rules profile); every human captain is a
signed-in \textbf{member} of that crew. Private crew matches update crew
TEI only. \textbf{Global Official} also updates global human-pool TEI.

\begin{quote}
\textbf{Commander is neural $\Omega$.} Greedy \texttt{createOmegaPlayer} is the
Commander officer (local, online host, pass-and-play). TEI still uses
$\sigma$=\texttt{commander}; publish \texttt{warp12-official-v2} when
recalibrated \texttt{REF\_TEI} ships. $\Omega$+ extended thinking (PUCT) is
unrated exhibition. See \url{docs/omega-handoff.md} and
\url{docs/tei-spec.md} §7.1.3.
\end{quote}

\subsubsection{After the sector}\label{after-the-sector}

When a rated match completes, the sector summary shows your TEI grade \textbf{before → after}. 

\textbf{What the display shows:}
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{``I52 → I55 (+3)''} --- Your score went up by 3 points (same letter grade)
\item
  \textbf{``I55 → C55''} --- Your letter improved from I to C! (more experience = more reliable)
\item
  \textbf{``V72 → V68 (-4)''} --- Your score dropped 4 points after a loss (letter unchanged)
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Reading a TEI grade:}
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{V67} = Veteran (experienced, reliable rating) with skill score 67 out of 99
\item
  \textbf{C42} = Consistent (established rating) with skill score 42 out of 99
\item
  \textbf{I35} = Improving (still learning, fewer games) with skill score 35 out of 99
\item
  \textbf{P28} = Provisional (new player, rating not yet stable) with skill score 28 out of 99
\end{itemize}

\textbf{Want more details?} Hover over your TEI grade in the app to see:
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  How many rated games you've played
\item
  Your exact skill level and confidence values
\item
  What your grade means
\end{itemize}

If Firebase is unavailable, local decision-quality feedback may still run, but your TEI won't be saved to the leaderboard.

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{\texorpdfstring{IX. Subspace messaging \emph{(digital ---
online
sectors)}}{IX. Subspace messaging (digital --- online sectors)}}\label{ix-subspace-messaging-digital--online-sectors}

Online sectors include a persistent comms channel --- \textbf{subspace
messaging} --- so captains can coordinate before launch, react during
play, and debrief afterward. Messaging is designed to preserve the
integrity of rated sectors while keeping casual games social.

\subsubsection{Comms modes}\label{comms-modes}

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.34\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.13\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.47\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Context & Mode & What\textquotesingle s available \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
\textbf{Lobby} (rated or casual) & Full & Quick-phrase hails, free-form
text, DMs \\
\textbf{Active play --- casual sector} & Full & Quick-phrase hails,
free-form text, DMs \\
\textbf{Active play --- rated sector} & Quick-only & Public quick-phrase
hails only. No free text, no DMs. \\
\textbf{Post-game} (rated or casual) & Full & All comms re-open once
standings are final \\
\end{longtable}

The restriction during rated active play exists to prevent collusion ---
free text or private messages between opponents could be used to
coordinate play, which would undermine TEI. The quick-phrase catalog is
intentionally social and expressive, never strategic.

\subsubsection{Quick-phrase hails}\label{quick-phrase-hails}

Five groups, each with a category icon:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Acknowledge} --- Aye Captain · Acknowledged · Make it so ·
  Course laid in
\item
  \textbf{Get moving} --- Engage! · Punch it · Warp speed · Ahead full ·
  Steady as she goes
\item
  \textbf{Sportsmanship} --- Well played · A fine maneuver · The needs
  of the many\ldots{} · Fly well, Captain
\item
  \textbf{Drama} --- Red Alert! · Shields up! · All Stop! · Distress
  beacon away · She\textquotesingle s breaking up! · Fascinating\ldots{}
  · Bold. Very bold.
\item
  \textbf{Cheeky} --- You\textquotesingle re playing a dangerous game ·
  Persistence is futile · Resistance is\ldots{} noted · I have the conn
  now · Q would be proud
\end{itemize}

Phrases are broadcast publicly and logged in the sector record. They
cannot convey hand information or coordinate play, only camaraderie and
table talk.

