Steem Riddle of the Week #5: The Cup Game (Prize for first correct answer)
Riddle #5: The Cup Game
This weeks riddle goes as follows:
There is a large circular table and an infinite stack of small plastic cups. You and your opponent must take turns placing cups on the table, one cup per turn. Cups may not be stacked on top of other cups. The game ends when there is no room to put down another cup on the table. The winner is the player who successfully placed the last cup.
Your opponent graciously lets you decide whether you would like to go first or second. Which should you chose and what strategy gives you the highest chance of winning the game.
Prize
As usual, for this week, the first person to upvote and comment with a valid solution (as decided by me and only me) prior to 1-7-2017 midnight UTC will get a 1 SBD prize!
Don't forget to follow and to check out my past riddles
First off, thanks to everyone for all the support! If you'd like to browse my older riddles you can do so at the links below:
https://steemit.com/life/@droopy/steem-riddle-of-the-week-2-flipping-cards-prize-doubled
https://steemit.com/life/@droopy/steem-riddle-of-the-week-3-alternating-truth-prize-for-first-correct-answer
https://steemit.com/life/@droopy/steem-riddle-of-the-week-4-black-cards-prize-for-first-correct-answer
You would want to go first. You can lay down a pattern of cups that always leaves room for one more in the center. Doing so will allow your opponent to put a cup in that space, but since you will have placed two for their one, they will be left with the difficult choice, and you win!
Did that make any sense, or am I completely off?
I don't think you are completely off, but the valid solution would need to very clearly explain exactly what you'd play on each turn and why it is guaranteed to win. So I'd say that answer is incomplete :)
What is the diameter of the table? What is the diameter of the top of cup. How many cups are there?
You can solve the problem without knowing the diameters of the table / cups. There are an infinite number of cups.
I would go first, as it states you take turns placing CUPS. (Not placing one cup per turn) My first turn I would fill table with cups allowing no room for my opponent to place any cups.
It is supposed to be one cup per turn, I edited the OP for clarity.
Dam i thought i had it in the bag. 😀
Can i have a think and try again
absolutely :)
nice
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