A 3x3 array of counters is laid out. Players take turns removing counters. The rule for removing counters is to pick a row or column and take any 1,2 or 3 from it. Whoever removes the last counter wins.

Does the first or second player have a winning strategy?
What is this strategy?

(In reply to tes he can by Ady TZIDON)

If the first player removes the middle row (say), then the second player can remove what's left of the first column. If the first player then mirrors this by taking what's left of the last column, the second player will then win by taking the remaining two pieces, which are both in the middle column.

Posted by Charlie on 2009-06-25 14:33:36