Tiebreaker: meaning, definitions and examples

Sports

• In sports like tennis, a tiebreaker is played when the score is tied, usually at 6-6 in sets, to determine the winner.
• Basketball games can go into overtime when the score is tied at the end of regulation time, serving as a form of a tiebreaker.
• In the NFL, if a game is tied at the end of regulation, teams play an overtime period to break the tie and determine the winner.

Games

• Many board games, like Monopoly, use tiebreaker rules where players compare total properties or cash to find a winner.
• In card games, tiebreakers might involve a sudden-death round where players draw cards until one wins.
• Video games often include tiebreaker mechanics, like a final challenge or round, when players achieve equal scores.

Decision-Making

• Tiebreakers can also be used outside of sports or games, such as in competitions where judges may score entries equally.
• In academic settings, tie-breaking rules are often established for scholarships when multiple candidates receive the same score.
• In job recruitment processes, employers may use tiebreakers like interviews or additional assessments to choose between equally qualified candidates.

Cultural References

• The term 'tiebreaker' has been referenced in movies and TV shows when characters face epic competitions with equal outcomes.
• In popular culture, the idea of a tie and needing to break it often symbolizes luck or skill in stories, highlighting the drama of rivalry.
• Reality TV shows frequently use tiebreakers in competitions to maintain excitement and determine clear winners.