Tournament pairing algorithm • page 1/1 • Lichess Feedback • lichess.org

The pairing algorithm in arena tournaments seems to consider the amount of white games you play.
However, it often happens in the hourly arena that you face the same opponent 4 times in a row playing white/black.
In variants like atomic, where white has a huge advantage, it means that you can easily win/lose those 4 games.

Maybe it would be possible to change the pairing algorithm, so that it considers more the amount of white games against a certain opponent?

The pairing algorithm in arena tournaments seems to consider the amount of white games you play. However, it often happens in the hourly arena that you face the same opponent 4 times in a row playing white/black. In variants like atomic, where white has a huge advantage, it means that you can easily win/lose those 4 games. Maybe it would be possible to change the pairing algorithm, so that it considers more the amount of white games against a certain opponent?

Cedur216

#2

It tries to give you white and black in turns at best. Why should that be changed?

OptimisticOptician

edited

#3

The ratings in atomic tournaments differ a lot. Against a much weaker opponent you can win quite easily with black OR white pieces.
However, usually there is a strong opponent, and if you face them 4 times playing black -- that means 4 losses.
Yet if you face them 4 times white -- you may win 3 or 4 games and win the whole tournament...

See e.g. this tournament: https://lichess.org/tournament/dII0nPYW

I mainly won because I faced the 2nd ranked player 5 times white and only 1 game playing black!

The ratings in atomic tournaments differ a lot. Against a much weaker opponent you can win quite easily with black OR white pieces. However, usually there is a strong opponent, and if you face them 4 times playing black -- that means 4 losses. Yet if you face them 4 times white -- you may win 3 or 4 games and win the whole tournament... See e.g. this tournament: https://lichess.org/tournament/dII0nPYW I mainly won because I faced the 2nd ranked player 5 times white and only 1 game playing black!

Cedur216

#4

I'd also say you won this one because your streaks were better than his berserk.

OptimisticOptician

#5

Well, If I had to play them 5 times black, the winning streak would likely be on their side, plus berserk points.
So arena tourney wins oftens depend on lucky pairings...

Well, If I had to play them 5 times black, the winning streak would likely be on their side, plus berserk points. So arena tourney wins oftens depend on lucky pairings...