The tournament was divided into four stages:Taça Guanabara: The twelve teams all played in a single round-robinformat against each other. The champions qualified to the Finalphase. The eight best teams qualified to the Second round.Taça Fadel Fadel: The remaining eight teams all played in a single round-robin format against each other. The champions qualified to the Final phase.Taça José de Albuquerque: The eight teams all played in a single round-robin format against each other. The champions qualified to the Final phase.
Final phase: The three stagewinners played in a single round-robin format against each other. the team with the most points won the title.