# Pick'em tiebreaker rules that actually settle a tie

Most pick'em pools end with two or three entries on the same points. One tiebreak rule, agreed before the lock, settles it: the total points of the final, closest guess wins. The tool asks for it on every entry and ranks by it automatically.

## The standard rule

- Every entry guesses the total points of the final (both teams added) when it picks.
- Equal points are ranked by the smallest distance from the actual total; over or under does not matter unless the pool says so.
- Still equal: the place is shared; the board shows the same rank for both.

## Alternatives some pools use

- Price is Right: the closest without going over; harsher, and it must be written down before the lock.
- Later rounds weighted: give the championship round 2 points and the final 3, so a late correct pick breaks ties by itself.
- Earliest entry wins the tie: simple, slightly unfair to late joiners.

## Quick answers

**How do you break a tie in a pick'em pool?**

By the total points of the final: every entry guesses it when picking, and the entry closest to the actual total ranks first among equals; still equal, the place is shared.

**What if nobody guessed the tiebreaker?**

An entry without a tiebreak guess ranks after those that gave one at the same points; the tool asks for it on the pick form so it is rarely missing.

Start a pool: https://bikoosh.com/pools/new
Bikoosh Pools is an independent tool, not affiliated with any league, team or broadcaster; team and event names are used to describe the game being followed. Bikoosh Pools never collects, holds or pays out money and never sets stakes: it keeps the grid, the picks and the standings for people who already know each other. Whether a pool carries any stake, and whether that is allowed where you are, is the host's responsibility.