Scrim Formats Explained
Choose the right practice structure for your team goals
Common Scrim Formats
| Format | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best of 1 (BO1) | Warm-up scrims or quick practice | Fast feedback loop, ideal for single strategy testing. |
| Best of 3 (BO3) | Most common competitive practice | Balances adaptation time with manageable schedules. |
| Best of 5 (BO5) | Tournament prep or extended blocks | Great for stamina and draft adaptation rehearsals. |
| Scrim Block | Multiple sets back-to-back | Stacked BO3/BO5 sessions with short review windows. |
| Focused Drill Set | Specific phase or objective practice | Define a single goal like Herald setup or lane swaps. |
| Mirror Draft | Learning matchups or execution | Both teams draft similar comps to isolate macro decisions. |
Format Selection Guide
Short on time
Run BO1 or focused drills to test one adjustment quickly.
Weekly routine
Use BO3 blocks to practice adaptation and drafting flow.
Tournament prep
Schedule BO5s and mirror drafts to sharpen series endurance.
Scheduling Checklist
- Confirm time zones and expected start times with the opponent.
- Set a clear objective for the block (draft practice, macro focus, specific matchup).
- Lock in a short review window after each game (10-15 minutes).
- Assign one person to log results and key takeaways in RiftSurge.
- Decide in advance whether to re-queue or call early if the goal is met.
Keep Exploring
Last updated: February 3, 2026 (v1.29.1)