Help & Documentation
Learn how ratings, leagues, and scoring work
Standard Rating System
Our rating system uses a points-based approach where players gain points for wins and lose points for losses. The amount of points exchanged depends on two key factors: the rating difference between players and how close the match was.
Rating Bands
| Rating Difference | Higher-Rated Wins | Lower-Rated Wins (Upset) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 25 | 8 | 8 |
| 26 – 50 | 7 | 10 |
| 51 – 100 | 5 | 12 |
| 101 – 150 | 3 | 15 |
| 151 – 200 | 2 | 20 |
| 201 – 250 | 1 | 26 |
| 251 – 500 | 0.5 | 32 |
| 501+ | 0 | 64 |
The bigger the rating gap, the fewer points a favourite gains for winning, but the more points an underdog gains for an upset victory.
Match Format Discounts
| Format | Win Multiplier | Lose Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best of 5: 3-0 | 100% | 100% | Full points |
| Best of 5: 3-1 | 90% | 90% | 90% of base points |
| Best of 5: 3-2 | 75% | 75% | 75% of base points |
| Best of 7: 4-0 | 100% | 100% | Full points |
| Best of 7: 4-1 | 90% | 90% | 90% of base points |
| Best of 7: 4-2 | 75% | 75% | 75% of base points |
| Best of 7: 4-3 | 50% | 50% | 50% of base points |
Different match formats apply different multipliers to encourage competitive play.
Special Rules
Play Compensation
Both players receive +2 points per match against opponents within ±500 rating points. This compensates for "rating drain" when improving players leave the system.
Upset Bonus
Lower-rated players who win receive more points than higher-rated winners (see Rating Bands table). This creates natural rating mobility.
Merit Points
Separate from ratings, merit points track annual success. Winners earn (Opponent Rating ÷ 10) × Discount Factor. Losers can earn consolation points for close matches.
Example Calculation
Player A (Winner)
Alice
Rating: 1050
Player B (Loser)
Bob
Rating: 1000
Step-by-Step:
- Rating difference: 1050 - 1000 = 50 points (Band: 26-50)
- Base points for this band: 7 points (higher wins) / 10 points (lower wins)
- Alice won, so she gains base points: 7
- Match result was 3-1, so discount factor = 0.9
- Points exchanged: 7 × 0.9 = 6.3 points
- Play compensation: Both players within ±500, so +2 each
- Final change: Alice +8.3, Bob -4.3
Winner
1058
(+8)
Loser
996
(-4)
Expected Win Percentages
The rating difference gives an indication of expected winning percentage:
| Your Rating Advantage | Your Win % |
|---|---|
| 0 to 25 | 50% |
| 25 to 50 | 59% |
| 50 to 100 | 71% |
| 100 to 150 | 83% |
| 150 to 200 | 91% |
| 200 to 250 | 96% |
| 250 to 500 | 98% |
| Over 500 | ~100% |
Merit Consolation Points
Losing players earn consolation merit points for close matches. The closer the loss, the more merit you receive:
| Loss Result | Merit Earned (% of winner |
|---|---|
| 0-3 loss | 0% |
| 1-3 loss | 10% |
| 2-3 loss | 25% |