1. What is Operation: Winter Invasion?
Operation: Winter Invasion is a single-elimination online Call of Duty 2 tournament hosted by GameSpot. The tournament will have 16 teams consisting of five players each.

2. When is Operation: Winter Invasion?
Below is the complete tournament schedule. If you have registered for the tournament, you can verify the date and time of your next match by visiting My Headquarters.

Qualifying Rounds
Match 1 - Tues. 1/31 - 4:30 p.m. PT
Match 2 - Tues. 1/31 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - Tues. 1/31 - 5:30 p.m. PT
Match 4 - Tues. 1/31 - 6:00 p.m. PT

Match 5 - Wed. 2/1 - 5:30 p.m. PT
Match 6 - Wed. 2/1 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - Wed. 2/1 - 6:30 p.m. PT
Match 8 - Wed. 2/1 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Quarterfinals
Match 1 - Thurs. 2/2 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - Thurs. 2/2 - 5:30 p.m. PT
Match 3 - Thurs. 2/2 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - Thurs. 2/2 - 6:30 p.m. PT

Semifinals
Match 1 - Fri. 2/3 - 6:00 p.m. PT (TBD)*
Match 2 - Fri. 2/3 - 6:20 p.m. PT (TBD)*

Finals
Match - Fri. 2/3 - 6:45 p.m. PT (TBD)*

* During the semis and final matches we plan to start promptly at 6 p.m. PT, and we expect all matches to be played consecutively within a reasonable schedule. However, exact start times may vary based on the needs of the live GameSpot Tournament TV broadcast. Semifinals participants must be ready starting at 6 p.m.

3. Who can sign up for Operation: Winter Invasion?
The tournament is open to all GameSpot Complete and GameCenter subscribers. You must be 13 years of age or older and a resident of the United States or Canada to participate. We highly recommend that you commit to being available during all time slots for postqualifier rounds so that your team is able to progress in the tournament without risk of playing shorthanded.

4. Do I have to be in a team to sign up?
Every participant has a chance to sign up for the tournament and to create his or her own team. You are not required to know everyone on the team you choose; however, we do feel it is in your best interest to find people whom you know fairly well for the best competitive experience. For more information about how teams are formed, read question 12 below.

5. What are the prizes for the winners?

1st Place - Each member of the 1st-place team will receive a $300 gift certificate for Best Buy.

2nd Place - Each member of the 2nd-place team will receive a $100 gift certificate for Best Buy.

3rd Place - Each member of the two 3rd-place teams will receive a $50 gift certificate for Best Buy.

6. What is the match format?
Each match will utilize a "first to 11 points" scenario. The process is as follows:

• There will be a three-minute setup period that will take place when you arrive for your time slot. Both teams have five minutes to ready up from the time their match starts.
• Each match will start with a pistolbashing round, and the winner gets to choose which side their team plays first (Axis or Allies). If you are not familiar with the pistolbash method of determining sides, view this video clip for further details.
• The match will consist of two periods, each with 10 rounds. Both 10-round sets will utilize the same map as described (listed in item #9 below). After the first 10 rounds, the teams will switch sides.
• The first team to achieve 11 points wins the match and moves on in the brackets to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and so forth.

7. What are the tournament settings?

• Search & Destroy game type
• Friendly Fire ON
• Spectator Mode OFF
• Sniper limit 1
• Trench gun limit 1
• Smoke limit 1 (Trench gun carrier)

8. How are you scoring the tournament?
Score is determined by a round won, which is an earned win point. One of the following methods needs to be achieved to gain a win point:

• Attackers plant the bomb and defend it until it explodes
• Attackers kill all defending enemies (all five opponent players)
• Defenders defuse the bomb that has been planted
• Defenders kill all attacking enemies (all five opponent players)

9. What maps will be played?
Qualifiers: Burgundy
Quarterfinals: Toujane
Semifinals: Trainstation
Finals: Matmata

10. What if there is a tie?
If there is a tie, overtime will occur. When overtime occurs, the following will take place:

• A Pistolbash period will determine who will play which side.
• Teams will play six rounds; the one with the most rounds wins the match.
• Each team will play three rounds Allies, three rounds Axis, with a "half-time" in between to switch sides.
• If another tie occurs, another set of six rounds must be played in the same way to determine the winner.

11. Will each team get a chance to warm up before their match?
The server will be open 10 minutes before each match to allow for prejoining. Once the match begins, there will be a short five-minute warm-up to choose your appropriate team and sides.

12. What is a confirmed team?
A confirmed team is formed when a group of individuals register for a time slot in a GameSpot Tournament. A confirmed team is much like a locked roster when the players show up and play for the qualifying match. Members of the confirmed team may or may not already know each other. The time slots are given on a first come, first serve basis, so choose wisely when you register for the tournament. A person who is on the waiting list for a time slot for a team has the opportunity to join if someone does not show up for the qualifying match. To practice or discuss strategies, the confirmed team has the capability of communicating through GameSpot's My Headquarters or through live tournament chat.

13. I am in a clan, but none of my clanmates are GameSpot subscribers. What should I do?
GameSpot's subscriptions are only for individuals. Therefore, all of your clanmates who wish to participate in this tournament (or any subsequent tournaments) must subscribe to GameSpot individually. By the time registration opens for the tournament, you and your clan members should have already chosen a time slot; you should have all of your clan sign up as quickly as possible, since other subscribers could possibly join your desired time slot.

