What does the term “cut to top 8” mean in a tournament?

The phrase "cut to top 8" in a tournament context refers to the practice where the tournament structure shifts from a preliminary round, often consisting of Swiss pairings, to a knockout playoff format. In this case, it signifies that after the Swiss rounds are completed, the eight players with the best performance are identified. These players then advance to a single-elimination playoff, where they compete in head-to-head matches until a champion is determined.

This progression is crucial in many competitive formats, as it provides a clear pathway from the qualification rounds to the final rounds of the tournament. The emphasis here is on identifying the top performers who will then have the opportunity to compete for the championship title. Other possible answers may misinterpret this concept, as they do not accurately reflect the tournament structure and mechanics associated with the "cut to top 8."