The five pirates have found another 500 gold coins and wonder how to split them up. This time they say that unless a majority (more than 1/2) say yes to a plan, the one that proposed that plan will get killed and they will move on to the next plan. The order of plan making starts with 5, then 4, 3, 2, 1.

The pirates will try above all else to stay alive, even if it means accepting no coins. If they will stay alive either way, they would like the most coins possible. Also, the pirates have been on board the ship for a while and are getting tired with each other, so if faced with the decision to reject a plan or keep it, they will reject it if nothing else matters more to them.

What should Pirate 5's offer be?

(In reply to re: Dividing the pieces of eight by nikki)

The goal of this game is for everyone to walk away with as much as possible, but most importantly the proposing Pirate.

From Pirate 1's point of view: My best bet is to be the last person alive. Then I get all $500.

From Pirate 2's point of view: I can't possibly win with just Pirate 1. Even if I give him everything, he'll kill me just for entertainment. I must cooperate even if I get nothing.

Pirate 3: I only need one other vote to win. If I give nothing to Pirate 2, at least he'll live. I can keep all $500 for myself.

Pirate 4: I can only win by copying Pirate 3's strategy. But they'll kill me for the sport of it. I must agree with Pirate 5 even for no money.

Pirate 5: I don't need to pay Pirate 4 anything. He must agree to live. I can't do anything for Pirate 3, his best bet is to kill everyone then take $500. This is also true for Pirate 1. But Pirate 2 must cooperate to live and he can either cooperate with Pirate 3 for $0 or me for $1. I will offer 1, 3, and 4 $0 and Pirate 2 $1. I get $499.

Posted by Courtney on 2004-04-01 18:52:19