Probability of Firing Revolver Puzzle

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Henry has been caught stealing cattle and is brought into town for justice. The judge is his ex-wife Gretchen, who wants to show him some sympathy, but the law calls for two shots to be taken at Henry from close range. To make things a little better for Henry, Gretchen tells him she will place two bullets into a six-chambered revolver in successive order. She will spin the chamber, close it, and take one shot. If Henry is still alive, she will then either take another shot, or spin the chamber again before shooting.

Henry is a bit incredulous that his ex-wife would carry out the punishment, and a bit sad that she was always such a rule follower. He steels himself as Gretchen loads the chambers, spins the revolver, and pulls the trigger. Whew! It was blank. Then Gretchen asks, ‘Do you want me to pull the trigger again, or should I spin the chamber a second time before pulling the trigger?’

What should Henry choose?

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  • 1 Answer(s)

    Pull the trigger again

    Yodha Expert Answered on 3rd February 2024.
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