FAQs - ePegboard

What is ePegboard?

ePegboard is a digital replacement for the traditional manual pegboard system used in club nights. It automatically forms games using an intelligent algorithm that balances skill levels, mixes pairings, and ensures fairness - all while keeping the session flowing smoothly. Most clubs use the web app at play.epegboard.com; a Windows desktop app is also available for clubs that prefer fully-offline operation.

Web app or desktop app - which should I pick?

For most clubs the web app is the right choice. It runs in any browser on any device (tablet or laptop-sized screens recommended for the best experience), needs no install, and is where new features land first. The desktop app is still supported and is the right choice if you need to run fully-offline at a venue with no reliable internet. Most new functionality will be web-only.

How are games chosen?

When choosing the next game, the system looks at every possible combination and assigns each a score, then picks the combination with the best score. The score is composed of several components: cross-team balance, in-team balance, how long a player has been waiting, gender balance, and mixing up partners / opponents. Where more than one court is available, the system optimises games across all courts together. Pick explanations show players exactly why each game was picked - it's not a black box.

How are player ratings calculated?

The ePegboard rating system works similarly to ELO ratings in chess. Ratings are adjusted based on the game score compared to the par score (what the system would have expected). So a player who loses 21-19 when the par score was 21-17 will see their rating go up, even though they lost - and the opponents' ratings go down accordingly. Rating changes happen quickly for the first few games then slow down as the system hones in on the player's true rating.

My club wants to stick with traditional picking - first player in queue picks from next N. Is that supported?

Yes. There are configuration settings to ensure the first player in the queue always picks, with their options drawn from the next 7 names (configurable). Auto-pick can be used to suggest a game and the person at the front of the queue can adjust as they prefer.

How do I sign up?

Go to play.epegboard.com and create an account. No card details required. You can be running your first session within a few minutes.

What devices does the web app work on?

Any modern browser on any device - Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, Android tablet, iPhone, Android phone. Tablet or laptop-sized screens are recommended for the best experience; phones work but the display is best on larger screens.

Does the web app need an internet connection?

Yes. The web app needs an internet connection during the session. If your venue has unreliable internet, the desktop app may suit you better - it runs fully offline.

What data does the web app store, and where?

The web app stores your club data (member details, session history, game results, ratings) on our servers. Access is gated by login and scoped per-club. Photos uploaded for member identification are stored alongside the member record. Paid legal review of our privacy + terms is in progress; see the Privacy page for interim details.

I used to run the desktop app - can I switch to the web app?

Yes. Get in touch at support@epegboard.com and we'll help migrate your member list and history to the web app.

Do you need my card details?

No card details or payment are required for the free trial - in either the web app or the desktop app.

How does the free trial work?

Web app: sign up at play.epegboard.com. Free for at least 60 days - we'll announce ahead of any post-trial pricing change.

Desktop app: download and install - it comes with a fully featured 60-day free trial. No registration or card details needed.

Why do I get a SmartScreen warning when downloading the desktop app?

Because ePegboard is a relatively new product, SmartScreen may warn users due to low download volume. This is a standard Microsoft safeguard for new software and will fade as downloads increase. The web app at play.epegboard.com avoids this entirely - no download needed.

What does it cost after the trial?

Web app: we'll announce post-trial pricing ahead of any change. Free for at least 60 days from sign-up.

Desktop app: £60 / year per club. No automatic renewal - you choose when to renew.

Is this a subscription?

Desktop app: no. After the 60-day trial, you can purchase a 12-month license for £60. There is no automatic renewal. Web app: pricing model is being finalised; no automatic charge during the free trial.

Can I transfer my license to another club?

No. Each license is tied to a specific club and is non-transferable.

Do you offer discounts for teams or multiple clubs?

Yes - we offer discounts for multi-license purchases. Please contact sales@epegboard.com to discuss your requirements.

What are the minimum system requirements?

The desktop app runs on Windows 11 and is optimised for touchscreen devices with a recommended screen size of 10.1 inches or larger.

Does the desktop app work offline?

Yes. The desktop app is fully offline. Once installed it runs without needing an internet connection during sessions - which is why it's still the right choice for venues with unreliable internet.

Do I need to reinstall after buying a desktop license?

No. Once you've purchased a license, just enter your license key into the application's licensing screen. Your data, settings, and player history remain intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 General questions