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For question 1
The goal of the game is to get the opponent on 3 counters because:
Whenever there is 3 counters on someones turn they lose because whatever they take the other person can take the remaining counters
For question 2 and 3
As Long you are player one you will win using this strategy
Player one takes one counter
Player 2 takes 1 or 2 counters
Player one takes 2 counters if there is 5 on the table and if four on the table they take one
Then player 2 ends up on three counters and whatever they choose there will be enough for player one to take and win.