Graph Derangements

Abstract

We introduce the notion of a graph derangement, which naturally interpolates between perfect matchings and Hamiltonian cycles. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of graph derangements on a locally finite graph. This result was first proved by W.T. Tutte in 1953 by applying some deeper results on digraphs. We give a new, simple proof which amounts to a reduction to the (Menger-Egervary-Konig-)Hall(-Hall) Theorem on transversals of set systems. Finally, we consider the problem of classifying all cycle types of graph derangements on m x n checkerboard graphs. Our presentation does not assume any prior knowledge in graph theory or combinatorics: all definitions and proofs of needed theorems are given.