Direct 1v1 competition - the simplest and most intense tournament format
How It Works
Head-to-Head tournaments are the simplest format: exactly 2 players face off in a direct match. No rounds, no phases, just one match between two competitors.
Exactly 2 Players
Head-to-Head tournaments require exactly 2 players. Perfect for challenges, rematches, or direct competitions.
One Match
No rounds or phases - just one match between the two players. First to reach the race-to points wins!
Tournament Structure
Simple and straightforward
Tournament (Head-to-Head)
└─ One Match
└─ Player 1 (White) vs Player 2 (Black)
└─ Multiple games until race-to points reached
Key Features
No Rounds/Phases: Just one direct match
Player Assignment: Based on preferred side (player chooses White or Black) or join order
Color Alternation: Colors alternate per game within the match
Auto-Activation: Match starts automatically when tournament begins
Player Assignment & Colors
How players are assigned to white and black
Preferred Side Selection
Players can choose their preferred side when joining the tournament:
Player 1 (White)
First player to choose "player1" (White) gets assigned as player1
Player 2 (Black)
First player to choose "player2" (Black) gets assigned as player2
Fallback: Join Order
If neither player has set a preference, assignment is based on join order:
First to join
→
Player 1 (White)
Second to join
→
Player 2 (Black)
Color Alternation
Colors alternate per game within the match:
Game 1: Player 1 = White, Player 2 = Black
Game 2: Player 1 = Black, Player 2 = White
Game 3: Player 1 = White, Player 2 = Black
... and so on
Match Format: H2H
Head-to-Head specific rules and outcomes
Possible Outcomes
Head-to-Head matches support more outcome types than other formats:
Standard Outcomes
Win
Player reaches race-to points first
Loss
Opponent reaches race-to points first
Draw
Both players reach race-to points simultaneously
Cashout Options
Cashout 25%
Player takes early cashout option
Cashout 75%
Player takes late cashout option
Race to Points
The match continues until one player reaches the "race to" point threshold:
Race to
(e.g., 3 points)
→
First to reach
wins the match
Points System
Win
1.0
point
Draw
0.5
points
Loss
0
points
Note: Standard chess scoring - same as Hybrid Knockout format. Each game contributes points toward the race-to threshold.
Cashout Options
Unique to Head-to-Head format
Early Cashout (25%)
Players can choose to cash out early and take 25% of the prize pool, ending the match immediately.
When to use: If you're ahead but want to secure a guaranteed prize, or if you're behind and want to minimize losses.
Late Cashout (75%)
Players can choose to cash out later and take 75% of the prize pool, ending the match immediately.
When to use: When you're in a strong position but want to lock in most of the prize rather than risk it all.
Cashout Rules
Cashout ends the match immediately - no further games are played
The cashout amount is deducted from the prize pool
The remaining prize goes to the opponent (or is split if both cash out)
Cashout is only available in Head-to-Head format matches
Tournament Flow
How a Head-to-Head tournament progresses
1
Registration: Two players join the tournament
2
Player Assignment: Players assigned based on preferred side or join order
3
Tournament Starts: Match is automatically created and activated
4
Games Played: Players compete in multiple games, alternating colors
5
Match Completion: Match ends when one player reaches race-to points, or if a cashout occurs
6
Tournament Complete: Winner is determined and prizes are distributed
Summary
Format: Direct 1v1 match (exactly 2 players)
Structure: One match, no rounds or phases
Player Assignment: Preferred side selection or join order
Colors: Alternate per game (player1=white in game 1)