How Balatro web duels work
Duel mode is built around two players joining a match flow, getting ready, launching the client, and letting the server handle the match state and result.
Player expectations
Both players should wait for the setup and loading steps. Leaving before the match is actually underway can cancel the setup rather than creating a normal win or loss.
Fairness and results
The server owns duel state and result handling. That matters because clients can disconnect, load at different speeds, or hit browser errors.
Connection issues
If launch fails, report the visible reason. Good reports include whether the issue happened while downloading, waiting for the other player, counting down, or inside the game.
Related pages
Before the match starts
Both players need to reach the ready and launch flow. If one player is still downloading client files, the other player may need to wait. That wait should not count as normal gameplay.
Private matches are for inviting a specific player. Random duels are the mode intended for public competitive matching.
Leaving and failed launches
A failed launch is not the same as losing a played match. If a duel ends because a client cannot launch, the result screen should explain that reason. Reports should include both player names and the stage where it failed.
Good duel reports
Useful duel reports say whether the match was private or random, whether each player finished downloading, and whether the game reached the countdown. That makes it possible to tell a queue issue from a client launch issue.