Pairing Algorithms

ScoreBB supports multiple pairing algorithms to suit different tournament formats. Understanding how each one works will help you choose the right approach for your event.

Swiss (Monrad)

The Monrad system pairs adjacent participants by standings: 1st vs 2nd, 3rd vs 4th, and so on.

How it works:

1. Participants are sorted by total points, then by configured tiebreakers
2. The top two unpaired participants are matched together
3. If they've already played, the system tries the next available opponent
4. Continues until all participants are paired

Characteristics:

• Top participants tend to clash earlier in the tournament
• Creates more decisive matchups between closely-ranked players
• Rematch avoidance may cause some pairing adjustments

Best for:

• Smaller tournaments where you want quick separation
• Events where top contenders meeting early is acceptable
• Formats where decisive head-to-head results matter most

Swiss (Dutch)

The Dutch system groups participants by score, then pairs the top half of each group against the bottom half.

How it works:

1. Participants are grouped by their total points
2. Within each score group, participants are sorted by tiebreakers
3. The top half pairs against the bottom half: 1v5, 2v6, 3v7, 4v8 (in an 8-participant group)
4. Floaters (odd participants from a group) drop to the next score group

Characteristics:

• Top participants stay apart longer in the tournament
• Creates more varied matchups within score groups
• Generally preferred for larger Swiss tournaments

Best for:

• Larger tournaments (16+ participants)
• Events where you want top players to meet in later rounds
• Minimising early elimination of top contenders

Random

Randomly shuffles all participants with no consideration for standings or previous opponents.

How it works:

1. All available participants are shuffled randomly
2. Pairs are created in order from the shuffled list

Characteristics:

• No standings-based logic
• Rematches are possible
• Completely unpredictable pairings

Best for:

• Round 1 of a tournament (recommended default)
• Casual events where standings don't matter
• When you want maximum variety

Choosing an Algorithm

Rematch Avoidance

Both Swiss algorithms (Monrad and Dutch) automatically avoid rematches when possible:

1. The system first tries to find pairings with no rematches
2. If that's impossible (e.g., in later rounds with few participants), rematches are allowed
3. The backtracking algorithm ensures optimal pairings within these constraints

Byes

When there's an odd number of participants:

1. The lowest-ranked participant who hasn't had a bye receives one
2. If everyone has had a bye, the participant with the fewest byes gets one
3. Byes award full points (configured per tournament)

Tiebreakers in Pairing

Pairing algorithms use your tournament's configured tiebreaker order when sorting participants:

1. Total points is always the primary sort
2. Your configured tiebreakers break ties (e.g., strength of schedule, touchdowns)
3. This ensures consistent, predictable pairing behaviour

See your tournament's Preferences tab to configure tiebreaker order.