Snake draft explained: taking turns dividing heirlooms
A snake draft is a way of taking turns in which the order reverses every round. Whoever picks last in one round picks first in the next. It is the standard fix for the problem that, in a plain rotation, the first person always gets the best item.
What it looks like
With three siblings, the pick order runs 1, 2, 3, then 3, 2, 1, then 1, 2, 3, and so on. Sibling 3 gets two picks in a row at the turn, which makes up for waiting through the first round. With four siblings, it runs 1, 2, 3, 4, then 4, 3, 2, 1.
The pattern is easy to follow with a printed list on the table. Whoever keeps the list calls out the next name.
Setting it up
- Draw seat numbers from a hat before anyone has seen the wish results.
- Use only the contested items. Items one person asked for are already settled in the wish round, so the draft is short.
- Allow a pass. A pass is final for that turn, not for later rounds. A sibling who has nothing left they care about can pass without leaving the process.
- Stop when no contested items remain. Anything still unclaimed goes to the leftovers list.
A few practical rules
- Allow a pick that was not on the picker's wish list. It is fine, and good to see written down.
- Record each pick on the list as it happens, not afterward, so there is never a question about who picked what.
- Siblings who live far away join by video call, or name a proxy sibling who picks for them from a ranked list they send ahead of time.
- Do not reopen the whole process once it is finished. Trades only, and only if both sides agree.
When not to use a draft
If siblings care at very different intensities, a credit system lets the person who cares most show it. For a big pile of low-stakes items, a lottery is quicker. This guide compares the options. Before any of them, run a private wish round, and see the full process from ground rules to sign-off.
Get the free Wish Round Sheet. A one-page printable for the first step: each sibling privately marks what they would like, before anyone sees anyone else's choices. Two short emails on running the rounds come with it.
If you want the whole process in one place, the Sibling Heirloom Division Kit is a paid set: an Excel workbook that tracks the list, the wishes, the draft and the sign-off, a step-by-step playbook, and fill-in letters for the awkward conversations. The free sheet above is enough to start.
Related guides
General organizing guidance and education, not legal, tax or financial advice. Not reviewed by an attorney or tax professional. A will, trust or court order may control who gets what. Contact: [email protected]