The phrase signifies a tournament format common in the sport, ensuring each participant or team plays a minimum of three matches regardless of their performance in those initial games. This structure contrasts with single-elimination tournaments where a single loss removes a player from contention. As an example, even if a player loses their first two matches, they are assured of playing a third, providing further opportunity for competition.
Adopting this guarantee offers several benefits. It maximizes playing time for all entrants, enhancing the overall experience and perceived value of the event. This format also provides more exposure and competitive opportunity for less experienced players, which aids in skill development and can encourage continued participation in the sport. Historically, such guaranteed-play structures have been implemented to foster inclusivity and mitigate the discouragement that can arise from early tournament elimination.