For a math tug of war tournament, choose the format by how many teams you have and how much time you can spare. A league keeps every team playing, a knockout is quickest, and the tool at the top of this page runs both. Times below assume 90-second matches and about one minute to change over.
Teams | Best format | Matches | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
4 | League | 6 | About 15 minutes |
6 | League over two lessons, or knockout | 15 or 5 | About 38 or 13 minutes |
8 | Knockout | 7 | About 18 minutes |
16 | Knockout across a week | 15 | About 38 minutes |
The tool handles a knockout for 2 to 16 teams and a league for up to 8. A ladder or double elimination needs paper or a board.
League (round robin): every team keeps playing
Each team plays every other team, so nobody sits out after one loss. Award points for wins and draws. If it will not fit one lesson, split the class into two groups or spread the matches across a week.
Knockout: quickest route to a winner
A knockout needs one fewer match than the number of teams, but half the teams are out after the first round. Give those teams a job, such as answering on mini whiteboards or keeping a list of missed facts. A level match with equal scores has to be replayed.
Ladder: best across a week
Teams start in a list. Any team can challenge the team directly above it, and the winner takes the higher place. A ladder works well as a five-minute warm-up, with one match a day.
Double elimination: when you want a final
A team must lose twice before leaving, and losing teams drop to a second bracket. For eight teams, expect around 14 matches, so run it over several days.
How do you keep a tournament fair?
Draw pairings at random. Give each team a level it can manage, and keep levels fixed through the tournament. Change who goes to the board for each match, and use the same question type throughout. Small speed differences decide matches, as the simulation in our rules guide shows, so levels matter more than you might expect.
What should you do with the scores?
Keep a tally of facts missed, as well as who won, and use that list for your next starter or homework. For a full lesson plan, see how to run a class competition.
Keep it low stakes
Do not use tournaments for grades or rewards that matter to pupils. Evidence on competition and cooperation is mixed, and team formats appear to depend on how they are organised. Celebrate the most improved team as well as the winner.
A four-team league, match by match
| Round | Match 1 | Match 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A vs B | C vs D |
| 2 | A vs C | B vs D |
| 3 | A vs D | B vs C |
The number of matches in a league is the number of teams times one fewer, divided by two. Eight teams need 8 × 7 ÷ 2 = 28 matches, which is about 70 minutes at 2.5 minutes each, so spread it across several lessons.
How do you handle an odd number of teams?
In a league, give one team a rest in each round and use that team as checkers and scorekeepers. In a knockout on paper, give the top team a free pass to the second round. Seven teams need six knockout matches, always one fewer than the number of teams.
How do you break a tie in a paper league?
Agree the order in advance. A simple method is head-to-head result first, then the total number of correct answers, then one deciding 60-second match. Tell teams the method before the first match so that no one feels cheated at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Which tournament format keeps every team playing?
A round robin or league does, because each team plays every other team. The league tool on this page handles up to 8 teams.
How many matches does a four-team round robin need?
Four teams need six matches.
Does the tournament tool save progress?
Yes. It keeps the competition in your browser, so a page refresh does not lose it.