Start of Game Procedure

Tournament Rules section 406 — 19 rules. From Riot's Tournament Rules for sanctioned events, last updated October 9, 2026.

406.1.: The setup process for a game of Riftbound is defined in the Core Rules. See CR 110. Setup Process. Additionally:
406.1.a.: In competitions where sideboards are allowed, players may exchange cards from their main deck and their sideboard after each game of a match. See 403 for more information on sideboards.
406.1.b.: If a game ends in a draw, players must use the same battlefields for the following game.
406.1.c.: If a game ends due to a game loss penalty after players have selected and revealed their battlefields, players must use different battlefields for any following games in the match.
406.1.d.: Each player must shuffle their Main Deck and their Rune Deck. See 421 for more information on shuffling.
406.1.e.: Each player must present their Main Deck, Rune Deck, and sideboard (if applicable to the format) to their opponents.
406.1.f.: Each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of each of their opponents.
406.1.f.1.: In team competitions, each player may shuffle the Main Deck and Rune Deck of one of their team’s opponents.
406.1.f.2.: At Professional OPL, this is required.
406.1.f.3.: A player may request a judge shuffle their deck in lieu of an opponent, to be honored at judge discretion.
406.1.g.: For the first game of a match, start of game procedures may be performed as soon as both players reach their assigned seat, even before the start of the round clock. Gameplay must wait for the round clock to begin.
406.1.h.: For competitions run using a “best of 1” format instead of a “best of 3” format, the head judge may opt to use the altered initial setup process listed below to closer mirror the “best of 3” experience:
406.1.h.1.: Each player separates their Champion Legend and places it in the Legend Zone.
406.1.h.2.: Each player randomly selects one of their three Battlefields, and places it into the Battlefield Zone.
406.1.h.3.: Players use the Play First Rule listed below to determine the designated player. See 407 for more information on the Play First Rule.
406.1.h.4.: The designated player chooses if they would like to go first or last.
406.1.h.5.: Players then have the opportunity to sideboard as if they were in between games of a “best of 3” match. See 403 for more information on sideboards.
406.1.h.6.: After sideboarding is complete, each player separates their Chosen Champion and places it in the Champion Zone.
406.1.h.7.: Players perform shuffling steps 406.1.d.-406.1.f.3. listed above, then proceed to CR 110. Setup Process.