> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://theluckyducks.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://theluckyducks.gitbook.io/docs/races/creating-a-race.md). # Creating a race The Create Race form choice by choice, from entry fee and lobby size to duration, mode and every opt in. Open Create Race from the main page. The form runs top to bottom in the order you fill it in. {% hint style="info" %} **Creating is optional.** You can join a race someone else has already opened instead, straight from the race list, with nothing to fill in. Create your own when you want the terms to be yours: the entry fee, the seats, the duration and the mode. See [Joining and playing](/docs/races/joining-and-playing.md). {% endhint %} {% columns %} {% column width="70%" %}

The Create Race modal showing the entry fee field with its currency picker, max players, duration and race mode — Required choices at the top, opt ins below.

{% endcolumn %} {% column width="30%" %}

The Create Race modal showing the entry fee field with its currency picker, max players, duration and race mode, on a phone — On a phone

{% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %} ## Required choices ### Entry fee What each player pays to join, in SOL or any [supported SPL token](/docs/economy/spl-tokens.md), legacy or Token-2022. The minimum is 0.01 SOL or the token equivalent, the maximum 10 SOL. The currency picker shows each token's address, so you can tell a token from a lookalike: see [Selecting a token](/docs/economy/spl-tokens.md#selecting-a-token). The platform fee rate depends on it: a smaller entry fee pays a higher rate. [Fees and prizes](/docs/economy/fees-and-prizes.md#platform-fee-tiers) has the tier table. The amount field shows one **Fee** figure: the platform fee rate for the amount you typed, plus the jackpot fee rate while the race [feeds the jackpot](#feeding-the-jackpot). Hover it, or tap it on a phone, to see the two parts.

The entry fee field on the create form with the currency picker beside it — The minimum is 0.01 SOL, and the picker sets what everyone pays in.

### Max players How many seats the lobby has. The default cap is 5 and the absolute maximum is 20; anything past the default needs a Runner NFT in the connected wallet. See [Runner NFTs](/docs/nfts/runners.md).

The max players control on the create form with the seats past the default marked as gated — Past the default of 5, the control tells you a Runner is needed.

### Feeding the jackpot A share of your race's pool goes into [the jackpot](/docs/competition/jackpot.md) unless you untick this. It is the last option on the form and is ticked to begin with, and any creator can change it with or without a Runner NFT. Its label carries the rate, **Feeds the jackpot** followed by the percentage, and its explanation names what that comes to as an amount in your race's currency. The **Fee** figure and the prize preview on the form follow your choice. A race that feeds the jackpot carries the jackpot mark, so players see it before they join. The choice is not offered while the platform's jackpot rate is zero. The card also says whether a jackpot is running right now: the share is taken when the prize is claimed, and only [while one is running](/docs/competition/jackpot.md#between-two-jackpots).

The feeds the jackpot option on the create form, carrying its rate and ticked — Last on the form, and ticked unless you untick it.

### Race duration How long the visual race runs. The floor is 30 seconds, and the ceiling is a platform setting that the form shows you, 3 minutes as the platform has it set. Short is punchier; long gives the audio commentary room to build a story. {% hint style="warning" %} 30 seconds is open to everyone. **Any other value needs a Runner NFT**, like the join timeout slider, and without one the field stays locked at 30s. See [Runner NFTs](/docs/nfts/runners.md). {% endhint %}

The race duration field on the create form showing the platform maximum — 30 seconds needs nothing. Any other value needs a Runner.

### Race mode {% tabs %} {% tab title="Winner Takes All" %} First place takes the whole pool, minus fees. The cleanest format for a small race. {% endtab %} {% tab title="Podium split" %} The pot is split between first, second and third. Needs at least 3 players, and suits a big lobby. [Race modes](/docs/races/race-modes.md) has the split. {% endtab %} {% endtabs %}

The race mode picker on the create form with Winner Takes All and Podium Split — Podium Split needs 3 players, so a 1v1 only offers the first.

## Optional opt ins All off by default, and most need a Runner NFT: [Runner NFTs](/docs/nfts/runners.md#what-it-unlocks) lists which. * **AI commentary**. A per second narration track, generated as the race starts. Costs a little per race second. * **X announcement**. Posts the race to The Lucky Ducks' X account, so it reaches people outside the app. Small flat cost, non-refundable. See [Advanced options](/docs/races/advanced-options.md#x-announcement). * **Custom join timeout**. A shorter or longer lobby window than the default. * **Custom name**. A title on the race card. * **Custom track**. A Track NFT you own as the background. * **Start when underfilled**. Lets the race launch short of max players once the join timeout passes. See [Advanced options](/docs/races/advanced-options.md). * **Host without playing**. Create without taking a seat. Not available for 1v1, and the host gives up the Creator Fee Share. See [Hosting, cancelling, and refunds](/docs/races/hosting-and-cancelling.md). * **Sponsored race**. You fund the pool, players join free. Good for giveaways. * **No-boost race**. Boost NFTs off for everyone, yourself included. See [No-boost races](/docs/nfts/boosts.md#no-boost-races). * **Join setting**. Open by default, or limited to verified players, an invite list, NFT holders or token holders. See [Race access and gating](/docs/races/access-and-gating.md). * **Minimum account age**. Keeps fresh wallets out by requiring a player account of a certain age. See [Advanced options](/docs/races/advanced-options.md#minimum-account-age). {% columns %} {% column width="70%" %}

{% endcolumn %} {% column width="30%" %}

{% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %} ## Sign and submit The cost box totals everything you pay: entry fee, oracle fee, archival fee, any opt in costs, and the race account's rent. The rent comes back when the race ends, and [Fees and prizes](/docs/economy/fees-and-prizes.md#other-costs-at-creation) has each figure. After signing, the race hits the lobby and the join timer starts.

The cost breakdown box at the foot of the create form, itemising entry fee, oracle fee, archival fee and rent — Every line you are about to pay. The rent line returns when the race closes.

{% hint style="success" %} Race in your own race and part of the platform fee comes back to you. No NFT needed to earn it, and each one you bring adds more. See [Creator Fee Share](/docs/economy/creator-fee-share.md). {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/osJ2S1bnuNVeQxdPd2aA" %} [Advanced options](/docs/races/advanced-options.md) {% endcontent-ref %}