I don’t know the exact way, but the tiebreaker score is determined on if you win or loss in a game and how that opponent does the rest of the tournament. So if you lose and your opponent dies really good you will get something for your tiebreaker score. And vice-versa if you lose and they leave the tournament you won’t get anything added. Hopefully this helps you.
When Someone Asks Me How Unlucky Can You Be
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Dec 20, 2024
0
#3
Update: It happened again. This time, I participated in a 3|0 blitz tournament. Different time format, same tragic ending.
I once again scored 6/7, and once again, I found myself sitting just outside the podium while the 2nd and 3rd place players—also with 6/7—celebrated. Why? Because of that mystical tiebreak score that clearly hates my guts. I still have no idea how it’s calculated—maybe it involves some advanced quantum physics or a dartboard in chess.com’s office. Either way, it’s never in my favor.
At this point, I’m starting to think the tiebreak gods have some personal vendetta against me. Maybe I offended them by pre-moving too much? Or maybe they’re just enjoying the drama. Either way, I’ll be here, sharpening my skills and waiting for the day when I finally crack the podium—or the tiebreak algorithm. Whichever comes first.
Moral of the story: Lightning might not strike twice, but tiebreak injustice sure does.
Dec 22, 2024
0
#4
Srinibas_Masanta wrote:
.... As for how tiebreaks are calculated? Honestly, it could be anything—opponent strength, moon phase, whether or not I used the Sicilian in round 3... Your guess is as good as mine.
In conclusion, chess isn't about skill or consistency. It’s about pleasing the almighty tiebreak system, which I clearly forgot to bribe. ...
The site uses 8 standard tournament tiebreaks in Swiss events
https://support.chess.com/en/articles/8572860-how-do-ties-in-tournaments-work
So, I just wrapped up a blitz tournament on chess.com. Scored 6/7. Pretty impressive, right? I mean, that’s gotta be good enough for a top-three finish, right? Wrong. Dead wrong. Turns out, 6/7 only gets you the glorious 4th place. Why? Because of my legendary tiebreak score.
The guys in 2nd and 3rd also had 6/7, but apparently, the chess gods decided I’m not quite podium material. As for how tiebreaks are calculated? Honestly, it could be anything—opponent strength, moon phase, whether or not I used the Sicilian in round 3... Your guess is as good as mine.
In conclusion, chess isn't about skill or consistency. It’s about pleasing the almighty tiebreak system, which I clearly forgot to bribe. Next time, I’ll bring a sacrifice—probably my queen.
