Swiss tournament generator
A fixed number of rounds where players meet others on the same score. Great for big fields that still want everyone playing every round.
How pairing works here
Round 1 pairs the top half against the bottom half by seed (1 v 5, 2 v 6, … in a field of 8). After each round, players are ranked by points, then paired with the closest-ranked opponent they haven’t played. With an odd number, the lowest-ranked player who hasn’t had a bye gets one, worth a win.
If no rematch-free pairing exists — it can happen late in small events — the fewest possible rematches are used, and the round says so. Nothing is hidden.
Rounds to play
The recommended number is the rounds needed to separate a clear winner: log₂(n) rounded up. 16 players → 4 rounds, 32 → 5, 64 → 6. You can add an extra round anytime.
Tie-breakers
Swiss defaults to Buchholz (sum of your opponents’ scores — a harder schedule ranks higher), then Sonneborn–Berger, then wins. Reorder or replace them as your rules require.
What this isn’t
This is a general-purpose Swiss system for clubs, schools and casual events. It doesn’t implement FIDE’s Dutch system or colour allocation, and results aren’t suitable for rated chess.
| Entrants | Swiss | vs. round robin |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 (2 rounds) | 6 |
| 6 | 9 (3 rounds) | 15 |
| 8 | 12 (3 rounds) | 28 |
| 12 | 24 (4 rounds) | 66 |
| 16 | 32 (4 rounds) | 120 |
| 24 | 60 (5 rounds) | 276 |
| 32 | 80 (5 rounds) | 496 |
| 48 | 144 (6 rounds) | 1128 |
| 64 | 192 (6 rounds) | 2016 |
FAQ
Why pair one round at a time?
Because each round depends on the last round’s results. The next round unlocks as soon as every result is in.
Can two players meet twice?
Only when no other pairing is possible, and the round notes will say so.
Does a bye count as a win?
Yes — a bye scores the same points as a win, and each player gets at most one bye where possible.