Consider a two-player game that is set up with two piles of stones. The two players are taking turns removing stones from one of the two piles. In each turn, a player must choose a pile and remove one stone or two stones from it. The player who removes the last stone (making both piles empty) wins the game. Show that if the two piles contain the same number n ∈ Z+ of stones initially, then the second player can always guarantee a win.

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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Consider a two-player game that is set up with two piles of stones. The two players are taking turns removing stones from one of the two piles. In each turn, a player must choose a pile and remove one stone or two stones from it. The player who removes the last stone (making both piles empty) wins the game. Show that if the two piles contain the same number n ∈ Z+ of stones initially, then the second player can always guarantee a win. 

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