YankeeJim: In a totally random fashion, I presume, like a luck of the draw type thing. I don't think you mean it looks at who's playing first and then "determines" do you?
Totally random, no - but also not comparing players then determining the winner.
I think each player's VEM model is real time, and when you click to start a game, your specific 'difficulty', if you will, is already set for that round; before you even know who you are playing. just like everyone else in the game.
Some will play that game under the direst of VEM circumstances, and some will have one of those 'can do no wrong' games, while others will have a more typical, normal round. It is those who have VEM on their side who have the advantage that round. And it might change the very next round, even with the exact same players involved.
It's a percentage game, and in no way am I stating that the matches are predetermined. I am saying that the VEM model forces both good and bad rounds on each and every player. When it's your turn, it's your turn, lol.