ACBL limited games (like 0–200 or 0–50 masterpoint games) award fewer masterpoints than open games because the awards are scaled down based on the experience level of the players the game is designed for.
The higher the masterpoint limit, the closer the awards are to full value. The lower the limit, the more the awards are reduced. This is ACBL policy — it reflects that players are competing in a restricted field, against others with less experience.
Here’s a general idea of how awards are reduced:
| Game Type / Upper Limit | % of Open Game Awards |
| Open game | 100% |
| Up to 300 masterpoints | 80% |
| Up to 200 masterpoints | 70% |
| Up to 50 masterpoints | 60% |
| Up to 20 masterpoints | 50% |
| Up to 10 masterpoints | 40% |
| Up to 5 masterpoints | 20% |
So, for example, winning a 0–200 game might earn you 70% of what you’d earn for the same result in an open game.