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        riddles >> hard >> Possible-Solution -to the- "Three-Way-Pistol-Duel"
        
(Message started by: Talabeh on Apr 7^th, 2012, 6:00pm)

Title: Possible-Solution -to the- "Three-Way-Pistol-Duel"
Post by Talabeh on Apr 7^th, 2012, 6:00pm

I propose the following working conjuncture (solution): Since the problem asks one to determine "whome/what we should shoot at to maximize one's chances of survival, it would be prudent to approach the problem from the neutral observer perspective (non-dueler).

If i am C, i know that since i can take out both A and B with a single shot, my best option would be to take out B - it has 50 percent accuracy- in the first around.

If i am A i know that the probability of hitting B and C is the same. Therefore, it makes no difference to whome A shoots at because his chances of survival is depended on the success and failure of both B and C.

Let also look at how B would reason. B is in the worst possible situation. No matter what option B takes, the odds are always stacked against it.

If B shoots at either A or C, its success of survival are always lower than both A and C. Thus, B's object of target is irrelevant to his survival.

From the above analysis, it follows that if both A and B shoot at C (combining their probability of hitting the target: 30% +50%), the probability is higher that they will hit C. Hence, maximizing their chances of survival. Since C is always in a win win situation. it would be pragmatic that A (and B) shoot at C!

It seems that most think that A shouldn't shoot at anything. Hence, maximizing his/or her chances of survival. However, given the nature of the puzzle, this solution is irrelevant (Re-Read the puzzle to see what i mean!!!!).

Just a thought!!!

Title: Re: Possible-Solution -to the- "Three-Way-Pis
Post by towr on Apr 8^th, 2012, 1:54am

Have you reread the puzzle yourself? The puzzle ask "What should you shoot at in round 1 to maximize your chances of survival over time?". So the ground is a perfectly valid answer. And since it maximizes your chances of survival it's a better answer then one of the other cyborgs.

Also, why are you creating a new topic for this? You already posted in the existing topic (http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~wwu/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=riddles_hard;action=display;num=1027808060;start=106#106).
I'm locking this thread.