Why is it called a snake draft?
Because the pick order snakes back and forth, reversing direction at the end of each round instead of restarting from the top every time.
Snake Draft
A snake draft is a fantasy football draft where the pick order reverses each round, so the team that picks last in one round picks first in the next.
In a snake draft, the order of picks flips every round. If you pick first in round one, you pick last in round two, then first again in round three. This back-and-forth pattern is meant to keep the league fair, since every team gets a turn at both the top and the bottom of the draft.
Most redraft leagues use a snake format because it is simple and balances out the advantage of an early pick. The team with the first overall pick gets the best player in round one but then has to wait through every other pick before choosing again. The team picking last gets two picks in a row, which lets them grab two strong players back to back.
Draft order in a snake draft is often set by random draw, reverse standings from the year before, or a lottery. Once the order is set, the reversing pattern continues through every round until rosters are filled.
Common questions
Is a snake draft better than an auction draft?
Neither is better, they are just different. A snake draft is easier for beginners, while an auction lets every team bid on any player and removes the limits of a fixed draft slot.
Do you want an early or late pick in a snake draft?
It is mostly a matter of taste. Early picks get a shot at an elite player, while late picks get two picks in a row and can pair up two strong players.
Related terms
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