The (baseball) World Series consists of seven games, and the first team to win four games wins the title. The first two games are played at home; the next three away, and the last two at home again -- though of course not all games might be played. (As happened this year when the Marlins beat the Yankees 4-2... GRRR!!)

The probabilities involved were mentioned in World Series.

Assuming the teams have the same chance of winning each game, what is the most equitable way to plan the games, so as to minimize the expected difference between home and away games? And, in that case, what are the expected numbers of home games, of away games, and of total games?

(In reply to re(2): More importantly... by Penny)

Penny: Probably the last time a Martian girl was invited to enter the competition.

Federico: thanks for the update. The equivalent here is 'rounders' which as far as I can see is only played by school-kids to teach them hand-eye co-ordination.

Posted by fwaff on 2004-04-08 05:45:01