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What is the optimal path in a survivor pool?

The short answer

The set of survivor picks, one team per week and each team once, with the highest combined chance of surviving every remaining week. It is solved as one assignment problem, not one week at a time.

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In plain English

Plan the whole season, so taking the safest team every week does not leave you with only weak teams late.

What to remember about Survivor Pool Optimal Path

The definition

The set of survivor picks, one team per week and each team once, with the highest combined chance of surviving every remaining week. It is solved as one assignment problem, not one week at a time.

In plain English

Plan the whole season, so taking the safest team every week does not leave you with only weak teams late.

Example in context

Taking the biggest favorite every week can leave a 55% team for Week 17. The optimal path may take a 75% team in Week 3 to keep an 85% team for Week 17.

Questions about Survivor Pool Optimal Path

What is the optimal path in a survivor pool?
The set of survivor picks, one team per week and each team once, with the highest combined chance of surviving every remaining week. It is solved as one assignment problem, not one week at a time.
What does survivor pool optimal path mean in plain English?
Plan the whole season, so taking the safest team every week does not leave you with only weak teams late.
Can you give an example of survivor pool optimal path?
Taking the biggest favorite every week can leave a 55% team for Week 17. The optimal path may take a 75% team in Week 3 to keep an 85% team for Week 17.

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