Flipping Coins Question!(puzzle)

bonchkid · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 07:37 PM

Here's a game. We each flip one coin per round, at the same time. Player A needs to get heads then tails to win. Player B needs to get heads then heads to win. It's not a speed challenge, each player flips his coin once per round. Who has the advantage and why?

Steve-O · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 07:48 PM

I know I read something in Discover magazine years back about this. I think it has something to do with heads being picked first.... let me pick my brain and I'll be back.

Steve-O · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 07:52 PM

ok the possible combinations would be

HH player B wins
HT player A wins
TH noone wins
TT no one wins

Player B has the advantage since when it HH he can flip 1 more H to have another win where player A after winning with HT must again flip HT

*EDIT* so player B can go on to another win After HH or TH where player A can also win after these combos but would not have A win from the HH combination

Av8tor009 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 07:52 PM

the heads-heads guy because his coin has heads on both sides.... that h4><0r

SteveY · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:01 PM

What's the point of the game? To be the first to win or to get the most wins? The answer changes under the two circumstances.

bonchkid · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:04 PM

Stevey is right, Steve-o and Av8 are wrong. Why?

Steve-O · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:06 PM

good question what is the object of the game I presumed it was over a period of time who would win more.

bonchkid · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:09 PM

To win first. If you want to play multiple rounds, you start over. ie HHHH isn't 3 wins, its 2.

Steve-O · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:10 PM

so what you are saying is my explanation is right based on the way i thought the game was played

bonchkid · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 08:12 PM

Only due to your blatant misinterpretation of the game! Yea pretty much, you were correct if thats how you read it. No one has answered why player A has the advantage. Why!?