best (out) of three/five/seven

phrase

used to say that the winner of a series of games, sets, etc. will be the one that wins the majority of the odd number (three, five, seven, etc.) maximum to be played
The team advanced to the finals by winning the best out of seven semifinal series four games to one.
The winner of a best of five set tennis match must win three sets.

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“Best (out) of three/five/seven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/best%20%28out%29%20of%20three%2Ffive%2Fseven. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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