How to run a knockout tournament
How a knockout bracket works, how many matches it takes, how byes and seeds work, and when to use one.
What it is
In a knockout, or single elimination, whoever loses a match is out. The winners move on until one remains.
How many matches you need
A knockout with n entries takes n − 1 matches, because every match eliminates exactly one entry. Sixteen entries take 15 matches over 4 rounds.
Byes
A bracket works cleanly with 4, 8, 16 or 32 entries. With any other number, some entries skip the first round. Twelve entries in a 16 bracket means 4 byes, and those usually go to the top seeds.
Seeding
Seeds keep your strongest entries apart until the late rounds. Without them, your two best players can meet in round one and end the interest early.
When to use it
It suits large entries and tight schedules. The downside is that half the field goes home after one match, which is why many organizers play groups first.
Let Matchday do the scheduling
Matchday builds the draw, schedules your courts and updates the results as they come in.
Your first 10 events are free. Works in your browser, or get the app on the App Store or Google Play.