CQ WW WPX CW
A quick guide for operators — what to expect, what to say, and how it's scored.
This guide is a draft and hasn't been checked yet. Contest rules change from year to year — the sponsor's official rules are the final word.
What it is
The Morse-code prefix contest: every different callsign prefix is a multiplier. 48 hours, worldwide.
The exchange
RST and a serial number: "5NN 1", "5NN 2" … (many stations send T for 0, e.g. 5NN TT7).
A typical contact
Scoring
Multipliers are callsign prefixes (VE7, W6, JA1, 4X4, …), each counted once for the whole contest, so unusual prefixes are gold. Contacts with other continents are worth more points than those on our own continent, and contacts on 40, 80 and 160 m count double.
Bands
160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 m.
Tips for first-timers
Cut numbers are common: T = 0, N = 9, A = 1. If unsure of their serial, ask "NR?".
Official rules
The club in this contest
Last updated 2026-10-29 by draft (Claude).