Free Tool

Round Robin Generator

Create a fair round robin schedule for any group size. Doubles mixer or singles format, automatic BYE handling, copy and print ready.

Format

Number of Players

players

Available Courts

How the Round Robin Generator Works

The generator uses two algorithms depending on the format you choose:

For Singles Round Robin, it uses the standard circle method: player 1 stays fixed at position 1 while all other players rotate clockwise around a circle each round. This guarantees every player faces every other player exactly once, with a BYE inserted when the player count is odd.

For Doubles Mixer, a greedy partner and opponent diversity algorithm is used. It maximizes the variety of partners and opponents each player encounters across rounds, ensuring no one repeatedly plays with or against the same person. This is the ideal social pickleball format for open play groups.

Courts are assigned round by round to balance court utilization. Players who are not scheduled in a given round (due to court limitations or BYE) are clearly marked so they know when to sit out.

Popular Formats and When to Use Each

Format	Best For	Ideal Group Size
Doubles Mixer	Social play, open rec nights, community events	8-16 players
Singles Round Robin	Skill assessment, club rankings, league nights	4-12 players
Fixed-Partner Doubles RR	Leagues, club championships, partner tournaments	4-12 teams
King of the Court	Fast-paced social play, open gym nights	8-20 players
Pool Play + Brackets	Larger tournaments with skill divisions	16+ players

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rounds does a round robin take?

For singles, a full round robin requires N-1 rounds (N = number of players), so 8 players need 7 rounds. For doubles mixer, it depends on your group size and how many rounds of variety you want. The generator automatically creates enough rounds so every player has played with each other player at least once.

What happens with an odd number of players?

A BYE is automatically inserted for odd player counts. In singles, a ghost player is added to the rotation so the circle method still works cleanly. Each real player sits out exactly once in a full round robin when there is an odd number of players. BYE players are clearly marked in the schedule.

How long does each round take?

Games to 11 (win by 2) typically take 12-20 minutes at recreational pace. A timed format (15-minute games, switch courts) works better for large groups to keep everything moving. For a 2-hour session with 8 players and 2 courts, plan for 5-6 rounds of 15-20 minutes each plus transition time.

What scoring format works best for round robin?

For time-limited sessions: play to 11, win by 1 (no deuce). For club league play: standard 11 win-by-2, best of 3. For social mixers: timed games (10-15 minutes) are the most consistent and keep everyone engaged. Track total points scored (not just wins) for a fairer ranking when games are timed.

Can I use this for a tournament with 40+ players?

For 40+ players, a full round robin becomes impractical due to the number of rounds required. Consider dividing into two or more pools of 8-12 players each, running a round robin within each pool, then bringing top finishers together for bracket play. The generator handles up to 40 players in a single pool.

How do I handle player dropouts mid-tournament?

Replace the dropped player with a BYE for all remaining rounds they are scheduled to play. In doubles mixer, their partner for any unplayed round sits out as well or plays with a substitute. Regenerating the schedule with the remaining players is the cleanest solution for large dropouts.

Run Your Group Play Through Dink of Fame

The Dink of Fame app will handle scheduling, scoring, and standings for your pickleball group automatically. Every player earns XP, tracks their record, and builds their network.

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