How to pick fair teams

Give everybody a number, then split the numbers at random into two teams as close in size as possible. Random is fairer than captains picking, because nobody is picked last, and it takes no names to type.

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Useful for turf regulars and office tournaments.

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Numbers in, two fair teams out.

Which players are on each random team?

Choose how many people are playing, stand everyone in a line, and count from one. The generator shuffles those numbers into two sides whose sizes differ by no more than one. Nobody has to type names, create a roster, or hold up the start of the game.

Team 1

  1. Player 8
  2. Player 9
  3. Player 4
  4. Player 3
  5. Player 2

Team 2

  1. Player 6
  2. Player 10
  3. Player 5
  4. Player 1
  5. Player 7

The real team generator. Nothing is saved.

5 steps

In short

  1. Number everybodyGive each player a number, from one to however many turned up.
  2. Split the numbersSet the Number of players and the generator splits them into two teams as even as it can.
  3. Shuffle for another splitShuffle teams draws a fresh split. Nothing is saved and no names are typed.
  4. Fix it if you mustIf one side is clearly stronger, swap two players of similar standing and play on.
  5. Then score itCreate the match and send the group the live link.
Nobody picked last

Random beats captains picking

Captains picking teams is quick and memorable for the wrong reasons: somebody is always picked last, and the two best players rarely end up apart. Picking at random is fairer to everybody, faster, and needs no discussion.

Numbers, not names

How to do it

  1. Number everybody

    Give each player a number, one to however many turned up.

  2. Split the numbers

    Split them into two random teams as close in size as possible. The generator on this page does it with no names to type.

  3. Fix it if you must

    If one side is clearly stronger, swap two players of similar standing and play on. Random is a fair start, not a promise.

Teams picked

Then score it

With teams picked, create the match and send the group the live link. Playing another game? Tap Play again, same teams at full time and the games add up as one series on one page.

Need to know

Questions people ask

About pick fair teams.

What about an odd number of players?

One team has an extra player. Swap somebody at half time, or give the smaller side the first choice of ends.

What if one team is clearly stronger?

Swap two players of similar standing and play on. Random is a fair start, not a promise.

Does it save the teams?

No. Nothing is saved, and no names are typed.

What else it does for you

Keep exploring

Try it on your next match

Open the team generator

Split numbered players into two teams.

Open the team generator