Mexicano format: rules, draw logic and scoring

How a Mexicano draw works

The first round is usually random or seeded by rating. After every round the table is recalculated and the next round pairs players by position: 1st plays with 4th against 2nd and 3rd, then 5th with 8th against 6th and 7th, and so on.

The result is a self-balancing event: a player who wins early faces tougher partners and opponents, while players at the bottom get matches they can win.

Mexicano scoring

Scoring is individual, exactly like Americano: rounds are played to a fixed point total and both players in a pair take the points their pair scored.

Because pairings follow the table, the points gap tends to stay tight and the final rounds usually decide the winner.

Americano or Mexicano — which should you choose?

Both are social formats, but they solve different problems:

• Americano — the full schedule is known in advance, everyone plays with everyone, best for mixed groups and fixed timing.
• Mexicano — each round is drawn live from the table, best when levels differ a lot or when you want a competitive finish.
• Mexicano needs the scores entered promptly, since the next round cannot be drawn before the previous one is complete.

Running a Mexicano with Luc

Luc recalculates the table the moment you enter the scores and generates the next round from it, on one or several courts.

You can finish with a playoff or a cup final between the top four, while the tournament winner stays the leader of the table before the playoff. Every match feeds the per-sport ELO rating and your league season.

FAQ