How It Works | TopDex

Match Flow

1

Pick a Deck & Find an Opponent

Choose one of your decks, then hit "Let's Play" to enter the matchmaking queue for a random opponent. We snapshot your deck list when you queue, so editing it later won't change what your opponent sees.

2

Check In

Once matched, both players must check in within the time limit to confirm they're ready to play. As soon as both have checked in, each player's deck list is revealed to the other.

3

Play Your Match

Use the match code we generate to pair up with your opponent in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

4

Report Results

Once the game is over, report the outcome. Opponents have the opportunity to confirm or dispute the reported result.

If they don't respond in time, the result is auto-confirmed.

Deck Lists

Every match is played with a deck you've built in TopDex. Your selection is locked in when you queue and shared with your opponent at check-in.

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Pick Before You Queue

Choose a deck from your library on the Match Play page. We remember your last-used deck so it's pre-selected next time. No deck? Build one in the deck builder first.

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Snapshotted at Queue

The exact card list is captured the moment you queue. Editing the deck afterwards won't change what your opponent sees or what's stored on the match.

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Revealed at Check-In

Once both players have checked in, each opponent's deck list becomes visible on the match page so you can scout before the first turn.

ELO Rating

Your ELO rating measures your skill level. Everyone starts at 1200. Winning raises it, losing lowers it. The amount depends on the relative skill of your opponent.

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Beat a higher-rated player

Bigger ELO gain. The system rewards upsets.

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Lose to a lower-rated player

Bigger ELO loss. Expected wins are worth less.

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K-Factor

New players (under 30 matches) have a K-factor of 32 for faster calibration. After 30 matches it drops to 16 for more stable ratings.

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Floor

Your ELO can never drop below 100.

Reputation

Reputation measures sportsmanship, not skill. It's shown as a percentage based on your last 30 events. Good conduct keeps it high; bad behavior brings it down.

+1 Match completed (win or loss)

-3 Disputed a result

-3 Failed to check in

-5 No-show

Players with no events default to 100%.

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Matchmaking Gate

Players with reputation below 40% cannot queue for matches. This prevents repeat offenders from disrupting the experience for others.

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Hourly Regen

Reputation regenerates +1% every hour automatically. This ensures players who fall below the gate can eventually recover and play again.

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New Player Protection

New players start with phantom padding that cushions their reputation. As you play more matches, this padding naturally fades and your real track record takes over.

Match Outcomes

Here's what happens in every possible match scenario.

Normal Win / Loss

Both players confirm the result

ELO Standard ELO change for both players

Rep +1 for both (good sportsmanship)

Auto-Confirmed Result

Opponent doesn't respond before the deadline

ELO Standard ELO change (same as normal)

Rep +1 for both

No-Show Reported

One player reports the other didn't show up

ELO No change (no game was played)

Rep +1 to present player

Rep -5 to the no-show player

Disputed Result

Opponent disputes the reported result

ELO No change (match voided)

Rep -3 for both players

Wrong Deck List

Opponent's in-game deck doesn't match what they queued with

ELO No change (match voided as no contest)

Rep No penalty for either player, regardless of how the flag resolves

Every flag is logged for moderator review.

Check-In Expired (One Player)

Only one player checks in before the deadline

ELO No change (no game was played)

Rep +1 to present player

Rep -3 to absent player

Check-In Expired (Neither Player)

Neither player checks in before the deadline