Understanding the Order of Merit
Learn how merit points reward consistent play and strong opponents across an entire season
The Order of Merit is a cumulative ranking system that rewards both quantity and quality of play. Unlike ratings (which go up and down), merit points only accumulate, giving players an incentive to play as many matches as possible against strong opponents.
How Merit Points Are Calculated
For every singles match you play, you earn merit points based on your opponent's rating and the closeness of the match:
Merit = (Opponent Rating / 10) x Discount Factor
A player rated 1200 is worth 120 base merit points. If you win 3-0, you get the full 120 points (discount factor 1.0). A 3-2 win yields 90 points (factor 0.75).
Consolation Points for Losses
You can still earn merit points even when losing, depending on how competitive the match was:
- 2-3 loss: 25% of merit value
- 1-3 loss: 10% of merit value
- 0-3 loss: 0% (no consolation points)
This means a competitive loss to a strong opponent still rewards your effort, while a clean sweep yields nothing extra.
Annual Reset
Merit standings reset on January 1st by default, though clubs can configure their own reset date. This creates natural seasons and keeps the competition fresh year-round.
Strategy: Quantity vs. Quality
The Order of Merit rewards both approaches. Playing many matches accumulates points steadily, while playing fewer matches against higher-rated opponents can yield large individual payouts. The best strategy combines both: play often and seek strong competition.