Step 1
Use preliminary games to establish the minimum
A four-team full round robin gives each team three games. A larger full round robin gives more. Smaller pools may give fewer, so count each team’s actual preliminary matchups instead of relying on the format name.
Step 2
Do not count conditional playoff games
A team eliminated before the playoffs cannot rely on a semifinal to reach its guarantee. If pool play gives only two games per team, add another guaranteed placement or crossover game and confirm its opponent path.
Step 3
Budget the extra court time
A minimum of three games for N teams needs at least 3N/2 games when every game has two teams, before any additional championship games. Round up when the total is not whole. Check venue capacity and rest breaks against that minimum.
Common questions
Does double elimination guarantee three games?
No. A team can lose its first two games and be eliminated.
What is a simple four-team example?
A four-team single round robin gives every team three preliminary games. A playoff can then follow, but it is additional to the guarantee.