Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This paper considers the effect of precommitment in contests where the rivals expend effort to win a prize. With two asymmetric players, it is found that the favorite will commit effort at a higher level than that in a Nash equilibrium without commitment, and the underdog at a lower level. With many players, the absence of an odds -on favorite among the rivals is sufficient to ensure overcommitment by any one player. Applications to sports, oligopoly, and rent seekin g are discussed. Copyright 1987 by American Economic Association.