In a single round robin, every club plays every other club once.
matches = n × (n - 1) ÷ 2
Quick Table
| Clubs | 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 clubs, a single round robin needs n - 1 rounds when every club plays once per round. With an odd number, each round contains one bye.
Four-Club 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 club 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.