Math problem

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by spoon:
When in doubt, ask a programmer (if you have one handy...) Here's the reply I got:
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If you want to do all x*x sized games, then any power of x will support your goal. However, be warned that in a 27-man tournament of 3x3 matchings, you are talking about 9 games apiece (3^n-1).

Ok, I see how I need a power of x, so for 4 man games I'd need at least 16 players, and for 5 man I'd need 25 players. How did you calculate nine games each for 27 players in a 3 on 3 tourney though? With 27 player field if you play everybody once and only once and do it with 3 man games that would be (27-1)/2=13 games. With a nine player player field it would be (9-1)/2=4 games each.

Geoschmo