How to pick fair teams

The classic way to pick teams – two captains choosing one by one – is quick, but it has two problems: someone is always picked last, and the result often depends on who the captains are. A fair method is better for the game and for the mood.

What “fair” means

• Similar total level. Add up a simple 1–5 rating for each player; both sides should end up close.
• The same number of players – or a difference of one if the total is odd.
• Keepers apart. Two goalkeepers in one team spoil the game.
• A mix of positions, so one side is not all forwards.

How the Squad Night balancer works

It deals the strongest players first, alternating between the teams, and then tries lots of small swaps until no swap makes the teams more even. Many different splits are often equally fair, so the “Another fair option” button picks a new one each time – nobody is stuck with the same team every week.

Rate kindly and honestly

Ratings are only a tool for balance. Keep them private if your group prefers, update them now and then, and remember that a rating says nothing about how welcome someone is.