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the cowboy's dilemma

Monday,  01/07/08  11:24 PM

Courtesy of BoingBoing, today’s brainbuster:

You're a cowboy, and get involved in a three way pistol duel with two other cowboys.  You are a poor shot, with an accuracy of only 33%.  The other two cowboys shoot with accuracies of 50% and 100%, respectively.  The rules of the duel are one shot per cowboy per round.  The shooting order is from worst shooter to best shooter, so you get to shoot first, the 50% guy goes second, and the 100% guy goes third, then repeat.  If a cowboy is shot he's out for good, and his turn is skipped.  Where or who should you shoot first?

I'll give you the answer in a day or so.  It's great :)

Update: hint.

Update: here's the answer.

Update: here's a detailed analysis.