The paradox of Parrondo's games
Date
2000
Authors
Harmer, G.
Abbott, D.
Taylor, P.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 2000; 456(1994):247-259
Statement of Responsibility
Harmer, Gregory P. ; Abbott, Derek ; Taylor, Peter G.
Conference Name
Abstract
We introduce Parrondo's paradox that involves games of chance. We consider two fair games, A and B, both of which can be made to lose by changing a biasing parameter. An apparently paradoxical situation arises when the two games are played in any alternating order. A winning expectation is produced, even though both games A and B are losing when we play them individually. We develop an explanation of the phenomenon in terms of a Brownian ratchet model, and also develop a mathematical analysis using discrete-time Markov chains. Prom the analysis we investigate the range of parameter values for which Parrondo's paradox exists. © 2000 The Royal Society.