ACBL Masterpoints are awarded according to a standard calculation method. But unlike other federations, it is based on Sections and Metasections.
Sections are based on the players’ ACBL theoretical ranking (i.e. number of Masterpoints) to divide them into Sections of about 15 players.
For tournaments of over 100 players, Metasections are created to give them an extra chance to earn even more points.
Let’s take an example. Player A and Player B are in Section 3. Player A finishes ahead of Player B. They play in two different Metasections. Player B can thus get a better position in his Metasection and win more Masterpoints.