Open Play vs. First Come - First Play
Open Play is a Drop-in session in which players simply drop in, without advance reservations, to play other Drop-in players.
The term used in pickleball to designate playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball. In Open Play, competition takes a back seat to the social aspects of meeting people, making everyone feel welcome, and enjoying this beautiful game the way the game’s creators envisioned it: fun for everyone.
During open play, if 6 players are waiting, players will play 9 points instead of 11 points. After a game is over, all 4 playing players will switch out to allow 4 new players a game.
Any other time that is not scheduled for “open play” as defined in the example above will be “First Come-First play”.
First Come-First Play describes a situation whereby customers play pickleball in the order in which they arrive, those who arrive first play first.
Skill Ratings
Ever wanted to know how well your skills stack up against other players? Want to make sure you aren't taking on a game against others who are much more or less better than you are? That's where Skill Ratings come in.
Skill Ratings allow you to determine how advanced your playing skill happens to be - without the need of someone else evaluating your skills. With a simple number, you can determine if you want to get involved in a certain game based on your opponent's skill level.
Download the Skill Ratings Information Sheet