How matchmaking works

During periods of low player activity, matchmaking may include computer-controlled opponents to reduce queue times. These opponents use predefined game logic and may appear in match histories like other opponents.

What that means in practice:

• Same rules. They draft categories, answer the same questions, and play under the same timers as everyone else. They can't see the answers before you do.
• Fixed rules, not AI. Their play comes from predefined game logic set by us, with an element of chance: some know more, some answer faster. They don't learn from you, and they don't see or react to your answers.
• They count. A win or loss against them changes your rating like any other ranked match, and they have ratings of their own, which go up and down with their results.
• They aren't labeled one by one. Your opponent's name and rank look the same either way. We think that keeps every match feeling like a real contest, and it's why we tell everyone about it here, in our Terms, and on the search screen.
• Friend matches are always against the person who accepted your challenge.

When a match is found, you may be asked to accept it. You see who you're playing only after both players accept, so declining can't be used to avoid someone. If you decline or miss several matches in a row, your search pauses for a moment before you can look again.

Your first five ranked matches are placement matches. Your rating is hidden until they're done, and your opponents see you as “Placement”. After five, you get your tier.

Pairing depends only on skill, who is searching, and variety: if you just played someone, we prefer a different opponent next when one is available. You can't choose or avoid an opponent in ranked play.

Questions? Write to us or email support@blitzly.app.