A round robin works when the point of the event is comparison, not quick elimination. Every team or player faces every other participant once, so the winner is based on a full set of matchups rather than one bracket path.
Step 1: Count the matches
Use n x (n - 1) / 2. Six teams create 15 matches. Eight teams create 28 matches. Ten teams create 45 matches. If that total does not fit your courts, time, or attention span, split the field into pools or use a bracket.
Step 2: Count the rounds
An even number of teams usually needs n - 1 rounds. An odd number needs n rounds because one participant has a bye each round. For seven teams, plan for seven rounds and three matches per active round.
Step 3: Add courts and time
Divide matches in each round across your available courts. With eight teams, each round has four matches. On two courts, each round needs two time slots. At 30 minutes per match, one round takes about an hour before breaks.
Step 4: Check the first two rounds
After generating the schedule, check Round 1 and Round 2 before reviewing the whole table. Look for duplicate pairings, repeated byes, or one participant moving courts every round while others stay still.
Example: 8 teams, 2 courts
Eight teams need 7 rounds and 28 total matches. With two courts and 30-minute matches, each round takes two match slots. That makes the playing time about 7 hours before breaks, setup, finals, or delays.
When not to use round robin
Avoid a full round robin when the field is large, the venue time is short, or the event needs a quick winner. In those cases, use pool play, single elimination, or a smaller bracket.
Quick answers
How many games are in a round robin? Use n x (n - 1) / 2 for a single round robin.
What happens with an odd number of teams? One participant has a bye each round. The schedule should rotate those byes as evenly as possible.
Can I make it in a spreadsheet? Yes, but a generator is faster for avoiding duplicate pairings and checking byes. Export CSV afterward if you need spreadsheet edits.