Americano
The friendliest format. You get a new partner every round, and each round is played to a set number of points, for example 16 or 24. Every point you win counts towards your own total, so at the end the player with the most points wins. Because partners keep rotating, you play with and against nearly everyone.
Why groups love it
- Beginners and regulars get to play together.
- Nobody is stuck with the same partner all night.
- It works with uneven numbers: one or two players sit out a round in turn.
Mexicano
Like an Americano, but after the first round pairings are based on the standings. Players with similar scores are matched together, so games stay close and competitive even in a mixed-ability group.
King of the court
Great when you have more players than courts. Winners stay on and move up a court, the challengers rotate in, and everyone gets plenty of short games.
Round robin
Fixed pairs play every other pair once. Ideal for a small league or a club social where friends want to play as a team.