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 Winning Strategy (spoiler) by Steve Herman)

First I think you misread the problem.  A player WINS by removing the last counter.

Second there are at least 2 other 'basic' positions with 4 counters.

Posted by Jer on 2009-06-25 17:02:11