1.Are there any points in the game, before the end, when you know who the winner is going to be? How do you know?
You know who will win when there is three counters left, here's how:
Whoever’s turn it is when there are three counters left will lose because whatever move they do, the other player will be able to take the rest of the counter/s.
2.Can you find a way to play so that you are sure you will win right from the start?
As long as you are player 1, you will win with the strategy I have below.
3.Does it matter who has the first turn? Why or why not?
PLAYER 1 always wins with this strategy:
Player 1 always takes 1 counter
If player 2 takes 2 counters then player 1 takes 1 counter
If player 2 takes 1 counter then player 1 takes 2 counters
There are 3 counters left and it is player 2’s turn
No matter what happens player 1 will be able to take the rest of the counter/s.