You are playing a game of dodge ball with two other people, John and Tom. You're standing in a triangle and you all take turns throwing at one of the others of your choosing until there is only one person remaining. You have a 30 percent chance of hitting someone you aim at, John has a 50 percent chance, and Tom a 100 percent change (he never misses). If you hit somebody they are out and no longer get a turn. If the order of throwing is you, John, then Tom; what should you do to have the best chance of winning?

Why this works

The riddle cleverly plays on the dynamics of chance and strategy in a game where each player has different levels of skill. By choosing to miss your first throw intentionally, you manipulate the outcome by making John, the stronger player, target Tom instead. If John successfully eliminates Tom, you are left to face John in a one-on-one, where you get the first turn. This increases your chances of survival since you would only have to contend with John—who has a 50% chance of hitting you—rather than facing Tom, who has a 100% hit rate. Thus, your initial miss serves as a strategic move to improve your odds of winning the game.