The likelihood of accurately completing a March Madness men’s tournament bracket with every game predicted correctly is an astonishing 1 in 9.2 quintillion.
No one has yet managed to achieve a verified perfect bracket (the longest recorded is 49 games). Accomplishing this would bring with it immense rewards—celebrity, wealth, and a captivating narrative, among others.
In essence, filling out a bracket is an inexpensive yet potentially rewarding activity. If you’re uncertain about how to begin, we’ve compiled a beginner’s guide to March Madness brackets for those new to the process.
What Exactly Is March Madness?
You may have heard the term before; you know it pertains to basketball. But what is it really?
March Madness refers to the championship tournaments for NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball. Teams are organized into a “bracket,” where they go head-to-head in single-elimination matches based on their seedings. Winning lets you progress, while losing means going home.
The objective for each team is to advance through each round until they secure the championship title.
Teams qualify through automatic bids by winning conference championships or at-large bids selected by the NCAA selection committee. Each team is assigned a “seed” ranked from 1 to 16—1 being the strongest—matching higher seeds against lower seeds in each regional bracket. Overall, there are four regions featuring matchups determined on Selection Sunday.
Why Participate in Filling Out a Bracket?
It’s enjoyable, free, and when approached swiftly, can be completed in a short time. Additionally, there are various reasons to join in on March Madness.
ANYONE has a chance to win
Exactly! Whether you favor a mascot or recognize a university, any approach might lead to success. While there are numerous strategies to enhance your bracket, the simplest tip is to avoid picking a 16 seed to win unless you feel strongly about it, as it has only happened twice in tournament history, the latest being in 2023 when FDU defeated No. 1 Purdue.
Every game is thrilling
With the structure of a single-elimination tournament, every game carries significant weight. You’ll find yourself cheering for outcomes that favor your bracket. This intensity is what makes March Madness so exciting—you can quickly become invested in the teams you selected, even if you’re unfamiliar with them. Plus, each game is likely to be filled with action and highlight-winning moments.
How Do I Obtain a Bracket?
To create a bracket, you can easily do so online through NCAA.com’s Official Bracket Challenge. Sign up for free, if you haven’t already, and start selecting winners for each matchup! Alternatively, you can print a bracket to fill out by hand.
Once your bracket is finalized, be sure to watch the games on television or stream them on the March Madness Live app. Click or tap here for the men’s March Madness schedule; click here for the women’s schedule and check back each year for updates during the tournament.
What’s the Next Step After Getting a Bracket?
With many games and numerous blank spaces, it can feel overwhelming. Begin on the top left corner, for example, with No. 1 Alabama facing No. 16 Texas A&M-CC using a bracket from the 2023 men’s tournament.
Spot the “1” next to Alabama? This designates a “seed,” indicating the team’s strength, where lower numbers represent stronger teams. Alabama had a 29-5 record prior to the tournament, competing against Texas A&M-CC, which had a record of 24-10. Choose which team you believe will win and advance them in your bracket.
Nice job! Repeat this process for other matchups like Maryland versus West Virginia. You can also find tools to assist in your selections, like an auto-pick feature in the Bracket Challenge game.
Tips for Bracket Success
Aiming for a flawless bracket is thrilling, but your primary goal should be to earn as many points as possible. Every game involves uncertainty, yet several strategies can enhance your chances of success.
Understand Seedings
As previously indicated, a lower seed typically indicates a stronger team. Consequently, the further a team you’ve selected advances, the more points you will accumulate.
Expect Upsets
The unpredictability is what makes March Madness exciting. “Upset” victories, where a lower-seeded team triumphs over a higher seed, often occur. For insights on choosing those upsets, check out this guide to picking upset matches.
Picking the Champion is Crucial
You can score points in every round, but points are not uniform across rounds. The closer you get to the championship game, the higher the potential points, making it essential to focus on selecting the champion and other teams likely to advance far.
Welcome to March Madness!
Ryan Chien joined NCAA.com in 2023 and serves as a spring editorial intern. He previously interned with Turner Sports in the summer of 2022, contributing to shows like NBA-TV and Inside The NBA. Ryan is currently studying Media Studies and Society and Environment at the University of California, Berkeley. Follow him on Twitter at @RyanChienMedia.
