How Many Games in the ALCS? 2025 Schedule, Format, and Key Details

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is one of Major League Baseball’s most important postseason matchups. Every year, two teams battle in this best-of-seven series for the right to represent the American League in the World Series. The 2025 ALCS features the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners, and fans are asking the key question: how many games are in the ALCS — and when are they played?

The short answer: the ALCS is a **best-of-seven series**, meaning up to seven games can be played. The first team to win **four games** advances to the World Series. If a team sweeps the series, it ends in four. But if both teams trade wins, the matchup could stretch to the full seven games.

ALCS Format and How Many Games Are Played

The ALCS follows a **2-3-2 home-field format**. That means the team with the better regular-season record hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the other team hosts Games 3, 4, and 5. This format gives the higher seed the advantage of potentially playing four games at home — including the decisive Game 7 if the series goes the distance.

The first team to reach **four wins** secures the American League pennant. That could happen in just four games (a sweep) or take as many as seven if the series is tightly contested. Historically, many ALCS matchups have gone six or seven games, making them some of the most intense series in all of baseball.

This year, the Toronto Blue Jays earned home-field advantage and host the series opener. Seattle aims to steal a road win early, which often sets the tone in a short series. With both teams boasting strong pitching rotations and powerful lineups, fans should expect a hard-fought battle that could very well go the distance.

2025 ALCS Full Schedule and Game Dates

Here’s the complete schedule for the 2025 ALCS (all times Eastern):

Game 1: Mariners at Blue Jays – Sunday, October 12, 8:03 PM ET

Game 2: Mariners at Blue Jays – Monday, October 13, 5:03 PM ET

Game 3: Blue Jays at Mariners – Wednesday, October 15, 8:08 PM ET

Game 4: Blue Jays at Mariners – Thursday, October 16, 8:33 PM ET

Game 5*: Blue Jays at Mariners – Friday, October 17, 6:08 PM ET

Game 6*: Mariners at Blue Jays – Sunday, October 19, 8:03 PM ET

Game 7*: Mariners at Blue Jays – Monday, October 20, 8:08 PM ET

*If necessary. The series ends as soon as one team wins four games.

This schedule includes travel days after Games 2 and 5 to allow teams to relocate between Toronto and Seattle. These days also give starting pitchers a chance to rest, which can significantly impact rotation strategies and bullpen usage.

Why the ALCS Format Matters

The seven-game format isn’t just a tradition — it shapes how teams approach each matchup. Managers carefully plan pitching rotations around off days, and teams often adjust strategies based on whether they lead or trail in the series. Home-field advantage also plays a crucial role. Historically, teams with home field have won a majority of ALCS Game 7s.

For fans, the extended series builds suspense and excitement. Every game has potential to swing the series momentum, and comebacks from 2–3 or even 0–3 deficits — though rare — add drama to October baseball. Whether the 2025 ALCS ends in four games or goes the full seven, each contest will carry enormous stakes.

In summary: The ALCS is always a **best-of-seven series**, with up to seven games played. The first team to four wins advances to the World Series. The 2025 ALCS between the Blue Jays and Mariners follows the traditional 2-3-2 format, with games running from October 12 through October 20 if all seven are needed.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many games are in the ALCS?

Up to seven games. The first team to win four games advances to the World Series.

Q2: What does the 2-3-2 format mean?

It means the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 5.

Q3: When is Game 1 of the 2025 ALCS?

Game 1 was scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Toronto.

Q4: Can the ALCS end before seven games?

Yes. If one team wins four games before Game 7, the series ends immediately.

Q5: Who has home-field advantage in the 2025 ALCS?

The Toronto Blue Jays have home-field advantage and will host Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 if necessary.