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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘N’ / National League Division Series (NLDS)

National League Division Series (NLDS)

Na*tion*al League Di*vi*sion Se*ries

What Is The Definition Of National League Division Series In Baseball?What Is The National League Division Series (NLDS) In Baseball? Definition & Meaning On SportsLingo

The National League Division Series, or NLDS, consists of two best-of-five series with the winners of each series advancing to the National League Championship series (NLCS). The teams that play in the two series are the three division winners (East, Central, West) and the wild card winner. 

When Was The First National League Division Series?

This round of the National League playoffs was first introduced in 1981, but implemented for good after 1993.

How Many Games Are In The NLDS?

NLDS are a maximum of five games. Each series contains a minimum of three games and two additional games as needed. The first team in each series to three wins takes the series and moves on to the NLCS. 

As in a typical best of five series, the number of wins dictates the number of games in the series. Note that one series may take all five games to determine a winner while the other series establishes a winner in three games. The winner of the short series then receives additional rest while the winner of the longer series will play the NLCS on less rest.

Where Are The NLDS Games Played?

As of 2012, the wild card team plays the division winner with the best record, while the other two division winners face-off against each other. In each matchup, the team with the better record is considered the higher seed. 

The higher seed holds home field advantage for the first and second games, and then the series moves to the lower seed’s home field for the third and, if necessary, fourth games. The final game, if necessary, is played at the higher seed. 

Examples Of How National League Division Series Is Used In Commentary

The Phillies win the National League East, with the best record in the National League, ensuring their spot in the NLDS.

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Baseball

Abbreviated As:

1. NLDS

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