Hey guys! So you're diving into the competitive world of Super Smash Bros. Melee, huh? Awesome! But before you start throwing down those sick wavedashes and shine spikes, it's crucial to understand the rules that govern these epic showdowns. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Melee tournament rules, ensuring you're not only a skilled player but also a knowledgeable and respectful competitor. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to make your mark, understanding these rules is the first step to becoming a true Melee master.

General Tournament Rules

Alright, let's kick things off with the general rules that apply to pretty much every Melee tournament out there. These are the fundamental guidelines that keep things fair and competitive for everyone involved.

Tournament Format

Most Melee tournaments follow a double-elimination bracket. What does that mean? Simple: you have to lose twice to be out of the tournament. Your first loss sends you to the loser's bracket, where you battle it out against other players who have also lost. Winning in the loser's bracket keeps you in the tournament, giving you a chance to climb back up and even win the whole thing! This format ensures that players get a fair shot, even if they have a rough start.

Seeding is another important aspect. Players are usually seeded based on their past performance and skill level. Higher-ranked players get favorable positions in the bracket, while lower-ranked players have to fight their way up. This helps ensure that the best players are more likely to meet in the later stages of the tournament.

Match Format

Matches are typically best-of-three (Bo3), meaning the first player to win two games wins the match. However, important matches like Winners Finals, Losers Finals, and Grand Finals are often best-of-five (Bo5). This adds more weight to these crucial matches, requiring players to adapt and strategize over a longer series of games.

Before each match, players usually go through a stage striking process (more on that later) to determine where they'll play. After each game, the winner usually gets to ban one or two stages (depending on the ruleset) to limit the opponent's options.

Game Settings

These settings are the foundation of every match, ensuring consistency and fairness.

• Stock: 4
• Time: 8 minutes
• Handicap: Off
• Damage Ratio: 1.0
• Items: Off
• Pause: Off
• Team Attack: On (for doubles)
• Controller Ports: Decided by Rock-Paper-Scissors, or determined before the set.

These settings are almost universally used in Melee tournaments, so you can expect to see them wherever you compete.

Stage Selection

Choosing the right stage can significantly impact the outcome of a match. The stage striking process is designed to give both players a fair say in where they play.

Stage Striking

Stage striking is the process of eliminating stages from a pre-determined list to decide where the match will be played. The most common method is the 1-2-1 striking system. Here’s how it works:

1. Rock-Paper-Scissors: Players play Rock-Paper-Scissors (Bo1) to determine who strikes first. The winner of RPS strikes first.
2. First Strike: The winner of RPS strikes (bans) one stage from the starter stage list.
3. Second Strike: The loser of RPS strikes two stages from the starter stage list.
4. Final Strike: The winner of RPS strikes one more stage from the starter stage list. The remaining stage is where the first game will be played.

This system ensures that both players have a say in the stage selection process, preventing one player from dominating the stage choice.

Stage List

The stage list is divided into two categories: Starter Stages and Counterpick Stages.

• Starter Stages: These are considered neutral stages that are generally fair for all characters. The most common starter stages are:
  • Battlefield
  • Final Destination
  • Fountain of Dreams
  • Pokémon Stadium
  • Yoshi's Story
• Counterpick Stages: These stages are often more advantageous for certain characters or playstyles. They can only be chosen after the first game of a set. Common counterpick stages include:
  • Dream Land
  • Battlefield
  • Final Destination
  • Pokémon Stadium
  • Yoshi's Story

The specific stage list can vary slightly depending on the tournament, so always check the official rules beforehand.

Stage Bans

After each game, the winner of that game gets to ban a stage from the entire stage list. The number of stages that can be banned can vary, but it's commonly one or two. This prevents the loser from being able to counterpick to a stage they are comfortable on. The loser of the previous game then gets to pick the stage for the next game from the remaining stages.

Gentleman's Clause

The Gentleman's Clause is an unspoken agreement between players. It allows players to agree to play on any stage, even if it's not on the official stage list. However, both players must agree to it. This is usually used for friendlies, but can also be used in tournament matches if both players are feeling adventurous.

Character Selection

Character selection is a crucial part of the pre-match process. Here’s how it typically works:

Double-Blind Character Selection

In some high-stakes matches, a double-blind character selection may be used. This means that both players secretly tell a third party (usually a tournament organizer) their character choice. The third party then announces the characters simultaneously. This prevents either player from counterpicking based on the other player's choice, adding an element of surprise and strategy.

Announce Character

In most cases, players simply announce their character choice to each other before the match begins. This allows for counterpicking and adds a layer of mind games to the competition.

Character Lock

Once a player has won a game, they are usually character locked. This means they must stick with the same character for the next game. The loser, however, can switch characters if they choose.

Rule Variations and Clarifications

While the above rules are fairly standard, there are some variations and clarifications that you should be aware of.

Wobbling

Wobbling is a controversial technique involving Ice Climbers that can lead to infinite grabs. Some tournaments ban wobbling to prevent matches from being stalled out. Be sure to check the tournament rules to see if wobbling is allowed.

Glitches

Exploiting glitches is generally banned in tournaments. This includes glitches that allow players to clip through walls, become invincible, or otherwise gain an unfair advantage. The goal is to keep the game fair and competitive, so any form of glitch exploitation is usually frowned upon.

Stalling

Stalling refers to any action that intentionally delays the game without actively engaging with the opponent. This can include running away for extended periods or using techniques to avoid being hit. Stalling is generally discouraged and can result in penalties.

Collusion

Collusion, or intentionally throwing a match, is strictly prohibited. This undermines the integrity of the tournament and is considered a serious offense. Players caught colluding may face disqualification and even bans from future events.

Coaching

Whether or not coaching is allowed can vary from tournament to tournament. Some tournaments allow coaching between games, while others prohibit it altogether. Be sure to check the rules beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

Etiquette and Conduct

Beyond the official rules, there are also certain expectations for player behavior and etiquette.

Respect Your Opponent

Always treat your opponent with respect, regardless of whether you win or lose. Avoid trash-talking, taunting, or any other behavior that could be considered disrespectful.

Be on Time

Punctuality is key. Be on time for your matches to avoid delays and show respect for your opponent and the tournament organizers.

Report Your Scores

After each match, be sure to report your scores to the tournament organizers. This helps keep the tournament running smoothly and ensures that everyone gets credit for their wins.

Listen to Tournament Organizers

Tournament organizers are there to help ensure that everything runs smoothly. Listen to their instructions and follow their guidance.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules of Super Smash Bros. Melee tournaments is essential for any aspiring competitor. By familiarizing yourself with the general rules, stage selection process, character selection process, and etiquette guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to compete at any level. So go out there, practice hard, and show the world what you've got! Remember to always respect your opponents and have fun. Good luck, and may the best player win!