noun. A final game or series of games played to break a tie.

noun. A series of games played to determine a championship.

noun. A final game in a series needed to break a tie.

noun. A short series of games to select a league champion.

noun. any final competition to determine a championship

"The authors are adamant that not only could bowl games continue to co-exist with a playoff, they argue that a playoff is actually necessary in order to save the bowl games."

play off  

competition  contest  

World Series  

layoff  payoff  

championship  consecutive  golf  hockey  overtime