Ask HN: What are the chances that Paul the Octopus could have 100% accuracy?

Re:Ask HN: What are the chances that Paul the Octopus could ... by sdesol on Sunday July 11, 2010 @10:35PM (#1506597)

It's statistically unlikely .5 * .5 * .5 ... but it's not magical.

To answer your question, it depends on how many guesses he makes.

I'm more curious about how the food was placed in the containers. Was it more visible in one container? Does Paul have a preference with regards to left or right.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What are the chances that Paul the Octopus could ... by iacvlvs on Monday July 12, 2010 @02:12AM (#1507006)

I heard someone mention that octopodes are attracted to the colour red. I don't know if that's true, but it would explain why Paul picked the German flag, with its red central stripe, and the Spanish flag, with more red than Germany's.

Or maybe he's in league with the Great Old Ones...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What are the chances that Paul the Octopus could ... by philwelch on Monday July 12, 2010 @03:30PM (#1509101)

It's not true. Octopus are colorblind.

[ Parent | on HN ]