Er.. Clan?
This is the simple term used to refer to a team of players who play online, or on a LAN and normally against another Clan. Each Clan usually has a team captain (or Leader) and they normally have their own web page where they put up information about themselves, members and contact details.

Isn't this kind of "sad"... why do people do this?
One of the biggest problems with playing games on the internet is the sheer diversity of players that you come across - recent studies have shown that the majority of computer gamers you will find on the net and indeed those that play games in general are a lot older than you think (25+).

Due to the sometimes vast age difference in the players this can invariably and often does, lead to clashes online. Don't be surprised if a hot headed teenager who's been playing games for a few years thinks that they are better than everyone else on the server when they join it and then starts to accuse people of cheating when they are beaten by more experienced (but older) players.

Some players insist on messing things for everyone all the time, some only ruin things when they get beaten but won't admit that they aren't as good as they thought. Others can suffer from permanent "leadership syndrome" and think that everyone should do as they say or have no interest in even playing the game how it was intended. Disruptive behavior isn't the sole domain of the younger generation - its somewhat across the board (though generally the older players are the less likely they fall into this category).

All of this often results in a variation in the quality of the games that you can play and is one of the reasons why people can end up playing in Clans.

Clan matches are totally different to playing on a public server as all concerned want to play the game properly and the way it was intended. There is often a "team" spirit involved with friendly jibes and taunting between the players before and during the match. Many clans will end up playing against each other on a regular basis - often because they all got on so well the first time they played against each other.

Clan gaming is also developing into a form of "sport" and is becoming vastly competitive. There are one or two Clans (4 Kings for example) that have even achieved professional sponsorship to finance their activities. Some competitions have cash prizes at stake so something that may once have seemed a bit "geeky" is in fact rapidly becoming an actual, and potentially well paid job.

Joining and being in a clan
Most clans have "criteria" that you must fulfill to be able to join - many for example won't even give you the time of the day unless your internet connection is for example, broadband. Other routes include proving yourself to the people already in it - i.e.. show you can cut the mustard and they may ask you to join.

Clans often launch on "recruitment drives" and this can be an easier route to joining that just roaming around trying to prove yourself. You will normally have to show up to a practice session or a "friendly" between the clan and another team and they will allow you to play on their side and see how good you are. After all, anyone can "say" they are good, its only by proving it will you justify what you claim. Don't expect it to be a one match quick answer scenario either - you may have to attend several matches before the clan concerned will decide or not.

A key thing to remember is that clans are almost exclusively run by, and contain, very experienced players who can spot cheats, idiots and time wasters very easily. They joined the clan to escape such people and as such almost have a 6th sense when it comes to spotting them so if you fall into this category then don't bother trying to sign up. Clans also exchange views and opinions on other clan players as well - in the Clan world there well known stories of "respected" players caught cheating and as such have been practically "banned" by every clan from joining them.

The bottom line: being in a clan is great when you achieve it (you'll probably never return to playing on your own ever again, and you will really enjoy playing your chosen game) but treasure it immensely, because if you get kicked out it can be EXTREMELY hard to join another one.

OK, I want my own Clan, what do I need to do?
Not a problem - simply get yourself some team members, come up with a name (make sure it's not used already) and off you go!. You'll need to set yourself up a website as well (as no self respecting clan should be without one!)

What rules do we have to follow?
Well, the rules of the clan are those that you make yourselves. Some clans take this part of "membership" very seriously (some "rules" documents are in the 10's of pages!) and to our eyes somewhat too seriously - it is after all only a game and should be fun to play. Putting in draconian rules may sound great but will invariably cause other players to avoid you like the plague. Rules should be simple and not require a year of reading to remember them. The age old phrase Keep It Simple (KIS) is key here. As an idea, some "basic rules" could be:

• Play in a fashion that is courteous to other players at all times.
• Show a level of maturity when playing.
• Take part in the clan - attend matches and practice sessions.
• Lighten up! - don't take things too seriously.

What are "structures"?
A Clan structures is effectively a chain of command. Not all clans have them and its totally up to the clan if they want them. Some people hate them - clans have been known to take them to the absolute extreme and have a actually armed forces style structure and reporting lines. Even a clan with no clearly defined "structure" still has a chain of command - everyone reports to the clan leader.

Some clans have designated roles - one person (or several) may be responsible for coordinating matches etc, others may responsible for recruitment and vetting players. Whatever you decide, the structure should not affect or be so complicated that it gets in the way of the operation of the team. After all, when playing - would you rather your team players took on the enemy or ran away looking for their superior to ask what to do?.

What are Leagues?
This is simple really as they are basically league tables just like you would find in any sport - if you are playing in one - you want to be at the top (naturally!). Your teams performance in matches that you play against other members of the same league determine your position in that league. Simple

Ready to join a clan