1v1 duels: how the head to head works and how to win one
The exact rules of a duel, including the tiebreak nobody expects, and the habits that decide close ones.
A duel is the same six questions, in the same order, with the same options in the same positions, sent to somebody else. Winner takes five stars. Loser takes the L. Here is precisely how it resolves, because the tiebreak surprises people.
The challenge is sent before you play
This is the most important rule and it was a correction to an earlier design. Originally you played first and then chose whether to send the result, which meant everyone only ever shared their good rounds. Now the link goes out before you see a single question. Both players go in blind, on identical questions. Fair and square, and it means a duel result is worth something.
Score first, speed second
The player with more correct answers wins. If both score the same, the faster total time wins. That surprises people who see a level scoreline and a declared champion, so the verdict screen now spells out when speed decided it.
What actually decides close duels
- ▸Do not linger on a question you have already reasoned out. Time is the tiebreak, and hesitation is what loses level matches.
- ▸Do not rush the ones you can actually solve. Six questions is a small sample, and one careless miss outweighs several seconds saved.
- ▸Answer the doubled questions carefully. If a question is about a card you own, it is worth more, and it is also a topic you are likelier to get right.
- ▸Send challenges when you have just done well. Your run becomes the board, so a good score is a harder target for whoever opens it.
The rivalry counter
Duels against the same opponent accumulate. The verdict screen tracks the series, so it stops being one game and becomes an ongoing record you can lose. That is the actual hook: nobody replays a quiz, but plenty of people replay to get level.
Sending one earns you a round
Because the daily allowance is five rounds, and because inviting somebody is worth more to the game than one more solo round, sending a challenge gives you an extra round today. Up to three times.