Problem

Source: 239 School Open MO, 2023, Junior league, Problem 4

Tags: combinatorics, game strategy



There are a million numbered chairs at a large round table. The Sultan has seated a million wise men on them. Each of them sees the thousand people following him in clockwise order. Each of them was given a cap of black or white color, and they must simultaneously write down on their own piece of paper a guess about the color of their cap. Those who do not guess will be executed. The wise men had the opportunity to agree on a strategy before the test. What is the largest number of survivors that they can guarantee?