How to run a round robin tournament

1. Count the matches

In singles, every pair of players meets once, so the number of matches is n × (n − 1) ÷ 2. Eight players means 28 matches; ten players means 45.

With an even number of players that takes n − 1 rounds, with everyone playing in every round. With an odd number it takes n rounds, and one player sits out each round.

2. Match the schedule to your courts

If you have fewer courts than matches in a round, the round is split across courts and the extra players wait. Work out how long one match takes, multiply by the number of rounds, and you know whether everyone-plays-everyone fits in your session.

If it doesn't, play a shorter event: a single elimination knockout, Swiss rounds, or a round robin that stops when your time is up.

3. Handle odd numbers fairly

With an odd number, someone sits out every round. Rotate it so the same person isn't always waiting. Tournament Generator picks whoever has sat out the fewest times, and breaks ties by games played.

4. Decide how the table is ranked

1. Wins (or table points)
2. Point or game difference, if you record scores
3. Head-to-head, or fewer losses

Agree the tie-breaks before you start. A common order is:

5. Make the schedule

For a one-off event, the free round robin generator on this site makes a fair schedule from a list of names and courts, ready to print. There are also ready-made schedules for 3 to 16 players.

To run it live on the night, Tournament Generator plans each round as you go, rotates sit-outs, updates the table after every result and can share a live link with players. Round Robin is free for up to 8 players on 1 court. Pro adds up to 10 courts and unlimited players.