Draft & Auction Guide
Learn how to participate in drafts and auctions, understand different formats, and master the strategies for building your championship team.
Draft System
Understanding Draft Formats
RosterWars supports multiple draft formats to accommodate different league preferences and strategies.
Snake Draft
The most common format where draft order reverses each round.
Example
Round 1: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Round 2: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
Round 3: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Linear Draft
Same draft order maintained throughout all rounds.
Example
Round 1: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Round 2: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Round 3: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Random Draft
Random order for first round, then snake format.
Features
- Random first round order
- Snake format for remaining rounds
- Fair and unpredictable
Manual Order
Commissioner sets custom draft order for each round.
Use Cases
- Custom league rules
- Compensation picks
- Special circumstances
Participating in a Draft
Here's how to participate in your league's draft event.
Join the Event
Navigate to the Events section and click on the Draft event when it's active.
Wait Your Turn
Monitor the draft progress and wait for your turn to pick.
Make Your Pick
Select your player when it's your turn, or use auto-pick if enabled.
Time Limits
Each pick has a time limit. If you don't make a selection in time, the system will auto-pick for you based on available players.
Draft Strategies
Position Strategy
- Early Rounds: Focus on elite players regardless of position
- Middle Rounds: Fill starting lineup positions
- Late Rounds: Add depth and high-upside players
- Bench: Handcuffs and developmental players
Value-Based Drafting
- Draft the best available player
- Don't reach for positions too early
- Consider bye week distribution
- Balance risk and upside
Auction System
Auction Formats
Auctions provide a different dynamic where every team can bid on any player.
Nomination Auction
Teams take turns nominating players for bidding.
Process
- Teams nominate players in order
- Open bidding on nominated player
- Highest bidder wins the player
- Continue until rosters are full
Blind Auction
All teams submit sealed bids simultaneously.
Process
- All teams bid on same player
- Highest bid wins
- No counter-bidding
- Strategic bidding required
Auction Budget Management
Managing your auction budget is crucial for building a competitive team.
Budget Allocation
- 70–80% on starters
- 15–20% on bench players
- 5–10% for flexibility
Bidding Strategy
- Set maximum bids for players
- Don't get caught in bidding wars
- Save money for later rounds
- Be willing to let players go
Value Targets
- Identify undervalued players
- Target players others might overlook
- Focus on high-upside players
- Consider injury risk in pricing
Participating in an Auction
During the Auction
- Monitor your remaining budget
- Track other teams' spending
- Be ready to bid quickly
- Don't panic if you miss a player
Advanced Tactics
- Nominate players you don't want
- Force others to spend early
- Create bidding wars strategically
- Save money for end-game steals
Pro Tips
Draft Tips
- Research player ADP (Average Draft Position)
- Have a backup plan for each pick
- Don't draft too many players from the same team
- Consider bye week conflicts
- Trust your research, not just rankings
Auction Tips
- Create a budget spreadsheet beforehand
- Set maximum bids for top players
- Be patient and don't overpay early
- Save money for the end game
- Don't get emotional during bidding
Important Reminders
- Once you make a pick or win a bid, it cannot be undone
- Auto-pick will activate if you don't make a selection in time
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Keep track of your roster limits and requirements
Need Help?
Technical Issues
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Contact Support →Strategy Questions
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