Choosing a League Format

Selecting the right league format is crucial for creating an engaging and fair experience for your players. Quke offers two primary league movement systems: Performance Points Leagues and Up/Down Leagues.

Performance Points Leagues

How It Works

In a Performance Points League, players earn points based on their performance and group difficulty:

• Performance Points: Based on win percentage or point percentage in each rotation
• Group Bonus Points: Additional points awarded based on the difficulty of the group

Players can move up or down multiple groups at a time based on their total points, with movement typically more dynamic in early weeks and stabilizing over time. Learn more about how movement works in our league movement guide.

Advantages

• Faster Skill Matching: Players quickly find their appropriate skill level
• Comprehensive Rankings: The entire league’s results factor into final standings
• Opponent Variety: Players face a wider range of opponents, especially in early weeks
• Flexible Movement: Accommodates players who improve rapidly or were initially seeded incorrectly

Challenges

• Complexity: The points system can be more difficult to explain to players
• Initial Volatility: Significant movement between groups in early weeks may feel chaotic
• Learning Curve: Players may need time to understand how their performance affects standings

Note: We provide comprehensive videos and guides to help explain performance points system to your players.

Up/Down Leagues

How It Works

In a 1 up 1 down or 2 up 2 down league, players move up or down between neighboring groups each week:

• Top performers move up to the next higher group
• Bottom performers move down to the next lower group
• The rest remain in their current group

Advantages

• Simplicity: Extremely easy for players to understand
• Predictable Movement: Players know exactly what to expect each week
• Stability: Groups remain relatively consistent with minimal disruption
• Clear Goals: Players have obvious targets (finish in top positions to move up)

Challenges

• Final Standings: The final standings are based solely on the result of the final week.
• Slower Adjustment: Players who are incorrectly seeded take longer to reach their appropriate level
• Limited Movement: Players can only move one group at a time, regardless of performance

Key Considerations for Coordinators

When choosing between these formats, consider:

1. League Size and Skill Range

   • Narrow Skill Range: Point Based Leagues help players find their level faster
   • Wide Skill Range: Up/Down Leagues help keep players with similar skills together

2. Player Experience

   • New Players: Up/Down Leagues are easier to understand
   • Experienced Players: May appreciate the nuance of Point Based Leagues

3. League Goals

   • Competitive Accuracy: Point Based Leagues create more precise rankings
   • Social Experience: Up/Down Leagues offer more consistency in group composition

4. Seeding Confidence

   • High Confidence in Initial Seeding: Up/Down Leagues work well
   • Uncertain Initial Seeding: Point Based Leagues adjust more quickly

Recommendations

• For New Leagues: Start with an Up/Down League for easier understanding and management
• For Established Leagues: Consider upgrading to Point Based League if admins are experienced
• For Mixed Skill Levels: Up/Down Leagues provide clear progression between skill groups
• For Similar Skill Levels: Either format works well, but points leagues will add more variety to the league experience

Note: Regardless of the format chosen, clear communication about how the system works is essential for player satisfaction. Consider your league’s specific needs and player preferences when making your decision.