The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is played as a best-of-seven series. This means the first team to win four games wins the series and advances to the World Series. The number of games played can range from four to seven, depending on how quickly a team reaches four wins. The series is structured so that the team with the better regular-season record usually hosts four of the games. This format tests teams' endurance, strategy, and consistency over multiple games, ensuring the winner has proven itself over a sustained period. There are no ties, as games go into extra innings if needed until a winner is decided.