At the end of each episode, all contestants attend Pirates' Court to determine who will be eliminated. Prior to a court proceeding, the Captain distributes letters to the other contestants, three of which contain a black ink blot (called a "black spot"). The three contestants receiving black spots are nominated to be voted off and cannot take part in the voting process that follows; the captain and officers are not allowed to vote either.
At the conclusion of each episode, all participants gather at Pirates' Court to decide who will be eliminated. Before a court session, the Captain distributes letters to the other contestants, three of which contain a black ink smudge (referred to as a "black spot"). The three contestants receiving black spots are designated to be voted off and cannot participate in the subsequent voting process; the captain and officers are also barred from voting.