How to debut at #1

Hitting #1 is uncommon. These are the habits that show up when a run actually clears the top.

Same scoring as how to play - just written as drafting priorities instead of rules.

Do not tank the average

One soft pick pulls the whole album down. In Classic, treat mid-60s ratings as last resorts. Skim the highest-rated songs so you know a keeper when it spins.

Leave room for a peak

A debut needs a lead. If the first few spins are safe but flat, do not fill every slot with "fine." Save space for something that can sit on top of the tracklist.

Mix singles and deep cuts

Roughly a third to half singles is the sweet spot. Twelve radio singles or twelve deep cuts both leave points behind.

Spread the artists

Stacking one artist across too many slots hurts. Once you already have a couple from the same name, lean toward a new spin unless the rating is absurd.

Watch energy and tempo

Wild jumps between neighbors hurt flow. When two songs are close on rating, take the one that sits nearer the last track you locked.

Pick the pool on purpose

Hip-Hop, Pop, and Rock change what lands on the reel - see the genre guides. Best eras and artist pages show where the deep benches are before you spin.

Match the mode to the goal

Chase a personal best in Classic with the numbers up. Switch to Expert when you want the music-nerd test, then check the reveal against what you thought you knew.

Rules and FAQ: how to play. Reference lists: top tracks, best eras.