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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?
Yes, there are points in the game. If you are left with three counters the other player will win because if you take one they can take two and if you take two they can take one.
2.Can you find a way to play so that you are sure you will win right from the start?
You would have to go first and take one counter and then if they take one you take two and if they take two you take one so they are left with three and cannot win.( you would go first and take one then whatever they take after you, you take the opposite of that )
3.Does it matter who has the first turn? Why or why not?
Yes it does matter because if you go first and take one I can guarantee you will win if you play smartly. You would have to take one then if they take two you take one and if they take one you take two so you leave them with three counters and they can’t win. ( you would go first and take one then whatever they take you take the opposite of that )