# Compare D then E

> Break ties by comparing difficulty score first, then execution score.

> **Visual guide:** [View the decision tree in Figma](https://www.figma.com/board/lm5p3uj8nDiH4NEBS1k1oD/)

## Prerequisites

* [Set up your levels](/levels/index.md) before configuring tiebreakers.

## Configuration

In your level settings under tiebreaker configuration, choose "Compare D then E" for any ranking context where harder routines should be rewarded over cleaner execution.

## How it works

1. Two gymnasts have the same **final score** on an apparatus.
2. Compare their **difficulty scores** (D score). The gymnast with the higher D score ranks first.
3. If difficulty scores are also tied, compare their **execution scores** (E score). The gymnast with the higher E score ranks first.
4. If both D and E are tied, the gymnasts share the same rank.

This rewards **harder routines** when final scores are equal.

## Example

Two gymnasts tie on Floor Exercise with a final score of 13.450:

| Gymnast | Final Score | D Score | E Score | Result  |
| ------- | ----------- | ------- | ------- | ------- |
| Alice   | 13.450      | 5.000   | 8.450   | **1st** |
| Bob     | 13.450      | 4.800   | 8.650   | 2nd     |

Alice wins because her difficulty score (5.000) is higher than Bob's (4.800), even though Bob had cleaner execution.

## When to use

* Competitions that **reward difficulty** over execution quality.
* Elite-level or optional-level meets where harder routines should be rewarded.
* When your governing body specifies difficulty-first tiebreaking.

## Related

* [Compare E then D](/tiebreakers/compare-e-then-d.md) - The reverse order
* [How do tiebreakers work?](/tiebreakers/index.md)
* [How to configure individual score settings](/levels/individual-score-settings.md)


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