Rules & Fairness

How a race is decided

Two racers stage on a Christmas tree. When the lights run, the clock starts. Your reaction time is how long after the green you release, measured by our server, not your browser. The official result is computed server-side from those timestamps.

• Sportsman tree (.500): three ambers in sequence, then green. A perfect light is .500.
• Pro tree (.400): all three ambers flash at once, then green. A perfect light is .400.
• Courtesy staging: Applies to every head-to-head race: neither racer can stage until both are pre-staged, and a racer who doesn't pre-stage within 30 seconds of their opponent loses by no-show in tournaments and contests, while casual races and Quick Match go back to Ready.
• Red light (foul): leaving before the green is a foul. In heads-up play, a foul loses unless both racers foul, in which case the less-red light wins.
• Closest legal light wins. Lower reaction time, no foul, takes the round.

Server-verified results

The tree sequence and all timing are generated and recorded on our server. Your device only displays the lights and reports your input, it never decides the winner. That means a faster computer, a high refresh-rate monitor, or a better connection cannot win you a race. Everyone is timed against the same authoritative clock.

Peer-to-peer, no house opponent

You always race another person. There is no built-in "house" car to beat and nothing for the operator to win when you lose. Head-to-Head, brackets, and duels are racer versus racer; solo practice and the daily challenge are you against the clock and the field.

Anti-cheat monitoring

Automated integrity checks review every result for signs of tampering, impossibly fast or scripted lights, automated input, manipulated timing, or duplicate-account collusion. Flagged runs are reviewed and can be voided, and accounts that cheat can be removed from rankings or suspended.

Race audit logs

Every race is stored with its full timing trail: the tree sequence, the server timestamps for each light, and both racers' inputs. If a result is ever questioned, there is a complete, tamper-evident record to settle it objectively.

Disputes

If you believe a race was scored incorrectly or an opponent cheated, you can file a dispute from your match history. We review the server audit log for that race and correct the record where warranted. Decisions based on the audit log are final.

Ranked play & seasons

Ranked Head-to-Head and bracket wins move your ELO and your place on the season ladder (a win is worth +3 in the standings). Solo practice and private rooms are unranked unless both racers opt in. Seasons reset on a schedule shown on the Rankings page.

For eligibility, age, and money-related policy, see Responsible Play.