[ HOW IT WORKS ]
The rules of a Calcutta auction, explained plainly.
What is a Calcutta?
A Calcutta is a live auction where a group of people bid on professional golfers competing in a real tournament. Every dollar bid goes into a shared pot. When the tournament ends, the pot is split among the owners of the top-performing golfers based on pre-set payout rules.
How the Auction Works
Golfers are presented one at a time. Each golfer is a “lot.”
When a golfer appears, a countdown timer starts. Anyone can bid. Each bid must be higher than the last. Every new bid resets the timer.
When the timer runs out, the highest bidder wins that golfer. The winning bid is deducted from their budget.
If no one bids, the golfer is passed to “The Field.”
What You Own
When you win a golfer, you own their performance for the entire tournament. If they finish in a payout position, you earn from the pot. You can own multiple golfers. Ownership is final once awarded.
The Field
Golfers that receive no bids are grouped into “The Field.” At the end of the individual auction, The Field is auctioned as a single bundle. The buyer owns the best-performing golfer from the group. The Field can win.
Tournament Scoring
Once the real tournament starts, golfer scores are tracked live. In golf, lower is better. A score of -5 beats a score of +2.
Golfer statuses: Active (still playing), CUT (eliminated after round 2), WD (withdrew).
Standings
Your standing is the combined score of all golfers you own. Lower total score = higher rank. Standings update live as the tournament progresses. Ties are broken by who owns the single best-performing golfer.
Payouts
The total pot equals everyone's budget combined. Payouts are distributed by final standing according to the rules set before the auction. The payout structure is visible to everyone before bidding starts.
Edge Cases
Missed cut: Golfer is eliminated. Their score freezes. They still count toward your total but won't improve.
Withdrawal: Same as missed cut. Score freezes at time of withdrawal.
Ties: Broken by best individual golfer owned. If still tied, deterministic fallback.
No bids on anyone: Everyone goes to The Field. The Field is still auctioned.
Quick Summary
1. Join an auction. Get a budget.
2. Bid on golfers you believe in.
3. Watch the tournament. Track your golfers.
4. If your golfers perform, you win from the pot.