The criteria judges score, how winners are decided, and the rubric behind every SuperDebate round
A common myth is that debates are won by whoever the judge already agreed with. In real competitive debate, judges score each debater against defined criteria, so you can win a side the judge personally disagrees with, simply by arguing it better.
At SuperDebate, every debate is scored live on four core criteria: arguments, evidence, clarity, and persuasion. Each judge leaves written feedback with every mark, so you know exactly why you earned it.
The strength and logic of your claims, and how directly you answer the other side's best points instead of talking past them.
Real facts, examples, and sources, integrated naturally to support your claims rather than dropped in for show.
Organized, signposted speeches delivered so the room can follow you. A judge should always know exactly where you are in your case.
Story, conviction, and impact. Beyond being correct, did you make the judge care about your side?
Each judge scores both debaters on all four criteria, weighted equally, 1 to 5 each for a total out of 20. The scores are aggregated and the debater with the higher total wins the round. Organizers can adapt the criteria for their events, so a tournament may score differently than a club night.
Because the rubric is shared and every mark comes with written notes, judging stays consistent and you always leave knowing precisely what to sharpen next.
Get scored on the full rubric with written feedback from real judges.
