How to Run a March Madness Bracket Pool in 2026

Learn how to score a March Madness bracket pool, assign points by round, and manage upset bonuses.

Setting up a March Madness Bracket pool might seem complicated, but with the right format and automated scoring, it's incredibly easy.

Here is your complete step-by-step guide to running a successful March Madness Bracket pool.

Step 1: Choose Your Format

The most important decision is how your participants will play. Discuss with your group whether they prefer a simple, casual format or a more complex, strategic game.

Step 2: Decide on the Scoring Method

Determine exactly how points will be awarded. Will you use standard scoring, or add bonuses for upsets or specific milestones? Be clear about the rules before the event begins.

Step 3: Set the Points Structure and Tiebreaker

Since your pool is for entertainment purposes only, establish a points structure for the winners (e.g., 60% for 1st, 30% for 2nd, 10% for 3rd). A common tiebreaker is having participants predict the total combined score of a specific game.

Step 4: Invite Your Friends

On PoolFrenzy, pools with 4 or fewer entries are completely free. For larger groups, the commissioner pays a flat $20 platform hosting fee for unlimited participants. Just send out the invite link and watch the entries roll in.