How is a tug of war match scored?
I · Intermediate · Competition · 5 of 5Checked 15 October 2026
In the round robin a match is two pulls with ends changed between: a 2-0 win scores 3 points, a 1-1 draw 1 each and a 2-0 loss nothing. Knockout rounds are best of three: 2-0 scores 3 and 0, and 2-1 scores 2 and 1. Ends are chosen by a coin toss.
How it works
- Round robin: two pulls.
- 2-0: 3 points.
- 1-1: 1 point each.
- Knockout: best of three.
- 2-1: 2 and 1 points.
- Ends: coin toss, change after each pull.
- Third pull: new toss.
- Rest: six minutes at most.
The glossary has the match, the points competition, the pull-offs, semi-finals and finals, the pull, the judge's signals and the ranking tiebreaks.
Tricky cases
How many matches in a round robin of six?
Fifteen.
Does a 2-1 loser score?
Yes, one point.
How are ends chosen for a third pull?
A new coin toss.
Is a round robin match ever three pulls?
No. Two.
Why the rule exists
Changing ends evens out any slope or ground difference.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Round robin | Two pulls | L R 20 |
| Knockout | Best of three | L R 20 |
| Rest | Six minutes | L R 18 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 17, 18 and 20. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.