> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.matchely.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Matches overview

> The kinds of match, how each one is created, and what happens to it afterwards.

Every match on Matchely is one of these:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Friendly" icon="handshake" href="/en/matches/friendly">
    A one-off match that already happened and you record. It counts toward your
    history and your level, but belongs to no competition.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Competition match" icon="trophy" href="/en/competitions/overview">
    Created by the competition when the organizer opens a round. The result
    earns points in the standings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pyramid challenge" icon="stairs" href="/en/competitions/overview">
    In a Challenge Pyramid the player creates the match: you challenge someone
    above you.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Imported" icon="file-import" href="/en/matches/import">
    Old matches you bring in from screenshots, spreadsheets, or Google Sheets.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Where they live

Under **My matches**, split between what is coming up, what is waiting on you,
and your history.

## A match's path

<Steps>
  <Step title="Someone enters the result">
    Either player.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The other side validates it">
    Until someone validates, the match stays pending.
  </Step>

  <Step title="It counts">
    Once validated, the match enters both histories and earns ranking points.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  **A pending friendly has a 7-day window.** After that, with no validation,
  the match is **deleted** — it does not stay pending forever, and there is no
  administrator to settle it for you. Whoever entered it can also delete the
  pending match before then.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **Validation is what makes the match count.** Before it, a friendly does not
  move your level or your ranking, and it does not show up in head-to-head.
</Note>