World Cup Prediction Game Scoring: 6 Systems Compared (2026)

The scoring system determines which strategy wins. Prediction players who never check the points rules are giving away positions every tournament. Here are all six systems on tiptilldone explained — with a comparison table, concrete examples, and guidance on which one fits your round.

The Quick Summary

Every prediction scoring system distinguishes three tip categories:

• Exact score — you predict 2-1, it ends 2-1
• Correct goal difference — you predict 3-2, it ends 2-1 (both times home wins by +1)
• Correct tendency — you predict 3-0, it ends 1-0 (both times home wins, regardless of margin)

How many points you get for each category determines the winning strategy.

All 6 Systems Compared

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1. Kicktipp Classic (5 / 3 / 2)

The standard. Nine out of ten German-language prediction games use this system — including Kicktipp itself.

• 5 points — Exact score
• 3 points — Correct goal difference
• 2 points — Correct tendency (win/draw/loss)
• 0 points — Wrong tendency

Strategy: The 5/3/2 system rewards bold picks. Playing safe with "1-0 home win" earns 2 points per game — but two exact 2-1 predictions (10 points) overtake a safety player in one matchday. Over 104 World Cup games, this creates real separation.

Best for: Everyone who already knows Kicktipp. Zero learning curve when switching platforms.

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2. tiptilldone Classic (3 / – / 1)

The streamlined system. tiptilldone's default scoring has no separate goal-difference tier. You either nail the exact score (3 pts) or get the tendency right (1 pt). Nothing in between.

• 3 points — Exact score
• 1 point — Correct tendency (including correct goal diff without exact score)
• 0 points — Wrong tendency

Strategy: Simplifies the decision to a single question: safe 1-point tendency pick, or go for exact? Tables stay tighter since maximum spread per game is only 3 points instead of 5.

Best for: First-time tippers, family groups, rounds where goal-difference math feels too complicated.

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3. Tournament Pro (4 / 2 / 1)

The balanced professional. Emphasizes exact scores more than Kicktipp Classic, but still rewards correct goal differences and tendencies.

• 4 points — Exact score
• 2 points — Correct goal difference
• 1 point — Correct tendency
• 0 points — Wrong tendency

Best for: Experienced rounds wanting more drama without going full chaos mode.

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4. Tendency Heavy (5 / 4 / 3)

The safety net. All three categories earn meaningful points — even a correct tendency is worth 3. Tables stay closer and beginners are less frustrated.

• 5 points — Exact score
• 4 points — Correct goal difference
• 3 points — Correct tendency

Best for: Rounds with many beginners, office pools without hardcore football fans.

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5. Difference Heavy (6 / 4 / 1)

The expert system. Correct goal difference earns 4 points. Correct tendency earns just 1. This harshly punishes surface-level tipping.

• 6 points — Exact score
• 4 points — Correct goal difference
• 1 point — Correct tendency

Best for: Football nerd groups who want to reward knowledge over luck.

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6. Exact Only (6 / 0 / 0)

All or nothing. Points only for exact scores. Tendency and goal difference don't count.

• 6 points — Exact score
• 0 points — Everything else

Best for: Short fun rounds, not a full 104-game tournament — over a World Cup the table reflects luck more than knowledge.

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Which system fits your round?

Already using Kicktipp? Pick Kicktipp Classic (5/3/2) — identical system, zero learning curve.

New round with beginners? Tendency Heavy or tiptilldone Classic keep tables balanced.

All football nerds? Tournament Pro or Difference Heavy create more drama.

Want chaos? Exact Only — but for short rounds only.

Set up your scoring on tiptilldone

Choose your system when creating your round — or set custom points. Once set, the scoring is fixed for fairness.

Create your round with your preferred scoring system →

FAQ

Is Kicktipp Classic the same as on Kicktipp?

Yes, identical. 5 points exact, 3 goal difference, 2 tendency — exactly the same. Players switching from Kicktipp will feel right at home.

Can I change the scoring after starting?

No. The scoring is fixed after round creation to guarantee fairness for all players.

What counts for draws and goal difference?

A draw always has goal difference 0. Two different draw scores (e.g. 1-1 and 2-2) share the same goal difference — so Kicktipp Classic awards 3 points, not 2.

Do extra time and penalties count?

Group stage: 90-minute result. Knockout rounds: 90-minute result — extra time and penalties are not part of the prediction.

Challenge accepted?!

Prediction game, not a betting operator. As of June 2026.