How do I play an XSNsports.com game?
The first thing you need to know is that you don't actually play games on the XSNsports.com website. The site makes it possible for you to organize seasons and tournaments that you then play over the Xbox Live™ service, using your Xbox console.
So, now that we've got that straight
- Sign in to the XSNsports.com website, and then join a season or tournament.
- On the Competition Home page, click the My Schedule/Results link to see a list of your opponents. You'll need to make note of...
- Your opponent's gamertag
- The name of the competition you're playing in
- The competition password (that's the string of numbers just below the competition name)
- The round settings
- To play an opponent on your schedule, go back to your Xbox console, fire up the appropriate XSN Sports game, and log on to the Xbox Live™ service. On the Xbox Live menu, choose to play an XSNsports.com game. You'll be asked to enter the competition name, password & round settings that you got from the website. (remember Step 2?)
- Add your opponent's gamertag to your Xbox Live Friends list, and then send him or her a game invitation.
- After the game, your results will be posted automatically to the XSNsports.com website. Although there can be delays with the results reporting, you generally will see your updated information within 30 minutes of the end of your game.
How do I get in touch with my opponent to set up a game?
The Competition Schedule lets you know who you'll play next and gives you a deadline for completing that game. However, it doesn't tell you exactly when you'll be playing--that part's up to you and your opponent. To contact your opponent and set a date, you can:
- Contact him/her through the CSL Forums.
- Leave a message for him/her using the XSNsports.com website.
- Add him to your Xbox Live™ Friends list, and then send a game invite.
- Contact him/her directly, if you know his/her e-mail address, IM name, phone number, or favorite coffee shop.
What's up with the schedules and deadlines?
It's like this. A season schedule consists of both a regular season and playoffs. A tournament schedule just has playoffs.
All regular-season games must be completed before the deadline listed on the schedule--there's just the one, single deadline for all these games. You can complete the games in any order, as long as you do it before that deadline. Likewise, each round of a tournament or season playoff has a deadline--play the games in any order, but get them in before the drop-dead date.
If you don't finish a game before the deadline, the winner will be decided by a coin toss. And, not only will you be leaving your gaming fate to chance, but your sportsmanship rating will suffer for missing the game.
What is a round-settings code?
When you sign up for a Links® 2004 or Top Spin™ competition, you'll receive a round-settings code on the website. You'll need to enter that code when you go to play your competition. That code ensures you'll be playing with the right settings for your competition, such as which Links 2004 course or which Top Spin venue to use. Be careful not to use an old or incorrect round-setting code, or your game results will not count.
I won't be able to play one of my scheduled games. What should I do?
If you can't make your scheduled game, go to the Competition Home page. Click My Schedule/Results, and then click the Forfeit Game link beside the game that you won't be able to play. Remember that forfeiting a game will not have a negative effect on your sportsmanship rating. But not showing up? That definitely will.
What happens if neither my opponent nor I can play our game before the deadline?
In the event of a double no-show, the winner of the game is decided at random.
I've joined a competition, but I'm tired of playing. Can I quit?
Nope. No quitters here. Oh, okay. If by some strange circumstance you really do need to leave the competition, go to the Competition Home page and click Quit Competition. You also can list a reason for leaving, if you like.
But, be warned! When you quit, you automatically forfeit all of your remaining games in that competition. Also, if you drop out after the competition becomes active and before you post a score, your sportsmanship rating will drop. However, if you drop out before it activates, then you won’t suffer any negative affects to your sportsmanship rating.
