Problem

Source: China TST 2002 Quiz

Tags: combinatorics unsolved, combinatorics



Given positive integer $ m \geq 17$, $ 2m$ contestants participate in a circular competition. In each round, we devide the $ 2m$ contestants into $ m$ groups, and the two contestants in one group play against each other. The groups are re-divided in the next round. The contestants compete for $ 2m-1$ rounds so that each contestant has played a game with all the $ 2m-1$ players. Find the least possible positive integer $ n$, so that there exists a valid competition and after $ n$ rounds, for any $ 4$ contestants, non of them has played with the others or there have been at least $ 2$ games played within those $ 4$.