Question

There are 14, 539 competitors taking part in a
single-elimination chess tournament. How many games need to be played to
find the winner? (In the case of a stalemate or a draw, the winner is decided
by the toss of a coin.)

Answer 1

Can you please explain to me what single elimination is?

Answer 2

the one, who wins the game, stays in the tournament and the one who loses is eliminated

Answer 3

Okay. So it'll be like played in rounds?

Answer 4

yes, and the winner of tournament must in all games with no losses

Answer 5

And we're assuming the match list,as in who plays against whom is decided?

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

so, still no answer? :)

Answer 8

Thinking. Getting 14538. Something's wrong there. I think.

Answer 9

your answer is good. Since there is only one winner of tournament, 14538 players must be eliminated.And this requires 14538 games to be played :)

Answer 10

Yes.
It's correct? Haha. Good question. :) Confused me for a bit there.