Formats4 min
Top 7.2, explained
The rule, the incentives, and recommended round counts. Start here.
Read article
MAGIC: THE GATHERING
Make every
Make every
round matter.
A tournament’s structure shapes how people play. Explore formats that reward performance and give players a reason to keep competing.
Formats, incentives and practical guidance.
The 1st-place finisher gets a bye to the semifinals.
Top 7.27 players qualify
Quarterfinals
1Bye to semifinals8
4vs5
2vs7
3vs6
Semifinals
11st in SwissWinner of 1 vs 8
Winner of 4 vs 5
Winner of 2 vs 7
Winner of 3 vs 6
Final
Champion
Numbers show each player’s final Swiss position.
TOP 7.2
Read the full explanation Look at the final Swiss standings.
The player in 1st place
Did they win their last two Swiss rounds?
Yes
Bye to the semifinals
7 players qualify. The 1st-place finisher skips the quarterfinals.
No
Quarterfinals: 1st vs 8th
8 players qualify. The 1st-place finisher gets no bye.
The reading room
Ideas you can put into play.
Understand the rules. Compare the incentives. Learn from real events.
For organizers2 min
The tournament of the year
12 Swiss rounds, Top 7.2 and a practical schedule across two days.
Read articleFormats4 min
Top 16 or one more Swiss round?
Compare two ways to use the same time, and the incentives each creates.
Read articleCase studies6 min
Top 7.2: the cost of drawing while undefeated
Spanish Super Cup 2026: a real example of what is at stake in the final rounds.
Read articleCase studies5 min
Full Tapped, under the microscope
Group stages, deck changes and how much early results matter in the playoffs.
Read articleCase studies3 min
Top 7.2: why Table 1 should play
The Cradle Cup case study, with a numerical comparison of playing and drawing.
Read articleBehind the project
Good tournaments start with good questions.
Tournament Structure explores how tournament formats shape incentives, competitive results and the matches people get to watch. Its author co-created Top 7.2 with César Garrido Cazorla.