What is a strike?
A strike is a formal mark added to your StartPlaying account when you violate the Code of Conduct or Terms of Service.
Strikes are part of StartPlaying's three-strike policy. They are only visible to StartPlaying staff. Other users, players, and GMs cannot see if you have a strike on your account.
You will always be notified by email from support@startplayinggames.com if a strike is added to your account.
What can result in a strike?
Strikes can be issued for violations of StartPlaying's rules, including but not limited to:
Code of Conduct violations
Harassment, disrespectful behavior, no-call/no-show on sessions, or other community rule violations
Search Manipulation
Listing sessions you do not intend to run in order to gain visibility on the Find Games page. See What is Search Manipulation?
Table Splitting
oving players off the StartPlaying platform to avoid fees. See What is Table Splitting?
Mature content policy violations
Listing or running games with content that violates StartPlaying's content policies. See Mature Content Policy
Other Terms of Service violations
This includes review manipulation, use of unauthorized artwork, or other breaches outlined in the Terms of Service
Note: Some behaviors are serious enough to result in an immediate, permanent ban without going through the three-strikes process. This decision is made at the discretion of the Head of Customer Experience.
How does the three-strike policy work?
StartPlaying operates a three-strike policy for all users:
Strike 1 = A formal warning. You will be notified by email with details of the violation.
Strike 2 = A second formal warning. You will be notified by email.
Strike 3 = Grounds for permanent removal from StartPlaying.
Each case is reviewed individually. Not every violation automatically results in a strike. The Support team assesses each situation before taking action.
What does a strike affect on my account?
Active strikes can impact your standing on StartPlaying in the following ways:
Top GM Status
You are not eligible for Top GM Status if you have received a strike in the last 6 months. See What is Top GM Status? for full eligibility criteria.
Account standing
Accumulating three strikes is grounds for permanent removal from the platform.
Strikes are not visible to players or other GMs and do not affect your public profile, listing visibility, or search placement.
Do strikes expire?
For the purpose of Top GM Status eligibility, a strike is considered active for 6 months from the date it was issued. After 6 months, it no longer blocks Top GM eligibility.
If you are unsure whether a strike on your account is still within its active window, contact Support and they can confirm your current standing.
I have a question or concern about a strike on my account. What should I do?
If you received a strike and believe it was issued in error, or have questions about how a past strike may affect your account, reach out to the Support team:
Use the chat button on this page, or
Email support@startplayinggames.com with the subject line "Strike Question"
Please include your account email address and a brief description of the situation. The Support team will review and respond during business hours, Monday–Friday 9AM–6PM EST.
Tip: If you're asking about a strike in the context of Top GM eligibility, let the team know. They can confirm whether your strike is still within its 6-month active window.