Question 1

What is Cracking the XI for the MLS?

Accepted Answer

It's an AI assistant that values every MLS player by applying the scoring weights Kickbase published for 2026 to real match stats. You get a scout, a player comparator, a team builder, probable lineups, deep player analysis and an AI chat coach — all specialized in the 30 MLS clubs.

Question 2

Do I still need the official Kickbase app?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're a companion analysis tool, not the game itself. You keep managing your real roster, budget and transfers in the official Kickbase app — we help you decide who to bring in, captain or sell. We never touch your team for you. Cracking the XI is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kickbase.

Question 3

Is it free to start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sign up and get 50,000 free CXI credits (the ROOKIE pack) — no card required, once per account. That's enough for your first projections and signing comparisons with the official 2026 weights.

Question 4

What languages are supported?

Accepted Answer

The whole MLS section works in English and Spanish. Switch anytime from the language selector in the top bar — your tools, analysis and AI answers all follow the selected language.

Question 5

How are fantasy points calculated?

Accepted Answer

We apply the per-position weights Kickbase published for 2026 to each player's real stats, not generic averages. We cover most events in the rulebook (~75% of events, ~90% by impact), so our points are an estimate and may differ from those shown in the official app.

Question 6

Why can a goalkeeper or defender be worth more than a forward?

Accepted Answer

Because in 2026 events score differently by position. A goal is worth +120 for a GK, +100 for a DEF, +90 for a MID and +80 for an ATT. Clean sheets score in 10-minute blocks, so a goalkeeper who keeps a full shutout earns about 50 points just for defending. That asymmetry moves the ranking.

Question 7

Which actions score points?

Accepted Answer

Goals and assists (weighted by position), clean-sheet blocks, shots, dribbles, interceptions, blocks, duels, key passes, fouls and offsides, penalties and cards — plus the match result applied to every player: +15 for a win, −15 for a loss.

Question 8

How complete is the data?

Accepted Answer

We cover roughly 75% of scorable events and about 90% of the total scoring impact. Whatever we can't compute from the available data, we tell you openly instead of hiding it — honest, verifiable coverage.

Question 9

Do you account for my captain or its point doubling?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't apply captain doubling to the calculation, and we don't manage your roster slots — those live in the Kickbase app. When it's relevant, the AI chat flags it as a warning so you can factor it in yourself.

Question 10

What is the Scout?

Accepted Answer

The Scout lets you search and filter MLS players by position, club, price and form, then compare candidates head-to-head with position-based weights. It's the fastest way to find a signing or a differential.

Question 11

What does the Team Builder do?

Accepted Answer

It lets you assemble your XI and audit it: expected points per player for the round using the official formula, so you can spot weak slots before the deadline.

Question 12

What do the Lineups show?

Accepted Answer

Probable lineups per fixture and round, so you know who's likely to start before you set your team. Open any fixture to see the projected XI for both sides.

Question 13

What is the AI chat?

Accepted Answer

It's your fantasy coach: ask it anything — projections, comparisons, who to captain, signing ideas — and it answers using our scoring engine. Each query consumes CXI credits based on its complexity.

Question 14

What is Player Analysis?

Accepted Answer

A deep per-player report: recent form, injury risk, projected fantasy points and how the position weights apply to that player's profile. Use it before committing a transfer.

Question 15

What is MLS Status?

Accepted Answer

Estado MLS is the matchday command center — in-form players, injuries, best captains, upcoming fixtures and league leaders, all in one place before you lock your lineup.

Question 16

What is the Watchlist?

Accepted Answer

A list of players you're tracking. Add anyone from the Scout or analysis pages and recall them from any route via the watchlist button in the top bar.

Question 17

What is the Ideal XI?

Accepted Answer

The 11 players who scored the most points in a matchday, in the legal formation that adds up to the most. It is a calculation on real points, not an AI pick: ask the assistant which of that eleven are worth signing for the next matchday.

Question 18

What are CXI credits?

Accepted Answer

CXI credits are how AI usage is billed: 1 CXI credit = 1 AI token. Every query consumes credits according to its complexity — a quick question costs little, a full XI audit costs more.

Question 19

How many credits does a query cost?

Accepted Answer

Roughly: a single-player projection ~8K, comparing 2–3 candidates ~14K, a best-by-position ranking ~22K, a full XI audit ~35K. The exact amount is shown after each query, so there are no surprises.

Question 20

Is there a subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. Every pack is a one-time purchase with no auto-renewal. Credits are valid for a limited time (15, 45, 90 or 180 days depending on the pack), and nothing charges you again automatically.

Question 21

Which credit packs are available?

Accepted Answer

• FREE — 100K credits, once per account, valid 30 days
• DIRECTOR PASS — 200K credits, valid 15 days
• STARTER — 900K credits, valid 45 days
• PLUS — 2.4M credits, valid 90 days (most popular)
• MAX — 6M credits, valid 180 days

Question 22

Do credits expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes — each paid pack is valid for its duration (15/45/90/180 days) and unused credits don't roll over once it ends. The free 100K credits are a one-time grant per account and expire after 30 days.

Question 23

How do I buy and pay?

Accepted Answer

Pick a pack on the Pricing page and check out securely with Stripe. Prices are one-time and final: no tax is added at checkout. You can buy a bigger pack whenever you need more credits.

Question 24

What AI model does each pack use?

Accepted Answer

• ROOKIE: Standard AI
• STARTER: Fast AI
• MANAGER: Smart AI
• DIRECTOR: Advanced AI
Higher packs use stronger reasoning for deeper, multi-player analysis.

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