Format - Special Formats

Special formats in pool tournaments include unique structures like Swiss or custom formats build for customers based on Round Robin, or Double Elimination, designed to balance fairness, engagement, and competition. They adjust match progression, qualification methods, and elimination rules.

Swiss System

The Swiss System is a tournament format where players or teams compete in a set number of rounds without direct elimination. Instead of being knocked out after a loss, competitors continue playing, with matchups based on performance in previous rounds. The final standings are determined by points or tiebreakers.

How It Works:

• Pairings by Performance – Players/teams are matched each round based on their win-loss record. Competitors with similar records face each other.
• No Direct Elimination – Unlike knockout formats, everyone plays all rounds, making it more forgiving for early losses.
• Match Win Impact – Winning earns points, usually 1 per win, while losing gives none. Some variations include bonus points for certain criteria (e.g., frame difference).
• Avoiding Repeat Matches – Players generally do not face the same opponent twice.
• Ranking & Standings – After all rounds, rankings are based on total points. Tiebreakers like frame difference, opponent strength, or head-to-head results can determine final standings.
• Qualifying Spots or Final Rounds – The top-ranked players may advance to a knockout phase, or the highest-ranked competitor(s) may be declared the winner.

This format is widely used in pool tournaments as it ensures balanced matchups, keeps all participants engaged, and rewards consistent performance over multiple rounds.

There are different types of Swiss Systems available. In Cuescore we currently have one implementation, the Monrat system that is linked to the Buchholz cut for advanced sorting.

Premier League Pool Format (Matchroom)

The Premier League Pool is an invitational tournament featuring a league-style format where elite players compete in a non-elimination setting, ensuring multiple matches and a fair ranking system before the knockout phase.

How It Works:

• Round-Robin League Phase – All players compete in a series of matches against different opponents, earning points based on wins.
• Standings & Eliminations – After a set number of matches, the lowest-ranked players are eliminated, while the top performers progress.
• Match Length & Format – Matches are usually played in a race-to format, ensuring fast-paced, high-quality competition.
• Knockout Stage – The best players from the league phase advance to a single-elimination bracket to determine the champion.
• Continuous Play – The format ensures every player competes in multiple matches, allowing consistency and skill to determine overall success rather than single-match elimination.

This structure provides intense competition among top professionals, rewarding consistent performance and adapting matchups based on ongoing results.

Tailor-Made

Organizations and federations can request additional formats if they are not in the system. If any of these new formats fall outside of the standard scope of types, it will be presented as a Tailor-Made system.