Americano vs Mexicano: which to play

Both formats rotate partners and count points. The difference is who you play next: Americano follows a plan that mixes everyone evenly, while Mexicano pairs players by the standings, so matches get closer as the night goes on.

How Mexicano pairs players

Round 1 is mixed at random, or by level if you set levels. After that, players are ranked by points and split into fours from the top: the leaders share court 1, the next four court 2, and so on. In each group, 1st and 4th play 2nd and 3rd, which keeps matches tight.

If that would repeat a pair from the last round, Padellama switches to 1st and 3rd against 2nd and 4th.

Which should you pick?

• Americano for a social mix: everyone plays with everyone, and you choose the length up front.
• Mexicano when levels vary or the group likes a challenge: the strongest end up playing each other, and every match feels close.
• Not sure? Start with Americano. If scores were lopsided, try Mexicano next time.

New to both? Start with how an Americano works.

More guides

• How Americano works→
• How many rounds→
• Scoring sit-outs→
• Balanced teams→