Ribs are my worst catagory and I have to believe it is a evident by the input in this thread. Texas is a big state and I feel that regionally, across the state, styles differ. We cooked an IBCA comp. 2 weeks ago and I had the opportunity to spend some time with the local IBCA rep in the Houston area. I personally directed the conversations towards ribs. He did confirm that IBCA does NOT allow biting into a ribs; plastic fork and knife, which is supported above. He also stated that he was seeing a wet (not pooling) and sweet rib winning. I tried to sweeten my ribs with a maple sugar/habenero glaze. Got 1st in brisket 3rd in chicken and reserve grand. Ribs made it to the final table. Still confused .