Knockout Geography
Knockout open-ended geography is a
word game for any number of players
invented by David Silverman. The first
player names anyone of the 50 states.
The next player must name a different
state that either ends with the initial
letter of the preceding state or begins with
the last letter of the preceding state.
For instance, if the first player names
Nevada, the next player can either affix
Alaska or prefix Wisconsin. In other
words, the chain of states remains open
at both ends.
When a player is unable to
add to the chain, he is eliminated and
the next player starts a new chain with a
new state.
No state can be named more
than once in the same game.
The game continues until only one player -- the
winner -- remains.
David Silverman asks: If you are first
to name a state in a three-player game,
what state can you name that will
guarantee your winning? (We assume that all
players play rationally and without
collusion to trap the first player.)
ANSWER
A simple win is achieved by
naming Tennessee. The second player can only prefix
Connecticut or Vermont. Since no state begins
with E or ends with c or v the third player is eliminated.
It is now your turn to start again You can win with
Maine or Kentucky. Maine eliminates the second
player immediately. Kentucky is also a quick winner.
It forces the second player to name New York. You
then win by prefixing Michigan, Washington, or Wisconsin.