
When this game is allowed to run forever, how will the money be distributed? We are allowed put a label on all the coins, numbering them 1,2,3,4, etc.
The wizard gives the mermaid coin number 1 and 2, she returns number 1. He gives her number 3 and 4, she returns number 2. He gives her number 5 and 6, she returns number 3. And so forth.
Conclusion: eventually each coin returns to the wizard, so he will have everything back again and she has nothing.
The wizard gives the mermaid coin number 1 and 2, she returns number 2, keeping number 1. He gives her number 2 again together with 3, she returns number 3, keeping number 2. He throws number 3 and 4 in the pond, she gives him number 4 back, keeping number 3. And so forth.
Conclusion: at the end she will keep all the coins, and the wizard has nothing.
The wizard gives the mermaid coin number 1 and 2, she returns number 2, keeping number 1. Next time, however, the wizard throws coin number 3 and 4 in the pond, the mermaid keeping number 3, returning number 4. And so forth.
Conclusion: at the end she will have all the odd numbered coins and the wizard all the even numbered, so both are equally rich.
by Tetyana Butler
So which one is correct??? =)
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