Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most about the Swap-a-ton. If this is your first time, start with How the Swap-a-ton works; the algorithm gets its own page in How the matching works, and the full rules live in the Swap-a-ton rules.
How much does it cost to take part?
Nothing. Joining and taking part is free; the only cost is shipping the game you give away, which you pay yourself.
What is the algorithm?
It's a math trade. Unlike a traditional swap (X gives to Y, Y gives to X), a math trade builds cycles: X gives to Y, Y gives to Z, Z gives to X. Everyone gives away a game they don't want and receives one they do. Full walkthrough in How the matching works; background on the BGG wiki.
How is it decided who trades what?
The algorithm looks for the combination that produces the largest possible number of trades, then respects the order you ranked your wants in as closely as it can. The same data always yields the same result. The three priorities it weighs, and what it deliberately ignores, are in How the matching works.
Could I give a game away and receive nothing?
No. If you give a game away, it's because you're receiving something in return. In the worst case you don't trade and you keep your game.
Could I get a game I don't want?
No. You only receive a game you marked as acceptable during the wants phase.
Can I offer or ask for money for a game?
No. Only trades for games or related items are allowed.
Is there a limit to how many games I can offer?
No. The more offerings there are, the more trades become possible. Each game you offer counts as an independent trade.
Can I offer a game with its expansions?
Yes. Expansions and promos that travel with that copy are listed inside the same offering and have to be described. And if you want several separate games to trade as one box, that's a combo: they go in the same offering, traded whole or not at all.
How do I signal that I want someone else's game?
During the wants phase, inside Swap-a-ton. For each game you offered you build a ranked list of what you'd accept in return. Games on your wishlist are highlighted.
Does the order of my wants matter?
Yes. The algorithm tries to give you what you ranked higher, so put what you want most at the top.
Could I end up with two copies of the same game?
No. Duplicate protection is on by default: mark copies of the same game across as many of your lists as you like and at most one of them reaches you. Marking every acceptable copy is therefore safe, and it improves your odds. Combos are covered too: mark a box and loose copies of its games freely, from any of your lists — if both could ever arrive, the matching keeps your better-ranked request. See How the matching works.
How are results published?
When the admin releases the matching, you get an email with your results and you see them in Swap-a-ton: what you send, to whom, what you receive, and from whom.
Once results are out, can I decide not to trade?
No. Taking part obliges you to honor the results. Flaking affects a lot of people, because trades are computed as chains.
How do I ship my game?
You contact the recipient and agree on the best way to deliver. You pay for shipping what you give away, use a courier with tracking, and pack with real protection (reinforced box, bubble wrap, or foam).
There was a mistake in the delivery address
Confirm it with your counterparty and work out whose mistake it was. Whoever got it wrong covers the extra cost.
What if the game never arrives, or doesn't match the description?
Resolve your side by marking "Had a problem", and sort it out with the sender first. If the trade doesn't complete, it's marked as failed: no replacement and no compensation, but it does land on the reputation of whoever broke it.
I still have questions
Read the Swap-a-ton rules — your question may already be answered there. If not, write to us at contacto@ludagora.com.
Ready? Head to Swap-a-ton to see the active edition.
