Expected sets in a match

Two evenly matched players (each wins a set with probability ½) play a best-of-three match. What is the expected number of sets played?

Show hints (2)+
  1. Either it's a 2-0 sweep or it reaches a third set.
  2. Weight 2 and 3 by their probabilities.

Answer

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2.5

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Asked at: Akuna Capital, Flow Traders

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