SummaryIn this paper a simple model is developed to explain and to predict the results of “binary contacts” in a set ofnsubjects with different powers where couples meet each other in binary contacts. The outcome is explained by a comparison of the respective powers and the random influences. The problem is to estimate the powers of the subjects from observations in the past and to predict the outcomes of future contacts. The model is relevant in many economic and Sociological settings. Here it is applied to the Dutch Football League results to estimate the relative powers of the teams and to predict the outcomes of future matc