How Matchmaking Works
The matchmaking system is designed to create fair, balanced games as quickly as possible. It pairs you with opponents of similar skill and manages game lobbies through a series of timed phases.
Queue Phases
Gathering
The initial phase where the system searches for players to fill the lobby. There is no active timer during gathering — the system waits until at least 2 players (the minimum) are found. Players are matched based on skill rating and the selected bet level.
Ready
Once the minimum player count is reached, an adaptive timer starts. This phase gives additional players time to join for a fuller game.
Adaptive Timer Details
- Base duration: 10 seconds
- Range: 5 to 15 seconds, depending on how many players are ready vs. the maximum
- More players ready = shorter wait: the timer adjusts dynamically so near-full lobbies start faster
- Force timeout: 15 seconds maximum from first reaching the minimum player count
Countdown
The final 5-second countdown before the game begins. No new players can join during this phase. All matched players are locked in, cards are shuffled, and the game starts when the timer reaches zero.
Skill Tiers
Skill-Based Matching
The matchmaking system considers several factors when pairing players:
- Ranking — your win/loss record and recent performance determine your skill rating. You are matched with players in a similar range.
- Bet level — players are grouped by the amount they choose to bet, ensuring everyone has the same stake.
- Player level — your XP level is factored in to avoid mismatches between brand-new and experienced players.
Fair Play
- Server-side enforcement. All game rules are validated on the server. Clients cannot manipulate card logic, turn order, or game state.
- Secure shuffling. Card decks are shuffled using cryptographically secure randomization, ensuring no predictable patterns.
- Anti-collusion. The system detects unusual patterns such as players repeatedly joining the same lobbies or suspiciously coordinated play.
Timeout & Disconnection
- Turn timeout. If you do not play within your turn timer (20 seconds in Classic, 10 in Blitz), the game automatically draws a card for you.
- Disconnection grace period. If you lose connection, the server waits briefly for you to reconnect. During this time, auto-draw plays on your behalf.
- Abandonment penalty. Repeatedly leaving games early or timing out affects your ranking and may result in temporary matchmaking cooldowns.
Player Counts
Minimum
2
Default
4
Maximum
7
Game duration scales with player count. More players means a longer game timer to ensure everyone has a fair chance.