diff --git a/backend/tournaments/migrations/0006_game_pool.py b/backend/tournaments/migrations/0006_game_pool.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e61927
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/tournaments/migrations/0006_game_pool.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# Generated by Django 5.1.4 on 2025-12-23 06:21
+
+from django.db import migrations, models
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+
+    dependencies = [
+        ('tournaments', '0005_alter_team_options_remove_team_seed'),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.AddField(
+            model_name='game',
+            name='pool',
+            field=models.CharField(blank=True, help_text='Pool this game belongs to', max_length=10),
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/backend/tournaments/models.py b/backend/tournaments/models.py
index 04f1110..390f847 100644
--- a/backend/tournaments/models.py
+++ b/backend/tournaments/models.py
@@ -220,6 +220,9 @@ class Game(models.Model):
     team1 = models.ForeignKey(Team, on_delete=models.CASCADE, related_name='games_as_team1')
     team2 = models.ForeignKey(Team, on_delete=models.CASCADE, related_name='games_as_team2')
 
+    # Pool assignment (set at game creation, doesn't change with team reassignments)
+    pool = models.CharField(max_length=10, blank=True, help_text="Pool this game belongs to")
+
     # Scores (set by MODAQ)
     team1_score = models.IntegerField(default=0)
     team2_score = models.IntegerField(default=0)
diff --git a/backend/tournaments/serializers.py b/backend/tournaments/serializers.py
index b27a0a7..ccba54a 100644
--- a/backend/tournaments/serializers.py
+++ b/backend/tournaments/serializers.py
@@ -114,7 +114,6 @@ class GameSerializer(serializers.ModelSerializer):
     round_number = serializers.IntegerField(source='round.round_number', read_only=True)
     room_name = serializers.CharField(source='room.name', read_only=True)
     winner_name = serializers.SerializerMethodField()
-    pool = serializers.SerializerMethodField()
 
     class Meta:
         model = Game
@@ -129,8 +128,3 @@ class Meta:
     def get_winner_name(self, obj):
         winner = obj.winner
         return winner.name if winner else None
-
-    def get_pool(self, obj):
-        """Get the pool this game belongs to (from either team)."""
-        # Both teams should be in the same pool for a valid game
-        return obj.team1.pool if obj.team1.pool else obj.team2.pool
diff --git a/backend/tournaments/views.py b/backend/tournaments/views.py
index 2c5772f..7c82884 100644
--- a/backend/tournaments/views.py
+++ b/backend/tournaments/views.py
@@ -202,7 +202,8 @@ def generate_schedule(self, request, pk=None):
                                 round=round_obj,
                                 room=room,
                                 team1=team1,
-                                team2=team2
+                                team2=team2,
+                                pool=pool_name  # Store the pool assignment at game creation
                             )
 
                             generated_games.append({