The point formula for tournaments is here:
https://support.chess.com/article/121-what-are-tournament-pointsThe Formula: 10 * (P * (1.5R) * G * (S/1000))
- A multiplier based on your final place finish (P)
- Projected number of rounds (R)
- Maximum group size (G)
- Average rating of all players in the tournament (S)
So suppose there's 3 players and 1 round and you place 3rd. The multiplier for 3rd is P = 0.15. R = 1 (the number of rounds). G = 2. Let's say S = 1000. Then points = 4.5.
So this is a good question: why should a player get points for finishing last in a tournament? Go: resign, resign, thanks for the points!
In daily tournaments there are some of them with 2 or 3 players only. What's the point of giving trophies and points if you literally end last?