Basketball & Ergodicity

This game will show you why redistribution is often a good idea even when you're better than the people you redistribute with.

Imagine playing the following game. You start with $100. Every round, you shoot a basketball; if you make the shot, you double your money, and if you fail, you halve it. Your chances of making the shot are 60%.

Your friend is also playing this game. However, he is worse than you, and only has a 50% chance of making the shot.

You have the option, after each round, to poll your money together with your friend and split it evenly. Would you take this option?

Let's find out what's the best strategy!

Play 10 rounds to see what happens over time.

Shots

RoundYour ShotTheir Shot

Without redistribution

RoundYour MoneyHis Money

With redistribution

RoundYour MoneyHis Money

Note: the results are randomly generated using the parameters above.

This game is part of my book Ergodicity.

Ergodicity

How irreversible outcomes affect long-term performance in work, investing, relationships, sport, and beyond

Some reviews

"One of the most important books I’ve read, period. It’s short, articulate, and expansive on a singular subject matter — ergodicity, which is really the key ingredient to success in life, marriage, business, family, happiness, health, etc."
Avatar of Blake Janover

Blake Janover

CEO, Janover Inc.

"One of the most important books for everyone to read. Ergodicity should be taught in school and it should be a common metric in businesses that leaders pay attention to and are deliberate about."
Avatar of Matt Cannon

Matt Cannon

"A fascinating book […] Once I started, I couldn’t put it down […] the math is minimal, and Luca treats the subject well. I wish I had read it two years earlier"

Robert Matthews

VP of Engineering, Equifax

"Profoundly insightful [...] If you are someone who often needs to make decisions under uncertainty and using incomplete information (which I think applies to most of us), then Ergodicity is a must-read."
Avatar of Dev Ashish

Dev Ashish

StableInvestor Founder

"Brilliant. Must read."
Avatar of N. S. Ramnath

N. S. Ramnath

Journalist & Author

"A great book for those who quickly want to familiarize themselves with the concept of ergodicity. The author goes to great lengths explaining the concept in easily understandable terms. Highly recommended!"
Avatar of Auke Hunneman

Auke Hunneman

BI Norwegian Business School