\subsubsection{Free-form text and DMs}\label{free-form-text-and-dms}

Available in the lobby, casual active play, and after the sector
completes. Messages are visible to all sector members (including DMs ---
transparency over privacy, consistent with The Captain\textquotesingle s
Oath). A per-recipient picker lets you direct a message, but every
captain at the table can read it.

\subsubsection{Moderation}\label{moderation}

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  \textbf{Per-user mute:} hide a captain\textquotesingle s messages for
  the remainder of the session.
\item
  \textbf{Rate limiting:} a cooldown prevents message flooding (burst of
  3, then 3 seconds between sends).
\item
  Future: report action tied to The Captain\textquotesingle s
  Oath\textquotesingle s "we identify cheaters and bad actors."
\end{itemize}

\subsubsection{Rated sector toggle}\label{rated-sector-toggle}

The host can opt out of rating at any time before launch by unchecking
\textbf{Rated sector} in the lobby. When unchecked:

\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
  TEI will not change regardless of the sector\textquotesingle s
  outcome.
\item
  Full comms (text + DMs) remain available during active play.
\item
  The lobby and bridge show a "Casual sector" banner so all captains
  know the match is unrated.
\end{itemize}

\begin{center}\rule{0.5\linewidth}{0.5pt}\end{center}

\subsection{Quick reference --- standard vs Warp
extras}\label{quick-reference--standard-vs-warp-extras}

\textbf{Official Warp rules} (recommended preset) --- see
\textbf{Section VI} --- enables Continuum, Salamander, Drop to Impulse
(1-coordinate catch), and All Stop! ceremony on standard \textbf{Sections
I--V} gameplay.

\begin{longtable}[]{@{}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.30\linewidth}>{\raggedright\arraybackslash}p{0.34\linewidth}@{}}
\toprule\noalign{}
Rule & Standard multi-trail & Warp \\
\midrule\noalign{}
\endhead
\bottomrule\noalign{}
\endlastfoot
Distress beacon when stuck & Required & Distress Beacon --- same \\
Voluntary beacon while able to play & \textbf{No} & \textbf{No} (unless
\textbf{Manual shield control} --- own trail required) \\
Play elsewhere while marked & Allowed; beacon stays & Same \\
Play on own trail while marked & Beacon \textbf{must} come off & Shields
Up --- same \\
Doubles & Must satisfy / cover & Red Alert --- same \\
Chicken foot on doubles & Optional house variant & Subspace Fracture ---
opt-in; scope: Own Trail / All Captains / All Doubles \\
Own trail before opponents & Optional Deluxe variant & House rule ---
opt-in \\
NZ after all trails & Optional Deluxe variant & House rule --- opt-in \\
Beacon clears on any play & Optional Deluxe variant & House rule ---
opt-in \\
Round starter plays two & Optional Deluxe variant & House rule ---
opt-in \\
0-0 anomaly & --- & Continuum --- Official Warp preset \\
Highest-double Salamander Penalty & --- & Salamander --- Official Warp
preset \\
NZ win announcement & --- & All Stop! ceremony --- Official Warp
preset \\
One coordinate left announce & --- & Drop to Impulse --- Official Warp preset
(1-coordinate catch) \\
Double-blank (0-0) score & 50 (tournament standard) & Setup option 50 /
25 / 0 --- Official Warp preset uses 0 (Continuum trigger) \\
Blocked boneyard & Round ends, all score & Blocked sector --- same \\
AI officers / tactical advisor & --- & Section VII --- digital only \\
Solo TEI vs AI & --- & Section VIII --- iwgf.org; unassisted matches
only \\
Online TEI (human pool) & --- & Section VIII --- auto-rated when all
captains are signed in and any AI are Ensign--Commander \\
Crew / charter TEI & --- & Section VIII --- group TEI via leaderboard
crews + officiated or online rated sectors \\
Global Official TEI & --- & Section VIII --- open charter; updates crew
+ global human pool \\
Subspace messaging & --- & Section IX --- quick hails always;
free-form/DMs in lobby, casual, and post-game only \\
\end{longtable}


\end{document}