> 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/score-mechanics.md).

# Score Mechanics

TopStrike rewards real football performance. When your players deliver on the pitch, you gain a share of the prize pool.

It's fantasy football for traders — fast, fair, and fully tied to live match events.

## How Scoring Works

On each Matchday, players accumulate points based on real on-pitch actions.

Each Matchday prize pool is divided into fixed tiers:

* **10% each to Top 3 Forwards**
* **10% each to Top 3 Midfielders**
* **10% each to Top 3 Defenders**
* **An additional 10% to 🌟 STAR Man** (top overall scorer)

This distributes 100% of the Matchday prize pool.

Your payout depends on how many eligible cards you hold at the Matchday snapshot of players who finish in these reward positions.

For the complete breakdown of every action and its point value, see the [Performance Matrix](/game-and-mechanics/performance-matrix.md).

## Eligible Cards

For a card to be eligible for Matchday rewards, it must:

* **Be purchased before the Matchday countdown cut-off**
* **Be within its 30-day eligibility window**
* **Be held at the official end-of-Matchday snapshot**

Only cards meeting all three conditions are counted for reward distribution.

The Matchday snapshot occurs at 11:00 PM GMT, after all eligible matches have concluded.

## Position Differences

Scoring is weighted by position to reflect each role's priorities:

* **Defenders** earn the most for clean sheets (+10) and defensive actions
* **Midfielders** are balanced across attack and defense
* **Forwards** earn the most for goals (+20) with no defensive bonuses

## High-Value Actions

| Action             | Best Position | Points |
| ------------------ | ------------- | ------ |
| Goal               | Forward       | +20    |
| Goal               | Midfielder    | +18    |
| Goal               | Defender      | +16    |
| Assist             | All           | +12    |
| Clean Sheet (60m+) | Defender      | +10    |
| Game Winning Goal  | All           | +5     |

## Negative Actions

Not all actions help your score:

| Action                | Points |
| --------------------- | ------ |
| Red Card              | -8     |
| Own Goal              | -5     |
| Yellow Card           | -3     |
| Error Leading to Goal | -3     |
| Conceding a Penalty   | -3     |

## Live Updates

Scores update in real-time as match data comes in. You'll see player scores change throughout the game as actions are recorded.

Final scores are confirmed once all eligible matches conclude. Official stat corrections may adjust final totals before prizes are distributed.

## Examples

**Example 1 — Midfielder finishes Top 3**

You hold 4 cards. There are 10 eligible cards held at the Matchday snapshot.

* Player unlocks 10% of the prize pool
* You own 4/10 = 40%
* Your reward = 40% of 10% = **4% of the total pool**

**Example 2 — Player wins STAR Man**

If the same midfielder also wins STAR Man:

* 4% from the midfield tier
* 4% from the STAR Man tier
* **Total = 8% of the prize pool**

## Tiebreakers

In the event that two or more players finish level on total Matchday points, ranking priority is determined in the following order:

* **Goals scored**
* **Assists**
* **Age** — the younger player ranks higher

## Cup Games

For all cup competitions, **extra time is included** when calculating a player's score. Goals, assists, cards, and other on-pitch actions occurring during extra time count toward Matchday totals on the same scale as actions during regular time.