Core Concepts
The optimal size of question sets for the Twenty Questions game can be determined efficiently, providing insights into minimizing questions asked.
Abstract
The research focuses on determining the optimal question set size for the Twenty Questions game. It explores strategies to minimize questions while maximizing efficiency. The study delves into Huffman codes and distributional games, offering a comprehensive analysis of combinatorial search games and group testing models. Results show that an optimal set of 1.25n+o(n) questions suffices for all distributions, with implications for various n values. The study extends findings to d-ary settings, revealing similar results with a generalized formula.
The content is structured as follows:
Introduction to the Twenty Questions game and its relation to information theory.
Strategies based on prefix codes and minimum redundancy codes.
Exploration of optimal question sets and their connection to antichains and fibers.
Detailed analysis of maximal antichains and their impact on question sets.
Examination of lower bounds using dyadic distributions and tail elements.
Formulation of a function G(β) to determine optimal question set sizes efficiently.
Stats
Dagan et al.: q(n) ≤ 1.25n+o(n)
Lower bound: q(n) ≥ 1.25n−o(n)
Lower bound improvement: q(n) ≥ 1.236n−o(n)
Quotes
"An optimal set of questions corresponds to a Huffman code."
"Distributions in the game are related to Shannon's entropy."
"Results extend to d-ary settings with generalized formulas."