Questions
Short answers. The guide has the detail.
Playing
We've got an odd number. Does that work?
Yes. pad3l works out who sits out each round and shares it evenly. Any number from 2 to 12 works.
Someone's running late. Do we have to wait?
No. Start without them. When they arrive, add them and they go into the next round.
What if someone has to leave early?
The host removes them when their round finishes. The next round is planned without them. They can be brought back with a tap.
Can someone play without a phone?
Yes. The board adds their name. If they join later with the same name, the results are theirs.
Which formats can we play?
Americano, Mexicano, round robin, timed rounds and king of the court. Doubles, singles or two against one.
What scoring rules does it use?
Americano and Mexicano count points, 24 a round by default. Round robin can use padel games with golden point at 40-all, or blocks of points.
Can we just have a knock-about without it counting?
Yes. Start a practice game. It's scored as normal and never saved to a league.
Getting set up
Does everyone need to download the app?
No. Players can join from their phone's browser by scanning the QR code. Only the host needs pad3l open.
Do we need accounts?
No. There's no sign-up, email or password. You just type your name.
Do we need a tablet?
No. A phone can host. A tablet by the court is nice to have, so everyone can see the score.
Which devices does it run on?
iPhone and iPad, with Android to follow. Anyone can join and score from a phone browser.
What if the signal drops at the court?
The host's app keeps scoring offline and sends everything when the signal comes back. Adding or removing players waits for a connection.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. pad3l is free, with no adverts.
Trophies and friends
What are trophies?
Awards handed out at the end of each session, for comebacks, close games, streaks and the odd disaster. There are nearly 190 across five tiers, from common to mythic. Most stay hidden until someone wins one.
Are they mean?
Never. They tease, the way friends do. The Wooden Spoon "builds character".
What's a title?
Every trophy comes with one. Pick a title you've won, like "the Wall", and it shows next to your name on the tables and your recap card.
Can friends watch a game they missed?
Yes. Sessions in progress show under Live now. Open one to follow the score.
Can I share the result?
Yes. At the end, share a recap card of the session, or one of your own result, straight to the group chat.
Buttons and watches
Can I score with a Bluetooth button?
Yes. Pair any Bluetooth clicker or page-turner with the board. See the button guide for which key does what.
Is there a watch app?
It's coming soon. You'll be able to score from your wrist.
Leagues
Can I be in more than one league?
Yes, as many as you like. Each group can have its own, and your player page shows them all.
How do I start a league?
Type a new league name when you create a session. Pick it again next time.
How are league points worked out?
Each session gives 10 points for first, 7 for second, 5 for third, 3 for fourth and 1 for everyone else. Seasons last two months.
My name is spelt two ways in the table.
Use the same name each time. To merge the two, get in touch.
Still stuck?
Email hello@pad3l.app and we'll help.