After some discussion in the Designers forum, we are changing some of the basic CBC rules. The intention of the changes is to make the Citybuilding games' contests more available to new players.

The first change is that after two wins on "easy" the player must advance to the "hard" division. This is to encourage the shy new players to submit lower scored submissions. So many players have started with easy and have graduated to hard! We forget how GOOD the old timers are at playing these games. Some old timers are ready to graduate to hard level without wins!

Along with the general idea to appeal to new CB players, some designers will open a second thread for their contests. In this thread the noobs can write general questions. They should not expect a play-by-play program for playing the contest. They can, in these discussion threads, ask general questions. A reply would be either a link to a good source, an explanation of how game features work, how to upload, discuss quite a bit but not be a program for how to DO the contest.
Discussing/Revealing one's scores is NOT going to be permitted till after the contest closes.

The Designer rules when it comes to the discussion. Some designers will not like open early discussion. The hard level players might choose to not look at the tips thread. (they probably know the features already) Your cue for permission to ask questions is to look for a discussion thread with the contest name. I'm asking the designers to be clear about their wishes for early tips. Don't feel badly if the designer edits your post if you become too specific in city planning.

Share the fun! Let's have some new players!