Optimal strategy in the game Risk or Safety

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Authors: Rüdiger Jehn
Cited by: 0

Abstract

In the paper it is proven that the two-players turn-based stochastic game "Risk or Safety" has a unique solution. Both players need to play the same strategy if they want to maximize their winning chances. An analytical method based on the transition equations depending on the players decisions at each game situation is presented. However, the method requires the solution of many large linear equation systems, which makes the problem practically unsolvable for more than 6 coins. Hence, an iterative method is used to determine the optimal strategy for up to 20 coins. A look-up table gives the number of coins a player should toss at each possible game situation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Game Theory and Applications Probability and Statistical Research Optimization and Search Problems

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint