The ANZBGF Whanganui is a bi-monthly 6-round Swiss format event. Match lengths are 11 points and scores are based upon the loser's match score. A players score for a match is based on the loser's match score. The loser receives his match score while the winner receives 30 - loser's score. In the second and subsequent rounds players are ranked by the cumulative scores with the top scoring players paired together and so on down the line to the lowest scoring players. No player will play the same opponent twice in the same tournament.

For the first 4 rounds, when a match has not been played by the deadline a forfeit score of up to 20 points will be awarded each player, dependent on the scheduling efforts of each player. Matches scheduled late will not receive the maximum award.

In the final 3 rounds a maximum forfeit score will be awarded of up to 20 points or the player's average score in the first 5 rounds, whichever is the greater.

Forfeited matches may be played during the following round for the first 4 rounds, in which case the match score will replace the forfeit scores. Players who need an extension for the final 3 rounds must contact the host.