# Basic & group knockouts

## Basic knockout tournaments

Knockout tournaments are the simplest elimination tournament format. Over a number of rounds, players are paired against each other in two-player games. Each time a player loses a match, they receive a *strike*. When a player reaches a predetermined amount of strikes, they are eliminated from the tournament and will not be included in the next round of matches. At the end of the tournament, the last player standing is the winner.

## Group knockout tournaments

Group knockout tournaments are another popular elimination tournament format. Over a number of rounds, players are paired against each other in four-player games. Depending on how the player finishes in their match, they will receive one or more *strikes*. When a player reaches a predetermined amount of strikes, they are eliminated from the tournament and will not be included in the next round of matches. At the end of the tournament, the last player standing is the winner.

### Strikes options

There are different options available for how many strikes to award in each group.

| No. of strikes      | Notes                                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Fair strikes        | <p>0/1/1/2 strikes are given to 1st/2nd/3rd/4th place finishers<br>Three-player groups get 0/1/2 strikes<br>Two-player groups get 0/2 strikes</p> |
| One strike          | Only fourth place finisher receives a strike                                                                                                      |
| Two strikes         | Third and fourth place finishers receive a strike                                                                                                 |
| Three strikes       | Second, third and fourth place finishers receive a strike                                                                                         |
| Progressive strikes | <p>0/1/2/3 strikes are given to 1st/2nd/3rd/4th place finishers<br>Three-player groups get 0/1/2 strikes</p>                                      |

## Configuration options

See also: [Common configuration options](/configuring-a-tournament/common-configuration-options.md).

**Number of strikes**

Determines the number of losses (strikes) a player can receive before being knocked out of the tournament.

**Strikes in four-player groups**

Determines the number of strikes awarded to players in four-player groups. See table above.

**Strikes in three-player groups**

Determines the number of strikes awarded to players in three-player groups. It's possible to award two strikes (strikes to 2nd and 3rd place finishers) or just a single strike to the third place finisher.


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