Pebble Game Algorithms and Sparse Graphs

A multi-graph $G$ on $n$ vertices is $(k,\ell)$-sparse if every subset of $n'\leq n$ vertices spans at most $kn'- \ell$ edges. $G$ is {\em tight} if, in addition, it has exactly $kn - \ell$ edges. For integer values $k$ and $\ell \in [0, 2k)$, we characterize the $(k,\ell)$-sparse graphs via a family of simple, elegant and efficient algorithms called the $(k,\ell)$-pebble games.