Comments on: Morris: Trial/Trual/Whatever

By: Stephen Morris

Stephen Morris — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:00:57 +0000

Just posted the solution as a follow up post, http://mathfactor.uark.edu/2009/12/morris-follow-up-trieltruelwhatever/

By: PF

PF — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:06:49 +0000

I think I’ve got it, but… anyway, I think the chances of each surviving are
Francois: 232/443 (~0.524)
Xavier: 43/150 (~0.287)
Jean-Christophe: 128/675 (~0.190)

I assumed the rational behavior that when all three are still standing, Francois will shoot at neither of them, for the reason stated in my last post, and that Xavier and Jean-Christophe will aim at each other so as to take out the most dangerous opponent.

How did I do, coach?

By: PF

PF — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:57:11 +0000

I haven’t attempted to think it all through, but if I’m Francois and get to go first, I’m shooting into the ground. The next guy will certainly not take a shot at me, since I’m not much of a threat. In fact, the next shooter will likely kill the third man, and then either the match is over (everyone gets at most one shot) or I get a chance to shoot at the only person still standing.

OTOH, if I should take a shot on the first try and hit my opponent, the next man up only has me as a potential target, and I’m probably toast.

By: Stephen Morris

Stephen Morris — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:05:36 +0000

Blaine, I haven't specified the order or who starts. You should think about what difference that makes.

By: Blaine

Blaine — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:31:31 +0000

Is there an implied order to the shooters?

By: Stephen Morris

Stephen Morris — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:46:49 +0000

Good point, so maybe truel?

I've corrected the spelling in the post now, it did say dual.

By: Brian Tristam Williams

Brian Tristam Williams — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:07:22 +0000

I believe it’s called a “duel.” :p