TED-ED: Can you solve the pirate riddle? - Alex Gendler

In a pirate-themed scenario, Amaro and his crew must distribute 100 coins according to a pirate code. Amaro, as captain, proposes a distribution plan, and each pirate votes on it. If rejected, the next pirate becomes captain. The pirates use logical deduction to maximize their gold while ensuring survival. Amaro proposes to keep 98 coins, offering one each to Charlotte and Eliza to secure their votes. This scenario illustrates game theory concepts like Nash equilibrium, where each pirate's strategy is based on predicting others' actions, leading to a stable outcome despite potential for better cooperation.

What happens if the majority of pirates vote 'nay' on a captain's proposal?

• The proposal is accepted regardless of the vote.

• The coins are distributed equally among all pirates.

• The captain walks the plank and the next pirate becomes captain.

• The captain gets another chance to propose.

Why does Eliza want to avoid a scenario where only she and Daniel are left?

• She would have to walk the plank.

• She would become the captain and have to make a difficult decision.

• Daniel would propose to keep all the gold, leaving her with nothing.

• She would have to share the gold equally with Daniel.

What is the minimum offer Charlotte needs to make to secure Eliza's vote?

• Half of the gold.

• One coin.

• No offer is needed.

• All the gold.

How does Amaro ensure his proposal is accepted?

• By threatening the other pirates.

• By offering Charlotte and Eliza one coin each.

• By keeping all the gold for himself.

• By offering Bart and Daniel one coin each.

What concept from game theory is illustrated by the pirates' voting strategy?

• Zero-Sum Game

• Nash Equilibrium

• Prisoner's Dilemma

• Pareto Efficiency

What is the significance of common knowledge in the pirate game?

• It guarantees that the captain's proposal is always accepted.

• It allows pirates to predict each other's votes accurately.

• It prevents any pirate from walking the plank.

• It ensures that all pirates get an equal share of the gold.

What is the outcome for Amaro in the final distribution of gold?

• He walks the plank.

• He receives no gold.

• He shares the gold equally with all pirates.

• He keeps most of the gold.