Next time I'm totally using "Rock, Paper, Scissors"...l -(via Freakonomics Blog|NYTimes.com)
Not So Random After All
By FreakonomicsThe random coin toss must be one of society’s most frequently used decision-making mechanisms. We use the coin toss to choose which movie to see, to determine team positions in major sporting events, to divvy up household chores, and even name cities. But it may be that the the random coin toss isn’t so random. A 2007 study found that a vigorously flipped coin is likely to land on the same side it started on at least 51 percent of the time, possibly more depending on the person doing the flipping. (HT: Chris Blattman)
I like to flip the coin as close to my hand as possible - I wonder how that changes the odds (if at all?). I know people who like to throw the coin in the air and let it land on the ground - no finesse or sense-of-the-occasion.
All personal style, I guess.
