Beyond chance: Predicting the unpredictable

Abstract The outcome of a randomly tossed fair coin is generally considered unpredictable in the sense that the probability of a successful prediction is always 1/2. But there are scenarios, highly contrived, where successful predictions are expected more often than not. Two such scenarios are presented, raising questions as to their real-world relevance.

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Publication Details

Journal
Recreational mathematics magazine
Published
2025-11-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2478/rmm-2025-0008
Primary Topic
Sports Analytics and Performance
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Beyond chance: Predicting the unpredictable

Leonard M. Wapner
Recreational mathematics magazine
Sports Analytics and Performance
article

Beyond chance: Predicting the unpredictable

Leonard M. Wapner
article en

Abstract

Abstract The outcome of a randomly tossed fair coin is generally considered unpredictable in the sense that the probability of a successful prediction is always 1/2. But there are scenarios, highly contrived, where successful predictions are expected more often than not. Two such scenarios are presented, raising questions as to their real-world relevance.

Recreational mathematics magazineVol. 12(21)
El Camino College (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 55%
Sports Analytics and Performance
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Beyond chance: Predicting the unpredictable — Leonard M. Wapner · Recreational mathematics magazine (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS