Re^5: Puzzle: Given an array of integers, find the best sequence of pop / shift...

Yes, shifting and popping will change the index. However, the point the OP is trying to make is that the player who starts first can force the second player to take all evens or all odds from the original layout. With this ability, the first player can total the two possibilities and decide the outcome before the game even starts. Quite clever.

Dave

Comment on Re^5: Puzzle: Given an array of integers, find the best sequence of pop / shift...

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Re^6: Puzzle: Given an array of integers, find the best sequence of pop / shift... by McDarren (Abbot) on Mar 20, 2006 at 12:53 UTC
Okay, I understand what you are saying - but I'm still not sure if I buy it. Isn't this mistakenly assuming (like I did in my original reply) that each player (or at least player 2) will take the highest of the two available numbers at each turn?	[reply]
Re^7: Puzzle: Given an array of integers, find the best sequence of pop / shift... by davidj (Priest) on Mar 20, 2006 at 14:01 UTC
Sure the 2nd player will take the higher of the two. But that is irrelevant, because that player can be forced to take all odd or all even. With that, the outcome is known in advance, and the first player will know which one (odd or even) to take for herself. dave	[reply]