We've all been there before; the clock is ticking down, but you're halfway through a very close match with your honor and integrity on the line. The bomb timer is ticking, but Shabbat is quickly approaching. Gaming falls under several types of melachot, and is thus disallowed during the time of the shabbat.

So let’s go over a couple of scenarios…

1. You are on match point, but Shabbat is due to start in 10 seconds. You now have to let your Eastern European teammates know about the impending problem.
   
   Answer: Do not fear. Eastern Europeans are famously understanding towards Jewish values and traditions. However, remember to type this quickly to them (writing is a form of melachah). Then promptly disconnect and power down your PC and enjoy your day of rest.
   
   
2. You’ve just started, and you’re in a lobby full of Turkish players. Foolishly, you misread the clock and realize you’ll only be able to play one or two rounds before having to leave.
   
   Answer: Do not fear. Turkish players are famously understanding towards Jewish values and traditions. You approach them with something like this:
   
   

   Originally posted by You:

   Guys, I need to disconnect soon. Shabbat is nearly here, and I may miss candle lighting.

   Originally posted by Friendly Teammate:

   No worries. We completely understand and support the State of Israel and its long history and traditions. But we may blame you if we lose this game.

   Originally posted by You, but in a happy mood:

   It’s okay; I’m always the scapegoat anyway.

I get it, sometime either your teammates or your enemies open their mouths and nothing but long historical references to times long gone come out.

Trash talk is part of the game.

But we want to avoid it devolving into a lashon hara. How can you resist the urge to tell that baiter on your team to "get out of your rat hole and face the music"?

Answer: Get creative. You can still have all fun banter with your goy friends, just without violating the commandments. For instance:

• Instead of "your bad," try, "It's like shooting fish in open air pr-barrel, my friend."
  
• Instead of "ez" just say: “Another W, perhaps you try diplomacy next time, my friend.”

UH OH! You're in the middle of the clutch and suddenly your phone pings!!! It's time for mid-day prayer!! - mincha!!!

Oy vey, do not worry. Relax. Valve has built this feature just for us. Call a quick timeout and explain to your teammate that it's time for mincha. They will undoubtedly understand and press F1.

ON THE OCCASIONS THAT ONE OF THEM ACCIDENTALLY PRESSES F2.

Just breath. It'll be ok. Finish the round, say a quick modeh ani after that amazing clutch then proceed to the mincha. It's all about balance.

Remember. When prayer pings, timeout begins.