A series of games played to determine a championship or break a tie. An additional game or series of games to decide a winner when regular competition ends in a draw.
American English compound from 'play' + 'off', first recorded in sports contexts in the early 20th century. Originally referred to a single deciding game, later extending to tournament series. The concept reflects American sports culture's emphasis on definitive winners.
The playoff system reveals a fascinating cultural obsession with closure and clear winners - many other cultures are more comfortable with draws or shared victories. Baseball's World Series, ironically, was originally sponsored by a newspaper called 'The World,' not because it represented global competition.
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