Each number = the Alliance Captain whose turn it is to pick.
- **Round 1:** 1→8 (ascending), one pick each
- **Round 2:** 8→1 (descending), one pick each — BUT Alliance 8 picks twice in a row at the start (picks 9 & 10), and Alliance 1 picks twice in a row at the end (picks 15 & 16)
## Key Notes
- **Alliance 8 does NOT pick second overall** — they pick 8th in Round 1, then immediately pick again in Round 2 (picks 9 & 10 back-to-back)
- **Alliance 1** picks 1st in Round 1, then last in Round 2 (picks 15 & 16 back-to-back)
- **Captains choose any available team** — not just the next-ranked available. A captain can pick any team that hasn't been drafted yet, regardless of ranking. Teams often pick strategically based on complementary capabilities, scouting data, robot strengths, or matchup needs — not just raw EPA. For example, Alliance 8 might pick a highly-ranked defensive bot instead of the 2nd-ranked overall if it fits their playoff strategy.
- If a team declines, the scorekeeper clicks "Decline" — they become unavailable
- If a team doesn't make a pick in time, that slot is skipped (Alliance Selection continues)
- 45 seconds per pick in Round 1, 90 seconds in Round 2
## Why Serpentine?
The reversal balances the draft — Alliance 1 (top seed) gets first pick in Round 1 but last pick in Round 2. Alliance 8 (8th seed) gets last pick in Round 1 but first pick in Round 2. Prevents the top seed from always getting the best strategic advantage.
