# How a pick'em pool is scored (NFL playoffs, bowl games, any bracket)

A pick'em pool lists matchups; every entry picks a winner for each one before the first game starts. A correct pick scores the matchup's points (one by default; a host may weight later rounds), and the tie-break is the total points of the final: the closest guess wins the tie.

## The rules

- The host lists the matchups (home vs away, with the date and the round) and may give later rounds more points.
- Entries pick every matchup and a tie-break number (the final's total points) before the lock.
- The host enters each result as the games finish; the standings update at once.
- Ties: equal points are ranked by the smallest distance from the final's actual total; still equal, they share the place.

## Playoffs and brackets

- For a playoff bracket, list the first round and add the next round's matchups as they become known: entries pick each round before it starts, which is how most office brackets avoid the problem of picking teams that never get there.
- For bowl season or a cup, list every game at once with its date.

## Running it at work

- One link to join, one link per entry to edit picks until the lock, one board everyone can read.
- 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.

## Quick answers

**How do you score a pick'em pool?**

One point per correct pick by default; a host may give a later round more points. The tie-break is the total points scored in the final: the entry closest to the actual total wins a tie.

**When do picks lock in a pick'em pool?**

When the host locks the pool, normally just before the first game; after that no pick changes and the host enters results as they come.

**What is the difference between a pick'em and a bracket?**

A bracket asks for every round in advance and the later picks can die with an early upset; a pick'em lists each round's real matchups as they become known, so every pick is between the two teams actually playing.

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.