To determine who plays first in a game of Scrabble, each player draws a tile and the one closest to A wins, except if one draws a blank tile. A blank tile beats any letter.

If there are only two players, what is the probability they both draw the same letter or both draw a blank?

The letters (and counts) are E (12); A, I (9); O (8); N, R, T (6); D, L, S, U (4); G (3); B, C, F, H, M, P, V, W, Y (2); J, K, Q, X, Z (1); and 2 blanks. -- 100 tiles in all.

Bonus: What if there are more than two players: what is the probability of a tie for who plays first? (subsequent play is to the left so 2nd, etc. player are not determined by the draw).

(In reply to No Subject by Jer)

I see three problems. I'll only comment on what seems to be a misprint that has worked its way into the answer given: "2*1+9" should be "2*1*9". Perhaps you or others will find the other two issues.

Posted by Charlie on 2018-01-24 15:15:51