Using Game Theory to Optimize Performance in a Best-of-N Set Match

Barnett Tristan, Zeleznikow John and MacMahon Clare
Additional contact information
Barnett Tristan: Victoria University
Zeleznikow John: Victoria University
MacMahon Clare: Victoria University

Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports, 2010, vol. 6, issue 2, 10

Abstract: This paper analyzes the situation in a best-of-N set match, where both players/teams are given the opportunity to increase their probability of winning a set (increase in effort) on one particular set. To gain insight to the problem, a best-of-3 set match (as typically used in tennis) is analyzed. Using game theory to obtain an optimal solution, the results indicate that both players should use a mixed strategy, by applying their increase in effort at each set with a probability of one third. A conjecture is devised to obtain an optimal solution for a best-of-N set match. Some applications are given to the theoretical results, which could be used by coaches and players to optimize performance.

Keywords: game theory; tennis; optimization; scoring systems; risk taking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.2202/1559-0410.1228

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