How a Match Works: Auto, Teleop, and Endgame

Six robots, two and a half minutes

An FRC qualification match lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds (160 seconds) of action and pits two alliances — Red and Blue , three robots each — against each other on the field. Each match is split into three phases.

1. Autonomous (the first 20 seconds)

For the opening 20 seconds , drivers cannot touch the controls. Robots run pre-written code , using sensors, cameras, and odometry to move and score on their own. Strong autonomous routines are a major competitive advantage. For example, in 2025 REEFSCAPE , robots would leave their starting line, place ‘Coral’ on the ‘Reef,’ and remove ‘Algae’ — all without driver input.

2. Teleop / Driver-Controlled (the remaining 2 minutes 20 seconds)

After autonomous, human drivers take over for the remaining 2 minutes and 20 seconds. A team’s drive team (driver, operator, human player, and coach) controls the robot to collect game pieces and score. In REEFSCAPE, drivers grabbed Coral fed by a Coral Station human player and scored on the Reef, or processed Algae. In 2026 REBUILT , drivers shoot Fuel (foam balls) into the Hub , which only scores when it is ‘activated.’

3. Endgame (the final seconds of teleop)

The last portion of teleop is the Endgame , where robots attempt high-value, often climbing-based actions:

• REEFSCAPE (2025): park under the Barge (2 pts), or hang on the shallow Cage (6 pts) or deep Cage (12 pts).
• REBUILT (2026): climb the ladder-shaped Tower , ascending up to three rungs for points.
• CRESCENDO (2024): climb the Chain on the Stage.

Endgame is dramatic because points swing fast and multiple robots often climb simultaneously.

How scoring becomes ranking

In qualification matches , you don’t just want to win — you want Ranking Points (RP). A typical scheme awards:

• Points for winning a match (and a smaller amount for a tie)
• Bonus RP for completing game-specific objectives (e.g., an autonomous bonus or a scoring threshold)
• A Coopertition Bonus , earned when both alliances cooperate on a shared task (in REEFSCAPE, both alliances processing enough Algae in the Processor lowered the ranking-bonus threshold)

Your Ranking Score is your total RP divided by matches played. A higher rank means you’re more likely to be an Alliance Captain or an early pick in the playoffs.

Why phases matter strategically

A well-rounded robot scores in all three phases. Many rookie teams aim first for a reliable autonomous (free points every match) and a dependable scoring cycle, then add an endgame climb once the basics work.

Learn more

• 2026 Game Manual (PDF): https://firstfrc.blob.core.windows.net/frc2026/Manual/2026GameManual.pdf
• 2025 Game Manual (PDF): https://firstfrc.blob.core.windows.net/frc2025/Manual/2025GameManual.pdf

Key takeaways

• A match is 2:40 long: 20 seconds of autonomous (code only) followed by 2:20 of driver-controlled teleop, ending with a high-value endgame.
• Recent endgames are climbing challenges — Cages in 2025 REEFSCAPE, the Tower in 2026 REBUILT, the Stage chain in 2024 CRESCENDO.
• In qualifications you earn Ranking Points for winning, tying, and completing bonus objectives, plus a cooperative Coopertition Bonus; rank = RP per match played.

This lesson was adapted from learnfrc.com.