Player guide
How CPL works
The essentials for playing your weekly match, following the competition, and getting support.
Getting started
Use Join CPL to identify with Lichess, obtain Closed Beta access where required, and complete eligibility. You enter the global waiting pool only after legitimate admission. A permanent starter seat gives you one official match each competition week.
Weekly matches
Your opponent and colour are predetermined. Agree a start using availability, become Ready from T-10, then enter the 45+15 rated game on Lichess.
Standings
The Division table stays 1-16 all season. GP means Games Played. Points accumulate across all 12 games; Opening Place and Opening Bonus are provisional during Opening and lock afterward; League Points equal Points plus Opening Bonus. Players tied on Points or League Points with fewer GP rank higher. Teams tied on Team Points also rank fewer GP first.
Teams and Global Clubs
A Global Club is permanent across CPL. Its Team represents it inside one league. Your official result contributes Team Points to the Team you currently represent.
Promotion and relegation
Final Classification places determine normal movement. Your confirmed destination appears on Home after season processing.
Waiting pool
Continuous waiting seniority decides ordinary admission. Rating only matches vacancies or balances players already selected for equivalent destinations.
Community
CPL has four conversation surfaces: the Global Forum for starters and waiting players, your League Forum, your private Team Room, and a discussion attached to each official match. Team Room access follows current Team membership, and match discussion pauses during live play.
Friendlies
Eligible waiting players can play one casual (unrated) 45+15 Friendly per UTC CPL week, including preseason before Season 1 starts. Post availability for another eligible player to accept later. Starters may also participate during offseason. Results never affect standings, waiting priority, movement, or discipline.
Offseason
After 12 competition weeks, CPL has one offseason week with no mandatory game. Recruitment remains open and the next season is prepared from the frozen cutoff population.