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First-mover advantage in best-of series: an experimental comparison of role-assignment rules

Author

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  • Bradley J. Ruffle

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

  • Oscar Volij

    (Ben-Gurion University)

Abstract

Kingston (J Comb Theory (A) 20:357–363, 1976) and Anderson (J Comb Theory (A) 23:363, 1977) show that the probability that a given contestant wins a best-of- $$2k+1$$ 2 k + 1 series of asymmetric, zero-sum, binary-outcome games is, for a large class of assignment rules, independent of which contestant is assigned the advantageous role in each component game. We design a laboratory experiment to test this hypothesis for four simple role-assignment rules. Despite significant differences in the frequency of equilibrium play across the four assignment rules, our results show that the four rules are observationally equivalent at the series level: the fraction of series won by a given contestant and all other series outcomes do not differ across rules.

Suggested Citation

  • Bradley J. Ruffle & Oscar Volij, 2016. "First-mover advantage in best-of series: an experimental comparison of role-assignment rules," International Journal of Game Theory, Springer;Game Theory Society, vol. 45(4), pages 933-970, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jogath:v:45:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s00182-015-0493-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s00182-015-0493-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Experimental economics; Two-sided competitions; Best-of series; Asymmetric game; Psychological pressure;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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