What Is a Snake Draft?

A snake draft is a format in which the pick order reverses after every round. If Team 1 picks first and Team 12 picks last in Round 1, Team 12 picks first and Team 1 picks last in Round 2.

Why the order reverses

The reversal helps balance the value of draft positions. An early first-round pick comes with a longer wait before the second selection, while a manager near the turn often makes two picks close together.

Planning from your slot

Managers at the ends of the order should anticipate which positions or tiers may disappear during the long gap between picks. Managers in the middle select more regularly but rarely make consecutive choices.

Snake drafts are simple and widely used. They differ from auction drafts, where managers bid from a shared budget rather than selecting from fixed positions.