> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/sports/gridiron/learning-the-game/competitions/standard-competitions.md). # Standard Competitions There are 5 standard competitions that coaches can enter via the competitions tab. ### Starter * Salary Cap: 9mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze only * Special Card Limit: 0 * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Challenger or Champion Competition The Starter Competition is designed specifically for coaches who are brand new to GameDay Squad Gridiron. This competition uses Bronze player cards only, meaning that no cards which can be bought or sold can be used. This ensures every coach competes on an even playing field, with equal access to the same pool of player cards. Eighteen Bronze cards cost exactly 9mil, so every Starter squad sits right on the cap. There is no cap management to do here at all. The only thing that separates coaches is who they pick, which is exactly what a first competition should be about. These restrictions also mean that only new coaches are eligible to participate. This allows newcomers to learn the ropes, experiment with lineups, and experience the platform in a fair and beginner friendly environment without having to face more experienced coaches right away. At the same time, coaches can battle it out for pack prizes that will help them take the next step up as they progress through GameDay Squad's competitions. ### Contender * Salary Cap: 10mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze, Silver and Gold * Special Card Limit: 0 * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Champion Competition The Contender Competition is the first step where coaches begin to experience GameDay Squad's unique salary cap system. Silver and Gold cards come into play, and the first real salary cap means you will need to plan your squad and find the most effective way to build your lineup based on your collection. The maths is tight and that is the point. An all Bronze squad costs 9mil against a 10mil cap, which leaves you 1mil to spend. That is roughly ten Silver upgrades, or five Gold, so you have to decide which positions are worth paying up for and which you can leave as Bronze. You won't have to face our top tier Champion coaches just yet, making it the perfect bridge between the Starter and Classic competitions. Contender also marks the first opportunity to compete for cash prizes as part of the round prize pool, while still offering pack rewards to help coaches keep progressing. ### Classic * Salary Cap: 12mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: 2 (1 Prize Card limit) * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: None The Classic Competition is the core competition of GameDay Squad and is designed for every coach on the platform, regardless of experience. It is the only competition without restrictions, meaning every coach competes in the same round, creating the largest and most inclusive competition across the platform. New coaches can achieve success with a smart game plan, while veteran coaches must rely on strategy and decision making rather than just the size of their collections. With 3mil of headroom above an all Bronze squad and Platinum cards unlocked, Classic is where squad building starts to get genuinely interesting. Special cards come into play here too, with a limit of 2 and a maximum of 1 Prize Card among them. Pack prizes in Classic run all the way down to 100th place, deeper than any other competition on the platform, so there is something on the line for far more than just the top of the ladder. ### Challenger * Salary Cap: 14.5mil * Rarities Allowed: Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: 5 (1 Prize Card limit) * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Starter Competition The Challenger Competition is where the collection starts to matter. Bronze and Silver are locked out entirely, so every one of your 18 players needs to be Gold or better, and the 14.5mil cap gives you only 1.9mil of room above an all Gold squad. **Note for coaches coming from our other sports: Legend cards cannot be played in Gridiron Challenger.** Aussie Rules and Football both allow Legends here. Gridiron does not. Diamonds are the ceiling, which keeps this competition about depth of collection rather than a handful of elite cards. The special card limit of 5 gives you real room to build around your best assets, with a maximum of 1 Prize Card among them, and the cash prizes step up accordingly. ### Champion * Salary Cap: No Salary Cap * Rarities Allowed: Platinum, Diamond, Legend (6 Legend limit) and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: No Limit * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Starter or Contender Competitions The Champion Competition is the top of the GameDay Squad Gridiron ladder. There is no salary cap and no limit on special cards, so the only things standing between you and your strongest possible squad are the Platinum floor and a maximum of 6 Legend cards. Gold and below are locked out, meaning every one of your 18 players must be Platinum, Diamond or Legend. With a third of your field able to be Legends, this is where the best collections in the game go head to head every single round. Champion carries the deepest cash ladder of any competition, paying down to 10th every round, and the largest seasonal prize on the platform at $2,500.