How to Play: a simple five-step loop our desk uses before every fantasy submission — from contest size to toss lock.
Less theory, more repeatable process. Each step on this page is one our desk actually runs before locking XI on any platform.
Step 01 — pick a contest size that fits your wallet
Head-to-head, 3-11 small leagues and 10,000+ mega contests.
Most beginners should run 3-11 small leagues in their first 50 matches. A smart captain pick in a 3-11 league can beat the field; in a 10,000+ mega, you need differential value in three or four slots — too many or too few and you lose on variance.
Step 02 — read the pitch and the toss before locking your XI
Surface, dew window, pace vs. spin matchup.
A dry Wankhede track pushes spinners into your team. A green Mohali surface rewards extra pace. Toss news usually lands 30 minutes before the match — we publish a post-toss update on our predictions desk within ten minutes.
Step 03 — captain and vice-captain logic
Captain 2×, vice-captain 1.5× — pick with intent.
Captain gets 2× points, vice-captain gets 1.5×. Pick your most consistent player as captain, your highest-ceiling differential as vice. Avoid the captain-vice same-franchise trap on the public slate.
Step 04 — set salary cap, then check bench depth
Stay 5-10 points under cap for differential room.
Stay 5-10 points under the salary cap so you have room for an in-form differential. A 100-credit bench isn't worth a 60-point dud, but a 92-credit bench with three differentials is. Balance is everything.
Step 05 — submit at least 15 minutes before toss
Late submissions are the #1 reason rookies miss the table.
Most platforms lock teams at toss. Late submissions are the #1 reason rookies miss the points table — even a strong XI that misses the lock window scores you nothing. Build your team early, edit late.