🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec11.204515.19071@dbsun.uucp>, check@dbsun.uucp (checkett) writes:
>Action:
>The dealer secretly places the quarter under one of the three cups.
>The player is asked to point to the cup of his choice.
>After the player makes his choice, the dealer removes one of the empty cups.
>Two upside-down cups remain, the one the player picked, and a second cup.
>One of which hides the quarter.
>The player is given the option to switch to the second cup or stay with 
>his original selection.
>
>Here's the questions:
>Should the player switch to the other cup or stay pat?
>What are the odds?

This is in the rec.puzzles FAQ.  Given the rules as you've stated them (the
dealer must always remove an empty cup from the two to which the player did not
point), then:
	If the player stays with the cup he originally picked, he's got a 1/3
	chance of winning;

	If the player now switches cups, he's got a 2/3 chance of winning.

Note that this hinges on the fact that the dealer MUST remove an empty cup to
which the player did not point.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL

Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.