Problem Contest – Problem of the Week – September 21, 2004 

Ping-Pong Tournament.  Seventy-six players have entered a ping-pong tournament, to be held in John Emerson's basement.  Each match continues until a player wins, so there are no ties.  The unique player who wins every match he/she plays wins the tournament. How many matches are played to determine the winner?

Submit written solution with justification to John Emerson, Warner 312, before 3:00 on Tuesday, September 28.  Or leave them in the Warner mailroom.

Note:  Join us at the weekly seminars, usually on Tuesday at 3:00 for refreshments.