MathDB
problem with candy...

Source: Baltic Way 2003

November 10, 2008
combinatorics unsolvedcombinatoricsGame Theory

Problem Statement

There are 20032003 pieces of candy on a table. Two players alternately make moves. A move consists of eating one candy or half of the candies on the table (the “lesser half” if there are an odd number of candies). At least one candy must be eaten at each move. The loser is the one who eats the last candy. Which player has a winning strategy?