MHB Probability of winning at least two games in a row - - - Elementary Probability

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the optimal scenario for winning at least two games in a row against two players, A and B, with win probabilities of 90% and 10%, respectively. The two scenarios analyzed are: 1) A, B, A and 2) B, A, B. A contingency tree reveals that the probability of winning the first two games in either scenario is 0.09, while the probability of losing the first game and winning the next two varies based on the scenario chosen. The analysis concludes that the second scenario (B, A, B) offers a better chance of achieving the desired outcome.

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  • Understanding of basic probability concepts
  • Familiarity with contingency trees
  • Knowledge of win/loss probabilities
  • Ability to calculate compound probabilities
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  • Study the construction and interpretation of contingency trees
  • Learn about compound probability calculations
  • Explore advanced probability scenarios in game theory
  • Investigate the implications of win probability variations in strategic games
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You can play against player A or player B in an all-skill game
(such as chess or checkers).

Suppose there are no ties/draws.

On average you beat player A 90% of the time in this game,
and on average you beat player B 10% in this game.

You will play three games in row, and each game will be
against one player at a time.You will choose one of these scenarios:1st game - - a game against player A
2nd game - - a game against player B
3rd game - - a game against player AOR1st game - - a game against player B
2nd game - - a game against player A
3rd game - - a game against player B-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Which scenario should you choose to have the greatest
chance of winning at least two games in a row? * *

** This is adapted from a problem presented by Martin Gardner.

 
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checkittwice said:
You can play against player A or player B in an all-skill game
(such as chess or checkers).

Suppose there are no ties/draws.

On average you beat player A 90% of the time in this game,
and on average you beat player B 10% in this game.

You will play three games in row, and each game will be
against one player at a time.You will choose one of these scenarios:1st game - - a game against player A
2nd game - - a game against player B
3rd game - - a game against player AOR1st game - - a game against player B
2nd game - - a game against player A
3rd game - - a game against player B-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Which scenario should you choose to have the greatest
chance of winning at least two games in a row? * *

** This is adapted from a problem presented by Martin Gardner.



The second.

Construct a contingency tree to investigate further.

In both such trees there is a branch where the first two games are won, this branch occurs with probability \(0.09\) (the outcome of the third game does not effect the probability of winning two games in a row along this branch).

The other main branch involves loseing the first game and winning the remaining two. This occurs with probability \(0.1 \times 0.1 \times 0.9\) in the first case and \(0.9 \times 0.9 \times 0.1\) in the second.CB
 

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