How the rating system of Courtly works
Your level, competitive games, and everything Courtly Premium unlocks β explained simply.
A single number from 0 to 7
Your skill shows up as one level from 0 to 7, per sport. The scale is non-linear β the lower levels sit close together and the top is intentionally hard to reach, just like real padel. That's why climbing from 6 to 7 takes far more than going from 1 to 2.
You'll see the level next to player names and on every game, so you always know who you're playing against.
How you get a starting level
Your first level comes from a short self-assessment survey. You answer questions across five areas, and we turn them into a starting level.
Friendly vs competitive games
Friendly
Default- For fun β the result never changes your rating.
- Shows the game's skill level, so players know what to expect.
- Open to everyone β no level required to play.
Competitive
Ranked- Ranked matches β the result moves your level once it's confirmed.
- Show a level range for who's allowed to join.
- Require an existing level and a Courtly Premium subscription.
Match format & scoring
Best of 3 sets
The first team to win two sets takes the match.
Winning a set
Six games with at least a two-game lead (6-0 to 6-4). At 5-5 you play on β 7-5 wins the set, and 6-6 is settled by a tiebreak, shown as 7-6.
Set tiebreak
First to seven points, win by two.
Golden point (Star point)
Games are played with advantage, but on the third deuce it becomes the golden point (the Star point) β whoever wins it takes the game.
Running out of time
Best of 3 can be tight in a 60-minute slot, so book a court long enough β and if you're unsure, agree with the other team before you start. If time runs out mid-set, finish it as a tiebreak: the games already played carry over as points and you play on to close the set. It's recorded as a normal set, so there's nothing special to enter.
Public vs private games
Public
Open- Anyone can find and join it from the Join a Game feed.
- Great for filling spots and meeting new players.
- The court locks in once the game is full.
Private
Invite only- Only the people you invite can see and join it.
- Ideal when you already have your four.
- The court is secured from the very start.
How your level changes
Only competitive matches move your level. How much it moves depends on the result and on who you played.
It moves more when
- βyou beat a stronger team
- βyou win by a bigger margin
- βyour level is still new and 'uncertain'
It moves less when
- βyou scrape a win against a weaker team
- βyour level is already well established
Whatever the line-up is when the match starts, that's the pairing that gets rated once the score is confirmed β later changes don't affect who the result counts for.
Confirming a competitive result
Submit
One team enters the score after the match.
Approve or counter
The other team either approves it or proposes a different score.
Auto-approve after 24h
If nobody responds, the score is approved automatically after 24 hours.
The level range on open games
Every open competitive game carries a level range. Players inside the range join directly.
How to set up a competitive match
Pick your slot & game type
Choose a court and time, switch to Competitive, and set the level range for who can join.
Invite your players
Your court is booked. Tap a spot to invite friends, or leave it open for others to join.
Play, then add the score
After the match, enter the set scores and send them to the other team to confirm.
Confirm & update ratings
Once both teams confirm the result, everyone's rating updates automatically.
What Premium unlocks
Friendly games and your current level are free forever. Courtly Premium adds competitive play and in-depth stats.
Competitive games
Create and join ranked matches that move your level.
Performance
Win rate, streaks, net rating change, best partners, favourite club and time.
Rivals
Head-to-head records against the opponents you face most.
Leaderboard
Where you stand against other players, with rank and percentile.
Rating history
A chart of your level over time.
Free vs Premium
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly games | ||
| See your current level & others' | ||
| Skill survey (starting level) | ||
| Competitive (ranked) games | β | |
| Performance stats | β | |
| Rivals (head-to-head) | β | |
| Leaderboard (rank & percentile) | β | |
| Rating history chart | β |
Courtly Premium is a single subscription with monthly and annual options. Pricing is shown in the App Store and Google Play.
Track your progress
Every competitive match feeds your profile. Watch your rating climb, see your win rate and streaks, and where you rank.
Rating over time
Follow how your level trends match by match.
Performance
Win rate, streaks, ELO change and your best partners.
Leaderboard
See how you rank against other players.
Head-to-head
Scout any player's form and your record against them.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to play?
Download Courtly and find your next match.