How the Optimizer Works

From contest selection to lineup export in 6 simple steps

Back to Command Center
1
Select Contest

Choose your DraftKings contest and load player pool

2
Configure Builder

Set stacking rules, lineup count, and optimization settings

3
Adjust Players

Edit projections, lock/exclude players, set exposure

4
Build Lineups

Generate optimized lineups based on your settings

5
Prune Lineups

Refine your pool using intelligent pruning strategies

6
Export

Download CSV and upload to DraftKings

1

Select Your Contest

Loading DraftKings Data

The optimizer pulls live contest data directly from DraftKings, ensuring you always have the most current player pool, salaries, and positions.

Classic Contests

Standard 9-position lineups (QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, DST) for main slate and single-game formats.

Captain Mode

Showdown contests with 1 Captain (1.5x points) and 5 FLEX positions from a single game.

Pro Tip: The optimizer automatically syncs with DraftKings when you select a contest, pulling player data, injury statuses, and game information.
2

Configure Your Builder

Lineup Settings
Number of Lineups

Generate 1-150 lineups. Use 1-3 for cash games, 20-150 for GPP tournaments.

Randomness

Control lineup diversity. Low (0-10%) for cash, high (15-30%) for GPPs to create unique builds.

Stacking Options

Correlation is critical for tournament success. Configure stacks to maximize ceiling:

Primary Stack
  • QB + 1-3 pass catchers from same team
  • Ideal for high-total games
  • Maximizes correlated upside
Bring-Back
  • Add opposing team player to primary stack
  • Leverages shootout potential
  • Game stack for tournaments
Solver Engine

Choose from multiple optimization engines based on your needs:

  • PuLP (COIN_CMD): Fast, reliable, best for most builds
  • PuLP (GLPK): Alternative solver for different optimization paths
  • PuLP (CBC): Another option for variety in large builds
  • Random Strategy: Pure random selection (testing/debugging only)
Tournament Builds: Use multiple solver engines across your lineup pool to create additional uniqueness and avoid duplicate lineups.
3

Adjust Player Pool

Projection Management

Our optimizer starts with baseline projections, but you have full control to customize based on your research and insights.

Edit Projections

Click any player's projection to adjust fantasy points. Your edits are saved and used in all lineup builds.

Lock Players

Force specific players into every lineup. Perfect for cash game core plays or tournament must-haves.

Exclude Players

Remove players you want to fade completely. They won't appear in any generated lineups.

Set Exposure

Control min/max exposure for each player across your lineup pool (GPP multi-entry strategy).

Interactive Player Grid

Our AG-Grid powered interface lets you:

  • Sort by any column (salary, projection, position, team, opponent)
  • Filter by position, game, or team
  • Quick-edit projections with inline editing
  • Bulk select players for locking/excluding
  • View player stats, game totals, and opponent matchups
4

Build Lineups

Optimization Process

When you click "Build Lineups," the optimizer:

  1. Validates your settings and player pool
  2. Applies exposure controls and locked/excluded players
  3. Enforces stacking rules and position requirements
  4. Runs the selected solver engine to find optimal combinations
  5. Generates unique lineups based on randomness settings
  6. Returns results in ~30 seconds to 3 minutes (depending on lineup count)
Results Grid

View all generated lineups in an interactive grid with:

  • Player names, positions, and salaries for each lineup
  • Total projected points and salary used
  • Sort lineups by projection or salary
  • Click individual lineups to view full roster breakdown
  • Analyze exposure across your lineup pool
Pro Tip: Build more lineups than you need (e.g., 200-300), then use pruning to intelligently trim down to your target count. This ensures you keep the highest quality, most diverse lineups.
5

Prune Lineups

What is Lineup Pruning?

Pruning is a post-build refinement tool that helps you intelligently reduce your lineup count without starting over. After generating a large pool of lineups, pruning lets you selectively trim redundant or low-value entries while preserving strategic diversity.

When to Use Pruning
  • Contest Entry Limits: You built 300 lineups but the contest caps entries at 150
  • Excessive Overlap: Your lineups are too similar and lack differentiation
  • Exposure Rebalancing: Certain players or stacks are over-represented
  • Final Polish: Remove the weakest 10-20% of your lineup pool
The Four Pruning Strategies

Each strategy uses a different algorithm to evaluate and rank your lineups. Choose based on your contest type and goals.

Smart Diversity

Minimizes player overlap between lineups by selecting the most unique combinations.

Best for: Large GPP tournaments where differentiation is critical.

Top Performers

Keeps lineups with the highest total projected points.

Best for: Cash games and builds where projection accuracy is your edge.

Salary Efficient

Prioritizes lineups with the best points-per-dollar value.

Best for: Finding value plays and sleeper-heavy lineups.

Stack Diversity

Preserves different team stacking combinations across your pool.

Best for: GPP tournaments where correlation and game stacks matter.

How to Prune
  1. Review your build results and player exposure distribution
  2. Select a pruning strategy that matches your contest type
  3. Enter your target lineup count (e.g., reduce from 300 to 150)
  4. Click "Preview" to see which lineups will be removed
  5. Confirm and apply the pruning operation
  6. Review final exposure to ensure key players maintain appropriate levels
Best Practice: Always preview before applying. Start with light cuts (10-20%) rather than aggressive trimming. You can always prune again if needed.
6

Export to DraftKings

Export Process

Once you're satisfied with your lineups:

  1. Click "Export to CSV" to download a DraftKings-compatible file
  2. Log in to DraftKings and navigate to your contest
  3. Select "Upload Lineups" and choose your downloaded CSV
  4. DraftKings will import all lineups instantly
  5. Review and enter your lineups into the contest
Bulk Upload: DraftKings allows bulk uploads of up to 150 lineups per contest. Perfect for GPP multi-entry strategies!
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