Why can't I spectate Hide and Seek ?

(Holy moly, I didn't realize the post was that long before I posted it lol)

It's very normal to kick people in hide and seek if you're already 7 people, but I agree they should definitely not kick spectators. Viewing a random game will usually not result in a perfect view of the game though, as there are always people making mistakes, and since you can't see chat those mistakes don't get called out to you.

For example, the grace period is 30 seconds after respawn. Usually people are supposed to say "grace" when they respawn so that the seekers have an easier time calculating the final grace period, but most people don't do it because they're lazy. This only happens in chat, so it's very hard to realize.

If you want the overall rules, here goes:

2 seekers try to kill 5 hiders over a period of 40 minutes. Each hider has 5 health each, and once they have died 5 times (or gotten deaths + penalties up to a total score of 5), they're out, and can't interact with the game anymore.

There are some prebans, usually called out before a game starts, that cannot be picked. This doesn't mean those have to get banned though, as they are already banned by the game owner. Obvious examples are Teemo, Evelynn, and sometimes Shaco and Master Yi.

The hiders start right away, while the seekers need to wait for the 2 minute mark to give the hiders a headstart in getting out and hiding. This means realistically that the total amount of time to kill everyone 5 times is 38 minutes. This means roughly 1.5 kills every minute is required to actually win. This gets easier towards the end when seekers get good items.

The hiders aren't allowed to go back to base before death, and they aren't allowed to max skills that only do damage if you level them up (hello Alistar). Allowed skills includes: All abilities that apply a slow, stun, root, charm, polymorph, or fear. All displacement abilities (pushback, pulls and knockup). Certain juking skills like Akali's ultimate are allowed to be levelled once because of their utility in escaping. All mobility abilities. Auto attacks are not allowed.

There is a 30 second grace period where the seekers cannot follow, attack or otherwise try to corner the hider leaving the base after respawn. The hider is supposed to say "grace" the moment after respawning so that it's easy for the seekers to know when it's okay to start hunting them. When there's only one hider left, the seekers usually return to base after a kill, so the hider has all the map to hide in and don't accidently stumble upon the seekers.

It's considered bad manners to go after the seekers with abilities, like Blitzcrank randomly appearing out of a bush when a seeker is trying to get the mid buff, and pulling him only to knock him up and run away. It's also considered rude to pile the seekers with abilities that do heavy damage, even if you're trying to CC them. A golden rule is to only have one helper (max 2 hiders can apply CC in a chase at a time).

Movement speed boosting items are only allowed after 15 minute mark, and oracle is only allowed after the 20 minute mark. In some games hiders are only allowed to have one defensive item, but this needs to be called out before game starts.

Remember, the overall goal is to be as sportsmanlike as possible and have fun, wins and losses doesn't really matter that much to those of us who are dedicated to the gamemode. Only that everyone has a great game.

Add me if you ever want to play hide and seek, I am pretty good at both hiding and seeking, and I love that more people want to join in on the fun. :) Just remember, if we manage to come together and create a couple of friends who are interested in playing it for fun, we will have great games and avoid the trolls ;)