Gwent: A Geek Guide to Match&Tourneys Probabilities

lerio2 Posted byMarch 27, 2020 in Guides

Abstract

In this article we would try to assess the probabilities of win of best-of-N matches in Gwent, as well as whole tournaments. Starting from some basic assumptions, we will finally arrive at probabilities of qualifying to Open via Top64 and Top16 Qualifiers.

Introduction

If you have ever played in a Gwent tournament, probably you asked yourself some questions: “What are my chances in Bo3 or Bo5 matches against weaker/stronger opponents?”, “How much random the final outcome is?”, “What are my chances of claiming top spots?” and so on. Well, the answer to these question is not so simple. Ideally, you would need to take into account many factors: tournament preparation, matchups, skill difference… We will do it in the simplified, but mathematically strict way.

Assumptions and p W variable

Instead of many factors, we will use just one variable, p W , which means probability of winning in a single game. This probability will be the same for every game in every match. For the sake of having some fun assessing your chances, you could use your ladder winrate as p W . We will neglect completely possiblity of draw in matches and games.

Geralt and Dandelion

In order to keep our proceedings more interesting, we introduce two characters. Geralt is The Professional in Gwent. His p W is equal to 0.6 against everyone. Dandelion is an average player, often practicing together with Geralt. His p W is equal to 0.4 against Geralt and to 0.5 against other players.

Best-of-N matches

A single game of Gwent is too random. Therefore in each Gwent tournament matches are played between two players. Best-of-N format, usually Bo3 or Bo5 is used. The number is odd, so that there is always a winner. The play is stopped at the moment when one of players won more than half of the total number of games (for example Bo5 match ends after 3:0 result)

Winning in a Bo3/Bo5 match

I would not present here the details of probabilistic computation i did. If you are interested in these, hit me up in the comments or Discord. All you need to know is that the solutions here are analytical, and the proper equation works for every N number in BoN.

Bo3/Bo5 graphs

Remarks

One thing to note right at the start. If you play against an equally good player, you have identical chances of winning 2:0 as 2:1 in Bo3. It is very counterintuitive, as always a tight struggle should be expected. Similar situation could be seen for 3:1 and 3:2 in Bo5. Amazing! If you are going to place a bet on the outcome of a match, and see that one player is slightly favored, go for 3:1 rather than 3:2, and 2:0 rather than 2:1!

Bo3 vs Bo5 graph

Remarks

Playing one game against Dandelion, Geralt obviously has 60% win chances. In a Bo3 match his chances increases to 65% and in a Bo5 to 68%. The Bo3 and Bo5 winning probabilities are quite close to each other. Geralt wins almost the same number of games against Dandelion in Bo3 and Bo5 practice. The difference is smaller than 5% in the region of p W resembling competitive play. Do not blame the small number of matches in Bo3 then, blame RNG! 😉

Qualifying for Gwent Open

If you are not familiar with Gwent Masters format, please have a look at the official video or take a deep dive into the rules.

Top64 Qualifiers

Top64 Qualifiers consist of two stages.

6-rounds Bo3 Swiss (Day1)

Double Elimination Bo5 for best 8 of Day1, with two qualifying spots (Day2)

It could be shown that (neglecting draws and drops, which always happen) the final results of Day1 are strictly predetermined. In other words, the number of players with specific score is exactly known. There will be one player with perfect 6-0 score, six players with 5-1 score, and fifteen players with 4-2, out of whom the lucky one with the best Buchholz gets to Top8. For the sake of simplicity, we will assume that 6-0 or 5-1 score is needed to claim the spot for Day2.

Top64 Swiss graph

Remarks

The chances for Dandelion to qualify for Day2 are obviously equal to 1/8 = 12.5%. Geralt is clearly supreme here with 30%+ chances. Still, missing Day2 in 7/10 cases, while having 60% winrate against top players is not especially appealing. Luckily, most often Geralt would finish the season in Top16.

Top64 – Double Elimination stage

What is peculiar about Double Elimination system with cutoff is that dependent on the first rounds results, different number of games is needed to claim the spot. The effect is relatively mild for 8 players – losing in quarterfinals or semifinals 5 games are needed, final loser needs 4, and winner only 3.

Remarks

QF/SF curve represents here one path only: it has to be multiplied by 2 if summing up to ‘Qualification’ curve. Both Dandelion and Geralt are happy if reached Day2 stage. Dandelion has 25% chances for getting the spot. The ‘Qualification’ curve has steep slope, so that Geralt already gets 55%+ chances.

Top16 Qualifiers

The format of Top16 Qualifiers is Double Elimination. Losing in first rounds is even bigger issue here and number of matches to be played vary from 4 (straight) to 7 (losing in R1 or QF)

Top 16 Double Elimination graph

Remarks

Top 16 Double Elimination also seems very fair. Dandelion obviously has 12.5% chances here. Geralt‘s skill gets rewarded with 40% chances. The probabilities of claiming spot after R1/QF loss are very low for both Geralt and Dandelion, but give rise to steeper ‘skill vs reward’ curve.

Top16 vs Top64 Comparison

Comparing the probabilities of qualifying via Top16 and Top64 answers the question of how much grinding is worth. Do you need to fight for Top16, or could just rely on tournament preparation for Top64? Well, let’s see…

Top16 vs Top64 graph

Remarks

‘Top16 Total’ label means here the total chances of qualification for Top16 player, including both Qualifiers. The graph shows that fighting for Top16 is definitely worth it, for both Geralt and Dandelion. Let’s look into Dandelion case. He is an average player and could not count for any advantage in tournaments. As Top16 player, he has 15% chances to get to Gwent Open, as Top64 only 2.7% (roughly 3% without 5-1/6-0 assumption). Average players have to grind really hard to claim the spot!

Getting in the Geralt shoes, Top16 gives 50% and Top64 only 17.5%. Being The Professional requires going for Top16! Then every p W percent you gain in preparation gets rewarded due to steep ‘Top16 total‘ curve.

Winning Gwent Open

The format of official main Gwent tournaments is single elimination Bo5 with 8 players, which is fast and most exciting for viewers. The competition is very straightforward here and probabilities are simple products.

Gwent Open graph

Remarks

The ‘Winner’ curve is less steep than in the case of Double Elimination format. Geralt would be an outstanding player in the Gwent elite, winning 30%+ of tournaments, and finishing as second in 15%.

Patreon

Writing in-depth Gwent articles is fun, but time consuming. If you like ‘Alphabet’ cycle and other articles, and fancy to support my efforts – here is the way to go: https://www.patreon.com/lerio2

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