Can somebody explain Skirmishes to me?

dance210: There are two parts to a Skirmish: Group Stage and Playoffs.   If a team signs up for the entire week, they play both parts. If a team signs up for the weekend only, they will only play the Playoffs.   All teams that make the top 50% will get gold. They will also move on to the Alpha Playoff, with a chance to earn even more gold.   Teams in the bottom 50% of the group stage and teams that only play over the weekend, will play in the Bravo playoffs. Teams earn less gold than the Alpha playoffs.