Alliances, Rankings, and Playoffs

The two halves of an event#

Every FRC event has two distinct phases: Qualification matches (where you build a ranking) and Playoffs (where alliances fight for the trophy).

Qualification matches: building your ranking#

At an event, every team plays a schedule of qualification matches (commonly around 8–12), each time with randomly assigned alliance partners and opponents. This randomness is part of why Coopertition matters — you must cooperate with strangers every match.

Teams are ranked by Ranking Score, calculated as total Ranking Points divided by the number of qualification matches played. You earn RP for winning, a partial amount for a tie, and bonus RP for completing the game's special objectives. The result is a ranking list from #1 to last, with defined tiebreakers in the Game Manual.

Alliance selection: the draft#

After qualifications, the top 8 ranked teams become Alliance Captains (Alliance 1 through Alliance 8). In a live, on-field 'draft,' each captain picks partner teams to form a playoff alliance. Picked teams can accept or decline. The picking order snakes (Alliance 1 picks first in round 1; the order reverses in round 2), and after both rounds each of the 8 alliances has three teams plus eligibility for a fourth 'backup' team. Because top seeds pick first, a strong but lower-ranked robot is often selected by a high seed — meaning a rookie team that plays well can still reach the playoffs even without a top ranking.

Playoffs: double elimination#

The eight alliances compete in a double-elimination bracket with an Upper and Lower bracket. Key points:

• In the playoffs, alliances are fixed — you stick with your alliance.
• You don't earn Ranking Points anymore; you simply win or lose matches and advance through the bracket.
• 'Double elimination' means an alliance must lose twice (drop to the Lower bracket, then lose again) before being knocked out, so one bad match isn't fatal.
• The bracket resolves to a final, and the winning alliance takes the event's championship.

Why a rookie should care#

Understanding this structure changes your strategy:

• In qualifications, play consistently and chase RP bonuses — even losses can earn RP and help your average.
• Be a great alliance partner. Captains pick teams that are reliable, communicate well, and play a clear role. A rookie that does one job flawlessly (e.g., reliable autonomous + endgame climb) is a desirable pick.
• Scouting matters. Teams keep detailed data on every robot's performance to decide whom to pick — scouting is a real, valued role (covered later).

The bigger picture#

Winning an event — or earning a qualifying judged award like the FIRST Impact Award — can advance a team toward the FIRST Championship. So qualifications, alliance selection, and playoffs aren't just about one trophy; they're steps on the path to Houston.

Learn more#

• The Blue Alliance (see real rankings and brackets): https://www.thebluealliance.com
• FRC District & Regional Events: https://www.firstinspires.org/resources/library/frc/district-regional-events