Ten ways to run open play, and what each one does

• Balanced

  The players who have waited longest go on, and each side gets one stronger and one weaker player so the game is close. The group is mixed every game, so over the night you play with everyone.

  Best for: Mixed levels on the same courts. The safe choice for most open play.

• First in, first out

  Whoever has waited longest plays next. Ratings are ignored. The groups are still mixed, so the same four do not keep meeting.

  Best for: Friendly sessions where nobody wants to think about ratings.

• Skill separated

  The longest waiter goes on with the players closest to their own level, so beginners play beginners and strong players play each other.

  Best for: A wide spread of levels, when mismatched games are the complaint.

• Social mix

  Ratings are ignored. Every game changes who you partner and who you face, so you meet as many people as possible.

  Best for: Socials, newcomers nights and club mixers.

• Winners & losers

  After each round, the players who just won play each other, and the players who just lost play each other.

  Best for: Competitive nights where games should get closer as the night goes on.

• Mixed doubles

  Every side is one man and one woman. Each player needs an M or F tag; a court waits until it has two of each.

  Best for: Mixed doubles nights.

• King of the court

  The winners stay on the court. The losers go to the back of the line, and the next two in line come on to challenge.

  Best for: Short, lively games with few courts.

• Skill courts

  Each court has its own level. Court 1 takes the strongest players, the last court the newest, and each court runs its own line.

  Best for: Several courts and clear level groups.

• Court ladder

  Win and you move up a court. Lose and you move down. Over the night players settle on the court that matches their level.

  Best for: Two or more courts and a group that likes to compete.

• Club wars

  Players are dealt into side A and side B. Every game is A against B, and the screen keeps a running score for the two sides.

  Best for: Club against club, or one big friendly split in two.

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