How a Match Works: Auto, Teleop, and Endgame

Six robots, two and a half minutes#

An FRC qualification match lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds (160 seconds) of action and pits two alliances — Red and Blue, three robots each — against each other on the field. Each match is split into three phases.

1. Autonomous (the first 20 seconds)#

For the opening 20 seconds, drivers cannot touch the controls. Robots run pre-written code, using sensors, cameras, and odometry to move and score on their own. Strong autonomous routines are a major competitive advantage. For example, in 2025 REEFSCAPE, robots would leave their starting line, place 'Coral' on the 'Reef,' and remove 'Algae' — all without driver input.

2. Teleop / Driver-Controlled (the remaining 2 minutes 20 seconds)#

After autonomous, human drivers take over for the remaining 2 minutes and 20 seconds. A team's drive team (driver, operator, human player, and coach) controls the robot to collect game pieces and score. In REEFSCAPE, drivers grabbed Coral fed by a Coral Station human player and scored on the Reef, or processed Algae. In 2026 REBUILT, drivers shoot Fuel (foam balls) into the Hub, which only scores when it is 'activated.'

3. Endgame (the final seconds of teleop)#

The last portion of teleop is the Endgame, where robots attempt high-value, often climbing-based actions:

• REEFSCAPE (2025): park under the Barge (2 pts), or hang on the shallow Cage (6 pts) or deep Cage (12 pts).
• REBUILT (2026): climb the ladder-shaped Tower, ascending up to three rungs for points.
• CRESCENDO (2024): climb the Chain on the Stage.

Endgame is dramatic because points swing fast and multiple robots often climb simultaneously.

How scoring becomes ranking#

In qualification matches, you don't just want to win — you want Ranking Points (RP). A typical scheme awards:

• Points for winning a match (and a smaller amount for a tie)
• Bonus RP for completing game-specific objectives (e.g., an autonomous bonus or a scoring threshold)
• A Coopertition Bonus, earned when both alliances cooperate on a shared task (in REEFSCAPE, both alliances processing enough Algae in the Processor lowered the ranking-bonus threshold)

Your Ranking Score is your total RP divided by matches played. A higher rank means you're more likely to be an Alliance Captain or an early pick in the playoffs.

Why phases matter strategically#

A well-rounded robot scores in all three phases. Many rookie teams aim first for a reliable autonomous (free points every match) and a dependable scoring cycle, then add an endgame climb once the basics work.

Learn more#

• 2026 Game Manual (PDF): https://firstfrc.blob.core.windows.net/frc2026/Manual/2026GameManual.pdf
• 2025 Game Manual (PDF): https://firstfrc.blob.core.windows.net/frc2025/Manual/2025GameManual.pdf