pic: Sum of team numbers versus match number in Curie

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Uberbots

yeah, but that doesnt adress the problem. What happens is that you are essentially paired with the same group of teams. if the data isnt randomized before the algorithm is run, then something like this chart would happen. you would still notice a pattern in the sequence if it were randomized before sorting.

I dont think there is any viable algorithm to fairly balance all the teams with adequate spacing... there are just too many constraints

Any algorithm that guarantees that teams are a certain number of matches apart will show such a grouping. The groupings will decrease and become less noticeable as the minimum match spacing becomes smaller.

The algorithm currently in use tries to optimize the number of different teams you play with and against with a specified minimum match spacing. Randomizing the teams before putting them into the algorithm would still cause the "pool" effect, but the teams you are pooled with would not be determined by number. If the teams you play with and against are different (algorithm) with no attention payed to team number (randomize before algorithm) there isn't a whole lot left to complain about.