How does matchmaking work?
You pick a format and entry fee, and we place you in the oldest open tournament that matches and that you have not already entered. If there is none, a new one starts.
Applies to every Deku gameUpdated September 15, 2026
How you are placed
- You choose a format, 1v1 or Group, and an entry fee.
- We look for the oldest open tournament with that format and fee that still has a free spot and that you have not already entered.
- If there is one, you join it. If not, a new tournament is created and you are its first player.
You start playing right away. Other participants join the same tournament during its 15-minute window and play the same board.
What does not affect placement
- Your rating or tier
- How much you have won or lost
- How long you have been playing
In Nines, you are only placed in tournaments at the difficulty levels you have turned on.
Why it is fair
Every participant in the tournament plays the identical board under the same scoring rules, and results are decided by score. See Does everyone get the same board?
Matchmaking is described in section 8.1 of our Fairness of Play disclosures and in our FAQ.
Still need help?
Email us from the address on your Deku account and we will get back to you.