How a book bracket works
The books are shuffled and paired up. For each pair, the group says which one it would rather read, and the winner moves to the next round, like a knockout tournament. When the number of books doesn't fill the bracket, some go straight to the next round.
Eight books take seven choices. That fits in ten minutes of a meeting.
When a bracket beats a vote
A vote with twelve books spreads thin: the winner takes three votes and nine people wanted something else. A bracket never asks anyone to weigh twelve books at once. Each question is small: this one or that one?
It works best live. Put the page on the TV, or share your screen on the call, and let the group call out the answers.
With four books or fewer, skip it. A bracket that short is two or three questions, and a show of hands is faster.
What you get at the end
The winner and the next suggestions, in an image ready to drop in the group chat. The list stays in your browser. Only the person running the bracket signs in, with Google or email.
Frequently asked questions
- How many books do I need for a book bracket?
- Two is the minimum, and it gets fun from six up. Eight makes a clean bracket: quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.
- What if the number of books isn't 4, 8 or 16?
- The bracket still works. Some books get a bye and go straight to the next round.
- Who decides each match?
- The group, out loud. Whoever is running the page clicks the book the group picked. Agree before you start who breaks an even split.
- Do club members need an account?
- No. Only the person running the bracket signs in. Everyone else watches and chooses out loud.