For Daily Use Science & Society

Here’s what game theory says about how to win in semifinals

Whether to go all out or save energy for final depends on team’s goal

Brazilian soccer players in 2014 World Cup

SURVIVING THE SEMIFINALS  Brazilian soccer players track the ball in a 2014 World Cup semifinal match against Germany. A new study offers strategies for the four semifinalists in a competition.

Marcello Casal Jr, Agência Brasil/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0 BR)

By Andrew Grant

- More than 2 years ago

When it comes to tournament-style competitions, people tend to focus on the championship round: the Super Bowl, the general election, the final interviews for a job opening.