In a single round robin, every team plays every other team once.
matches = n × (n - 1) ÷ 2
Quick table
| Teams | Single round robin | Double round robin |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 6 | 12 |
| 5 | 10 | 20 |
| 6 | 15 | 30 |
| 8 | 28 | 56 |
| 10 | 45 | 90 |
How many rounds?
With an even number of teams, a single round robin needs n - 1 rounds when every team plays once per round. With an odd number, each round contains one bye.
Four-team example
- Round 1: A v D; B v C.
- Round 2: A v C; D v B.
- Round 3: A v B; C v D.
Why round structure matters
Placing matches only where a pitch is free can create back-to-back games for one team and long waits for another. Rounds make rest easier to inspect.
Group stage or league?
The maths can be identical. A league spreads rounds across a season; a group stage compresses them and uses final positions to determine progression.
Uneven groups
Different group sizes create different match totals. Define how cross-group comparisons work before play begins.