League Game

Group Size: 5-36 people
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Beigoma, strings, playing surfaces, league tables or score sheets
Duration: 20-60 minutes

Game Description:¶

The League Games format is a round-robin system. Unlike a knockout tournament, a player is not eliminated after a loss. Everyone in a group plays the same number of matches, and the winner is determined by the total score.

This format works well when the goal is fair comparison and repeated play, rather than quick elimination.

Divide participants into groups of about 5-9 players. Enter each group's names into a league table. For example, 18 players could form three groups of six each.

Each group decides who will record the results and who will call out the next match. Players compete in a one-on-one format. Each match is played with one throw, unless local rules require a restart. After each match, both players check that the result has been entered into the table.

Continue until everyone in the group has played against everyone else. Tally the points. The group winners with the highest scores can play a final round.

Scoring:¶

A practical scoring model is:

• 3 points: Win by Hajiki (Knock-out)
• 2 points: Win by Riki (Knock-down)
• 1 point: Draw, Pakkan (both fall simultaneously), or another partial result agreed upon by the group
• 0 points: Loss

For beginners, a support rule can be added, such as 1 point for landing on the ground and spinning, even if the match is lost.

Notes:¶

Avoid having the same player play multiple matches in a row while others are waiting. Calling out the next match early keeps the format moving.

Source:¶

Based on the League Games format from Tokyo Beigoma.