14. What happens if some of my teammates don't show up for a match?
If your team does not consist of four players for any given match, you and your team will be disqualified from the tournament. Therefore, it is extremely important that you communicate and practice with your confirmed team. After your initial qualifier match, no substitutes from outside the confirmed team will be accepted. A shorthanded team also has the option to forfeit.

15. Are no-shows during the final match still eligible for the prize?
Even if you are on the confirmed team roster, if you do not show up and participate for the final match, you will not be eligible for the prize.

16. If I do not show up for a match, can I still play in the finals if my team is still competing?
We encourage all players to play during their assigned matches. However, we will allow a player to return for the final match if he has missed only one match, as long he or she is listed on the confirmed team roster.

17. If I get disconnected, may a substitute take my place?
No. If you can reconnect to the server before the match finishes, you can continue to play on with your confirmed team. If a confirmed team has fewer than four players on their team from a server disconnect for more than two minutes, the team will forfeit. No substitutes from outside the confirmed team will be accepted after a match has begun.

18. What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will provide powerful tournament servers that are dedicated boxes specifically tuned for this event. These servers will be running on the West Coast and will be dedicated exclusively during the tournament.

19. Can I use voice or text chat during the match?
Team text and voice chat is accepted, but global text chat will be used only by tournament staff. Any team member participating in the tournament that chooses to ignore this rule may be disqualified at the discretion of the tournament staff.

20. I've registered for the tournament. What do I do next?
You will receive an e-mail message from us confirming your participation and time slot. It will also contain instructions for your next match. Note: You must check in on the tournament site before your time slot. Read on for more details about the check-in process.

21. Can I use a player name other than my GameSpot profile name?
Your player name on the server and in GameSpot chat MUST BE the exact same name as your registered profile name with GameSpot or GameCenter. If you log on to a tournament server with a different player name than what you have registered with on the tournament page, you will be removed from the tournament server.

22. How do I check in for my next match?
To participate, you must check in at least 15 minutes before your assigned time slot. To check in, make sure you are logged in to GameSpot.com, then simply visit the My Headquarters page in the tournament area and click on the "Check in" button to let us know that you're ready to play. You'll then see instructions on how to enter the GameSpot chat channel for roll call. Late arrivals and no-shows will give up their time slots to those on the waiting list. NO EXCEPTIONS! Official GameSpot Tournament staff will be identified with a crown next to their name in tournament chat. GameSpot also recommends leaving the tournament chat before your match begins, because the Java applet may minimize your game as a result of someone sending you a private message.

23. If I am put on the waiting list, how will I know if I am able to get in the tournament?
You will receive an e-mail stating that you are able to participate. However, because many tournament players do not show up for their matches, you should always show up and sign in during roll call for the time slot requested, even if you are only on the waiting list. This will ensure you maximum visibility to all staff who may be seeking a replacement for your time slot.

24. What do I need to do during roll call?
We have an automated roll call system that will allow you to sign in to notify us of your arrival. The earliest you can check in is 60 minutes before your time slot. If you are on the waiting list, you will also need to sign in to let us know you are available.

25. Do I have the option to choose my time slot for the quarterfinals, semifinals, or finals?
In order to keep the tournament process consistent, you will not be able to pick another time slot after your confirmed team plays in the qualifying round.

26. Will there be a seeding process?
No. Our automated system will define your next match based on your time slot, and by no other factor.

27. Is there a loser's bracket?
There will not be a loser's bracket in this tournament.

28. What happens if I make it into the later rounds, but don't show up on time?
If you want to be a part of this competition, attendance and timeliness are required. If you do not show up on time for a scheduled match, you will be disqualified and ineligible to win any prizes. An opponent scheduled to face a disqualified contestant (one who did not show up or was somehow otherwise disqualified) will be granted a win for the match.

29. How are you preventing players from cheating?
We recommend that all players record demos of their matches. This way you have a defense against players who may make accusations of you playing without honor. Also keep in mind that the Tournament TV semifinals and finals will have a minute or more delay to ensure the content is age-appropriate while it is being streamed to the Web site. Tournament admins will also be monitoring gameplay inside the server during all matches.

30. What other restrictions are there?
a. Any disorderly behavior disqualifies contestants from participation, finals, or prizes. Tournament staff members are the final arbiters in all situations, and they have the final say in every situation; this includes tournament chat. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in either the tournament chat or the game server.

b. No cheats or hacks of any kind are to be used. Players will be disqualified for using tricks (such as with the aid of teammates, bugs, or grenades) that allow them to access locations ordinarily unreachable.

c. Taking advantage of known exploits in the game is also considered cheating. Exploits in the game could be a variety of things, such as bugs that allow you to pass through or shoot through walls, doors, and windows. If a tournament staff member finds that you are cheating, you will be disqualified from the tournament immediately with no recourse for yourself.

d. Spectator mode is reserved for tournament staff only; no player should ever be in spectator mode.

e. Default models and skins will be used.

f. No binds are allowed that alter the map: no fog, no foliage. No more than two binds are allowed at any time. Bindings that are accepted include changes to the single-key gameplay configuration, or two keys bound for motion.

g. These rules are subject to change at any time. If any changes to the rules occur, you will be notified through the Tournament news page and a Tournament forum post; a time stamp will be on any Web pages that have been revised.