A representation theorem and Z-cyclic whist tournaments

Let E denote the group of units (i.e., the reduce set of residues) in the ring Z. Here we consider q,p to be primes, q ≡ 3 (mod 4), q ? 7, p ≡ 1 (mod 4). Let W denote a common primitive root of 3, q, and p². If H denotes the (normal) subgroup of E that is generated by {?1, W}, we show that the factor group E/H is cyclic by demonstrating the existence of an element x in E such that the coset xH has order equal to |E/H|. This order is given by gcd(p^n?1(p ? 1),q ? 1). This representation of E/H is exploited via an appropriate construction to produce Z-cyclic whist tournaments for 3qpⁿ players. Consequently these results extend those of an early study of Wh(3qpⁿ) that was restricted to gcd(p^n?1(p ? 1),q ? 1) = 2. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.