The NPB League Structure
The NPB consists of twelve teams, which are split into two leagues with six teams in each of the Central and Pacific leagues. In the regular season, the teams go on to play between 120-146 games depending on the factors for that year.
When the regular season is completed, the top three teams from each league advance to the playoffs. The two teams that win the pennants (League winners) advance straight to the ‘Climax Series’ whilst the teams in second and third compete in a best-of-three series for a place in their league’s Climax Series’.
Both ‘Climax Series’ will be played entirely at the home of the teams which won their league, giving them a big advantage for winning the pennant that season. These series are a best-of-five with the two winners advancing to the Championship Series.
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The ‘Japan Championship Series’ is a best-of-seven series, and the home advantage changes each year, because there are a possible seven games. One team will have the advantage of four home games, and the simple solution is that for years ending in an odd number, the Pacific League team has the advantage and those in an even number, the Central League team has the advantage.
The team that has the home advantage will play games 1, 2, 6 & 7 at home, whilst the other team will play 3, 4 & 5 at home, depending on if the later games are needed, of course, as it could be over after just four games!
Remember to head over to the Baseball Best Handicappers page, where those who have shown a profit with their baseball predictions will be highlighted. Many of them will follow certain NPB teams and give you an expert opinion on each of the games.