MovieChat Forums > Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo (1967) Discussion > Game theory

Game theory

posted 3 years ago by marxzao (12)
2 replies | jump to latest

What do you think would be the best strategy in the final duel?

I think, drawing first would be a bad move, because you would be able to only target one of the two opponents, and the other opponent would be able to eliminate you easily.

My estimation for the best move is to wait for an opponent to draw first, and then target that opponent, before eliminating the other opponent.

If the first drawer is targeting you, the best you can do in that case is to defend yourself.

If the other opponent is then also targeting you, you are all out of luck: Game over.

If the other opponent is targeting the first drawer, however, your chances for defense have improved somewhat. The first drawer has still the first mover advantage on you, of course.

If the first drawer is targeting the other opponent, he might succeed eliminating him, so you have basically a home run at that point by eliminating him.

All of this is moot, of course, if you know that only one opponent has a loaded weapon. In that case you should draw first, eliminating the only opponent that is a real threat.

So who was drawing first in the movie? I think it was Angel Eyes, but I'm not sure. If it was Angel Eyes, Blondie seems to be a bad player...

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Blondie knows that Tuco's gun isn't loaded. So he did the right thing.

Assuming that all guns were loaded I think the question would be who's perceived as the biggest threat.

If you were either Blondie or Angel Eyes your best bet would be to go at the other since Tuco doesn't really seem to be a danger in the fast draw. At least that's my take on it.

If I were Tuco I'd agree that the best possible thing to do would be to wait and see who gets drawn on first and not forcing them to take me as the first target since I'd be the aggressor.

[–] Ace_Spade (9544) 3 years ago

Blondie was a superlative player because he rigged the game. He won before the game started. Maybe it's not "sporting", but it's also not that "sporting" of a game.

As to game theory, your best move might be a slight alteration on your version...

Assuming each of the three players are just as good (and bad and ugly) as each other, and assuming each also knows the other two are their equals, firing third might be the best bet.

A draws, intent to kill.
B draws, trying to fire on A
C waits half a second, then draws, and kills whomever is left standing.

If A shoots down B first, C shoots A. If A is shot down first, C shoots B.

There is a problem if A is drawing to fire on C, but presumably he'll switch to A when A twitches.

If A draws with intent to kill C, then C should still aim for B, hoping B guns down A before A shoots him. C should also probably dodge, if possible.

The only other option is if A, B, or C are superior marksmen than the others and can fan-hammer fast enough to wipe out both others before either of his opponents can heel his six-gun.