> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.topstrike.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.topstrike.io/game-and-mechanics/game-guides.md).

# Game Guides

Learn how to play TopStrike effectively.

## Understanding Matchdays

A **Matchday** is a scoring window covering a defined set of eligible fixtures. Each Matchday functions independently and includes:

* A defined set of eligible fixtures (listed before the Matchday begins)
* A dedicated prize pool funded by trading fees
* One end-of-Matchday snapshot
* A full scoring reset after the Matchday ends

TopStrike runs two Matchdays every week:

* **Saturday Matchday**, covering Friday evening and Saturday fixtures across the eligible domestic leagues, all scored together
* **Sunday Matchday**, covering Sunday fixtures across the eligible domestic leagues

On weeks when European football is being played, a third is added:

* **European Matchday**, covering UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League fixtures

The European Matchday is the one exception to "one day". European ties are spread across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so the Matchday runs the full midweek and every fixture in it is scored together as a single competition.

Each Matchday is scored and settled independently with its own prize pool.

**Matchday Cut-Off:** To be eligible for that Matchday's prizes, you must buy before the countdown timer on the home page reaches zero. The timer reflects the final eligible kickoff for that Matchday. Purchases after the countdown expires are not eligible for that Matchday's prizes.

### Eligible Competitions

Fixtures from the following competitions count toward TopStrike Matchdays:

* **Premier League**
* **La Liga**
* **Serie A**
* **Bundesliga**
* **Ligue 1**
* **UEFA Champions League**
* **UEFA Europa League**

Only matches from these competitions are scheduled as eligible fixtures. Friendlies, lower-tier domestic leagues, and other tournaments do not count toward Matchday scoring.

## Trading During Live Matches

TopStrike is built for real-time trading. Here's how to make the most of it:

**Before kickoff:**

* Research form, fixtures, and expected lineups
* Buy players you expect to perform well
* Get in early — bonding curve means early buyers get better prices

**During matches:**

* Watch for goals, assists, and key actions
* Player scores update in real-time
* Prices move based on trading activity
* Sell high-performers to realise gains, or hold through the snapshot to compete for Matchday prizes

**After matches:**

* Prizes are distributed once all eligible games finish
* Leaderboards reset for the next Matchday
* Position yourself for tomorrow's fixtures

> **Important:** To be eligible for prizes, you must hold the card at the official end-of-Matchday snapshot. Selling before the snapshot forfeits that Matchday's eligibility.

## Portfolio Management

**Viewing your holdings:** Check your portfolio to see all player cards you own, their current value, and eligibility status.

**Eligibility window:** Each card is eligible for prizes for 30 days from purchase. Selling and rebuying resets this window.

**Strategic holding:** Even after eligibility expires, a card can still appreciate based on market demand:

* Position early ahead of upcoming Matchdays
* Anticipate fixtures, form spikes, and narratives
* Trade news (injuries, transfers, hype)
* Reset eligibility by selling and rebuying

## Key Trading Tips

1. **Early is cheap** — bonding curve rewards early buyers
2. **Timing matters** — buy before cut-off to be eligible for that Matchday's prizes
3. **Hold through the snapshot** — you must hold at the official end-of-Matchday snapshot to earn rewards
4. **Diversify positions** — spread across Forwards, Midfielders, and Defenders
5. **Watch the fixtures** — more matches = bigger prize pools