This is a cool idea. But I'm still not clear on how you define 'new player'
That sounds like a great idea! I think the best way to classify as a 'noob' is either
1. They say they are a noob (new to the game in their introduction thread, if they posted one)
2. Played the game < 2 weeks (could be 4 weeks also or some other number)
3. They have < X upgraded cards (X to be decided)
Worst case scenario for these:
1. Too easy for someone with experience, who is new to the forums, to sneak through.
2. Possible. You may have a hard time finding enough people to participate - Not to mention convincing them to join a comp
3. 'I don't have upgraded cards...' (Not sure if there is a way to check this?)
Of course, that's a very negative approach to those ideas.
Other ideas that come to mind are:
- Score (Similar issue to upgraded cards)
- Honesty policy (Abusable...obviously)
I'm genuinely interested to see this idea come to fruition!