Coin Weighing Game

I think that about 25% of the time there is no "fake" coin. Either that or the weight differential is so small as to be negligible with lots of coins on the scale.

Upon further review - I'm just not that good at the game.

We've posted an update.

This should
1) solve the problem you mentioned
2) ensure that the game will be lost if a wrong move is made
3) make the result more random if a correct move is made

I AGREE with DingleBerries, even though this message is from 2006.

In 39 coins, there are initially 78 possibilities (one of 39 coins is either heavier or lighter). @Everyone You must make sure that the first weigh splits the possibilities into no more than 27 each in cases of weigh result being <, =, or >. Then @Everyone you must make sure that the second weigh splits the possibilities into no more than 9 each in cases of weigh result being <, =, or >. Then again, @Everyone you must make sure that the third weigh splits the possibilities into no more than 3 each in cases of weigh result being <, =, or >. Then finally, @Everyone, you must make sure that the fourth weigh splits the possibilities into no more than 1 each in cases of weigh result being <, =, or >. And after it's been narrowed down then you can pick the answer.